National Jazz Hall free essay sample

This would likewise permit the NJ to support jazz celebrations, workshops and grants. The historical center would be utilized to recollect extraordinary Jazz craftsmen, serve jazz devotees alongside training he open on the Importance of Jazz in American culture and history. Question 2 The partners in this undertaking start with Mr.. Rutland himself. From that point forward, a portion of different partners Include the top managerial staff for the INCH, the City of Charlottesville divisions revamping the architecturally significant area of downtown Charlottesville, the expert recruited by the board, other vacation destinations in aroundCharlottesville and in Western Virginia, they incorporate Monticello, James Monomers house, and the University of Virginia. Different partners would be the contractual workers utilized to remodel the Paramount, potential givers to the venture, they could be private just as legislative, for example, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The potential jazz entertainers that are likely individuals from the NJ are additionally significant partners. We will compose a custom paper test on National Jazz Hall or on the other hand any comparative theme explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page In the event that this is anything but an exceptionally perceived and respectable corridor of acclaim, a portion of these Iconic Jazz artists won't have any desire to be individuals from the association. At last, Jazz fans in general are key partners too. Without them, there would not be a requirement for this kind of fascination. Question 3 There are three significant issues confronting Mr.. Rutland and the NJ. They are: 1. Raising money, 2. Building and driving an expert group to finish the venture. 3. Showcasing In request to advance the NJ and addition national recognition.In request to effectively address these issues the accompanying aptitudes will be required: Good relational abilities Since the PM will manage various sort of individuals, gatherings and crowds, they should have the option to convey viably n these various levels. They have to speak with government elements In request to make sure about the essential grants and Inspections once the auditorium is set to be revamped. They should talk with charitable gatherings In request to raise private assets for the redesign of the performance center alongside gifts to run the NJ. OFF, for example, the National Endowment for the Arts. For issue two, the PM will be the group chief and need to discuss well with each gathering of the task group. They should work with the various groups to make the remodel plan. When that is one, they should work with a wide range of temporary workers to make sure about offers before settling on who will finish the redesigns. Different gatherings that the PM should impart would incorporate the money group, the obtainment group and the spending group. Concerning issue number 3, the PM should work with a few showcasing firms who spend significant time in the work required for the NJ to set up national acknowledgment. They should meet with various firms so as to choose the best one for the NJ. When that gathering is chosen, the PM will be the interface to that bunch for the undertaking. Interchanges with this gathering will obviously be imperative to the life span of the NJ. Capacity to deserve admiration The PM should be to deserve admiration from each gathering associated with every part of the project.Without regard, none of the gatherings will be urged to finish their allocated undertakings. Likewise, without regard the task all in all won't have any validity. It is this regard and believability that will help produce private and government financing. Likewise, if there is no regard in the venture, the NJ won't increase any regard in the Jazz people group. Without that, for what reason would any of the possibilities Jazz artists need to be individual from this lobby of acclaim? Compromise aptitudes this is an essential ability that each PM must have. Without it, no undertaking would move forward.In this venture, the contentions could be numerous for every one of the three issues. On the off chance that the PM can't resolve the contentions that will emerge from the remodel of the performance center alone, the other two issue will never work out as intended. Great information on venture the executives standards Of the entirety of the PM standards, hazard the board is key in this undertaking. In the event that you take a gander at issue two, gathering pledges, what befalls the task if a significant wellspring of financing becomes traded off? One true model is the Boy Scouts of America. They got nearly of their yearly spending plan from a gift by the American United Way.A barely any years back, the United Way decreased their gift essentially. The BAS currently gets just a single percent of its spending plan from that association. It was genuine hit to their capacity to keep up their all year ventures. So as to recover this budgetary misfortune, they set up the Friends of Scouting venture. They currently request gifts from the guardians of Scouts, previous Scouts and different organizations and non-benefit associations to satisfy the hole. The PM for this undertaking should have alternate courses of action set up like the BAS has done.Be agreeable in a questionable domain This is an immense, multifaceted venture that a PM can see each viewpoint. The PM for this task should have the option to oversee well the pieces they know quite well and can deal with the pieces they are not all that acquainted with. They have to set up the opportune individuals for the parts of the venture they are the least recognizable. State the PM is solid in development however powerless in gathering pledges, they have to locate a decent store raiser and somebody who is acceptable with advertising. Question 4 I feel that Mr.. Rutland has credibility.He is an educator of History at the University of Virginia. I dont believe that he would have had the option to have had Jazz didnt feel that Mr.. Rutland and the top managerial staff he built up were believable. Having two acclaimed Jazz performers like that on the board certainly adds assurance and believability to Mr.. Rutland plan. Is Mr.. Rutland a pioneer? A pioneer is characterized as relational impact, practiced in circumstances and coordinated through the correspondence procedure, at the arraignment of a predetermined objective of objectives. Mr.. Rutland has indicated that capacity in the main year of building the NJ. Mr.. Rutland thought of the NJ and finding it in Charlottesville, VA. He enrolled the assistance of his individual Jazz aficionado, and made the top managerial staff for the corridor of popularity. After that he found a potential structure area that, by name, has connections to the renowned jazz time of the backtalk and 19402 in New York City. This would give the NJ a central station with a valid and conspicuous name. Subsequent to setting up the board, Mr. . Rutland went out to create assets for the corridor by applying for awards from altruistic gatherings alongside different government agencies.They were denied for two reasons, naiveté of the board individuals and the curtness of their reality. This couldn't be translated adversely toward the board or influence their validity. Mr.. Rutland additionally comprehended that the NJ would require guests to help create income to proceed with the corridors presence. He found that over a large portion of a million people visit the Charlottesville region to see numerous different attractions. He realized he needed to work with the different settings and traveler association to help advance the NJ as a practical fascination. At last Mr..Rutland indicated his authority in recruiting an advisor to help answer two inquiries. One, what is the intrigue level of the respondents for Jazz and the foundation of a National Jazz Hall of Fame. The overview was directed on a national level and on a nearby level. This permits Mr.. Rutland to see whether individuals were really intrigued by a Jazz Hall of Fame and on the off chance that they would join in, Jazz music in general, if individuals would give cash to such an association, what administrations and occasions they would anticipate from the lobby and what the normal individual inspired by such a spot would pay for admission.This gave the board n thought of what sort of financing they could anticipate from eh open through gifts and confirmation charges. Question 5 The way of life applicable to this task are the African-American, Cajun, Africans, and American. Jazz was impacted by various societies and sub-societies. The music additionally has establishes in the improvement of other music developments around the globe. In the US, Jazz has impacted, the Blues, RB, Mouton, Dixieland, Classical and Country music. Jazz is a blend of music too having its foundations in other genres.The venture condition for the National Jazz Hall of Fame was a battle to get off he ground, yet was met with extraordinary energy. After the main year, despite the fact that they had numerous mishaps because of troubles raising commitments from outside sources and discovering they required at any rate $600,000 to redesign the theater, Mr.. Rutland and the board felt the venture demonstrated guarantee. Mr. . Rutland didn't appear to surrender, however discovered different approaches to advance and bless the NJ. He attempted to used the neighborhood the travel industry outlets, the NJ elevated shows to fund-raise and mindfulness. Mr..Rutland visited different corridors of popularity to pick up thoughts and bits of knowledge into their prosperity. He intrigue the general population would have for a Jazz lobby of distinction. Question 6 Mr.. Rutland ought to do the accompanying: Budget-Philanthropic associations Since they experienced issues raising assets from these sorts of associations because of an absence of experience with respect to the board, they have to employ an official executive with gathering pledges understanding. This will give them somebody with the best possible foundation that these association are searching for and a more elevated level of believability. This will help cement them as a genuine purveyor off corridor of popularity for Jazz.Government Agencies Once they have a certified official executive ND have been set up for more than two years, they ought to reapply for government assets from bunches like the National Endowment for the Arts. They

When Your COB Is My EOD free essay sample

This paper will investigate my work place as my learning condition by COB examination. As referenced over, a few models or qualities add to my learning in the clinical practice region. For recently joined medical caretakers, a direction program was composed in the ward. The program incorporates direction to the ward schedules and physical design Of the ward. The program assisted with alleviating my tension and dread at the new workplace. It additionally managed me a more full picture of what might be my activity and commitment in the clinical practice region. There is a conversation room in my ward, furnished with arioso understanding materials and reference guides identified with my work, for example, work portrayal record and medication weakening equation. PCs with web get to were put in conversation room and medical attendants counter. The PCs were introduced with a made sure about clinic data framework that gives a lot of data for learning. Plus, my PC abilities were upgraded as well. Besides, I was kept side by side and presented to learn around the most recent innovation supplies utilized by and by in my ward. In any case, to increase legitimate learning support, I confronted a few difficulties also. In my unit, the proportion of qualified coaches to the lesser staffs isn't fulfilled. While, accessible ranking staff medical attendants have absence of enthusiasm including in junior medical attendants preparing and appraisal for the most part in light of the fact that their substantial outstanding burden because of deficiency of staff. On occasion, it is hard to learn bedside persistent consideration abilities because of absence Of management and direction from tutor. Aside from that, the stuffed practice region in my unit constrains the quality and amount of formal and bedside educating by the tutor. In large gatherings, it is hard to picture any strategy exhibited by the tutor, as my focus was undermined. Moreover, confines hands on of a method as I to second for restricted learning openings with different students. Wide scope of patients minded in my unit. I was offered chances to practice new abilities on genuine patients with a coaches oversight and direction. Dynamic support helped me to create self-inspiration to learn further. I was given ensured time by guide to take inquiries and clear my questions. I was invited in the multidisciplinary group clinical case conversation and sent to wellbeing workshops that gave me new information. Other than that, my unit nurture trough advances learning openings by sorting out keeps nursing instruction (CNN) classes each Friday. The discussion would be given by coaches or other partnered science experts with different points. In a roundabout way, CNN classes helped me to increase new information and satisfy the obligatory CAP focuses prerequisites for nursing practice enrollment every year. Absence of correspondence because of mediocre prevalence buildings is recognized as a potential boundary to successful relational connection between working friends. Junior attendants regularly reproved and treated as substitutes for any deficiencies in the training region. This, unfortunate social atmosphere make pressure, humiliation and despondency which in a roundabout way restrain learning. Another hindrance experienced was absence of medical attendant enrollment by the association. Deficient staff vitality is pulled along the overwhelming remaining burden so experienced staff infrequently possesses energy for educating. Sparingly, association once in a while support for guides courses for qualified staffs. Thusly, clinical vocation pathways for medical attendants become confined. The end is, my training zone as a learning domain helped me to accomplish the necessary learning results and abilities, albeit some zone of progress required in sifting through the obstructions and difficulties. Action 2 Professional improvement gave a personality to my calling as a tutor in responsive. My expert improvement objective, mentors me to fabricate my profession pathway. Be that as it may, territories for advancements despite everything exist for my better proficient practice. As an expert by and by, my involvement with coronary consideration nursing for as long as 5 years with 2 years coronary consideration post-fundamental capability encouraged persistent learning and contributed in my expert turn of events. Also, Im very much prepared to lead fundamental life bolster classes with my group for junior specialists and medical caretakers in my unit. Surely, I work in a global perceived association, where I required great authority in English language. Consequently, I have to go to English classes to improve my English capability to banter among the different gatherings of expert specialists from other nation. Aside from that, as a student, I am receptive to gain from partners and acknowledge productive analysis and input from them while learning and sharing data. At training region, I generally search for new difficulties and self-persuaded to learn further so as to be educated. I utilize an intelligent journal to screen own learning and advancement. Without a doubt, have vital time to endure a bustling shift and keep up balance among work and learning. Maybe, need to improve my time the executives and create arranging aptitudes. With great time the board, errands at work should be possible adequately in a convenient way which thusly prompts less dissatisfaction and stress. Sparingly, I can possess more energy for learning. In the interim, as a tutor by and by, I am non-critical in tolerating junior attendants as a creating proficient individual. At training zone, bolster and empower my moment by offering direction and information. Additionally, to be a decent good example, I exhibited duty to my activity and encourage formal and casual learning. In the long run, I have to improve my entering aptitudes by selecting into refreshed coaching course which covers compelling showing management, evaluation and initiative abilities. Creating skills in these zones are significant as it will upgrade my expert improvement as a guide. All in all, ceaseless expert turn of events (CAP) is expected to expand my insight and ability capabilities. I have to go to nonstop nursing training classes, meetings and workshops to stay up to date with current expert nursing practice. Other than that, to oversee scholastic and information improvement, enlistment for undergrad studies and perusing instructive urinals is basic for my (CAP). Movement 3 According to Wong and Lee (2000,), quality nursing instruction happens in clinical settings all together produce capable medical attendant. In the wake of examining my training region as a learning situation, will ponder three territories for enhancements. Had picked Gibbs (1988) model of reflection to structure my paper. The model was made by Professor Graham Gibbs and has 6 intelligent stages, comprise of portrayal, sentiments, assessment, examination, end and activity plan. Learning experience and intelligent procedure improves learning (Wong Lee, 2000). I began my calling as an attendant in a coronary consideration ward. Post direction week, because of constrained tutor in my unit, I was labeled with one ranking staff nurture (USN). She was nursing a post myocardial localized necrosis persistent with pneumonic supply route catheter. The manner in which she talked with me demonstrated that she accepted I have been thought everything by guide during ward direction and bedside educating. As the two of us going to begin working a senior doctor sought round. The doctor requested the USN to follow the patients blood results. While she was away, was remaining at bedside and he requested me to print the cardiovascular yield wedge deletion report from the heart screen. I got alarm as not certain how to print it. There was another medical caretaker at the work space, I immediately moved toward her for help. All things considered, figured she would come and help me, rather she just let me know impolitely to press the wedge report button on the screen. I did precisely what she let me know, yet the report couldn't be printed as out of paper. The most exceedingly terrible part, I dint even expertise to supplant the paper moreover. While the doctor was reprimanding me for the deferral, my labeling USN came and spare the circumstance. Felt very hopeless after reproved by the doctor before the patient ND different associates. I was likewise humiliated and annoyed with my powerlessness to print the report and supplant the completed paper. I was likewise annoyed with the other medical caretaker for her inconsiderate reaction as opposed to assisting me or simply answer me with a politeness. The experience left me troubled and felt excluded from the ward. Poor relationship by and by region may prompt unfortunate feeling that hinders picking up (Spawning Uses, 2013). In the long run, in spite of the fact that it was an awful encounter, felt increasingly resolved to learn at my training territory. Additionally, in the wake of imparting my sentiments about the experience to my associates, legitimized they have experienced comparative encounters as well. From that second, turned into a positive scholar and fixed in my psyche, the equivalent embarrassing experience ought not occur once more. Afterward, I discovered proper time and moved toward my labeling USN. I disclosed to her that during direction, essential introduction just was given about the cardiovascular screen. Printing out cardiovascular yield wedge pressure report was absolutely new for me around then. At that point, the USN showed me by and large the heart screen. Also, I had the chance to hands on the screen and recorded highlights in my wallet for future reference. I have broke down my work environment is a learning domain and there are a few territories for enhancements. During direction week at first, the coach responsible for new medical caretakers, held some bedside cardiovascular screen instructing. I reviewed. There were around 10 new attendants in my gathering. The spot was packed, because of just one tutor accessible for educating as some of different coaches went to meeting and connected with the executives task. A few of us experienced issues picturing her demo meeting and contended with every others to hands on which affected our learning. As indicated by Beck et al. , (2002), practice by doing is increasingly powerful in learning. USN ought to be urged to join tutors or ownership course by offering motivating forces (Jackson, 2001 ) to conquer brevity of

