Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Project 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Project 2 - Essay Example Precipitation concentration is more in the summers and spring seasons and more often accompanied with thunderstorms and tornadoes. Light snowfall is experienced. Lincoln is subjected to harsh cold and continuous heat waves in winter and summer respectively. Although, the average monthly temperature ranges from 22.4 °F in January, while 77.8  °F in July. The weather extremes has been observed to be persistent for 14 nights in winter below 0  °F, 40 days beyond 90  °F, and above 100  °F for 5 days (Weather forecast, 2012). The greatest temperature difference between New York and Lincoln is 3.25  °C while it is 13.25  °C between Lincoln and Las Vegas (Weather forecast, 2012). Latitude is a determinant of climate of an area in a way that the areas closer to equator have warm climate while those located far from it have cold climate. All of the given stations are located to the North of equator, Las Vegas being nearest of all experiences more temperature than other two. Alti tude is also a determinant of climate. The higher the altitude of a region, the colder is the climate and vice versa. Among the chosen stations, New York city has the least altitude while Las Vegas the highest. However, the weather forecast result show that the variation in temperature is not solely due to one factor. The closer an area located to a vast body of water, the more temperate will be the climate. Among the given three stations, New York City’s weather is more warm and humid due to its near proximity to Atlantic Ocean. While Lincoln experience dry summer as there is no close proximity to water body. Las Vegas being a desert experience dry and hot summers. On choosing the weather in any other season the temperature will show a different pattern. In winters, Lincoln is expected to be the coldest of all three. Part C. Local Geography Answer 1 The city chosen is Lincoln which is second most populous city of Nebraska State in United States of America. Lincoln is also th e capital of Lancaster country. Geographically studied, the city is located at 40 °48?35?N 96 °40?31?W (Lincoln, NE Population and Races, 2010). The statistics of United States Census Bureau tells that total area which is covered by Lincoln city is 75.4 square miles (195 km2) where 0.7 square miles is water and remaining 74.6 square miles is of land (Lincoln, NE Population and Races, 2010). The area code of Lincoln, NE is 402 which cover most geographic area of the city. According to 2010 statistics, the city’s total population is 258,379 which is increased by 14.54% that was in 2000. The population density of Lincoln, NE is approximately 2,859.42 (people per square mile) and the growth rate of population is 14.54%which is higher than the Nebraska State’s average rate of approximately 6.72% (United States Census Bureau, 2010). The most dominant race is white representing 72.1% of the city’s total population. The Hispanic Population consists most of Mexican 7 4.61% of total Hispanic population. Other Hispanic groups include Cuban Puerto Rican, Central American and South American (Lincoln, NE Population and Races, 2010). Answer 2 In business pages section, I found approximately 52 business that has included â€Å"

Monday, October 28, 2019

Intermediate Accounting Essay Example for Free

Intermediate Accounting Essay Nicholas Inc. is in need of a new punch press to increase its production output. Their company policy is to have the purchasing department obtain 3 different vendor bids for any major purchases. The engineering department of Nicholas Inc. has determined that each of the three vendor’s punch presses is substantially identical and each has an estimated useful life of 20 years. Maintenance on the machine is performed at year-end. With a cost of capital of 10%, it is our job to determine which vendor to purchase the new machine from. The engineering department has determined the annual maintenance expense associated with the punch press to be $1000 per year for the first five years, $2000 per year for the next 10 years and $3000 per year for the last five years. To calculate the present value of these accumulated costs you need to calculate the present value of an ordinary annuity of $1,000 for the first five periods plus the present value of an ordinary annuity of $2,000 in periods 6 thru 15 plus the present value of an ordinary annuity in periods 16 thru 20. This is equal to: =1000 x PV of OA + 2000 x PV of OA + 3000 x PV of OA =1000 x 3.79079 + 2000 x (7.60608-3.79079) + 3000 x (8.51356-7.60608) =$14,143.81 The value of the punch press from Vendor A is equal to $55,000 in cash at delivery and 10 year end payments of $18,000 each. To calculate the present value of the purchase, you need to calculate the present value of an ordinary annuity of $18,000 plus the initial payment of $55,000. This in preset value is equal to: =55000 + 18000 x PV of OA =55000 + 18000 x 6.14457 =$165,602.26 Vendor A offers a separate 20-year maintenance service contract valued at $10000 made at the initial purchase. This would save the company $4,143.81 in maintenance costs over the life of the press. Including maintenance costs associated with this punch press, the total amount of money spent on this machine in present day dollars would be $175,602.26 The value of the punch press from Vendor B is equal to forty semiannual payments of $9,500 each, with the first payment due at the time of delivery. To determine the cost in present value dollars, you find the present value of an annuity due of $9500 for 40 periods at 5%, which is equal to: =9500 x PV of AD =9500 x (17.15909 x 1.05) =$171,161.92 Vendor B will perform all year-end maintenance associated with the press at no additional cost, so the present value amount spent on the equipment would be $171,161.92 The value of the punch press from Vendor C is equal to $150,000 cash at the initial time of delivery. Since no annual maintenance package is offered from Vendor C, we must assume the cost of maintenance will be equal to what the engineering department had determined above. The present value dollar costs associated with the purchase of the press from Vendor C is $164,143.81. Nicholas Inc. should use Vendor C to purchase the new punch press. Using present value dollars to determine how much the press will cost today, Vendor C offers the cheapest purchase price for the machine. One factor other than the price of the equipment Nicholas Inc. should consider is the balance in their cash account. Do they have a large enough balance to cover the large initial payment of $150,000? Also, if they do have enough cash on hand to make a $150,000 initial purchase, will this result in Nicholas Inc. being short on the cash that it needs for other normal expenses like payroll, utilities and raw materials purchases? If a cash shortfall would result from purchasing the press from Vendor C, then Nicholas Inc. may be forced to use Vendor B who offers a financing plan but will result in them paying more in present value dollars for the press. The most recent concept statement that deals with present value measurements in accounting is the Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 7, Using Cash Flow Information and Present Value in Accounting Measurements. This was issued in February of 2000. When observable dollar amounts are not available to determine the value of an asset or liability, accountants often turn to estimated cash flows to determine the carrying value of the asset or liability in question. Since those cash flows usually occur in one or more future periods, present value concepts of the future cash flows are used to determine the value of the asset or liability. The goal here is to determine the difference in value between these cash flows if they were received today and when they are received in the future. Examples of assets and liabilities that would use present value concepts to determine their carrying value are notes payable, bonds payable, notes receivable and bonds receivable. The following are key terms related to present value and its use in accounting measurement practices. Best estimate is the single most likely amount in a range of possible estimated amounts. Estimated cash flow refers to a single amount to be received or paid in the future. Expected cash flow refers to the probability-weighed amounts in a range of possible estimated amounts to be received or paid in the future. A fresh-start measurement is when the value of an asset or a liability is re-evaluated after its original period of valuation. Some fresh-start measurements are performed every period while others occur only after a certain situation or â€Å"trigger† occurs. Interest methods of allocation refers to the process companies use to adjust the book value of assets or liabilities when their values have previously been determined using present value techniques. Interest methods of allocation will be used to determine the carrying value of the punch press for Nicholas Inc in future periods. Estimated cash outflows associated with each vendor were the basis to determine which vendor had the cheapest present value price of the equipment. [ 1 ]. FASB, Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 7, Using Cash Flow Information and Present Value in Accounting Measurements, Paragraph 1. February 2000. [ 2 ]. FASB, Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 7, Using Cash Flow Information and Present Value in Accounting Measurements, February 2000.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Future Solutions to HIV AIDS :: Biology Disease

Introduction to HIV What is HIV? First Things First: What is HIV? The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is one of the most evasive viruses that the medical world has to experience. We use the word evasive because HIV targets the CD4 cells (T-helper cells), which are the exact cells that are used to protect your body against diseases. Once HIV enters the body, it will infect the CD4 cells and begin to use those cells as its own â€Å"HIV factory.† HIV will therefore begin to destroy your immune system leaving you susceptible to opportunistic diseases. HIV targets your immune system... What does HIV infect and how? HIV affects your immune system. Your immune system can be thought of as your body’s defense line! In which, you have millions of 'soldiers' (T-helper cells) helping you ward off almost any foreign invaders. Now, it is important to note that just like in a army defense line, your body also has different levels of protection. Introduction to HIV Cont. Your skin is the first line of defense... †¢ First line of defense: the skin o Your skin is an amazing organ, which helps you ward off invaders from the outside. Special cells called Dendritic cells and macrophages are white blood cells that try to fight off infection before it becomes a major problem. T-Cells of the humoral immune response are the second line of defense... †¢ Second line of defense: T-Cells o Once a virus has invaded the body, T-Cells (CD4 cells) relay signals to the rest of the immune system, which causes the immune system to activate by sending out the â€Å"reinforcements.† These T-killer cells (CD8 cells) do exactly what the name suggests, they â€Å"kill† almost any foreign invader, through apoptosis or programmed cell death. Other CD4 activated cells are part of your body's line of defenses... †¢ Other Cells activated by CD4 Cells o B-Cells- Once activated, B-cells / Plasma cells begin producing antibodies against a virus o Natural Killer Cells (NK)- Help your body by destroying infected cells Introduction to HIV Cont. All viruses must be able to bind to a cell in order to enter it. In the case of HIV, the virus has a cell membrane with embedded viral proteins that enables it to do so, but this works only when it binds with two specific receptors. One is called the main receptor, and the other a coreceptor. There are two types of HIV; M-tropic and T-tropic. The M-tropic variant targets macrophages while the T-tropic variant targets the T cells. Future Solutions to HIV AIDS :: Biology Disease Introduction to HIV What is HIV? First Things First: What is HIV? The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is one of the most evasive viruses that the medical world has to experience. We use the word evasive because HIV targets the CD4 cells (T-helper cells), which are the exact cells that are used to protect your body against diseases. Once HIV enters the body, it will infect the CD4 cells and begin to use those cells as its own â€Å"HIV factory.† HIV will therefore begin to destroy your immune system leaving you susceptible to opportunistic diseases. HIV targets your immune system... What does HIV infect and how? HIV affects your immune system. Your immune system can be thought of as your body’s defense line! In which, you have millions of 'soldiers' (T-helper cells) helping you ward off almost any foreign invaders. Now, it is important to note that just like in a army defense line, your body also has different levels of protection. Introduction to HIV Cont. Your skin is the first line of defense... †¢ First line of defense: the skin o Your skin is an amazing organ, which helps you ward off invaders from the outside. Special cells called Dendritic cells and macrophages are white blood cells that try to fight off infection before it becomes a major problem. T-Cells of the humoral immune response are the second line of defense... †¢ Second line of defense: T-Cells o Once a virus has invaded the body, T-Cells (CD4 cells) relay signals to the rest of the immune system, which causes the immune system to activate by sending out the â€Å"reinforcements.† These T-killer cells (CD8 cells) do exactly what the name suggests, they â€Å"kill† almost any foreign invader, through apoptosis or programmed cell death. Other CD4 activated cells are part of your body's line of defenses... †¢ Other Cells activated by CD4 Cells o B-Cells- Once activated, B-cells / Plasma cells begin producing antibodies against a virus o Natural Killer Cells (NK)- Help your body by destroying infected cells Introduction to HIV Cont. All viruses must be able to bind to a cell in order to enter it. In the case of HIV, the virus has a cell membrane with embedded viral proteins that enables it to do so, but this works only when it binds with two specific receptors. One is called the main receptor, and the other a coreceptor. There are two types of HIV; M-tropic and T-tropic. The M-tropic variant targets macrophages while the T-tropic variant targets the T cells.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Tissue Culture Technique for Callus Induction