How to Setup a Controlling Department

How to Setup a Controlling Department © Shutterstock.com | Rawpixel.comThis article delves into the importance and the step by step process of setting up a controlling department. It includes the 1) introduction, 2) main tasks of the controlling department, 3) setting up a controlling department, 4) considerations while creating the controlling department, 5) implementation of the Internal Control System, and 6) how to enhance your Internal Control System.INTRODUCTIONThe controlling department is a crucial part of the corporate governance system and plays a vital role in distinguishing, reducing and controlling risk. There are significant measures taken to safeguard stockholders interests, as well as the companys assets.The controlling department also facilitates the success of the organizations operations by ensuring the reliability of monetary information as well as by agreeing to and following the laws, rules and regulations. The control system of accounting is a crucial part of the ICS (Internal Control System).Alth ough the controlling department decreases the risk yet it cannot protect against poor judgment and human error, or manage unforeseeable conditions. The Internal Control System, therefore, provides a safeguard that the organization won’t be impeded in achieving its business goals, or in the orderly and legitimate conduct of its operations.The controlling department plays a role as a business agent for the management at all levels of the business. The controlling role is carried out both at central level in a group and at an organizational level, with a few main focus areas.MAIN TASKS OF CONTROLLING DEPARTMENTThe controlling department provides the following services:Preparing important information for the management. This includes quarterly reporting, preparing of updates prior to BoD (Board of Directors) meetings and any other information that needs to be presented to management prior to decision-making.Supplying data for decision-making processes. This can include financial infor mation, as well as sales/purchase numbers and can also include HR stats. Any and all data that might be needed to help make a responsible decision should be available through the controlling department.Assessing financial numbers and data concerning employees, structures, and business matters.Defining and recognizing significant performance indicators. Being able to review reports and understand trends so as to present them to the BoD in a timely fashion.Providing instruments (e.g. SAP / ETHIS) as well as systems.Managing reports specifically for external audiences. This includes external reports like annual reports.Making quarterly reports. Quarterly reports are presented to the BoD and external stakeholders as well. These must be created after reviewing data and performance for the entire quarter.Supervising the annual budgeting process.  The controlling department works closely with the financial departments to ensure a concrete budget is established for the year. It might be nec essary for the controlling department to communicate with all company departments while working on the budget. The controlling department will eventually be tracking how closely the budget is followed and reporting on it so they must be involved in the creation as well.Working towards achieving transparency and streamlining systems and processes.SETTING UP A CONTROLLING DEPARTMENTIn order to set up a controlling system in an organization, you must first decide on the objectives and anticipated goals before using the system. Also, make sure that certain requirements are fulfilled before you setup the controlling department. This includes writing down the responsibilities of the department as a whole,  the responsibilities for key people within the department, and the policies the department will follow.The Role of the ICS DepartmentFor any organization, it is important to carry out the following functions successfully.The ICS department must exercise authority and control on inter nal book-keeping.It should provide reports along with suggestions on the accounts, budgetary, and on the controlling procedures that need to be adopted by company.It should control and manage the financial reports along with relevant documents.Points to keep in mind before setting up a controlling departmentThe following tips can help in setting up your organization’s Internal Control System.Make sure there are approval and commitment from the Board and Management: Each internal controlling system needs to have the support and commitment of the Board and Management.Identify obvious needs and have systematic processes for the ICS: The organization needs to define fundamental concepts of how the system will work. A standardized approach guarantees that the staff works along similar lines that result in a similar impact.Move step-by-step: An ICS should be modified according to the organization itself. It is important for the organization to establish, evaluate and modify the ICS that also covers all aspects of the business.Define roles and duties: Duties for particular controls ought to be clearly designated to a department or an individual to ensure efficiency. Within this context, the company needs to hire a controlling officer.Train all staff connected to the control system: Employee training is a key factor in guaranteeing the efficiency of any Internal Control System. Everybody needs to comprehend that being part of the internal controlling system requires they familiarize themselves with major risks, or alterations that might need to be made in any given situation. This will help ensure that corresponding controls can be put into practice.Make sure resources are available: Improving or establishing an ICS means making substantial resources available throughout the process. Whether this is in the form of software, HR or financial leeway to make necessary purchases, the department needs to have the resources required to function properly.Prepare the Interna l Control System for potential problems: New problems come up and existing ones must be catered to. Thus, the controls should also be modified accordingly. The internal control system is only going to remain effective if risks are evaluated continuously and necessary action is taken accordingly.Effectiveness of the Control System supervised by the Board and Management: The department should be supervised on an ongoing basis to make sure that controls are effectively carried out. The Board must ensure that the control system is frequently updated.Understand that theres no such thing as complete security: A Controlling System always involves evaluating potential risks that a company is exposed to and also predicting expenses. Due to various reasons, its impossible to reduce every risk since risks cannot completely be eliminated. The most important thing would be that the company’s Board and Management fully understand this risk.CONSIDERATIONS WHILE CREATING THE CONTROLLING DEPARTMEN TThe controlling department should not be setup without proper planning. From commitment at the top-level, to ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities, it is important to keep several things in mind while adding this department to your organization.Commitment at the Top LevelDirect participation of the top management in internal control is an important factor for the company’s success. For control management, it helps increating and helping the standard committee,creating and determining recommendations and goals,delivering assets and training,supervising implementation at every level of the company, andassessing and revising in accordance with the results accomplished.Commitment to Controlling Department at every Organizational LevelResponsibilities of the Board of DirectorsThe Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for a company’s Internal Control system department. Here is a list of responsibilities for the board:It should carefully set recommendations and update the guidelines accordingly.Observe the organizational risks identified and review them. They must decide if the ICS is able to control these risks.After half a year, when the Annual Report as well as the First-Half Report is approved, assess the strength of the Groups Internal Control System to make sure that the principal risks faced by the organization are being adequately dealt with.To correctly execute the duties designated, the Board of Directors will need to depend on the appropriate resources to oversee the Control System. First and foremost, it must determine a control committee that can help them by delivering recommendations and plans for the Internal Control System. It appoints individuals from the Committee and chooses its Chairman within the committee membershipIn addition, it must hire the ICS Compliance officer, and evaluate his independence and professional capability.Responsibilities of EmployeesAll employees, according to the duties designated to them by th e company, must also carry out a few tasks for internal controlling and follow a set criterion.If these employees have been hired for the ICS, then it can be assumed that they meet a certain company criteria because of which they can be trusted with new responsibilities that come with the control system. All other employees must be trained and taught their roles and responsibilities towards the ICS.Division of dutiesNo one person should assess the accounting process, nor does one staff member handle every facet of a transaction. However, if an individual worker produces assessments, then another employee should cross-check. Switch tasks each month and it’s recommended to avoid letting one employee hold all control of any essential process.When walking in the office, keep yourself familiar with what the employees do so that they are aware that they are being watched. This also reduces communication barrier with employees. By making regular rounds, employees remain cautious and they keep focused on their work.Assessment of the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Controlling DepartmentA periodic review of the efficiency of the ICS should be carried out. Such a periodic review can be a task delegated to the Board of Directors that helps the Internal Control Committee. In undertaking this evaluation, the directors will be conscious in not just reviewing the working system of an ICS within the company but also regularly assessing the structure of the Internal Control System, its competence, efficiency as well as actual functioning.The Board of Directors should evaluate the ICS every six months. They can go through the reviews submitted by IC Compliance Officer, evaluating (i) when the present structure in the ICS was efficient in achieving the goals (ii) whether any reported flaws have a noteworthy difference in the system.Each year after the approval of the Annual Report is given by the Board of Directors, they will also:Browse the major organizational risks give n for consideration and review as to how they have been recognized, examined and handled. Particularly, it must consider the alterations.Review the strength of the Internal Control System in managing the risks mentioned above, particularly when it comes to reporting any significant mistakes or flaws in an internal control.Bear in mind which actions are taken or should instantly be remedied in case of flaws.Prepare any other recommendations, processes and behavior rules that will adequately counteract new risks or previous ones that werent handled properly.HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM?Responding to these questions can help review your Internal Control System. It can also provide possibilities to enhance your Internal Control System.Do you have goals and requirements to improve your ICS? Rather than jumping into setting up a controlling department, spend time planning the goals and responsibilities of said department. Include the administration in this step so the new d epartment has the complete support of the management.Have you hired specifically for the ICS? Hire specifically if you do not have the skills in-house, rather than putting someone without adequate experience in charge of such an important function.What is the systematic technique of determining and assessing risks, and also have these risks/checks been recorded?Have the processes and controls both been recorded?Are you sure that controls established cover any material risks?Are controls modifiable if the risk situation changes?Does the company supervise if controls have really been completed and are clearly recorded?Does the Board of Directors receive regular reports on internal controls? Establish a timeline for reporting, and ensure that the new controlling department follows it. Without proper reporting, your Board of Directors will be unable to keep track of whats happening.Is the standard of internal controls examined periodically when it comes to the needs given by the Directo rs?Have the necessary measures to address flaws been recognized and taken within the Internal Control System, and was the implementation of those measures supervised?Every organization has different departments in terms of its size, degree of centralization and complexity. Thus, there is no one method of ICS which can be applied universally. Therefore, managers of every department in a company should use a guideline that could assist them in making their internal control systems, which are consistent with their company’s objectives and goals while keeping in mind the costs involved in implementing them.

World War II The Cold War - 1087 Words

World War II was devastating to all powers involved, but especially to the countries of Europe who had a war raging in their backyard. After the war ended, the world was a disaster, with economic and political policies destroyed. However, the tension that encompassed the world did not pass with the ending of the war; instead, it grew under the surface, strengthening animosity between countries with differing views, particularly the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and the United States (US). While both of these world powers were on the victorious allied powers, they had greatly differing views on how to govern their people: the USSR was socialist and communistic, while the US was democratic and capitalist. After WWII ended, the US continued to build up its army, for it saw the devastation that came with being unprepared; the USSR continued to live in a war mind-set, seeing most actions of the US as aggressive and offensive moves. This combination led to the inevitable Cold War, which further harmed a world that was trying to recover. The US had a supreme military that was creating new, unheard of weapons, such as the atomic bombs that flattened entire Japanese cities. These new weapons , in addition to the increased naval and air force the US was building both in and outside of its borders , added to the USSR opinion that the US was trying to become a â€Å"world supremacy† who believed they had the right to rule . The establishment of military bases throughoutShow MoreRelatedWorld War II And The Cold War902 Words   |  4 Pagesinfluenced by some form of ideas and ideologies, or the desire for power, wealth, and land. The events that lead up to and occurred during World War II and the Cold War have been affected by both influences. Throughout both events, the strongest influence both events faced was the desire for land, power and wealth. World War II was a major conflict that affected the world, leaving behind several casualties, broken cities, and death. Under Adolf Hitler’s control, Nazi Germany sought to conquer and controlRead MoreThe World War II And The Cold War1199 Words   |  5 Pagesfollow the end of World War II. The imperialism they discussed was one of political and commercial influence as a way to control territories, instead of the colonial method. The colonial empires remained devastated following the events of World War II and, the dawn of Stalin and Churchill’s new imperialism would spark the Cold War between the economically powerful United States and the politically frightening Soviet Union. This post World War II Imperialism divided the world into three positionsRead MoreThe Cold War And The World War II872 Words   |  4 PagesDuring the World War II through the present, the Cold War and the Globalization impacted a lot both positive and negative sides for the national world. The Cold War was a remarkable time for not only Germany and Globalization was a big shift for the world. From that, people defined Cold War as a division and Globalization as integration. So why do people define two events like that? The Cold War was simile as a division, especially when it came to Germany. As we all know, Germany was divided intoRead MoreWorld War II : The Cold War978 Words   |  4 PagesAfter World War II came to a stop in the mid-20th century, a new rivalry began known as the Cold War. This battle sorrowed the world’s two great powers the democratic, capitalist United States and the communist Soviet Union against each other. Beginning in the late 1950s, space would become another tense stage for this competition, as each side wanted to prove the superiority of its technology, its military firepower and by extension its political-economic system. There were a lot that led up priorRead MoreWorld War II And The Cold War916 Words   |  4 PagesOn a cold March morning on the 5th of 1953 Stalin lay in his bed surrounded by his personal doctors the great uncle Joe Stalin had been laid to rest euthanized by his doctors. He had grown up a member of the communist party more so a member as a means to power then a true believer in the doctrine. He would soon see this position put him in charge of the entirety of the newly named USSR (United Soviet Socialts Republic). He would steer the country through the horrors of World War II and he would consolidateRead MoreThe World War II And The Cold War1247 Words   |  5 Pagesof providing for the nation while at war. Although war’s affect may touch upon many aspects of life not only in America but any nation at war, blurred lines take the place of division between the civilian and military and economics. Private and public economics blend together, partly due to the massive spending dedicated to weapons and warfare, biological and traditional. The groundwork for this blended infrastructure was laid before World War II and the Cold War; conversely, there are more roadblocksRead MoreThe Cold War On World War II1264 Words   |  6 PagesFrom numerous points of view, the Cold War started even before the weapons fell quiet in Germany and in the Pacific in 1945. Suspicion and doubt had characterized U.S. - Soviet relations for a considerable length of time and reemerged when the cooperation against Adolf Hitler who was chancellor of Germany during World War 2, was no more. The belief system and dreams of the after war world anticipated U.S. president Harry S Truman and Soviet Dictator Joseph Stalin from cooperating. Stalin expectedRead MoreWorld War II : The Cold War962 Words   |  4 PagesSoon after World War II ended in the mid-20th century, a new rivalry started known as the Cold War. This battle aroused enmity between the world’s two great powers the democratic, capitalist United States and the communist Soviet Union. In the late 1950s, space became center stage for this competition, as each side left no stone unturned to prove the superiority of its technology, military firepower and political-economic system. There was a lot that led up to the space race. The United States cameRead MoreWorld War II : The Cold War882 Words   |  4 PagesAs a result of World War II, Germany was divided between the four most triumphant allies. The United States, France, and Britain shared West Germany. On the other hand, East Germany was occupied by the communist Soviet Union. In the center of the Soviet side, these four countries split the city of Berlin as well. The French, British, and Americans contained the west zone of Berlin, while the Soviets contained the east of Berlin, in the same manner that they had split the entire country. As soonRead MoreThe World War II : The Cold War2518 Words   |  11 Pagesmostly due to World War II. America and the Soviets were both excellent examples of terrible relationships. They both started in World War II fighting alongside together. This entire time the Communism presented by the Soviets frightened America. America’s worries were mainly because of the tyrannical leadership by Joseph Stalin. Finally, the Cold War began after Soviet continued to expand and the US became more worried. There were very high tensions leading up to the Cold War and during. There

What Is a Cannizzaro Reaction (Organic Chemistry)

Dilemma Of Philosophy Of Education Free Essays

The decreased visibility and influence of philosophy of education on the educators’ community at large needs some deliberation. Rene Arcilla (2002) opened the debate with an essay on the subject. This was discussed with a number of educators who had different opinions with some even denying that there was a malady, while others agreed that while it did exist, the causes for the same were different. We will write a custom essay sample on Dilemma Of Philosophy Of Education or any similar topic only for you Order Now Eric Bredo argued that the problem is due to tension between philosophical credibility and making it relevant to education. The present confusion is apparently that of identity. Harvey Siegel on the other hand states that the crisis is only in the minds of philosophers and states that Arcilla’s argument that philosophers have neglected educators is not valid as educators are not just the K-12 school personnel. (Arcilla, 2002). Barbara Stengel has identified Arcilla’s anxiety with his personal dilemma of identity and indicates that if the role of educational philosophy is to integrate between the two then it is time to undertake the same through action rather than worrying about it. Kathleen Knight Abowitz seeks a solution to the problem in communication by adoption of multifarious approaches by the philosophers of education to include different languages, contexts and concerns of the audiences. Donald Arnstine belongs to the school with does not find any relevance in interaction between philosophers and educators and believes that each operates at a different level and calls for a review of the policy making process. Frederick Ellett feels that there is interaction between philosophers and educators when it involves a level higher than the K-12 educators while Audrey Thomson feels that the problem lies in the unequal relationship wherein philosophy attempts to be the master of the discourse attempting to explain to education how to do better. Gary Fenstermacher is of the view that the issue is overplayed and feels that philosophers and educators are talking with one another. He feels that both are important and right in their own context. On the whole these views of various authors provide many paths for consideration and reflection on the philosophy of education. How to cite Dilemma Of Philosophy Of Education, Papers

Symbolism in One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest free essay sample

The critically acclaimed novel â€Å"One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest†, written by Ken Kesey, takes place in an Oregon mental institution. The narrator in the story is Chief Bromden, who is of Native American Indian and white descent. He is a paranoid schizophrenic, and pretends to be a mute on the ward as to draw less attraction to himself. The other patients on the ward describe him as being â€Å"deaf and dumb†. When the new patient McMurphy arrives on the ward Chief’s world is turned upside down in more ways than he can imagine, and within this stranger he finds friendship and most of all – himself. In the novel Ken Kesey uses a lot of important religious as well as size and power imagery to show the struggles McMurphy has in helping the other patients find themselves and the lack of personal strength in Chief’s world. He also uses the image of the Combine to show how Chief realises there is a system which tries to encourages full conformity within his society. A lot of the imagery in this novel is religiously based. For example Ellis, one of the Chronic patients on the ward, stands â€Å"crucified† to the wall. His position mimics the shape of the table in the Shock Shop, where patients are given Electro-Shock Therapy to help them with their mental recovery. Both Ellis in his position on the wall, and the patients on the Shock Shop table are strapped with arms outspread, just like how Christ was nailed to the cross. When McMurphy and the Chief are taken to the Disturbed ward they meet a patient who says to them â€Å"I wash my hands of the whole deal†, which brings to mind Pontius Pilate who washed his hands of Christs crucifixion. In the novel Kesey makes illusions to McMurphy being a Christ-like figure, and the references to him holding this position increase in intensity and number as McMurphy’s martyrdom becomes imminent. A good example of this is when McMurphy takes some of the other patients on the ward on a fishing expedition. The patients attending the trip are twelve in number, the same number as Christ disciples. Just before they leave Ellis unhooks his arm, shakes Billy Bibbit’s hand and tells him to be â€Å"a fisher of men†, the same phrase used by Christ when telling his disciples to win people over as converts. The fishing trip can be seen as the ‘salvation’ of the patients, the time when they begin to learn to fend for themselves again. By sitting back on the boat and letting the others handle the storm on their own McMurphy helps them prove their worth to themselves and each other, just as Christ taught the disciples to be self-sufficient in preparation for his own death and departure. The most significant religious image us that both McMurphy and Christ die to save others and give them hope. McMurphy saves the patients from the repressive society they live in and teaches them to have hope in themselves; meanwhile Christ saves mankind from sin and teaches them to have hope in a life eternal. Another form of imagery in the novel OFOTCN is that of size, which the Chief connects with power. Chief describes people by their metaphorical size, not just their physical size. As early as his childhood he applies this theory, a good example being that he sees his father decrease in size as his power declines after the selling of their land and his alcohol addiction increases (â€Å"He didn’t suck out of the bottle, the bottle sucked out of him†) but in contrast he sees his mother grow in stature as she begins to control her husband. The Chief tells McMurphy that his mother was huge but in fact she was an average size of five feet nine inches. Every time Nurse Ratched gets angry at/ or increases her mental control over the patients the Chief sees her to be â€Å"blowing up a size bigger, blowing and puffing, rolling anything in her path†. Although McMurphy is a full head shorter than he is, Chief thinks that McMurphy is a giant for he believes he has a lot of physical and mental power. McMurphy realises that the Chief sees himself as a trapped, small, weak man and promises to restore him to his full height, which he accomplishes by the end of the book. Chief feels his full height of six feet seven inches when the Nurses’ power over him subsides, and he throws the control panel through the window so he can escape from the institution. The last form of imagery I will discuss is that of mechanistic and the existence of the Combine. Chief’s theory is that there is a system of hierarchy within society which uses repressive forces to mow down individuals, much like a combine harvester mows down and harvests wheat. The Chief has recognized the power of the Combine and the potential it has to mow down and mould a man into what it wishes him to be; so when McMurphy enters the ward he warns him about the Combines powerful forces as he realises the Combine will not let a man as big and powerful as McMurphy exist unless he is on their repressive side. Nurse Ratched is a perfect representative of the Combine as she is big, strong and repressive – she keeps the patients in fear and under control. When McMurphy fights against the Nurse he is really striking up against the entire Combine, and in retaliation to his individuality and out of fear for his powerfulness the Combine perform a lobotomy on him to keep him under repressed and under control. Everyone else on the ward (and the rest of the population outside of the institution) are described as machine like beings by Chief, such as the ward attendees with their â€Å"eyes that glitter like the hard glitter of radio tubes† and the Nurse is compared to a diesel truck that smells of burning oil and runs wildly. He believes that the Combine has installed tiny machines in everyone’s brain to make them conform, and when the machines are broken they are sent to the institutions to either get fixed (e. g. given a lobotomy or EST) so they can re enter society or they get thrown away and forgotten (i. e. kept on the ward). When outside the ward on his fishing expedition with the other patients he sees how the Combine has been at work since he had been away; everyone looks alike and lives in identical houses, much like a â€Å"hatch of identical insects†. Through this machinery imagery Kesey seems to be saying that everything we see that is mechanical and man made goes against all that is natural. McMurphy is shown as the natural, savage man, fighting against the Combine and all it’s repressive machinery. In conclusion in the novel OFOTCN written by Ken Kesey, the author uses many forms of imagery to get his messages across, such as religious – drawing comparisons between McMurphy and Christ; size and power – Chiefs struggle to see himself for his true size; and mechanistic – shows The Combine’s power over the book’s society.