Sarhad J. Agric. Vol. 23, No. 1, 2007 * Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar – Pakistan. ** Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, National Agricultural Research Center, Islamabad – Pakistan. TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES FOR CALLUS INDUCTION IN RICE Hidayat Ullah*, Iltaf Ullah*, Sultan Akbar Jadoon* and Hamid Rashid** ABSTRACT Seeds of two rice varieties Basmati-370 and Basmati-385 were evaluated for invitro callus induction at Agricultural Biotechnology Institute in National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Islamabad during 2001-02, using M.S and N6 media supplemented with 2, 4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxi acetic acid) and BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) at @ 2. 0, 2. 5 and 0. 1, 0. 5 mgl-1 respectively. Objective of our study is to know the actual procedure for seed sterilization and to provide a well-adopted technique for callus induction in these varieties by using M. S and N6 media along with different concentrations of growth hormo nes. Seeds were used as explant source and to avoid chance of contamination sodium hypochlorite and ethanol at the rate of 50% and 70% were used respectively.Best response toward callus induction were observed for Bas-385 on both MS and N6 media however N6 media was proved to be best. Calli obtained from Bas-385 were friable and vigorous as compare to Bas-370. Bas-370 respond moderately on MS and N6 media at various combinations of 2,4-D and BAP. Bas-370 on MS media supplemented with 2,4-D and BAP @ 2. 0 and 0. 1 mgl-1 gave good performance towards callus induction. Over all results indicated that best callus were induced on MS and N6 when supplemented with 2,4-D and BAP @2. 0 and 0. 0 mgl-1 for variety Bas-385. INTRODUCTION In Pakistan rice is the second leading crop after wheat.In 2000-2001, the world annual production of rice was 598 million tones (FAO 2002). Asia is the largest producer of rice, with Bangladesh, China, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnams as the leading rice produ cing nations. In Pakistan rice covered an area of 2. 52 million ha, with the production of 5. 16 million tones in 1999-2000. It also play important role in our national economy. During 1999-2000 about 1. 92 million tones of rice was exported and earn about 465. 8 million US$. Rice is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests, which annually destroy about 55 percent of rice crops. The most common diseases are caused by he fungi sheath blight and rice blast, and the stalk borer is a common insect pest. Rice is composed of essential food components, therefore more than two billions people in the globe depend on rice for more than half of the proteins and calories they consume (Khan et al. 2000). Due to its increasing importance in nutrition and economy, it is now felt that new varieties of rice, having good agronomic characters, should be evolved. Crop improvement through tissue culture techniques is easier and more often in use as compared to conventional plant breeding (Yamada, 19 86). Somaclonal variations commonly ppear after tissue culture, which involve a callus stage (Larkin and Scow Croft 1981). Callus is undifferentiated mass of rapidly proliferating cells, can be obtained by culturing explants source (seed, node, bud, leaves, meristem and root tips etc) on nutrient medium containing specific growth regulators along with a standard recipe of chemicals. Rashid et al. (2000) studied that rice seeds have more potential for callogenesis as compared to node or tip. Successful callus induction from rice seed has been reported by several researchers (Gonalz 2000; Navraj et al. 1999; Marrassi 1996; Valdez et al. 1997; Xie et al. 995). But an improved method for callogenesis was reported by Rashid et al. 2000). The present study is based on tissue culture techniques carried out in ABI laboratory for callus induction in rice varieties viz. Basmati-370 and Basmati-385. Two types of basal media M. S (Murashige and Skoog 1962) and N6 (Nitsch and Nitsch, 1969) suppl emented with 2,4-D (2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) alone or in combination with different concentrations of BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) were used for callus induction. Hidayat Ullah, et al. Tissue culture techniques for callus induction in rice†¦. 82 MATERIALS AND METHODSThe research work for callus induction in rice was conducted at the tissue culture laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology Institute in National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Islamabad, during 2001-02. The procedure of this research work has been divided in the following four main categories. Surface Sterilization of Rice Seeds Seeds of Basmati-370 and Basmati-385 were provided by rice programmed, Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (ABI), National Agricultural Research Center Islamabad, and it was taken as explant source for callus induction. Healthy and mature seeds were selected by hysical appearance and they were dehusked manually. Seeds were first washed with detergent and then rinsed three times with simple tap water. For surface sterilization of seeds Clorox (5. 25% sodium hypochlorite) and ethanol was applied. After the applications of Clorox and ethanol seeds were rinsed thrice with autoclaved distilled water. Finally the seeds were dried with autoclaved filter paper, and they were shifted carefully to the culture room of Agricultural Biotechnology Institute. Basal Media Preparation M. S and N6 basal media were used for callus initiation. These media were prepared according to he ingredients (Table I). The exact amount of nutrients was dissolved in the distilled water. Two types of growth regulators 2,4-D alone or in combination with BAP was used for callus induction. 2,4-D @ 2. 0 and 2. 5 mg l-1 and BAP @ 0. 0, 0. 1, 0. 5 mg l-1 respectively was added in the media. Sucrose at the rate of 3% and agar at the rate of 0. 7% was also added in the media. PH of the media was adjusted at 5. 78-5. 80 with the help of PH-meter. M. S. and N6 media were poured into the test tubes, it was plugged properly and autoclaved at 20 lbs pressure for 15 minutes in the autoclave machine.Inoculation of Sterilized Seeds The most important step in tissue culture technique is the inoculation of seeds. This operation was performed in the laminar flow cabinet at the culture room of ABI. Before the operation surface sterilization of the laminar flow unit was carried by UV-light for two minutes. After that hands were disinfected with 75% ethanol to prevent chance of contamination. Dried seeds were then inoculated into test tubes under aseptic condition in laminar flow unit. To minimize chance of infection the instruments were dipped in disinfectant after every operation. Growth ChamberInoculated cultures were incubated at 25 ±3? C under the influence of 2000-lux light intensity for 16 hours photoperiod. Callus induction of rice seeds were observed after 21- days. The data for callus induction frequency were recorded for two rice varieties on two different media with differen t concentrations of growth regulators. Table I Composition of MS and N6 media Macronutrients KNO3 1900 2830 NH4NO3 1650 0 CaCl2. 2H2O 440 166 MgSO4 370 90. 37 KH2PO4 170 400 (NH4)2 SO4 — 463 Micronutrients MnSO4. H2O 16. 9 3. 33 H3BO3 6. 2 1. 6 KI 0. 83 0. 80 ZnSO4. 4H2O 8. 6 — ZnSO4. 7H2O — 1. 5 NaMoO4. 2H2O 0. 5 — CuSO4. 5H2O 0. 025 — CoCl2. 6H2O 0. 025 — Iron source FeSO4. 7H2O 27. 85 27. 85 NaEDTA 37. 25 37. 25 Vitamins Myoinositol 100 — Nicotinic Acid 0. 5 0. 5 Pyridoxine HCl 0. 5 0. 5 Thiamine HCl 0. 1 1. 0 Glycine 2. 0 — Sucrose 30g 30g Agar 7g 7g RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Results obtained from tissue culture techniques of Bas-370 and Bas-385 performed in ABI laboratory and repeated three times from 10th February to Sarhad J. Agric. Vol. 23, No. 1, 2007 83 October 2001. Chance of contamination was much low when both the varieties were treated with 50% Clorox and 70% ethanol. Oono (1981) also used eeds as explants source for rice callus induction. The main objective of our study is to know the actual procedure for seed sterilization and callogenesis in these cultivars. The potential of both varieties for callus induction was observed significantly different on M. S and N6 media at different concentrations of growth regulators. It is noteworthy that N6 and M. S media, which proved to be optimum for the growth of callus, were unable to support cell growth in liquid media. Callus induced from both the varieties were different at various level of 2,4-D and BAP. Maximum callus formation (62. 5%) was recorded or Bas-385, followed by Bas-370 (55. 55%) when seeds were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2,[email  protected] 0 mgl-1 and 2mgl-1 2,4-D+0. 1mgl-1 BAP respectively (Table II and IV). Lowest callus of 41. 66 % was observed each for Bas-370 and Bas-385 when MS medium is supplemented with 2. 5 and 0. 5 mgl-1 of 2,4-D and BAP respectively. It is cleared that potential of Bas-385 towards callogenesi s was higher than Bas-370. Averaged across MS media callus induction frequency was 48. 14 % for BAS-370 vs 53. 22 % for BAS-385 (Fig 2). This is equivalent to the net reduction of 5. 08 % for BAS-370. Growth regulator 2,4-D at he rate of 2mgl-1 was suggested and proved to be best for callus induction in both the varieties. Using N6 media callus induction frequency ranged from 20. 83 to 68. 05% for both the varieties. When 2,[email  protected] was supplemented with N6 media, produced highest and good quality callus from Bas-385 (68. 05%) and minimum (20. 83%) from Bas-370 (Table III and IV). This result indicated positive correlation between 2,4-D and Bas-385 and negative for Bas-370. Average across N6 media callus induction frequency was 23. 6 % for Bas-370 vs 60. 64 % for Bas-385 (Fig. 3). This is equivalent to the net reduction of 7. 2 % for BAS- 370. Calli obtained from both the varieties were friable, granular, and yellow in color. So it was proved that N6 media is better for callus induction of rice as compared to M. S medium. Overall result of BAS-385 was best on various concentrations of 2,4-D and BAP on both, MS and N6 media. Callus form Bas-385 was healthy and more fleshy as compare to Bas-370 (Figure 1). The active division of cells was more prominent in the callus of Bas-385, that’s why it looks bulky. Secondly Bas-385 had more capacity for producing callus, especially when N6 media supplemented with 2,4- [email  protected]Agronomic features of Bas-385 are also better than Bas-370 because it is developed through hybridization between Bas-370 and TN-1. Callus induction must be dependent on the genetic potentials of the variety and secondly the combination of hormones at different concentration. Callus induction is the best way to create somaclonal variations in crop plants. Variations are the basis for improvement and some time this variation is heritable. Oono (1981) cultured seed explants of rice varieties and observed variation for cert ain agronomic characters that are also heritable. Once cultured techniques were stablished in rice, it become possible to apply them for callus regeneration and transformation. (b) Calli obtained from Bas-385 (a) Calli Obtained form Bas-370 Hidayat Ullah, et al. Tissue culture techniques for callus induction in rice†¦. 84 Table II Percentage callus induction frequency and contamination in Bas-370 on M. S Medium Treatments Sterilizing agents Clorox time/Ethano l time (min) Hormone in mg L-1 # Of inoculated test tubes % Contamination % Callus induction frequency % Clorox % Ethanol 2,4-D BAP 1 50 70 20/1. 0 2. 0 0. 0 72 58. 33% 20. 83% 2 50 70 20/2. 0 2. 0 0. 1 72 73. 61% 22. 22% 50 70 20/4. 0 2. 5 0. 5 72 52. 77% 27. 77% Table III Percentage callus induction frequency and contamination in Bas-370 on N6 Medium. Treatments Sterilizing agents Clorox time/Ethano l time (min) Hormone used in mg L-1 # Of inoculated test tubes % Contami nation % Callus induction frequency % Clorox % Eth anol 2,4-D BAP % Clorox 1 50 70 20/1. 0 2. 0 0. 0 72 1 50 2 50 70 20/2. 0 2. 0 0. 1 72 2 50 3 50 70 20/4. 0 2. 5 0. 5 72 3 50 Table IV Percentage callus induction frequency and contamination in Bas-385 on M. S Medium. Treatments Sterilizing agents Clorox /Ethanol time (min) Hormone used in mg L-1 Of inoculated test tubes % Contami nation % Callus induction % Clorox % Ethanol 2,4-D BAP % Clorox 1 50 70 20/1. 0 2. 0 0. 0 72 1 50 2 50 70 20/2. 0 2. 0 0. 1 72 2 50 3 50 70 20/4. 0 2. 5 0. 5 72 3 50 Table V. Percentage callus induction frequency and contamination in Bas-385 on N6 Medium Treatments Sterilizing agents Clorox/Etha nol time (min) Hormone used in mg L-1 # Of inoculated test tubes % Contami nation % Callus induction frequency % Clorox % Ethanol 2,4-D BAP % Clorox 1 50 70 20/1. 0 2. 0 0. 0 72 1 50 2 50 70 20/2. 0 2. 0 0. 1 72 2 50 3 50 70 20/4. 0 2. 5 0. 5 72 3 50 Sarhad J. Agric. Vol. 3, No. 1, 2007 85 20. 83 62. 5 22. 22 55. 5 27. 77 41. 66 0 20 40 60 80 Bas-370 Bas-385 Variet ies Callus induction freq (%) 2,4-D&[email  protected] 0&0. 0 2,4-D&[email  protected] 0&0. 1 2,4-D&[email  protected] 5&0. 5 47. 22 68. 05 55. 55 61. 11 41. 66 52. 77 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Bas-370 Bas-385 Varieties Callus induction freq (%) 2,4-D&[email  protected] 0&0. 0 2,4-D&[email  protected] 0&0. 1 2,4-D&[email  protected] 5&0. 5 Fig. 2. Callus induction frequency (%) of Bas-370 and Bas-385 on M. S media at different level of 2,4-D and BAP. Fig. 3. Callus induction frequency (%) of Bas-370 and Bas-385 on N6 media at different level of 2,4-D and BAP. Hidayat Ullah, et al.Tissue culture techniques for callus induction in rice†¦. 86 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Infections of the callus is main problem in tissue culture technique so we should adopt the following precautions. 1. We should sterilize the seeds in 50% hypochlorite solution for 20 minutes and all the apparatus like flasks, petri plates, blades and forceps etc. should be disinfectant with 70% ethan ol. Media should be prepared accurately with respect to concentrations and PH of the media must be maintained properly. Exact amount of growth hormones must be added. 2. Seeds of Bas-370 on MS media with combination 2. and 0. 1mgl-1 should be used to get maximum callus, while hormonal combination 2,4-D and BAP @2. 0 and 0. 0 mg l-1 should be used for better callus induction of Bas-385 on N6 media. Bas-385 is an improved version of Bas-370 because it is developed through hybridization between Bas-370 and TN-1. That’s why it is more responsive towards callus as will as high doses of fertilizers. Over all results indicated that Bas- 385 having more potentials and suitable for further genetic studies. REFERENCES FAO. 2002 Food Outlook Bullet. No: 1,FAO, Rome. Gonalz, M. C. 2000. Effects of different growth egulators on in vitro culture of rice cultivors. Tropicales. 21(1): 27-28. Khan, J. A. , F. F. Jamil and M. A. Gill. 2000. Screnning of rice varieties against bakanae and bacte rial leaf blight. Pak. J. Phytopath. 12(1): 6-11. Larkin, P. J. and W. R. Scowcraft. 1981. Somaclonal variation a novel source of variability from cell cultures of plant improvement. Theor. Appld. Genet. 60:197-214. Marasi, M. A. , O. A. Bovo, A. Socchi and L. A. Mrongiski. 1996. Cytokining in the callus induction medium for plant regeneration of rice. Phyton Int, J. Exp. Bot. 59(1-2): 155-160. Murashige, T. and F. Skoog. 1962.Arevised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue cultures. Physiol. Plant. 15: 473-497. Navraj, K. , M. S. Gill, G. Raman, T. S. Bharaj, S. S. Gosal, N. Kaur and R. Gill. 1999. Factors enhancing somatic embryogenesis and high frequency plant regeneration in rice. Crop Improv. 26(1): 23-27. Nitsch, J. P. and C. Nitsch. 1969. Haploid plants from pollen grains. Sci. 163: 85-87. Oono, K. 1981. In vitro methods applied to rice in plant tissue culture. T. Athorpe, ed. Acad. Press, New York. pp. 273-298. Rashid, H. , A. Toriyama, K. Qurashi, Hinta a nd K. A. Malik. 2000. An improved method for hoot regeneration from calli of Indica rice. Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 3 (12): 2229-2231. Valdez, M. , M. Monoz, J. R. Vega and A. M. Espinoza. 1997. Plant regeneration of Indica rice from mature embryo derived calli. Revistade Biologia Tropical. 44(3): 13-21. Xie, J. H. , M. W. Gao, Q. H. Cai, X. Y. Chens, Y. W. Shen and Z. Q. Liang. 1995 Optimized growth regulators combination in Japonica rice. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture. 42(3): 245-250. Yamada, Y. , T. Q. Yang and D. T. Tang. 1986. Plant regeneration from protoplast derived callus of rice (Oryza sativa L. ). Plant Cell Reports. 4: 85-88