Tips for Improving your Essay Writing Skills

Essay writing requires good skills. This article will help you in improving your essay writing skills by just following few simple and easy tips. All the writers can take help from this article and can get the benefit out of it. Step by step writing to write an essay perfectly it is important to go step by step. Essay writing has a proper step by step procedure that a writer should follow. First step is the introduction paragraph in which the topic is introduced, then comes the body of the essay and it then ends up with the concluding essay in which the topic is winded up. Don’t skip these steps and add the content according to the steps. Skipping steps of the essay writing will make the quality of the essay poor and there will be no continuity in the essay which makes the essay weak. Making the mistake at this stage of essay can ruin your entire essay so always start your essay with the very first step keeping the further steps in mind. Authenticity authenticity is highly important in anything may it be a movie, an essay, a thesis or a coursework the authenticity is one most important tool. Authentic essays are always strong and are of excellent quality. Authentic contents are always found from the reliable sources, so adding the content from the reliable primary and secondary sources will make your essay authentic. Writing authentic essays is also a skill that everyone does not have it and some has it so they need to polish it. Relevancy always try making your content relevant to the topic. Adding relevant information and content in the essay can change the entire structure of your essay. Many people choose a different topic and add a slightly different content that doesn’t match their topic or if it is matching so only a particular percentage of the content is relevant but a good writer will make the content 100% relevant because he will know how important the relevancy of the essay is especially in professional life. Adding non-relevant content can also lead your essay to rejection, so it is always better to make preventions instead of curing things later. Originality writing 100% original essay is not a piece of cake nor is it a cup of everyone’s tea. Majority of people are not able to write 100% original content that’s because they run away from the research work. Those who are good with the research work and enjoy the research work usually has this skill but if you are not able to write original content then make  a habit of research every time before start writing an essay. For an essay it is very important to write 100% original essay and that can be possible only with the research work.

Funny Christmas Party Themes

Funny Christmas Party Themes Whether youre planning an evening with the family, or a rambunctious party with your friends, your Ð ¡hristmas get-together will need a theme. And why settle for something boring like Ð ¡hristmas movie night when you can do something completely unique and something that anyone, regardless of age, will enjoy? Lets jump into this list of funny Ð ¡hristmas party themes. Favorite Christmas Song Karaoke Night Now is the best time to start rehearsing those Christmas hits everyone loves for one month out of the year. Everyone loves karaoke, and the kitschy ambiance will make the right guests scream (into the microphone) with glee. Either rent out a space, or, for smaller groups, rent out a karaoke machine to hook up to the TV in your living room. Is this way to spend Christmas seem a bit weird to you? Its because you havent read about other unusual things people do on Christmas. Ugly Sweater Party If you dont own at least one chunky, uneven sweater made by a relative you barely know, youre either lying or just went through your clothes and donated a bunch. Either way, everyone loves an ugly sweater, and an occasion to celebrate our weird love for weirdly-colored holiday-themed garb would be welcome by anyone. Gift Randomizer Its like Secret Santa, except the secret is that no one knows who the gift is for. Tell your guests about the randomizer, set the amount guests are allowed to spend on the gift (over $20 and under $50 is a good range), and expect hilarity. When they arrive, drop everyones names into a hat, and randomize away! It might be more fun to not tell your guests upfront about the randomizer, but expect some sour faces if you decide to do that. It can be hard to buy a gift for someone you dont know well, hope these Christmas gifts ideas will help you. Beach-Themed Christmas Around this time of year, cold temperatures reach the level theyre going to be for the next few months, and everyone starts missing the summer months. Throw a reverse Christmas in July with beach cocktails, beach chairs, and a summer attitude. You can host the party at a location with an indoor pool to give everyone that summer feel. Christmas Movie Marathon Everyone has a Christmas movie from childhood that they love. Movies, after all, is how we fell in love with Christmas, how we mark its arrival on our calendars, and how we feel the magic of the holidays. Ask all your prospective guests what their favorite Christmas movies from childhood are, consolidate them into a top five, and make a playlist! If you get that urge to be a great host around the holidays, you can create decorations for your party based on the Christmas movies youre watching. Gingerbread House Decorator-off Is there anyone who doesnt like decorating gingerbread houses? If you answered yes, dont invite these people to your awesome decorator-off. Buy some pre-made gingerbread houses, separate your guests into groups, and may the most creative gingerbread house win! If your groups turn out to be large, set up a few elements that are mandatory to create, like a Christmas tree, a gingerbread man or a snowman. If you need some inspiration for creating an unusual Christmas tree, you should check out our blog about the weirdest Christmas trees. Decoration-Making Party If your Christmas party is not on the 25th, you can make use of the date and have everyone create fantastic DIY decorations for their homes! Find a few guides online for wreaths, faux Christmas trees, and anything else you can find for your guests to make. Try them out for yourself, and pick out the best ones. Youll effectively be hosting the party and guiding everyone youve invited through the process, so make sure you know what youre doing before you decide on this idea. Did you know that some people celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January? If you dont know why, you should read about this fact and other interesting facts about Christmas right away. Youll be surprised with some of them! And there you have it! Eight fantastic ideas that would make Martha Stewart blush. Take one or a few of these themes, and be the best host or hostess you can be this holidays season. With this list, you are sure to impress anyone. If you have any other awesome Christmas party ideas you are welcome to leave the comments!

Quiz Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 14

Quiz - Essay Example With successful implementation, the company could have saved $40M annually (Milton). However, the project was halted in December 2013 with a write off of between $100M to $125M. Avon made a filling in early December 2013 to stop the project. The company sought to stop the project that was rolled out in Canada due to significant market and business disruptions. According to the filing made by the company, the system did not show any clear returns on investments and that the decision to abandon the project was based on the potential risks of further business disruptions (Milton). One of the most successful project in ERP projects of all time is the aluminum company ERP project (Acloa). The company that was started in 1881 embarked on an automation project in 2001. The company contracted Oracle to install and manage and ERP system for their operations in the company and its branches (Micheau 17). With such a big company with branches all over the world, the project was complex and demanding but Oracle managed to pull it off. The project is considered successful because the implementation was able to address all the critical areas of the company’s operations. These are mainly inventory, sales, production and human resource modules of the company. Currently, the company uses ERP system in all its operations including sales management, inventory management, production line management, sales management, and human resource management (Micheau

Features of Postmodernism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Features of Postmodernism - Essay Example The modernist believed that science had shaken the foundations of traditional authorities and truths. Modern man could find a new, rational foundation for universal truth; science, particularly, would reveal new truth, which, when applied to modern society and institutions, would literally remake the world. Modernism "... held the extravagant expectation that the arts and sciences would further not only the control of the forces of nature but also the understanding of self and world, moral progress, justice in social institutions, and even human happiness." [2]. Looking to man and not God, the optimism of modernism has proven itself ill-founded. The response has been postmodernism. Postmodernism can be illustrated as a worldview by looking at five presuppositions inherent in the postmodern worldview: (1) The quest for truth is a lost cause. It is a search for a "holy grail" that doesn't exist and never did. Postmodernists argue that objective, universal, knowable truth is mythical; a ll we have ever found in our agonized search for Truth are "truths" that were compelling only in their own time and culture, but true Truth has never been ours. Furthermore, if we make the mistake of claiming to know the Truth, we are deluded at best and dangerous at worst. (2) A person's sense of identity is a composite constructed by the forces of the surrounding culture. Individual consciousness--a vague, "decentered" collection of unconscious and conscious beliefs, knowledge, and intuitions about oneself and the world--is malleable and arrived at through interaction with the surrounding culture. ... Individual consciousness--a vague, "decentered" collection of unconscious and conscious beliefs, knowledge, and intuitions about oneself and the world--is malleable and arrived at through interaction with the surrounding culture. Postmodernism then, in stark contrast to modernism, is about the dissolving of the self. From the postmodernist perspective, we should not think of ourselves as unique, unified, self-conscious, autonomous persons. (3) The languages of our culture (the verbal and visual signs we use to represent the world to ourselves) literally "construct" what we think of as "real" in our everyday existence. In this sense, reality is a "text" or "composite" of texts, and these texts (rather than the God-created reality) are the only reality we can know. Our sense of self--who we are, how we think of ourselves, as well as how we see and interpret the world and give ourselves meaning in it--is subjectively constructed through language. (4) "Reality" is created by those who have power. One of postmodernism's preeminent theorists, Michel Foucault, combines the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's ideas about how those in power shape the world with a theory of how language is the primary tool for making culture. Foucault argues that whoever dominates or controls the "official" use of language in a society holds the key to social and political power. (Think, for example, of how official political "spin" control of specific words and phrases can alter the public perception of political decisions, policies, and events.) Put simply, Nietzsche said all reality is someone's willful, powerful construction; Foucault says language is the primary tool in

Folic Acid Biotechnological Production and Applications

Folic Acid Biotechnological Production and Applications NUR SHAHIRAH BINTI BAHARUDIN Summary Folic acid (synthetic form) which also known as folate (naturally occurring form) is a member of the water soluble B complex vitamin. Folic acid is man-made. It can be found in many beans, grains, fortified breakfast cereals, pasta, and green vegetables. Folic acid plays big part in building DNA and aids the body to make new new cells, especially red blood cells. Folic acid hold general properties of water-soluble vitamin which are enter the bloodstream properties immediately after being consumed through excretion in urine. Other than that, unlike fat-soluble vitamin, they are easily destroyed in heat or by air pressure. These folic acid are absorbed into blood via portal vein to the liver. Vitamin B9 including folic acid and folate is important for several bodily functions which are used for synthesizing and repairing DNA, RNA and , assisting rapid cell division and growth to produce healthy red blood cells. It is important for pregnant women to have enough folic acid to prevent major birth defects of her babys brain or spine and enhances brain health. The memory is said to be improved through folic acid consumption. The human body does not synthesize folic acid, therefore to make sure we have adequate amounts ,we should take it everyday. To reduce the number of neural tube defects there are many countries are adopted the policy of fortification of folic acid. When fortification is introduced , many people are exposed to an increased intake of folic acid .With this, neural tube defects can be prevented. For animals, diet that consists can influence DNA and histone. This leads to phenotypic changes in next generation. While for humans, the increased intake leads to elev ated blood concentrations and of unmetabolized folic acid. This related to decreased natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and reduce the response to antifolate drugs used against cancer, malaria, and cancer. Keywords : Folic acid, water-soluble vitamin,fat-soluble vitamin, methylation,antifolate 1 INTRODUCTION History of Folic acid Through a research made by Indian scientist, there is connection between the macrocytic anaemia and deficiency in the diet. However, what kind of deficiency was not determined. The name of â€Å"folic acid was suggested which coming from the Latin word for the leaf â€Å"foium†,due to a factor suspected of having vitamin-like properties in animals that was isolated from spinach. In 1945, the importance of folic acid to treat a type of amenia during pregnancy can be seen through a demonstration. In 1962 , Dr. Victor Herbert conducted experiment on himself in order to show a shortage of folic acid caused a type of anemia.The experiment is successful. It was Dr. Herbert’s findings that set the criteria for the diagnosis of folate deficiency and the folic acid adult requirement. Figure 1.1 Chemical Structure of Folic Acid 2 FOLIC ACID BIOLOGICAL ROLES 2.1 DNA and Cell Division For the production DNA and RNA synthesis and maintaining new cells, folate is required. And it is also required in preventing changes to DNA, and, thus, for preventing cancer. More specifically it helps in the manufacture of nucleic acids like Thymine. A folate coenzyme is required for the synthesis of methionine, and methionine is required for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM is a methyl group (one-carbon unit) donor used in many biological methylation reactions, including the methylation of a number of sites within DNA and RNA. 2.2 Biochemistry of DNA base and amino acid production In the form of a series of tetrahydrofolate (THF) compounds, folate derivatives are substrates in a number of single-carbon-transfer reactions, and also are involved in the synthesis of dTMP (2†²-deoxythymidine-5†²-phosphate) from dUMP (2†²-deoxyuridine-5†²-phosphate). It is a substrate for an important reaction that involves vitamin B12 and it is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and required for all dividing cells. 2.3 Conversion to biologically active derivatives All the biological functions of folic acid are performed by tetrahydrofolate and other derivatives. Their biological availability to the body depends upon dihydrofolate reductase action in the liver. This action is unusually slow in humans. Due to this low activity, it has been suggested this limits the conversion of folic acid into its biologically active forms when folic acid is consumed at levels higher than the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (1 mg/d for adults) 3 FOLIC ACID USES AND EFFECTIVENESS Kidney disease About 90% of people with serious kidney disease have high levels of homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to heart disease and stroke.By taking folic acid,it may lower homocysteine levels in people with serious kidney disease. However,through a research, folic acid supplementation are found fail to reduce the risk of heart disease-related events. Colon Cancer Folic acid play big role of protection for patients with the inflammatory bowel condition ulcerative colitis are particularly at risk for colon cancer. In a subsequent study, researchers examined the effects of folate on a laboratory model of colorectal cancer development in mice. They discovered that animals consuming a folate-deficient diet developed intestinal masses, while those mice on a control diet consuming adequate amounts of folate remained free of tumors. The conclusion is that folate deficiency increased DNA damage by decreasing the expression of two genes involved in DNA repair. This study is consistent with the majority of epidemiological studies in humans, which demonstrate a clear link between colorectal cancer development and inadequate folate consumption. 4 Folic Acid : The most essential nutrient for Pregnancy Folic acid is well-known as the most essential nutrient for pregnancy. There are many studies have shown that women can reduce the risk that their baby will be born with a serious neural tube defect ( incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord) up to 70% for women who get 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) daily prior to conception and during early pregnancy. The most common neural tube defects are spina bifida, an incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column anencephaly, severe underdevelopment of the brain encephalocele, when brain tissue protrudes out to the skin from an abnormal opening in the skull. Its so important for all women of childbearing age to get enough folic acid , not just those who are planning to become pregnant, because all of these defects occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy usually before a woman even knows shes pregnant. Through a survey, only 50% of pregnancies are planned, so any woman who could become pregnant should make sure shes getting enough folic acid. Folic acid has no use biochemically in the body until it is converted into these other forms of folate such as: Tetrahydrofolate (THF) 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (Folinic acid) 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (Methylfolate 5 FOOD SOURCES OF FOLATE Folic acid is a form of folate. Since folate is water-soluble B vitamin, it is found naturally in foods. This vitamin cannot be synthesized in our body. Folate is important for everyone especially it helps make red blood cells. If you do not have enough folate, you can get a type of anaemia. If you have anaemia you may feel tired, weak and unable to concentrate. Folate also very important for infants, children and women who are pregnant. It helps to prevent some birth defects. Women who could become pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding need more folate. They should take a daily folic acid supplement of 400 mcg (0.4 mg).In addition to poor dietary intake of deficient intake of other B vitamins can contribute to folate deficiency. These vitamins include B1, B2, and B3 which are all involved in folate recycling. Poor protein intake can cause deficiency of folate binding protein which is needed for optimal absorption of folate from the intestine, and can also be related to an insuffic ient supply of glycine and serine, the amino acids that directly participate in metabolic recycling of folate. Excessive intake of alcohol, smoking, and heavy coffee drinking can also contribute to folate deficiency. How much folate should everyone aim? Nutrient Interactions How do other nutrients interact with folate ? Vitamins B1, B2, and B3 must be present in adequate amounts to enable folic acid to can hide a vitamin B12 deficiency, by masking blood-related symptoms. A Food Rating System is created in order to better help to identify foods that feature a high concentration of nutrients for the calories they contain, we created This system allows us to highlight the foods that are especially rich in particular nutrients. The following chart shows the Worlds Healthiest Foods that are either an excellent, very good, or good source of folate. Next to each food name, we may find the serving size we used to calculate the food’s nutrient composition Table 1.2 Use the following to determine the intake of folate 6 FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY Shortage of folic acid can cause severe health problems in offspring, including anaemia, cardiovascular and liver diseases. A study out today revealed that the metabolism of folic acid not only impacts the immediate offspring but can also have detrimental health effects on the next several generations due to a mutation in a gene necessary. The new research, which also focus on the molecular mechanism of folic acid. The damaging effects of folic acid deficiency on development are quite renowned. This is demonstrated t by the researchers, from the Universities of Cambridge and Calgary. They used mice in this experiment as they metabolize folic acid very similarly to humans, because folic acid deficiency or mutations in the same genes required to break down folic acid in humans result in similar developmental abnormalities and diseases in mice. This enables the researchers to analyze the effects of how the molecular mechanism of folic acid deficiency impacted development that causing health problems. Other than that, inadequate in either B12 or folate can lead to macrocytic anaemia, a disease which red blood cell are larger than normal. It characterized by the production of fewer but larger red blood cells, thus a reduce ability to carry oxygen. Those affected may be weak, light-headed, and short of breath due to anemia. A deficiency in B12 can also result in varying degrees of neuropathy or nerve damage .The symptoms of lack of B12 can cause itchy and numbness in the persons hands and feet. In severe cases, mental changes that range from confusion and irritability to dementia may appear. For proper foetal development, pregnant women need sufficient amounts of folate.Increased amounts of folate required because of the added stress of rapidly growing cells (the foetus), If a woman has a folate deficiency during pregnancy, it will be quicken during gestation and may lead to premature birth and neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida, in the child. The number of neural tube defect cases decreased by 36% in the U.S. since focusing on folate supplements during pregnancy. Restless leg syndrome during pregnancy is another neurologic symptom associated with decreased folate.