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Reflective Account of My Day at Work Essay

Yesterday I started my day at work at 7:30 am as I was rotted for an early shift as a duty manager for that day. I am following three weeks rolling rota with my colleagues from Senior Management Team (SMT). First of my responsibilities determined by Health and Safety at Work Act as well as our own Signing in Book Policy was to sign in the signing in book. This will ensure that it is known that I am in the building. All the staff coming on duty is required to sign in that book so organisation can keep the track of who is on site for example in case of fire: â€Å"Should the fire alarms go off it is the responsibility of the Team Coordinator to bring the Signing In Book to the assembly point for checking† (Signing in Book Policy) After that I went to the team office where I joined handover from night staff to morning team. â€Å"The Purpose of handover is to ensure the continuity and quality of care through good communication† states our Staff Handovers Policy and it is a lso one of the legal requirements (NMS 17.6). Last night was quiet and all Young People had a good night sleep. After making sure that our staff levels are appropriate for the number of Young People (NMS 17.1, The Children’s Home Regulations Act 2001 and Staffing Policy: â€Å"This policy has been created to ensure that each child is supported and taught appropriately and kept safe whilst accommodated within Our Place†.) I carried out my daily checks. This includes of making sure that teams carry out health and safety checks as well as housekeeping checks. This provides prove that our company ensures clean and safe environment for Young People in our service NMS 10. I didn’t find any short falls in the check books so I signed them off and the next piece of documentation I checked was MAR sheets (Medication Administration Record sheets). The Children’s Home Regulations Act 2001 – section 21 gives a very clear guidance for training, administration and record keeping of medication. Once again I didn’t find any faults or discrepancies. After I completed my daily checks I went to my desk in main office to catch up with my emails. After checking and replying to all my emails I started working on staff’s rota for currant month. Once again, as mentioned above (NMS 17.1, The Children’s Home Regulations Act 2001 and Staffing Policy: â€Å"This policy has been created to ensure that each child is supported and taught appropriately and kept safe whilst  accommodated within Our Place†.), it is my responsibility in organisation that home is staffed correctly and all the Young People are getting support required to meet their individual needs. It means booking our own staff for overtime shifts or using external agency if there are any gaps in our rota. Later on for rest of the rest of my day I was interviewing candidates for Support Worker role. Our company has got very thorough Recruitment & Selection Policy that gives a very clear guidance on the recruitment and selection process, starting with the section on â€Å"assessing the need for recruitment† and going thru all the steps of recruitment process in very detail (setting up recruitment file, advertising, sending out application packs, shortlisting candidates for interviews, interviewing, appointing candidates and eventually gaining the reference and DBS checks as part of safer recruitment and safeguarding Young People). Our Recruitment & Selection Policy is based on all relevant legislation (Children’s Act 1989, The Children’s Home Regulations Act 2001, National Minimum Standards, Keeping Children Safe in Education April 2014). In between the interviews I carried on with my electronic correspondence with Local Authorities, Parents or other external professionals and I also had my lunch break. In the afternoon I handed over everything to my colleague (Staff Handovers Policy, NMS 17.6) and I went home signing out in signing in book.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

buy custom The Role of Chemical Engineering essay

buy custom The Role of Chemical Engineering essay Green engineering is a phrase used to explain the role of engineering to reduce or eliminate daily carbon emissions. Green engineering is a process through which products and services are designed in order to lower their impact on the environment. This process eliminates the health hazards posed to man and the environment through pollution. The processes used in green engineering should be economically feasible and cost effective when applied to the existing processes of product design. Environmental remediation is a phrase meaning the restoration of a deeply contaminated location or place to a condition that it will not be a threat to life forms or human health. In conventional clean ups, the contaminated site is usually fenced off to prohibit human and animal entry but green engineering designs methods that will clean the air, soil and water in such a site. This paper highlights the role of chemical engineering processes and methods in environmental remediation. Each year, industries across the world generate multi-billion tons of waste. This is a potential risk to all the life on the planet and consequently environmental degradation. In addition to that, recycling and managing that waste is costing enterprises millions of shillings although regulatory measures are in place. From the start of industrialization, laws regarding environmental protection are on the increase, but some have done little to protect the environment against degradation (NRC Board, 2000). Green engineers have resorted to designing systems that will remediate the environment from choking in waste. They have used green chemistry methods like selecting chemicals that are not toxic, have low potential hazards, which are eliminated through the reduction of chemical exposures. Environmental designs try to reduce risk to the natural ecosystems, workers in industries and consumers of the goods. Before designing any process that remediates the environment, green engineers, have to access the risks of a production process to the environment and human life. A risk can be expressed as the role of exposures and hazards. A hazard is defined as anything that produces a detrimental effect on the human environment while exposure is defined as the qualitative assessment of a chemical when it is exposed to the human or animal body, for instance the skin and the respiratory system. It is vital to note that, conventional methods of preventing pollution focus on the reduction of waste while modern methods of green engineering evaluate the risk posed by the chemicals used in production. Using the approach of risk assessment, engineers have been able to design processes that will be economically beneficial and feasible while reducing the risk to the environment. The application of risk concepts has made green engineers to design green processes and products. They have optimized designs with the purpose of reducing environmental impacts. Chemicals that need to eliminated or minimized have been highlighted and industries are educated on their adverse effects. Green engineers have estimated the risk that the current processes pose to the human environment and people, in addition to accessing the recycle channels and feeding processes. Chemical Precipitation Industries and sewage systems emit a lot of water contaminated with heavy metals. In the conventional systems, the water is kept in treatment plants where heavy metals are not removed. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, cobalt may not be removed from effluents through the filtering or precipitation processes. Green engineering is evaluating chemical products and synthesizers used in water treatment. These chemicals may prove to be useful in remediation of wastewater. The methods have to ensure that the precipitates will not deteriorate and discharge heavy metals to the surroundings. The fist method involves the treatment of wastewater using alum and a polymer. These chemicals enable the precipitation of heavy metals in wastewater. In addition to that, they reduce the PH f treated wastewater from about 8.5 and lower it to seven. A Californian Company, ETUS, Inc., manufactures Thio-Red, a commercial product that has been successful in removing heavy metals from sewage and industrial water. This product reacts with heavy metals to form metal sulfides instead of metal thiocarbonates. The other products include TMT-55 and TMT-15, which are very efficient in precipitating copper, lead, and silver from effluents (Henke 7-55). William Oswald, an environmental scientist at Berkeley University, developed the process of treating water using algae photosynthesis in ponds that are openly incorporated. This system is used to treat sewage in almost all countries in the world (Earth Sciences Division, n.d). This system involves the design of systems that will use microbial genomics in relation with biofuels and recovery of hydrocarbons emitted during the production process. In the MEHR Method, microorganisms, oxygen, nutrients are put in a reservoir with used or contaminated oil with the purpose of enhancing oil recovery. The main objectives of these processes are to transform the hydrocarbon components found in oil. This will make oil to be more fluid and in viscid. This method can be used to clean environments, which have been contaminated with waste products produced by fossil fuels. Algae can be used to generate biofuels for industrial use. Although it is a ubiquitous organism, algae have been used in the pharmaceutical world and it can be applied in the production of clean energy. Algae that absorb carbon are a great potential and an alternative to the use of fossil fuels. One setback with the use of algae to produce biofuel, is the need of large systems (Earth Sciences Division, n.d). Sugar undergoes a series of chemical processes to produce ethanol. This process is referred to as fermentation. Ethanol and carbon dioxide are produced after microorganisms have fermented the sugar. Intellishare Environmental Company provides a soil remediation oxidizer, vacuum extractor and control systems. These packages can help in restoring the natural components and structure of soil in a contaminated area. In addition to that, the combination of the systems of this soil remediation method can slip through the cracks and help in treating the lower soil layers. Intellishare Environmental Companys soil remediation oxidizer, vacuum extractor and control system. Green Engineers recommend the use of Poly vinyl formamide is a less toxic chemical used in paper industries, water treatment plants, oil recovery, and industries used to design items for personal care. This chemical is not a neurotoxin even when ingested. Polyacrylamide, a chemical used in the same process is very toxic and can cause paralysis of the Central Nervous System when ingested. The waste produced is very expensive to clean up. In addition to that, CNS paralysis can lead to loss of lives, livelihoods, and increased dependency (Van Noordern, 2011). Green System Design Piping used in industries should slope downwards to reduce the amount of solvents used. Short and big pipes reduce the flow dram while using very low energy. Industries should not have dead-end sample points in order to reduce waste. Other green engineering changes that can be made to the industry include the use of efficient raw materials that are somehow refined. For instance, water used in refinery industries can be treated before being used to reduce sludge waste. Selectivity in rectors should also be increased to reduce the time taken to mix, catalyze. This can be enhanced by using highly efficient reactors, which take little residence time. Industries should use efficient separation processes. Conventionally, separate reaction and separation processes demanded the use of large amounts of solventss while consuming a lot of energy or pressure. Green technology has developed novel methods that allow products to separate by themselves due to their physical and chemical properties. The other method is through combined reaction and separation processes occupy little space, consume less energy, and are more efficient because it allows almost 99% conversion. Distillation and LLE processes can also be combined to increase efficiency and reduce waste. PET bottles can be recycled using simple processes. The colors of the bottles are sorted using spectroscopy since PET bottles have a characteristic green dye incorporated into their surface. The bottles are shredded and washed to remove labels. In the same water, HDPE and PET are separated through their different densities. The aluminum ring is removed using an electrostatic ring and the bottles can be reused. Efficiency Maximization Systems Processes, products should be designed to maximally utilize energy, mass, time and space in an efficient manner. Heat integration systems should be coupled to increase efficiency while reducing waste. For instance, in a cooling plant and heating plant, the systems can be interconnected in a way that steam from hot water is released to heat cold water. This reduces the loss of energy to the surroundings. According to La Chateliers principle, if stress is applied to a system, the system reacts by offsetting itself to relive the applied pressure. In industrial terms, stress can be defined as any factor that upsets the concentration gradient, for instance, temperature and pressure. Increase of an input into a production system will lead to an increase in the generation of an output. This design aims to minimize the quantities of resources used while getting a good amount of output. In this context, manufacturing systems can be based on timely manufacturing. Timely manufacturing refers to the production of goods to meet the consumers quantity, quality and in their time of demand. This method implies that the resources, equipment, and labor are available when there is a demand created by the consumers. This is a form of a planned manufacturing system that does manages waste, overproduction, reduces waiting time, inputs, and outputs. This enables that industries have minimized excess while meeting the needs of their consumers. Chlorination of water is simple and makes millions of water safe within a short time. This method spends little energy over water treatment plants that use unnecessary resources like heat, power, and labor. Green engineering advocates for methods like express metal deposition over metal casting because the waste produced by the earlier method is little. Reduction of Complexity The use of natural systems should not be avoided in the manufacturing process. The higher the complexity involved in making a product, the lower the chances of recycling the material. Products should be made in a way that they are durable rather than those ones that have a very long shelf life. If production processes target immortality, there is a high risk of the products to the environment and many potential hazards to the human life. For instance, eco-fill a food grade input is constituted from water and starch. It can be used in industrial production, very durable and exerts little burden to the environment because it is mortal. The other method that eliminates environmental hazards is the use of polylactic acid to manufacture fibers and plastics over polyacrylic acid, which is non-biodegradable (Center for Green Energy and Green Engineering, 2011). In conclusion, green engineering has taken a step in redesigning the production processes to eliminate waste and environmental pollution. This form of engineering aims at renewable products and services that pose a minimal or no risk to the environment and other life forms. Products that are designed with components that can be reused reduce waste in the environment. All companies should embrace these methods to reduce the hazards and risks posed to the environment because prevention of dumping is less expensive than cleaning up. Buy custom The Role of Chemical Engineering essay

Monday, October 21, 2019

Analysis of Public Speech Given by President George W. Bush essays

Analysis of Public Speech Given by President George W. Bush essays The following is an analysis of a speech given by the President of the United States, President George W. Bush on October 7, 2002. The speech was entitled President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat and was presented at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Cincinnati Union Terminal, Cincinnati, Ohio. In the first instance this important speech is a characterized by a calm argumentative tone and logical persuasion. The central theme of the speech deals with the threat that Iraq poses to the United States and to the world in general. Besides the clear and calm but decisive tone that the speaker uses to convey his massage, the content of the speech is intended to draw attention and to emphasize the serious nature of the subject matter. For example, the speech takes a very broad and general view from the beginning when the President states that he intends to discuss, ... a great threat to peace. (President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat) The use of wide-ranging and evocative words like threat and peace places the speech at a universal level which involves all people and is not localized. By so doing the speaker draws the audience attention immediately to what is obviously a crucial issue. The speaker then builds his argument and states clearly the reasons for the threat that Iraq poses. The argumentative and persuasive nature of the speech is enhanced by continual references to logical factors and their consequences. The speaker is careful to point out that the present crisis has arisen directly as a result of the actions and intentions of the Iraqi regime and is not a result of aggression on the part of the United States. The tone is consistently assertive and condemnatory and uses reason to support the central points. The speaker employs various techniques to bolster and enforce these main points and to make sure that there can be no doubt in the minds of audience as to his sincerity and ...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