Thorn Queen Chapter Seventeen

Jasmine nearly leapt ten feet in the air when I came tearing through the hall that led to her cell. â€Å"You!† I exclaimed. â€Å"You can summon water demons.† She widened her eyes, speechless for a change. It appeared as though I'd interrupted her doing†¦well, nothing. In a fit of guilt, I'd sent some books down to her to pass the time, but reports from the guards said she did little but sulk. Well, that and try to cajole them to let her out. I guess she figured she'd deal with Volusian after she got one of the guards to crack. Recovering herself a moment later, she adopted a sneer reminiscent of Ysabel's. Considering their mutual hatred of me, maybe I should have sent her down here to entertain Jasmine. â€Å"Maybe,† Jasmine conceded. â€Å"Why? Afraid I'll use them to break out?† â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"But I need them to get rid of some fire demons.† Roland had told me the best way to oust the demons would be by summoning their opposites. I'd dismissed the idea then, knowing it was beyond my capability. At the same time, I'd considered the possibility that Jasmine could do it†¦though it had seemed a useless sentiment considering I'd had no clue to her whereabouts or any reason to think she'd help me. But now? Well, things were different. Art's attitude had left me feeling helpless and ineffectual. Now, I suddenly felt as though I had the means to take control and actually right some wrongs in this kingdom. â€Å"So?† Jasmine asked, not seeming startled in the least. â€Å"That's got nothing to do with me.† â€Å"Not true. You're going to help me. We're going to face them and their master, and you're going to summon water creatures to take down those demons.† Jasmine's expression was almost comic in its disbelief. â€Å"Why would I help you?† I tried good cop first. â€Å"Because it's the right thing to do. They're hurting innocent people.† â€Å"So? Like I said, that doesn't affect me.† â€Å"Spoken like the selfish child you are.† She flushed. Considering her obsession with having a baby and ruling over both worlds, she didn't like having her age or capabilities mocked. â€Å"I thought you wanted to be the queen of this land once.† She glowered. â€Å"Yes. And I would have been if you hadn't stolen it!† â€Å"Why? Why be queen if you have no intention of doing anything? Did you just want to wear a crown and have people grovel?† She didn't acknowledge that and instead replied stonily, â€Å"I'm not helping you.† I stepped toward the bars, smiling sweetly, even though I was about to enter bad-cop mode. â€Å"Oh, you are. Whether you like it or not.† â€Å"What, you're going to force me or something?† In a matter of seconds, I had my Glock out and pointing straight at her. She paled and backed up against the wall, looking very much like she wanted to melt into it. Behind me, I heard a slight shuffling among the guards. Guns were a very human weapon, made of steel and alloys and other substances that were anathema to the gentry. They were equally deadly to humans-or, in Jasmine's case, half-humans. â€Å"You're crazy,† she said. I shrugged. â€Å"I've got a job to do, and you're key to getting it done. You can cooperate, and maybe I'll improve your living arrangements. Give you a room instead of a cell.† I could see thoughts and schemes spinning behind her eyes. Jasmine was young, inexperienced, and self-centered†¦but she wasn't stupid. I had to think somewhat cheerfully that that too was a family trait. â€Å"And if I don't do it, you're going to shoot me?† â€Å"Well, everyone says I should kill you anyway.† My voice was calm, my face hard. I didn't know if she would believe me or not. Hell, I didn't know if I believed myself. She knew I had little love for her after everything she'd done, and I'd long had a reputation as a ruthless fighter and-as many gentry saw it-murderer. Jasmine swallowed. She was trying to look calm too, but her eyes betrayed her. â€Å"How do you know I won't summon them and have them turn on you once my cuffs are off? You know I can't wear them and still have that kind of power.† I released the safety on the gun, which was still pointed at her. â€Å"Because I'll have this on the back of your head the entire time.† Long silence fell. Volusian was so still that I'd nearly forgotten he was there. Finally, Jasmine said, â€Å"I hate you.† â€Å"So†¦that's a yes?† I took her silence as a confirmation and put the gun away, putting the safety back on and feeling a bit surprised at the pounding of my own heart. Had I really just pointed a gun at a fifteen-year-old girl? Roland and Kiyo both believed dealing with magic could change the kind of person you were. Was messing with lightning and air turning me into someone who could easily threaten others to get my way? No, I decided. This had nothing to do with the magic. This was necessity. I needed to oust those fire demons, and this was the way to do it. â€Å"Eugenie?† A soft voice pulled me from my churning emotions. â€Å"Kiyo!† He stood there in the hall, and I wondered how much he'd overheard. It didn't matter. I was just so insanely happy to see him. The heaviness in my heart lightened, and if there hadn't been so many witnesses, I would have run into his arms. He looked amazing, dressed in human garb: jeans and a plain gray T-shirt that hugged his muscles perfectly. The silken black hair curled around his chin, and his skin looked like caramel. But his eyes†¦his eyes were hard. I gave Jasmine a warning look. â€Å"We'll talk later.† â€Å"Fuck you, Eugenie,† she called. I caught hold of Kiyo's hand and walked back upstairs with him. Seeing him released all the nervous tension in me that had been building up since last night. I'd been so wound up, so worried and afraid. Now, it was like all was right in the world once again. The news about the baby was hard on me, but I still wanted to congratulate him. The words were on my lips as soon as we were alone, but he spoke first. â€Å"Really, Eugenie? This is what it's come to?† My head was still giddy over seeing him. â€Å"What do you mean?† He pointed back toward the dungeon door from which we'd just emerged. â€Å"That! I never expected to find you with a gun to a teen girl's head.† â€Å"It wasn't exactly to her head,† I said. â€Å"And she can help us get rid of those demons. Even if she can't summon true water demons herself, we both know she can call other water creatures.† Kiyo and I had fought off some such creatures-including one that had caught us in a compromising position in his car and nearly killed both of us. â€Å"Those could give us the edge.† â€Å"And if she doesn't, you really are going to kill her?† I sighed and stopped walking, leaning against one of the tapestry-covered walls so I could face him. â€Å"Do you really think I'd do that?† â€Å"She seemed to think you would, and to tell you the truth, I kind of did too. I don't think you realize how scary you can be.† He stood in front of me, with little distance between us, and there was an odd mix of sexual chemistry and antagonism in the air. â€Å"There's a strange feel to you†¦have you been practicing magic?† I didn't answer immediately, which was as good as an admission of guilt. The look he gave me was almost more horrified than when he'd thought I was going to shoot Jasmine. â€Å"A little.† â€Å"A little! Eugenie,† he hissed, leaning close. â€Å"There's no in-between with this stuff. You keep doing it, and you're just going to fall farther and farther down the rabbit hole.† I laughed and threw my arms up, gesturing to the castle. â€Å"I fell into Wonderland a long time ago.† â€Å"You know what I mean. I thought you weren't going to do it anymore. I thought we agreed it was bad.† â€Å"You agreed,† I corrected, feeling my own temper start to rise. â€Å"I had a chance to learn more, and I decided to take it. And like I said, it's only been a little.† â€Å"Learn from who?† he asked suspiciously. â€Å"A woman from Dorian's kingdom. She has some ability with controlling air and has been showing me how to use it. I might be on the verge of calling lightning too.† In front of his furious gaze, there was an instinct to be sheepish†¦and yet, I felt kind of proud at what I'd accomplished. â€Å"Of course. Dorian. Somehow, I'm not surprised.† â€Å"Hey, Dorian's been nice to me lately.† My defense of the gentry king surprised me-as did the truth of it. With so much in chaos recently, I'd found Dorian's presence almost comforting. Kiyo rolled his eyes. â€Å"Yes, and I'm sure he'd love to be nicer still. Look, you start putting all those magical elements together, and you're going to have some serious power on your hands. You're going to be like-â€Å" â€Å"Do not say like Storm King!† I cried. â€Å"I wish everyone would just stop assuming that's inevitable. Plenty of gentry use magic without becoming tyrannical warlords. Give me some credit here.† â€Å"I'm just worried about you,† he growled. â€Å"And do you know what I'm worried about? I'm worried about people starving here, about people not getting enough water. I'm worried about brigands and demons preying on innocents. I'm worried about girls disappearing and possibly being abducted by those who face no accountability. And all of this is on top of trying to still live my human life and keep every goddamned Otherworldly guy out of my pants. So don't come here and start dictating to me. You're never around. You have no idea what I'm going through!† I was shouting, and it was a wonder none of the servants had come scurrying to see what was wrong. My breathing was heavy, and I'd clenched my fists without even realizing it in my anger. â€Å"Why are you here anyway?† I demanded. Kiyo's dark eyes were hard to read, but I could see some of his earlier fury had cooled. I wasn't sure if he'd reconsidered his accusations or simply decided I wasn't worth arguing with. â€Å"I came to see if you wanted to visit the baby.† â€Å"Oh.† For whatever reason, it was like a bucket of cold water on the rest of my anger. I sighed. â€Å"Kiyo†¦I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you-â€Å" He raked a hand through his dark hair. â€Å"And I shouldn't have jumped all over you.† A sly grin turned up the edges of his lips. â€Å"Well, not that way at least. But you're right-I haven't been around. You're going through a lot that I've missed, and I don't know fully what's going on. I mean, that doesn't change how I feel about Jasmine and magic-â€Å" I held up a hand. â€Å"Enough. We can fight about those later. Tell me about the baby.† And like that, Kiyo's face completely transformed. Joy and wonder of such purity filled his features that it was amazing to behold. I'd hardly ever seen him look like that-no, scratch that. I might have never seen him look like that. â€Å"Oh, Eugenie. She's so beautiful. So perfect. I never†¦she's like nothing I ever could have imagined.† Something sank in the pit of my stomach, something cold and leaden. I almost wished he'd get angry again so that my own fury would return. Anger was warmer than sadness. Forcing a smile, I reached for his hand. â€Å"I'm so happy for you,† I said. â€Å"I'd love to see her. What's her name?† â€Å"Luisa.† He said the name like a prayer, like a magic word that could fix all the world's ills. I'd heard him say my name like that too, often in the midst of sex. Obviously, his attitudes toward the two of us were a bit different, but the intensity of his love was similar. â€Å"It's a pretty name,† I said, still trying to smile. A moment of uneasy silence fell. â€Å"Ready to go?† I was growing better at convincing Rurik to let me leave without an escort, and Kiyo and I were able to make good time to the Willow Land. I rode on horseback, and he ran alongside in fox form, able to easily match my pace. While this wasn't an official state visit, I'd grumblingly put on a gentry dress in recognition of my queenly status. It was a simple one, pale blue with cap sleeves and light material. It actually had kind of a Jane Austen feel. The worst part was that since I refused to ride sidesaddle or anything ridiculous like that, the skirt rode up on my legs. With only Kiyo to see me, it didn't matter too much, and he certainly didn't mind. Along the way, we passed another village in my kingdom, one I had yet to visit. I recognized it from Shaya's descriptions. I was pretty sure it was one of the ones with copper ore. Near its outskirts, I could see people working and digging. I made a mental note to stop on the way back-if the Otherworld didn't decide to send me through a different route. Kiyo's fox form meant we didn't have to make any conversation. Spring was progressing rapidly in the Willow Land when we arrived. In fact, it had come much more quickly than I would have expected based on my last visit. There was no snow, and buds were bursting on the trees. The air was warm and picnic-perfect, with crocuses, daffodils, and other spring bulbs sprouting in brightly colored clusters. I was startled at the change until I remembered how the Otherworldly kingdoms were tied to their monarchs. I could pour my energy into the land and help heal it. Dorian kept the Oak Land in a perpetual state of autumn because it brought on memories of his youth that made him feel good and strong. If Maiwenn had just given birth, wouldn't her land reflect that burst of new life? Kiyo shifted back to human shape as we approached the castle's main gates. Those guarding it gave me curious looks but welcomed him with cheers and genuine affection. Indeed, the happy energy was palpable as we walked the halls. Everyone in Maiwenn's hold acted as though they were on their way to a party. Smiles shone on everyone's faces. Kiyo required no escort or guide as he led us swiftly through the halls, up a few flights of stairs, and into Maiwenn's bedroom. As soon as we entered, I decided I might need to have a talk with Shaya about redecorating. The bedroom I'd inherited from Aeson was that of a medieval warlord, with blocky furniture, few windows, and everything-from the thick stone walls to the bedding-in dark, somber colors. Maiwenn's room was light and airy, ringed in windows and filled with exquisite, delicate-looking birch furniture. The sheets on her bed were lavender silk, and gauzy material hung from the canopy. It looked like a room befitting a fairy princess-er, queen. â€Å"Eugenie,† she said, smiling. She was sitting in bed with pillows propped behind her. â€Å"I was hoping you'd come.† Were you? I wondered. A day after having a baby, she looked as gorgeous as usual, her golden hair cascading over a soft pink nightgown. A delicate crown of pearls, even in bed, adorned that luxurious hair, and I pettily thought again about my alleged need for a crown. Kiyo claimed it would send the wrong message, but I suddenly kind of wanted one. A small bundle was in Maiwenn's arms, but mostly all I could see of Luisa was a lacy white cap and a shock of black hair. I smiled back and approached tentatively. Had I treated this visit too casually? Should I have dressed up even more than I had and come bearing gold and frankincense? â€Å"Congratulations. You must be so happy.† Maiwenn's smile became even more radiant. She met Kiyo's eyes, and something passed between them-not romantic, exactly, but a strong emotion I wasn't privy to. Maiwenn carefully lifted her blanket-wrapped bundle, and he took it from her with equal gentleness. â€Å"See?† he said, coming to stand beside me. â€Å"Isn't she beautiful?† Beautiful wasn't quite the word I would have used, though Luisa was definitely cute-which was a relief. I'd met people with ugly babies, and in those situations, you almost always had to lie and say the baby was cute. No need for lies now. Luisa was adorable-which was no surprise with her parentage-and indeed, it was obvious whose genes she'd gotten the bulk of. With her black hair and tanned skin, Luisa was clearly her father's daughter. â€Å"Here,† he said, handing her to me before I could stop him. I hadn't held many babies before, and I took her awkwardly, one arm supporting the length of her body while the other supported her head. She was warm, nearly round with all those blankets, and shifted ever so slightly as she slept. Everything about her was tiny-tiny nose, tiny fingers, tiny eyelashes. A weird feeling built up at the back of my throat, and I remembered my conversation with Dorian. My hips would forever stay slim. My body would never create anything like this. When Luisa briefly opened her eyes to look at me-they were dark blue, no doubt to become brown-I handed her back to her father. Kiyo took her happily, still wearing that wondrous look on his face, and sat on the edge of the bed. He placed Luisa in Maiwenn's arms, and while there was no more touching than such an act required, I again had that sense of connection between them all. An intangible bond that would keep them together forever. I wanted to leave after that. I wanted to run from this place and never come back. But, I had to stay because Kiyo wanted me to be a part of this and because it was the polite thing to do for Maiwenn. So I kept that smile frozen on my face and made small talk that I barely heard, like whether Luisa would inherit any kitsune abilities and when Maiwenn should host the celebration of her birth. At long last, Kiyo said we had to go, and I could tell he only did so for my sake. If he'd had his way, he would have stayed all night. I told Maiwenn congratulations again and assured her of my happiness and the baby's cuteness and a dozen other things new mothers like to hear. Kiyo was full of smiles too, but as soon as we left the room, his faded. â€Å"Was it really that awful?† he asked. I did a double-take. â€Å"What are you talking about? Did I say something wrong?† â€Å"No, Eugenie. You were perfect. Everything was perfect. I don't think Maiwenn noticed a thing-but then, she's pretty distracted.† He sighed. â€Å"But I know you. I can see you're upset. Are you really still that worried about Maiwenn and me getting back together?† Maiwenn and him? How could I explain that what I felt went beyond simple jealousy? It wasn't just that I feared the birth of this baby might bring them together-and that was a legitimate fear of mine-but Luisa's birth impacted me in so many other ways too. I thought about Kiyo and how much I loved him and wanted as strong a relationship as we could have-but that no matter what happened with us, we could never have a family like that. I worried again if he might cast me aside for my inadequacies. And while I was still a long way from being baby crazy or hearing my biological clock, how awful was it going to be if someday I did want a baby and couldn't have one? Or what if-God help me-I did have a baby through some accident? I could never love it, not with that prophecy hanging over my head†¦. â€Å"It's complicated,† I said, realizing Kiyo was waiting for an answer. â€Å"Eugenie,† he said wearily. â€Å"I love you. I love you so much. This isn't going to change that. Maiwenn and I are through as lovers. I will always care about her, and we're going to work together to make sure Luisa's raised with all the love and attention she needs. But you're the woman I love, the woman who's my partner and who I want to be with forever.† His words were sweet, and they did warm part of me up. But he still didn't get the whole picture, didn't understand the tangle of emotions this birth had stirred up in me. It was so hit or miss with Kiyo lately. Some days, I felt like he knew me better than I knew myself. Other days, when it came to the issue of babies-or magic or ruling a kingdom-it was like he didn't get me at all. â€Å"I know,† I said, laying my hand on his. I certainly wasn't going to fight or debate this in the middle of Maiwenn's castle. â€Å"Look, it's okay. We'll talk about this later. Right now†¦well, I can tell you don't really want to go.† He shook his head. â€Å"No, no. I'm coming with you-â€Å" â€Å"Kiyo,† I said, unable to help a small smile, â€Å"I know you. I saw your face up there. You want to be with Luisa more. And you should. Stay awhile, and I'll just go back myself.† â€Å"Eugenie†¦Ã¢â‚¬  But I could tell I was right. â€Å"It's fine. And I'll be fine. I'm the big bad Thorn Queen, remember? Besides, I want to visit that village we passed.† He was silent for several seconds. â€Å"Where will you be tomorrow? I want to find you.† â€Å"I'm not sure. In the morning I have to be back in Tucson for a job-and to talk to Roland-but after that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  So much kept happening lately that I was always shuffling one problem around for another. I hadn't had the chance to talk to Roland about Art and the Yellow River connection, nor did Kiyo know about the recent developments around that either. Before I could start to explain, Kiyo turned us in an unexpected direction. â€Å"Do you want to go hunting fire demons?† I regarded him with surprise. â€Å"Really?† â€Å"Well, if you've got Jasmine and your new tricks, you've got more of a fighting chance, so I figure you might as well make it a slam dunk and bring me along. You've been wanting to get rid of them, right?† We'd come to a stop in the hall, and the scenario was eerily parallel to when we'd been in my castle earlier. There was no chastisement or echoes of that argument now, and I was grateful. â€Å"Thank you,† I said, leaning toward him. I placed a light kiss on his lips-or at least, I tried to make it light. His hand reached out and grabbed my shoulder, bringing me closer still and intensifying the kiss. I pulled back, wondering just how weird it would be for a servant to see the father of their queen's child making out with someone else. Of course, among the gentry, that kind of thing was probably pretty typical. â€Å"Go,† I said, stepping back before I was tempted to kiss him again. â€Å"Go see your beautiful daughter. We'll talk tomorrow.† â€Å"Thanks, Eugenie.† His face split into one of those wonderful grins. â€Å"And thank you for†¦I don't know. You understand me. I don't think anyone else does.† I smiled back and then watched him turn around. A few moments later, I turned as well. As I stepped outside into the balmy spring air, I wondered if anyone truly understood me.