50 Great Topics for a Process Analysis Essay

50 Great Topics for a Process Analysis Essay If youve ever read an instruction manual or written out a set of directions, then you know what a process analysis essay is. This form of composition is often used in the field of technical writing, where complex systems need to be clearly explained in a logical, orderly fashion. As such, process analyses can be very detailed and sometimes quite long. Process analysis  writing is more than just a set of simple instructions. As a writer, you must go beyond merely identifying the steps involved and examine that process with an analytical eye. This analysis requires expertise- if not firsthand, then from research. Your topic needs to be focused, usually how to do one specific thing, and written in a clear, straightforward tone that readers can follow easily.   Tips for Writing a Process Analysis Essay When developing a paragraph, essay, or speech through process analysis, keep these tips in mind:Be sure to include all steps and arrange them in chronological order.Explain why each step is necessary, and include warnings where appropriate.Define any terms with which your readers may not be familiar.Offer clear descriptions ​of any tools or materials needed to carry out the process.Provide your readers with a way of determining whether the process has been carried out successfully or not. 50  Topic Suggestions: Process Analysis You shouldnt find it difficult to follow the guidelines above if youve chosen a topic that you know quite well. These 50 prompts are meant to help you discover that topic. How to mow your lawnHow to win at Texas hold emHow to lose weight without losing your mindHow to find the perfect roommateHow to get rid of a roommate- without committing a crimeHow to succeed in (or flunk out of) collegeHow to pitch a knuckleballHow to plan the perfect partyHow to survive a night of babysittingHow to pitch a tent in the rainHow to housebreak your dogHow to kick a bad habitHow to overcome insomniaHow to stay sober on a Saturday nightHow to rent your first apartmentHow to avoid a nervous breakdown during examsHow to enjoy the weekend for under $20How to make the perfect browniesHow to keep peace with a spouse or a roommateHow to bathe a catHow to complain effectivelyHow to survive a recessionHow to toilet train a babyHow to develop self-confidenceHow to use Twitter sensibly and effectivelyHow to wash a sweaterHow to build a great music collection- cheaply and legallyHow to get along with an instructor without sucking upHow to give yourself a haircutHow to plan the per fect class schedule How to apply the Heimlich maneuverHow to end a relationshipHow to select the best portable media playerHow to take decent photographs with your cell phoneHow to quit smokingHow to survive without a carHow to make the perfect cup of coffee or teaHow to save money while saving the environmentHow to build a great sandcastleHow to edit a videoHow to make (and keep) friends on FacebookHow to insert a contact lensHow teachers make up examsHow parents (or children) make us feel guiltyHow an iPod worksHow ice cream is madeHow a cell phone takes picturesHow a magician saws a woman in halfHow a pocket calculator worksHow to choose a major

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Blog Response and write your own blog Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Blog Response and write your own blog - Essay Example The advert correlates to the cultural notion that physical fitness, deep voice, and aggressive action are attributes of a man. Moreover, any man who lacks these qualities is shown as feminine. On the other hand, it is depicted that women in the society prefers men with maximum masculinity. This is because, based on their perception, such a man will be able to take care of women needs. This makes them admire men who have well developed figure. However, this post deserves criticism. This is because it depicts men who lacks such masculinities cannot have power, offer protection to women, and hence this is shown to be in contradiction to American culture. In reality, this is not true because being a real man is not based on outside appearance. The real man is defined by behaviour and instinct. Moreover, it is negatively depicting women as only attracted by physical well-being towards men. This is not true as women are also attracted by other attributes towards women. In fact, violent men are usually unable to sustain a formidable relationship. Part 2 The film ‘Dangerous Minds’ is a representation of what is covered with many Hollywood movies. The film depicts the worse state of education for prone kids who face the challenges of poverty, violence, crime, and violence in the inner cities of United States. The teacher also struggles to content with the students. Initially, the film depicts Whiteness as a true reflection of rationality. Moreover, the film shows Whiteness as a cultural standard in the changing society based on the racial composition. On the other hand, the other part of the film acts as an encouragement to challenged teenagers who had given up on schooling as an alternative to their wretched lives. In the film, the purpose of schooling is intermixed with the issue of racial difference within the area of urban public schools. Therefore, the film relies on race factor as an organizing concept to develop its narrative structure and pass throu gh the message. Moreover, both the Black and Hispanic teenagers lay a foundation for developing pedagogical classroom interaction. In this context, Whiteness as espoused by the teacher authority manages to overcome racially coded images of disorder, chaos, and fear. This is seen through the conflicts that exist between teacher and students in the first scenes of the film. This is a classical example of non- assimilation feelings between whites and non-whites. Moreover, the innocence of the teacher is highlighted in the first scene of the film. She leaves a middle-class culture in the white community to teach in uncontrollable environment. This is meant to provide white American with the notion that the disorder is a thing of other culture. The negative perception on the people of colour is further highlighted as she refers to them as â€Å"rejects from hell†. Therefore, the opening scenes serve to represent Black and Hispanic kids with the culture of violence and unruliness. On the other hand, Whiteness as depicted by LouAnne Johnson is under threat. This is because it is unsafe and under siege. Moreover, Whiteness is shown through the character of the teacher as the only option for teens to move beyond the setting and nature of their cultural identities. This occurs as it is contrasted with the stereotypical portrayal of intellectually challenged and decadent Black and Hispanic kids. Therefore, Whiteness is thus implied as a standard for

Film theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Film theory - Essay Example According to the research findings one of seminal theorist Andre Bazin’s arguments was that the film strategies of montage versus mise-en-scene were more than mere formal strategies, but choices that were connected to the viewer’s agency to interpret the images presented. In understanding Bazin’s argument one must understand his perspective on the meaning of art. In these regards, Bazin notes that with the advent of advanced representational painting societies no longer felt the need to preserve aspects of their existence in a way similar to the Egyptian tombs. This insight leads him to consider that art functions primarily as a representation of reality. He even notes that, â€Å"the cinema is objectivity in time†. This means that the cinema itself not an artificial form, but the objective capture of reality in real-time. For Bazin, film is further divided between montage and more static mise-en-scene tendencies. Bazin recognizes that with the development of film, increasing formal language elements have emerged in the form of montage. One filmmaker that Bazin celebrates is Sondheim. Bazin states that Sondheim, â€Å"rejects photographic expressionism and the tricks of montage† and that, â€Å"In his films reality lays itself bare†. Essentially Bazin recognizes that while montage constitutes a more formal film language, such an evolution is ill-suited to the true meaning of film. For Bazin, deep-focus then becomes the highest form of filmic explication as it eschews formalist interference for what he believes is the unencumbered expression of reality. While exploring many of the same foundational elements regarding the objective of filmmaking as Bazin, Kracauer discussed realistic versus formative filmic tendencies and theorized their most effective uses. Kracauer traces the roots of the realist and formalist divide in the very earliest silent film productions. He argues that the Lumiere films, with their direct depict ions of daily life, represent the realistic tendency in film. While Kracauer doesn’t openly deride the Lumiere films, he attributes their eminence not to artistic legitimacy, but instead to the newness of the medium. Conversely, for Kracauer Melies represents the formative tendency of the film medium. While Bazin and Kracauer agree regarding the division between realist and formalist tendencies, they disagree as to their aesthetic merit. While Bazin idealizes realism, Kracauer embraces formalism as the next step in the evolution of film. Kracauer notes, â€Å"Imagine a film which†¦records interesting aspects of physical reality but does so in a technically imperfect manner†¦such a film is more specifically a film than one which utilizes brilliantly all the cinematic devices†¦to produce a statement disregarding camera reality† (Kracauer, p. 145). In these regards, Kracauer agrees with Bazin that film should remain true to camera reality, but indicates tha t the formal elements of film editing can contribute to this reality when unnoticed. This is contrasted with Bazin who foregrounded deep focus as the highest form of film technique. A notable insight regarding Kracauer is that he is not simply in favor of technical wizardry, but believes film technique must conform to camera reality.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Management Information System In Oil Company In Libya Research Paper

Management Information System In Oil Company In Libya - Research Paper Example   According to the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), although Libya ranks 17th as a world oil supplier, it is Africa’s largest oil reserve, producing 1.8 million barrels per day (bbl/d). Libya contains nearly 46.4 billion barrels of oil, as of January 2011. The majority of existing oil fields are located in three major basins; Sirte, Murzuk, and Pelagian (Stankosvka& Lavender, 2011).   This is more than sufficient to give it much greater international leverage than its tiny population (just over 6 million people) or modest per capita GDP ($16,000)would normally suggest. Libya's oil industry is dominated by its state-owned National Oil Company, which controls at least a majority interest in all oil exploration, production, and refining (Zweig, 2009). This study is aimed to find out information about management information system used in oil companies in Libya which have to maintain their production of oil to supply the domestic and international demand.   The durat ion of the study is two months, from the middle of March 2014 to the beginning of May 2014.According to the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), although Libya ranks 17th as a world oil supplier, it is Africa’s largest oil reserve, producing 1.8 million barrels per day (bbl/d).   Libya contains nearly 46.4 billion barrels of oil, as of January 2011. The majority of existing oil fields are located in three major basins; Sirte, Murzuk, and Pelagian (Stankosvka& Lavender, 2011).

Care management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Care management - Essay Example Here you are dealing with human beings, not furniture! Veronica arranged to have the referral documentation completed and waited for a place for Mrs. James in good faith. But what happened? It is quite surprising that Veronica Gibbs, the Ward Manager was not aware of a particular procedural aspect that affected her and her patient. The age difference and the merit of the case is a later issue. The prime question is, why Veronica Gibbs was not taken into confidence, at least informed in advance, about the impending admission of a patient, on out-of -turn basis, superceding the ‘seniority’ of Veronica Gibbs! Veronica arranged to have the referral documentation completed and waited for a place for her patient. Coffee house is not the place for Veronica to know, how she has been overruled. That too it is a matter of chance that she came to know about it! This lapse on the part of the authority that took decision to admit a junior patient without the knowledge of Veronica Gibbs is regrettable and difficult to condone! Assuming for a while that the young patient required the treatment for a short duration (as compared to the assumed treatment of Mrs. Violet James for a longer duration) yet, the clandestine admission of the junior patient can not be justified. Mrs. James is bound to know about this development. Won’t she feel betrayed by Veronica Gibbs? Even she too should have been taken into confidence, as to why a junior patient was considered for admission and the special reasons about it. All concerned would have been happy. Trust betrayed takes time to heal, at times, it may never heal at all. With this wrong advertisement, the good will of the Care Management will suffer much. Without doubt, the practice adopted by the Care Management, is wrong. I know a case where a rich patient admitted to the hospital for kidney transplantation, getting preference in the matter related to operation. The specialist

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Management focused study and professional development plan (PDP) Essay

Management focused study and professional development plan (PDP) - Essay Example The importance of good leadership cannot be stressed enough with the number organizations and business entities that folded to the failure of its leadership. Leadership coupled with the tools of management, intends to reach or achieve the vision of an organization with its available resource in information, technology, materials, organization and personnel. In today’s very competitive business arena, leadership can spell the difference of an organization’s success or failure. Leadership is a critical element in ensuring the sustainability of an organization. Research in the field of leadership has never been saturated with theoretical and conceptual quests for leadership styles that work with any situation and followers’ condition. (Jamaludin, et al, 2011, pg. 73). One of the important attributes of leaders that attract the interest of many researchers is their leadership styles (Adeyemi-Bello 2001). Leaders lead through a combination of logical decision making a nd feeling. Depending upon the situation, it may require more emotional intelligence and less logical decision making or vice versa (Mayer & Caruso, 2002). ... Consistent with this observation, Al-Mailam (2004) argued that high-quality leadership is regarded as vital in bringing success to any group activity. One of the more recent and prevalent discussion about leadership is the emotional aspect of it as â€Å"leadership has been described as an â€Å"emotionladen process† (George, 2000, p. 1046), with the skillful management of followers’ feelings representing a critical leadership function (Humphrey, 2002, 2008). The ability to address underlying feelings and emotions is essential to effective leadership (Mayer & Caruso, 2002). This brings to the fore the relationship and emotional aspect of leadership which has been the subject of inquiry of many management theorist – emotional intelligence. This is quite interesting because the emotional aspect of human resource was used to be thought of as insignificant and irrelevant in the production line that management theorists relegated it as being trivial and unimportant. When science in management was first introduced in an organization and production line, the emotion of the people in the bureaucracy was never considered (Taylor, 1911). Organization then was viewed more of cohesive machine that works efficiently rather an structure that composes of people of different background, interest, predisposition and motivation. Recent management theorists however are looking at it at a different perspective. Mayer and Salovey (1997) elaborated the idea and defined emotional intelligence as "the ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one's thinking and action" (Grewal & Salovey, 2005 p. 332). Interpersonal

Smokers Avoidance to Pay Cigarette Taxes Personal Statement

Smokers Avoidance to Pay Cigarette Taxes - Personal Statement Example Then he only pays 10 cents. This is tax evasion. And it is illegal. Tax avoidance on the other hand is when a person chooses legal means to pay less tax. For example, New York City charges 10 cents per box of cigarettes. However, in Austin, Texas, for example, the cigarette tax is only 1 cent per box. A person avoiding tax would rather buy cigarettes in Austin than in New York City. This is legal. He does not falsify anything. He does not under-declare amounts. Now it is understandable that people avoids tax. People want to save money. They would look for places where they can buy things less expensively. That is but natural. And they could not be faulted for that. They cannot be blamed if they look for places who charges lower taxes and buy their cigarettes there. And they cannot be blamed if they choose methods to limit the taxes they pay as long as they do it legally. Now, with the problem of the city losing revenue, I think it can be addressed by formulating better regulatory policies. They could promote effective prevention of smuggling of cigarettes, limit mail-order purchases. They could also be stricter in enforcing licenses and they could punish unlicensed vendors and those that violate the law. Â  

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Management focused study and professional development plan (PDP) Essay

Management focused study and professional development plan (PDP) - Essay Example The importance of good leadership cannot be stressed enough with the number organizations and business entities that folded to the failure of its leadership. Leadership coupled with the tools of management, intends to reach or achieve the vision of an organization with its available resource in information, technology, materials, organization and personnel. In today’s very competitive business arena, leadership can spell the difference of an organization’s success or failure. Leadership is a critical element in ensuring the sustainability of an organization. Research in the field of leadership has never been saturated with theoretical and conceptual quests for leadership styles that work with any situation and followers’ condition. (Jamaludin, et al, 2011, pg. 73). One of the important attributes of leaders that attract the interest of many researchers is their leadership styles (Adeyemi-Bello 2001). Leaders lead through a combination of logical decision making a nd feeling. Depending upon the situation, it may require more emotional intelligence and less logical decision making or vice versa (Mayer & Caruso, 2002). ... Consistent with this observation, Al-Mailam (2004) argued that high-quality leadership is regarded as vital in bringing success to any group activity. One of the more recent and prevalent discussion about leadership is the emotional aspect of it as â€Å"leadership has been described as an â€Å"emotionladen process† (George, 2000, p. 1046), with the skillful management of followers’ feelings representing a critical leadership function (Humphrey, 2002, 2008). The ability to address underlying feelings and emotions is essential to effective leadership (Mayer & Caruso, 2002). This brings to the fore the relationship and emotional aspect of leadership which has been the subject of inquiry of many management theorist – emotional intelligence. This is quite interesting because the emotional aspect of human resource was used to be thought of as insignificant and irrelevant in the production line that management theorists relegated it as being trivial and unimportant. When science in management was first introduced in an organization and production line, the emotion of the people in the bureaucracy was never considered (Taylor, 1911). Organization then was viewed more of cohesive machine that works efficiently rather an structure that composes of people of different background, interest, predisposition and motivation. Recent management theorists however are looking at it at a different perspective. Mayer and Salovey (1997) elaborated the idea and defined emotional intelligence as "the ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one's thinking and action" (Grewal & Salovey, 2005 p. 332). Interpersonal

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Read and decide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Read and decide - Essay Example Nevertheless, over 60 percent of UK residents are registered members of assorted libraries including local public or private libraries, educational institutions, and prisons in addition to enrolling online within their homesteads (EMAC, 2003). The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) (2004) has underlined three major objectives including encouraging a reading culture and casual scholarship; access to ICT skills and facilities including government systems; and dealing with the socially neglected groups to integrate them into mainstream communal structures. Although reading is predominantly a private individual affair savouring varied verbal prose, it subsequently induces persons to seek sharing this pleasurable experience with others including friends, workmates or online friends, thus has enabled libraries that offer online access expanded reach as their clients or groups share the fantastic experience. Municipal authorities have been charged with the responsibility of operating and improving public libraries in the UK under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. There were 4,759 permanent public libraries and 693 mobile units, in addition to 19,136 service areas stationed in diverse locations like health centres and jails all over Britain by 1997. These public libraries have served as a learning forum for communities with many people preferring them for obtaining information and study to universities hence the adage ‘universities in the streets’ (Bennett, 2001). To enhance ICT skills among the library patrons, most public libraries have established Open Learning Centres that engage staff who are able to impart knowledge to the unskilled patrons. Nonetheless, the Library Association has called for a formal standardised scheme to ensure the correct and appropriate skills are taught. This would

Monday, October 14, 2019

Famous serial killers Essay Example for Free

Famous serial killers Essay The life of famous serial killers is always an interesting topic.   What did the serial killer do? How did he do it? Why did he do it? Who were his victims? Did he allow the victims to suffer? The most interesting question is what will trigger a man to become a notorious serial killer? (â€Å"What Makes a Serial Killer Tick?† 2002, p.1)   Ã‚  Several theories have been offered to explain why persons commit crime or why people become serial killers.   Some attribute it to psychological, biological and sociological factors (Zelda G. Knight, 2006, p.2). This paper seeks to prove that as much as we desire to explain every human phenomenon, there is a limit to how far human understanding can reach.   Since the human brain is a complex organ it is very difficult to explain human behavior using a single theory.     Thus, in order to understand human behavior all factors must be taken into account as they all have an influence in human behavior. The case of Jeffrey Dahmer who was a famous serial killer proves this point.   He killed and cannibalized 17 men and boys between 1978 and 1991 (Mark Marve, 1994, p.1).   He is considered one of the most hateful serial killers in history.   As a child he found pleasure in killing and in mutilating animals like nailing a dog to a tree and crucifying squirrels in his backyard (April Washington 2007, p.1).   He also performed weird experiments with different animals.   During his trial, it was found out that he collected dead animals and had sex with them.   His stepmother stated that when he was still young, he enjoyed using acid to remove the meat off dead animals. According to some theories, individuals become serial killers because of history of parental neglect and abuse. Based on these theories the behavior of serial killers can be explained by understanding his family and how he was raised.   In his case, Jeffrey Dahmer came from a family who was known to be very religious.   While it was true that his father was very busy at work and spent little time for his family, there was no recorded incident of violence in his family. On the other hand, there are some theories that say that a person’s peers, friends and the people he associated with may explain his criminal behavior.   In his case, Jeffrey Dahmer was extremely shy and was regarded as loner when he was still young.   He was afraid to go to school and he was terrified when he was with people.   At school, he had no friends and he did not like to be with people.   It can therefore be gleaned that Dahmer did not associate himself with bad friends as he had no friends. Marquis de Sade (2001) once said that One must feel sorry for those who have strange tastes, but never insult them. Their wrong is Natures too; they are no more responsible for having come into the world with tendencies unlike ours than are we for being born bandy-legged or well-proportioned. (p.3) Based on the facts stated, human behavior cannot be explained using a single theory alone.   There are some individuals who do things that are different from what normal people do.   While these acts should not be condoned, these individuals who do these acts should not be insulted because these things do happen.   In some cases, these events may happen even against the person’s volition. The point is that explaining human behavior in terms of family background or environment does not suffice.   Jeffrey Dahmer grew up with a religious and educated family.   He did not grow up in a bad neighborhood.   He was not maltreated nor physically or sexually abused by his parents.   There was likewise no indication that he had a bad social environment. Human behavior cannot be explained using just one theory.   Researchers need to find out the totality about the person.   Factors such as the biological, psychological and sociological factors should be taken into account in determining the causes that make a person a serial killer.   In this case, the lack of attention and parental love from his parents cased Dahmer to behave differently than an ordinary child.   His social isolation was also a factor as he did not have anybody to share his thoughts and feelings depriving him of a normal childhood and a normal life.   All these factors when taken together are sufficient to explain human behavior.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Business Intelligence :: essays research papers