Bidvest Corporate strategy Essay

1. Executive Summary Bidvest is a South Africa-based distribution services and trading business and the largest foodservice business outside North America. The group is active in freight management, outsourced services, industrial and commercial products and services, printing, packaging closures, stationery, office products, corporate travel and automotive retailing. Bidvest is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with over 105,000 employees on four continents. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidvest_Group .The group is also highly debt-averse – a position it is able to maintain through its ability to generate cash. This assignment firstly provides an introduction into who is Bidvest and provides a broad and critical evaluation of Bidvest strategy. The group used approach that evaluated Bidvest started with highlighting the key success factors of Bidvest. Secondly we used the two competitiveness models, firstly the generic business strategies which are also supported by Porter for possible use in adoption to gain competitive advantage model and Porter’s diamond model. From investor perspective Bidvest shares are very appealing for their stability and or growth and for anyone who is in the market for a job, they will not go wrong with Bidvest. Lastly any small innovative struggling company out there who would like to will like to be on the shoulders of a giant they should not look elsewhere. 2. Introduction The Bidvest Group started as an idea to raise capital to acquire, fix and develop underperforming services business by Brian Joffe. Joffe consolidated what was a highly fragmented support services sector and created the enabling working conditions for people to enjoy their work and flourish. It started with the acquisition of Chipkins Catering Supplies in 1988 Bidvest was founded by Mervyn Chipkin and Brian Joffe in 1988 via an R8 million cash shell (a little over US$1 million in 2011 rands). The shell was a fast-track to a 1989 stock exchange listing. The next acquisition was the purchase of Sea World frozen foods. Bidvest listed on the JSE and its appetite for acquisitions has been insatiable ever since. Since then, Bidvest acquired a range of companies in diverse sectors from hygiene services to sports marketing to logistics to stationery. The group’s international expansion began in 1995 when it acquired 50.1% of Australian Stock exchange listed Manettas. This business was renamed to Bidvest Australia. Bidvest has a small corporate office to give strategic direction, pursue strategic growth opportunities, support divisions, monitor performance, and maintain the entrepreneurial spirit and a red-tape free environment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidvest_Group#Business_model 8 August 2013 Bidvest currently operates four divisions – Bidvest South Africa, Bidvest Foodservice, Bidvest Namibia, and Bidvest Corporate. Its businesses span four continents namely Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australasia. In South Africa Bidvest has a footprint in a variety of about ten industries and focus on food services in the international market. The group is active in freight management, outsourced services, industrial and commercial products and services, printing, packaging closures, stationery, office products, corporate travel and automotive retailing. 3. Bidvest Key Success Factors To critically evaluate Bidvest Corporate Strategy we will highlight some of their key success factors: a) Leadership of original creator Leadership of the original creator, Brian Joffe is one of the key contributors to the success of Bidvest. His dreams are inherited the way Bidvest operates. b) Decentralised corporate management approach Bidvest pursues a decentralized business model where local businesses are autonomous and local management stay close to their businesses, industries and customers. It is people-driven and talent retention is one of its key strategic objectives. Despite its decentralization business model, it has a common culture of information and experience sharing across its divisions. It thrives on locally focused businesses and their empowered manager’s approach and its businesses are often industry leaders. In the South Africa market, the support for local small businesses is a priority. The Bidvest’s corporate centre adds value by identifying opportunities and implementing Bidvest’s decentralised entrepreneurial business model. Bidvest firmly believe in non-interference with individual business expertise/management. Others may think decentralisation is not always a good thing but Bidvest is an international organization with no standardized product/service for global market s. The following are advantages of decentralisation: Distribution of burden of top executive – Decentralisation enables its executives to share his burden with others at lower levels because here authority is delegated. The top executive is relieved of some burden and concentrates his activities to think for the future of the organization. This is definitely applicable to Bidvest Corporate where the Top Management focuses on the company strategy and not get burden down with the day to day management of activities. Increased motivation and morale – The moralities of the employees are increased because of delegation of authority. Decentralisation helps to increase employees’ morale because it involves delegation. The employees are motivated to work. Greater efficiency and output – Decentralisation gives emphasis on care, caution and enthusiastic approach to the work which in turn results in increased efficiency and output. This is possible because it involves delegation of authority and responsibility. Diversification of Activities – Decentralisation helps in diversification of activities. It crests more employment opportunities because new managers are to be entrusted with new assignments. Better Co-ordination – The various operations and activities are coordinated in a decentralised set up. Maintenance of Secrecy – Decentralisation enables to maintain secrecy without much cost and unnecessary trouble. Facilitate effective control and quick decision – Decentralisation enables to measure the work according to standard easily and quickly. This facilitate taking up quick decision. http://www.preservearticles.com/201101143290/decentralization-and-explain-its-advantages-and-disadvantages.html/ 8th August 2013 c) Business acquisition model It is argued that at the time when corporate giants were unbundling to focus on their â€Å"core competencies†, Bidvest took the opposite direction by acquiring different businesses in diverse markets under its fold, albeit with a lean central corporate structure supporting all its divisions. www.moneyweb.co.za/ 8th August 2013 One of the tactics Bidvest applies is to ensure that it owns 100% of almost all its underlying companies and keeping the original entrepreneur in charge of the purchased business/entity. This allows Bidvest to provide business, financing and strategic support to grow these firms’ to levels they could not have achieved on their own. Bidvest is a highly diverse and equally highly focused group – intense focus by managers steeped in their industries, drives Bidvest performance every year. d) Flair for entrepreneurship According to business dictionary, entrepreneurship can be defined as the capacity and willingness to develop, organize and manage a business venture along with any of its risk in order to make a profit. www.businesdictonary.com/ 8th August 2013. Because of the strong entrepreneurial flair in Bidvest, it has been a driving force that has fostered growth in a variety of sectors, creating the Group as we know it today. Clear vision about the way forward has become essential. e) Healthy organizational culture; a diversified product/service offerings Bidvest with its diverse businesses, have the advantage of collective diverse resources, capabilities and alliances, respectively, which it uses to leverage its overall performance as a group. f) Adding value by building a reputation for quality reliability and innovation In a price-sensitive environment the challenge, common to all Bidvest’s businesses, is to add value by building a reputation for quality, reliability and innovation. Market share growth and margin management were fostered by range extension, range differentiation and new product introductions that anticipated the lifestyle needs of the consumer. g) Quality of Bidvest brand The biggest factor that leads to the success of Bidvest is the quality of its brand and slogan ‘Proudly Bidvest’. This brand has penetrated so many industries and as well as the global arena. h) Bidvest’s philosophy is one of transparency, accountability, integrity, excellence and innovation Bidvest is consistently searching for newer and better innovations to satisfy consumer needs. i) Product innovation Sales growth at Bidvest’s is underpinned by organic growth, acquisitions, and product innovation and range extensions. j) Strategic Innovation To capture economies of scale, a centralised sourcing operation was established, Bidvest Procurement Company (BPC). Early experience at BPC was highly encouraging. The new business is centred in Hong Kong and Shanghai, but will ultimately be responsible for procurement across Asia. A new smartphone application was rolled out in Australia, New Zealand and the UK that enables customers to place an order via a handheld device. Close watch is maintained on handheld scanning technology for new business. 4. Corporate and Business strategy Grant (Grant 2011:19) see strategy in two dimensions by making a distinction between corporate strategy and business strategy. He defines corporate strategy as the scope of the firm in relation to the markets and industries in which it competes (where to compete). In this area the firm can make five fundamental strategic choices – diversification, vertical integration, acquisitions, new ventures, and allocation of resources between the different businesses of the company. He further defines business strategy as the function of how the firm competes within a particular industry and market (how to compete) – this is where the firm’s competitive advantage over rivals comes in. The above two strategy dimensions, are usually reflected in most organisations’ organizational structure – where the executive level focus on the scope, where to compete and divisional managers focus on the how to compete within particular industries. (Grant 2011:19). 5. Porter’s Diamond of National Competitive advantage Further to the key success factors above we will also incorporate Porter’s diamond shaped diagram as a basis of a framework to illustrate the determinants of national advantage. The diamond represents the national playing field that the countries establish for their industries. As a system the diamond system, the effect of one point depends on the others and it is a self-reinforcing system. http://www.smartstudentsok.com/porters-diamond-model 8th August 2013 According to Michael Porter on his work on firm-level factors (1986) and clusters of firms (1990) competitive advantage is created and not inherited. His view differs from the traditional economic thinking which focuses comparative advantage. Comparative advantage refers to things like availability of basic factors of production, like cheap labour or energy, or natural resources. On the other hand competitive advantage is created. Sustained industrial growth has hardly ever been built on inherited factors. Sustained industrial growth has been the outcome of interlinked factors and activities. The following are Porter’s four interlinked factors: i. Business / Company strategies, structures and rivalry According to Porter despite all differences and national peculiarities one characteristic shared by competitive economies is that there is sharp competition among national firms. In a static perspective, national champions may enjoy advantages of scale; but the real world is dominated by dynamic conditions, and here it is direct competition that impels firms to work for increases in productivity and innovation; here, anonymous competition often turns into concrete rivalries and feuds, in particular when competitors are spatially concentrated. â€Å"The more localized the rivalry, the more intense. (Porter 1990, 83) This is all the more true, as its effect is to cancel out static locational advantages and compel firms to develop dynamic advantages. Bidvest has achieved this by going global and maintaining the decentralised approach, as well as performing to stretch targets despite economic downturn. Competitive advantage Michael Porter identified two basic sources of competitive advantage – cost advantage and differentiation advantage. A company has cost advantage when it is able to deliver the same product/service benefits as competitors but at a lower cost. On the other hand a company has differentiation advantage when it delivers benefits that exceed those of its competitors’ products. Essentially a competitive advantage enables the company to create superior value for its customers and superior profits for itself. Cost and differentiation advantages are known as potential advantages since they describe the organizations position in the industry as a leader in either cost of differentiation. A competitive advantage is achieved by offering consumers greater value, benefits and service, which justifies premium or higher prices. Porter further recognises four generic business strategies for possible adoption to gain competitive advantage – these strategies relate to (1) scope (the extent to which business’ activities are narrow versus broad and (2) the extent to which a business seeks to differentiate its products. The four strategies are illustrated in Figure 1.1 below. Figure 1.1 – Source of competitive advantage (www.tutor2u.net/ 8 August 2013) Differentiation leadership and cost leadership strategies – seek competitive advantage in a broad range of markets/industries, Differentiation focus and cost focus strategies – applies in a narrow market or industry. Bidvest seeks competitive advantage in a broad range of markets / industries, operates in diverse industries/markets, and targets developing economies, both nationally and internationally. Based on this is it clear to us that Bidvest pursues the differentiation leadership and cost leadership strategies. Bidvest is differentiating itself from their competitors by being strong in their respective markets having sufficient market share to