Business Intelligence for competitive advantage In the beginning, businesses used information technology for automating the processes primarily to reduce labor costs. Subsequently, information technology is used for delivering information with speed and accuracy. Currently, businesses want to use the information effectively for competitive advantage to make better decisions that improve and optimize business processes, predict the market dynamics accurately, optimize forecasts to adequately maintain resources to name a few reasons. Businesses reached a critical juncture in global competition and the business intelligence capabilities and analytic prowess will play critical roles in the most competitive sectors of global economy. First of all, business intelligence analysis requires the capturing of information and storing in a single location for effective data analysis. Currently, data analysis is supported by transactional systems, business specific data marts, and other ad-hoc processes. Information is distributed making it difficult and time-consuming to access. Business teams have adapted to this environment by creating user maintained databases and manual â€Å"work-arounds† to support new types of reporting and analysis. This has resulted in inconsistent data, redundant data storage, significant resource use for maintenance, and inefficient response to changing business needs. A data warehouse comprised of disparate data sources enables the â€Å"single version of truth† through shared data repositories and standards and also provides access to the data that will expand frequency and depth of data analysis. Due to these reasons, data warehouse is the foundation for business intelligence. As a Technical Architect, I am involved in the design and development of the Enterprise Data Warehouse at Target. I and many of my colleagues worked hard to make the business case of the importance of the data warehouse and its value addition to the company.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Executive Summary Of Pepsico :: essays research papers

Executive Summary of Pepsico Through my research of Pepsico, I have calculated the cost of capital. A firm's cost of capital is imperative because it represents the funds used to finance the firm's assets and operations. First you have to estimate the cost of capital in order to minimize it. In estimating the cost of capital, you first have to find the cost of each capital component and then combine the component costs to find the weighted average cost of capital. First, I calculated the cost of debt. Pepsico's bond consisted of 7 5/8 coupon rate, maturing in 1998 at a price of $1023.80. I figured the payments to be $38.15(.0763*1000/2). I then used my financial calculator to find the bond yield of 5.16% by entering in 1023.80=PV, 1000=FV, 2= N, 38.15=PMT. The bond was calculated semi-annually, therefore I multiplied the answer for I/Y times 2 to get 5.16%. The next step would be to calculate the preferred stock, however my stock had none. I then went to the third step of calculating cost of retained earnings. First I found the three growth rates which were historical, forecast, and sustainable growth. The historical and forecast annual rates I simply pulled directly from Value Line under Past 10 years and estimated years of the dividends. They both were 14.0%. The sustainable growth is calculated by taking the retention rate (b) and multiplying it by the return on equity (r ). To find b, I first calculated the dividends payout ratio which is DPS/EPS. I pulled DPS and EPS from value line under 1997. Then to find the retention rate, I subtracted the ratio from 1. Next, I calculated r, by taking net income and dividing it by net worth. These figures I also pulled from Value Line. My b= .352, and r=28.68%. Then the third growth rate was 10.10(.352*28.68). Still calculating the cost of retained earnings, I then calculated my cash flows by the discounted cash flow approach. For the first three cash flows, I took the dividend of the stock over the price of the stock, and then added the growth rate to it. My first cash flow equaled to 15.38%, second was also 15.38%, and the third one was 11.45%. To find the cash flow four, I used the CAPM approach. This formula is Ks=Krf + (Km-Krf)bs. I found beta on Value Line which was .95. The risk free rate was found by obtaining the current yield on a 20yr. T-bond from the Wall Street Journal. It equaled 6.60%. The Km-Krf was found in the book, and equaled 7.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Ikea Management Analysis Essay

Abstract: This article is an analysis of the IKEA’s supply chain. IKEA’s supply chain is globally with sales in more than 250 own stores in 24 countries and 32 external franchisees in 16 countries. It has special supplier management, store design, and warehouse management. IKEA Supply Chain system includes IOS, TSO, material and suppliers, DC and IKEA store. IKEA global planning has seven processes. Sale planning and demand planning are in this article. IKEA’s supply chain was operated really successful, however, it still exist some problems, like lack of central coordination, inaccurate sale forecasts, and high inventory costs. In the end, this article will provide some recommendations to solve those problems. Introduction IKEA, founded in 1943, is one of the best home furniture company in the world whose, and its vision is â€Å"To provide better life for everyone†. IKEA provides modern and fashionable low cost furniture for over 38 countries with 301 stores. It is the largest furniture retail chain in the world and boasts a range of 12000 products, including home furniture, accessories and some other stuff. What’s more, it’s concern for people and environment lead to excellent use of raw material and energy, which result in their green targets and the overall environment. A supply chain is a network of retailers, distributors, transporters, storage facilities, and suppliers that participate in the production, delivery, and sale of a product to the consumer. The supply chain is typically made up of multiple companies who coordinate activities to set themselves apart from the competition. A supply chain has three key parts: Supply focuses on the raw materials supplied to manufacturing, including how, when, and from what location. Manufacturing focuses on converting these raw materials into finished products. Distribution focuses on ensuring these products reach the consumers through an organized network of distributors, warehouses, and retailers. Ikea is a worldwide company and its supply chain also deserves us to study. In this paper we are going to analyze the IKEA’s supply chain in the market and we will also analysis the strategy and plan of the company. In addition, we would give our proposed recommendation in the end. IKEA Supply Chain Strategy IKEA’s supply chain is global with sales in more than 250 own stores in 24 countries and 32 external franchisees in 16 countries. The stores are supplied through 31 distribution countries, or directly from the 1,350 suppliers in more than 50 countries. IKEA’s supply chain consequently has a global spread with both sales and purchasing in all major regions of the world. IKEA’s growth has been tremendous and sales are still growing. Currently IKEA plans to open 10-20 new stores every year with a goal to double sales within the coming five year. Considering the pace of growth in sales, the many stores and warehouses, and the fact that some business areas change up to 30% of its assortment every year, supply chain planning is a real challenge. The supply chain needs tight control and high levels of visibility to keep costs down and avoid obsolete inventory and/or stock outs. The IKEA supply chain is mainly make-to-stock (MTS) and only a few products are made to custo mer orders. Consequently, the entire supply chain is heavily dependent on forecasts. The regions and the stores have traditionally had a strong power and a high degree of local freedom in terms of planning and placing replenishment requests. This has led to a fragmented supply chain planning with local optimization and a lot of manual intervention with plans throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, due to frequent shortage situations some regions have purposely overestimated demand to ensure delivery, which in turn has led to imbalance in terms of demand coverage. Hence, some markets have suffered from stock outs during long periods, whereas other markets have ended up with obsolete inventories. Forecasting has been done on a regional level with approximately 120 users striving for different goals and using different methods. Part of the explanation to this is that IKEA has lacked a common and structured tactical planning of demand and replenishment. In terms of capacity planning, all different parts of the supply chain (stores, warehouses, regions, etc.) tried to optimize its own part of the supply chain, leading to a set of imbalanced supply plans with a low and unstable total throughput with long replenishment times for the supply chain as a whole. IKEA initiated a program (cluster of projects) aiming to taking better control of its supply chain, and enhance performance in terms of delivery service and costs. A new global planning concept was developed and is currently being implemented. Its cornerstones are mutually integrated planning processes, a centralized planning organization, focus on data quality and use of advanced software support. The purpose of this article is to outline IKEA’s global supply chain planning concept and describe the roles of the planning organization, data quality, software support and project and change management in the concept and its implementation. Supply Chain Management of IKEA Supplier Management IKEA has about 1400 suppliers from 33 countries, 64% of them are from European countries, with largest supplier markets in China and Poland. IKEA maintains lasting relationship with suppliers, and it has its own way to select suppliers from worldwide. After decide what product and material to be used, trading offices would find the suppliers in their respective regions and invite bids from them. IKEA has a principle, which is to choose suppliers of lowest cost at the same time, guarantee the quality. By placing orders directly on line, IKEA can always receive the deliveries within one to two weeks. On the other side, they ask suppliers to take inventory, so that suppliers can clearly know about the time, category, and amount of goods they have to fill up. IKEA also asks suppliers to deliver some of the goods straight to their stores, and this kind of managing would possibly save time, energy, and money considerably. They have formed a certain role to evaluate the performance of suppliers and point out standards and grades. Under such pressure, IKEA’s suppliers would be serious about their job and try their best to make sure the goods are of best quality and fastest delivery. By this kind of supplier management, IKEA would absolutely has high efficiency and quality. Store Design IKEA chose its store location on the city outskirts as the company’s stores were large and required huge parking spaces because IKEA realized that its customers were visiting stores in their cars. There is a typical feature of IKEA stores. [pic] The picture above is a map of some IKEA stores, in this, one can obviously see that customers entered into the stores, they would follow the arrow printed on the floor, and see through all products they exhibit. This kind of layout is called Racetrack layout, which has a main section that directs towards various section of the store, loops through the store and returns customers to the front of the store. It draws customers around the store and is commonly used in department stores. IKEA uses this to encourage customer to explore and move around IKEA at ease. The Racetrack Layout leads customers throughout the whole IKEA passing through different department. It makes sure that no section is missed out as the Racetrack Layout is design in a way that customer will have to follow the path in order to get to the end. The Loop allows customer to have different viewing angles and to catch a glance of every item in the store within a look. This encourages exploration and impulse buying. Thus this is strategic for IKEA as to capture customers. Warehouse Management IKEA has large warehouses like â€Å"DC008†, it has 19 input doors and 22 output doors. This separation makes the warehouse operation more effective. In the warehouses, there are many forklifts and they run fast and flexible. This also improves efficiency. Besides, IKEA seriously considered the safety of warehouses. It built a perfect security system. If some materials are not in right position, the red light will turn on and there will be an alarm ringing. Another significant warehouse management is space management. A system numbers every area, and all of them will be in the computers, so workers can clearly see wherever there is a vacancy. That ensures turn-around speed. The WMS (Warehouse Management System) in IKEA is so mature that it is used in every warehouse of IKEA’s. However, now IKEA need to figure out how to reduce inventory in order to save money. As for IKEA, there is a special kind of warehouse, which is self-serve warehouse. It is just in stores and keeps some inventory to give customers more choices. It can as well make customers enjoy pleasant about self-purchase. IKEA Supply Chain IKEA Supply Chain System (From the tree to the living room) IKEA is one of the leading home furnishing companies in the world and is expanding globally and fast gaining market share. Also IKEA’s supply chain has a global spread with both sales and purchasing in all major regions of the world. In IKEA Supply Chain system, firstï ¼Å'IOS is IKEA of Sweden, where decisions are made, such as the number of items, purchasing, suppliers, distribution, store coordination, and so on. Second, TSO (Trading), trading is responsible for the relationship with suppliers. Within trading there are 43 trading service offices in Europe, Asia and North America. Third is material and suppliers. They provide raw materials and manufacture the products. Co-workers in this area form a bridge between the factory floor and the products on the shelves at IKEA stores. They are responsible for ensuring reliable production methods that lead to high quality results, but which at the same time involve the min imum waste and maximum efficiency. Although not the most visible role within IKEA, this area is incredibly important for the company. The suppliers of IKEA and the good relations IKEA enjoy with them are among the company’s greatest assets. Fourth, in DC (Distribution centers), trucks, boats and trains are all needed to move products around. Coordinating these different means of transport to make the movement of goods as quick and efficient as possible is a real art. And DC are not enough just to make sure the goods arrive at the right stores and customers at the right time; they must also arrive in good shape, ready to be sold at the lowest possible price. Fifth is store. IKEA has more than 250 own stores in 24 countries and 32 external franchisees in 16 countries. To simplify, chart 1 shows the whole IKEA Supply Chain system described above. [pic] Chart1 IKEA Supply Chain system Moreover, in fifth part, In-store Logistics are also an important part in IKEA supply chain. In-store Logistics have seven steps (chart 2): Step1, create commitment with clear and qualified goods. Step2, develop an in-store logistics organization based on knowledge and competence. Step3, create balance between the space to range relation. Step4, place rational and correct orders. Step5, sales space management. Step6, establish routines for the most efficient goods flow. Step7, follow-up on performance. [pic] Chart 2 IKEA Supply Chain-In-store Logistics IKEA Supply Chain Planning Planning Concept Overview. According to IKEA’s characters, such as offer a wide range of home furnishings with good design and function and provide low prices, Ikea’s supply chain is in constant flux, with improvements being made whenever they are required or new technology appears. But generally, Ikea’s supply chain is mainly make-to-stock (MTS) and only a few products are made to customer orders. Consequently, the entire supply chain is heavily dependent on forecasts. IKEA focus on all forecasting activities and need calculations to control the entire supply chain inventory levels and replenishment. The global planning process (Chart1) is made by the central function of IKEA of Sweden. From the IKEA’s global supply chain planning (Chart1), we can figure out there are seven major processes (1) Sale planning; (2) Demand planning; (3) Need planning; (4) Supplier capacity planning; (5) The distribution supply chain planning (transport, warehouse, and store planning; 5a-c) and (7) Replenishment orders. In the following, we will talk about the processes separately into more details. But we will only focus on two parts Sales planning and Demand planning. [pic] Chart1 IKEA’s global supply chain planning concept and planning processes. Sales planning. The first step of sales planning is the corporate management of IKEA makes the overall sales forecast. The forecast is made on an aggregate level in terms of total sales volumes in monetary units for IKEA in total. It shows the expected sales increase in percentages. Ikea’s sales plan will be updated three times a year. The forecast is mainly determined by the strategic marketing plan and the remaining part of the current fiscal year plus five years into the future. So the current strategic business plan of Ikea is important for sales planning. At the end of the sales planning process, in order to achieve the business areas’ growth plans and expectation for the future, Demand Planners at IKEA of Sweden provide the data and information of forecasts for each of the business areas. Demand planning. In Ikea, there are 32 Demand Planners work in the tactical demand planning process, each one responsible for forecasting a certain part. The tactical forecast attach to IKEA of Sweden and is done on a rolling 84 weeks, with new historical sales data loaded once a week. In the end the forecasts on store levels are aggregated, reconciled, and compared with the sales frames on the retail forecast group level and on the distribution services region level. IKEA also has Retail Forecast Group, including one to several stores located geographically close to each other. In Europe, a retail Forecast Group normally corresponds to a country. IKEA in different countries own the right to have local event and activities. But, to let Demand Planners review the forecast on the regional level each week, the specific activity plans must be told at least six months in advance. In case that the forecast deviates considerably from actual sales, the Demand Planner looks for the reason and adjusts the sales figures or forecast model accordingly. Problems Lack of Central Coordination All we know IKEA is a hug international company. It provides modern and fashionable low cost furniture for over 38 countries with 301 stores. It emphasizes on local autonomy rather than a centralized coordinator. This method is easier for regions and store to plan and replenishes their own inventories. However, it also causes hundreds of subsystems inside the IKEA. Those subsystems include product design system from the headquarters; orders to suppliers system, orders to transport to the mall system, store management system and some accessory systems in each region or store. There are at least four hundreds complex subsystems inside the IKEA. These system’s databases is not well integrated, and do not have unified communications platform, that resulting in information separation, the low quality of information transmission, it is not conducive to the efficient operation of the supply chain. Lack of Accurate Sale Forecasts Due to changes in demand, sales forecasts data of the Swedish headquarters get deviation, if the forecasting data is bigger than the real, and this led to the warehouse overstock directly. If the mangers do not adjust the place orders plan that will cause serious problems by global warehouse overstock, retail shopping centers will immediately face to increase sales efforts to absorb the backlogged inventory. The other hand, in order to avoid some seasonal items out of stock, IKEA place large quantities of orders to suppliers, the mall immediately changed the stage from the under stock to overstock, However, the shopping center cannot sell them all, therefore, pass the season, there are still a lot of inventory backlog. Inventory Costs are too high IKEA purchases and sales too much, and often use the strategy of expand the inventory to cope with the uncertainty situation. IKEA worried about the inventory cannot be well satisfied the needs of the shopping centers, and if IKEA keep a low inventory level, it will increase the risk of lost sales opportunities, Therefore, IKEA maintain a high level of inventory to avoid the risk of under stock, That cause the shopping malls, the distribution center, and the central warehouse to maintain a considerable amount of inventory. Recommendations The urgent need for IKEA is to spend a large investment in the supply chain systems integration, make a great effort to integrate internal business systems, to achieve the company internal information sharing, built unified communications platform to make sure each subsystem can easy get the information from others, particular in transportation information and warehousing information. Ultimately achieve the comprehensive integration of manufacture, procurement, inventory, sales, financial and human resources management, logistics. That can make the ideal supply chain operations to become a reality. The supply chain systems integration can make each subsystems get the other subsystems information easily that really helpful for IKEA to forecast the sales in the future. In addition, IKEA also can get information from the date of the past sales, the public economic information, from customer and from suppliers. The supply chain systems integration also can help IKEA use those two strategies to reduce the cost of inventory. Firstly, IKEA requires the supplier to transport the production directly to the shopping malls, omitting the middle stage of the warehouse storage and handling. Use this strategy, IKEA do not have to establish the inventory and also do not have to maintain a safety stock to satisfy the demand of the shopping center. The delivery period becomes short, and easy to control. It also reduces the broken rate of the goods that ultimately improve the service level of the mall shopping centers. Secondly, IKEA also can use the strategy of vendor-managed inventory. It means suppliers according to IKEA’s the actual sales demand and safety inventory requirements to place the order to them. This strategy requires mutual trust between IKEA and supplier. IKEA can establish appropriate oversight mechanisms to make this strategy works well. This strategy can make both the IKEA and the suppliers’ benefit. References Laura Spinney (2011) The secret of IKEA’s success: we do the hard work, New scientist. Retrieved from: http://0-ehis.ebscohost.com.leopac.ulv.edu/eds/detail?vid=2&hid=23&sid=0dbc6e03-427b-4dec-9711-136b9cfedca8%40sessionmgr14&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=edselp&AN=S0262407911631783 Jonsson, P. and Gustavsson, M. (2008) â€Å"The impact of supply chain relationships and automatic data communication and registration on forecast information quality†, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, 38 (4), 280-295. Steve Banker (2009 Nov) In-Store Logistics at IKEA. Retrieved from: http://logisticsviewpoints.com/2009/11/05/in-store-logistics-at-ikea/ IKEA’s Cost Efficient Supply Chain. Retrieved from http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Operations/OPER084.htm NYP IKEA: Merchandising Presentation and Store Design (Part 3), May 18 2012. Retrieved from http://ikea-escrapbook.blogspot.com/2011/07/merchandising-presentation-and-store_4586.html Patrik Jonsson, Martin Rudbergochï ¼Å'Stefan HolmbergGlobal, Supply chain planning at IKEA, Retrieved from http://www.plan.se/files/Jonsson_Rudberg _Holmberg_08.pdf Ikea supply chain-from the tree to the living room, Retrieved from http://www.slideserve.com/presentation/39927/IKEA-Supply-Chain–from-the-tree-to-the-living-room â€Å"IKEA | Purchasing.† IKEA | Purchasing. Web. 17 May 2012. Retrieved from http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/jobs/business_types/purchase/index.html Ikea, Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IKEA â€Å"Ikea.mov.† YouTube. YouTube, 15 Feb. 2010. Web. 18 May 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYr6JlJ1wlE. SWOT Analysis and Sustainable Business Planning An IKEA Case Study.† Weaknesses and Threats. Web. 18 May 2012. http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/ikea/swot-analysis-and-sustainable-business-planning/weaknesses-and-threats.html. â€Å"IKEA Distribution Improves Supply Chain Management.† IKEA Distribution Improves Supply Chain Management. Web. 18 May 2012. http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240083923/IKEA-Distribution-improves-supply-chain-management.