gain. As a group they achieved their growth target irrespective of the prevailing economic downturn. They further need to multi-currency earnings; and sharing of resources and best practices across all businesses in the group. ii. Existence or lack of related and supporting industries Spatial proximity of upstream or downstream industries facilitates the exchange of information and promotes a continuous exchange of ideas and innovations. On the one hand, he points out that even upstream industry should in no case be sheltered from international competition; and he notes on the other hand that when certain upstream industries are lacking, recourse can be had to the supply available in the world market. http://www.meso-nrw.de/toolkit/tools/tools-diamond-2.html 8 August 2013 iii. Analysis of Bidvest international/global business approach The Bidvest global strategy is driven by its foodservice operations and its objective criteria for full entry into any foreign/national market is based on the following three main pillars namely, (1) acceptable levels of infrastructure development, (2) existence of a strong corporate sector and (3) The potential for outsourced services. Bidvest is not fixated on a particular geography. Bidvest argues that it uses its African heritage with a strong focus on respect for diversity, as leverage in its global business approach to appreciate local conditions for its products, services and customers. The following are Bidvest’s uniqueness: a) It is an international organization with no standardized product/service for global markets; b) Does not have centralized business processes for its entities; c) Due to its diverse focus it operates in multiple national markets rather than in a single global space. Bidvest mainly focuses on providing necessities to developing economies and whilst its revenue is earned in multiple currencies, none it of it is denominated in U.S. dollars. It is our view that Bidvest should consider that their earnings be in US dollars in foreign countries. Internationally, foodservice has been the focus and Bidvest has developed globally competitive skills in this area to the extent that one-third of its trading profits are generated from foreign operations. Bidvest does not show specific interest to any geographic region or type of business. Its foodservice offerings and focus on developing economies, takes advantage of the urbanization paths of these economies . It however, remains alert to other support services opportunities on a case by case basis. Bidvest has an impressive international presence which is highlighted in brief as follows: Western Europe, – The Eurozone is facing many challenges which according to Bidvest leadership it is greatly attributed to poor decision making and policy considerations. Despite these challenges Bidvest finds Europe an attractive region for selective investments. Its rationale is that Europe has a well-educated workforce, infrastructure is generally well developed and the population is sizeable. Therefore, policy environment is a critical consideration for Bidvest in its international business strategy. Eastern Europe – Bidvest has recently acquired foodservice operations in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia creating a platform for further growth in central and Eastern Europe and its entrepreneurship is flourishing in Eastern Europe and a business-friendly environment has developed. www.bidve st.co.za/ 8 August 2013). South America – Bidvest entered this market by the acquisition of a controlling interest in a small Chilean foodservice operation with exciting growth prospects. According to widely published reports at the end of 2011 South America’s largest economy (Brazil) has overtaken the UK as the world’s sixth largest economy and this is an indication of growing momentum in this region that Bidvest can benefit from. Bidvest is set to benefit from this growing economy. Southern African – the creation of Bidvest Namibia and its successful recent listing further enhances its presence in the region. iv. Managing global organisations Managing an international business is different from managing a domestic business for at least four reasons (Hill 2011:65): 1. Countries are different 2. An international business manager faces more complex challenges than a domestic business manager 3. Manager is an international business manager operates within limitations and constraints imposed by government’s intervention in the international trade and investment systems. 4. International business transactions involve multiple currency conversions. In view of the above research shows that Bidvest has found a solid recipe to overcome the above challenges. It is our view that Bidvest’s ability to succeed is its diversity in business locations and rich South African history and make up of national diversity often referred to as rainbow nation. Using Diversification as a strategy Diversification refers to a firm’s strategic choice to enter into other products and/or markets by through internal or external development. Hill describes diversification as a conundrum/challenge or puzzle, because a strategic choice/quest to enter new markets has more potential value destruction yet, it also offers growth options and the potential for expansion and to free itself of the restriction of a single industry (Hill 2011:403). There are basically two broad forms of diversification, first is related diversification which occurs when a company develops beyond its present product and market but remaining in the same sector and use its current capability/strengths and expertise to develop new interests in same sector. Secondly, unrelated diversification occurs when an organisation move its present interests into unrelated markets or products / services. Basic reasons for diversification may be summarised as follows: a. Efficiency gains, in the situation where a company has underutilized resources and competences that it cannot effectively close or sell, it makes business sense to use the resources and competences by diversifying into a new product or service activity. b. Increasing market power, a company can decide to cross-subsidize one business from the surpluses or proceeds earned by another in such a way that its competitors may not be able to. c. Stretching corporate parenting capabilities into markets and products d. Responding to challenging market declines e. Spreading risk Advantages of diversification as a strategic choice in relation to Bidvest: a. Take advantage of existing expertise, knowledge and resources in the company when expanding into new activities. This may result in transfer of skills, such as research and development knowledge and sharing of resources. b. Bidvest does not rely on single market which provides better risk control for their existence. c. Bidvest is doing well is avoiding risk by avoiding the syndrome of having all eggs in one basket d. Control of inputs, leading to continuity and improved quality. e. Control markets by guaranteeing sales and distribution. This can arise through a combination of linkages in the value chain. f. Provide movement away from declining activities Disadvantages of diversification strategy in relation to Bidvest i. Adding bureaucratic complexity. In addition to direct financial costs, there may additional bureaucratic complexities necessitated by the need to coordinate and control core activities with additional activities. ii. Cross subsidizing of loss business may take too long to be turned around while canabalising the revenue stream. iii. May result in slowing growth in its core business due to additional management cost incurred. iv. Losses may be incurred during market consolidation process resulting in some business units being subsidized by other profit making units. v. May result in negative synergies. Negative synergies should be avoided at all times. vi. Diversification through acquisition across national boundaries may result in the organization having to deal with varying intricacies of the political and legal requirements of the different countries where the company is operating. Political and legal requirements and or changes are nasty beasts to contend with mainly because in other countries they can be implemented over night. In a case like this a company like Bidvest may at times face closure where there is political turmoil. vii. Diversification through acquisition may result in failure where there is a mismatch between core competencies or experiences of the acquirer and acquired businesses http://www.scribd.com/doc/12376024/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Diversification 8th August 2013 iv. Factor conditions Governments control provision of roads and airports, electricity, telecommunication infrastructure including cables and wireless; and education and healthcare. Leading to 2010 Soccer World cup South Africa provided a lot of capital infrastructure which is our view Bidvest benefited from. These provisions can in turn help or hinder industries dependent on these infrastructures and utilities for sustainable growth. Further, governments also create laws and regulations which affect the ability of firms to compete nationally and globally. Governments can provide subsidies to farmers as the US government does, or restrict foreign companies from doing business within their borders, as India did to Coca-Cola in the seventies. In South Africa we saw Government stop the involvement of Korea Telecoms in Telkom SA. South African encourages an environment which is conducive to innovation to stimulate growth in industries by skilled resources and technological base. These factors are upgraded / deployed over time to meet the demand. Local disadvantages force innovations and new methods and hence comparative advantage. http://www.franteractive.net/Porter-Diamond.html: 8 March 2013 Here, disadvantages in general factor endowments need not necessarily prove disadvantageous, and they can even stimulate the development of competitiveness. If cheap raw materials or labor are available in abundance, firms will often yield to the temptation to rely solely on these advantages, and even to put them to inefficient uses. Conversely, certain disadvantages (high real estate prices, scarce labor and raw materials) can force firms to behave innovatively. This of course presupposes that positive impulses are generated by the other factors. http://www.smartstudentsok.com/porters-diamond-model: 8 March 2013 v. Demand conditions The more demanding the customers in an economy, the greater the pressure facing firms to constantly improve their competitiveness via innovative products, through high quality, and so on. And the more localized the competition, the more directly firms feel it, and the better their performance has to be. 6. Conclusion on Evaluation Bidvest’s corporate culture and managerial competence are also the envy of many. This was illustrated during a recent restructuring exercise, in which all the new senior appointments were recruited from within the business. Thanks to Bidvest Academy designed to instill the culture of problem solving and implementation. We agree that success behind Bidvest is driven by autonomy, entrepreneurship, decentralised businesses and management. Local teams optimise opportunities in their own markets. It is our view that Bidvest is still under geared and we recommend that they further acquire more companies in the global space for further growth. Secondly, the fact that Bidvest’s earnings are in multi-currency and none of the currencies is dollars we find this as yet another opportunity for Bidvest to pursue for further global growth. Even though the barriers to entry in many of the businesses in which Bidvest operates are low, it has established such dominance and efficiency in operation that it is difficult to challenge. The group is also highly debt-averse. It is because of this position that Bidvesst is able to maintain through its ability to generate cash. The biggest challenges facing Bidvest are the current world economy, regulatory and legislative changes imperatives in the countries where it operates, the fact that technology lifecycle is forever getting shorter and shorter and the emerging economic giants from and in China and India. The challenge we faced in our evaluation of Bidvest is that research does not provide much on the company that operates unique business model like Bidvest. This unique business model can also be regarded key to their success and therefore its strengths. In our evaluation we found that because Bidvest is such a complex company which does not fit into the traditional business model and corporate / business strategy capsule for analysis. It has an organizational structure which is so complex and pursues business on a non-standard approach. It offers diversified products and or services to the market. On the other hand the size of Bidvest classifies it as a conglomerate and may need to be looked. Business analysts are increasingly questioning the size of the operation. Many feel that Bidvest needs to consider shedding some of its bulk in order to realize more value for shareholders. In conclusion Bidvest seems to have a solid corporate governance and integrated financial, social, governance and environmental culture. Even though the barriers to entry in many of the businesses in which Bidvest operates are low, it has established such dominance and efficiency in operation that it is difficult to challenge. Despite challenges being posed by China and India, the fact remains that Bidvest were early starters and a will continue to lead for some time. 7. REFERENCE 1. Robert M Grant. 2010. 7th edition A John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Publication Contemporary Corporate Strategy: Text and Cases West Sussex, United Kingdom 2. Hill C.W.L. 2012. 7th Edition. Global Business Today, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc 3. www.bidvest.co.za 2. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/decentralization.html/ 8th August 2013 3. http://www.preservearticles.com/201101143290/decentralization-and-explain-its-advantages-and-disadvantages.html/ 8th August 2013 4. http://www.smartstudentsok.com/porters-diamond-model 8th August 2013 5. Bidvest Annual Integrated Report, 2012 6. www.tutor2u.net 7. http://www.meso-nrw.de/toolkit/tools/tools-diamond-2.html 8 August 2013 8. www.moneyweb.co.za 9. http://www.scribd.com/doc/12376024/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Diversification 8th March 2013 10. http://www.franteractive.net/Porter-Diamond.html