Macroeconomic Analysis Essay

Introduction The idea Edgar has for opening up four new gas stations is based on a well based argument making it viable as a profitable business venture. The evaluation on the American consumer to accept the high price for gas oil prices forms the first approach towards establishing a business. Gasoil businesses in the world run as cartel where it supply and prices are determined by the few stakeholders in the industry. The stakeholders form an agreement among their competitors on the price, making and, marketing of the product (Fredy, 2010). The cartel though the production affects the GDP growth rate. Gross domestic product represents the monetary value of the goods produced in the country within a year. The enterprise runs as an oligopoly. An oligopoly represents a business type where there are few sellers in the market. The few sellers are due to the restriction imposed on entry to a monopoly. The production rights are restricted by the producer and the producer also controls the prices of the commodity (Brake, 2011). Unemployment will be apparent as the restriction holds down people with the relevant skills to join in the trade. Price control is done through price fixing and determining the market share. The market shares will go a long way to influencing international trade. International trade represents trade past the nation boundaries (Derik, 2010) . The main purpose of a cartel is profit increment to the individual by reducing competition. Edgar by starting up the gas oil business will gain profit margin from the monopoly. The government is also be involved in the control of the production rights of such a cartel. It is through fiscal policies that the government will regulate such ventures with an aim to protect the public from exploitation. Fiscal policies tools are the government imposition on tax and revenue collections (Tayor, 2007). The focus on the convenience good and assumption  it will make a profit in the society is the reason Edgar insists on the production. Convenience goods are those that are distributed widely and are inexpensive and the gas oil forms one of them (Fredy, 2010). Macroeconomic covers the demographic aspect, as these goods are made available to the population. Demography represents human residents statically (Henry, 2008). Startup capital is a needed by Edgar as he plans to buy the four gas oil station. The fund borrowed from a financial institution will be affected by the interest rate and the financial policies. The monetary policy is a tool used to control the supply of money in the society through affecting the interest rate in the society (Tayor, 2007).The estimates of sales to increase in china and India represents the trade cycles. Business cycles are periodic change in the production and affect the Gross Domestic Product of a country. They cause the GDP to fluctuate and thus an expansion and contraction of the level of economic activities in the country (Tayor, 2007). The business sets itself on time of favorable economic benefits as the bank rates are favoring a business positively. Edgar requires a large capital base to start a business and borrowing from a business organization is paramount. Interest is payable on the loan capital that is taking from such institutions. With a low lending rate, the business organizations enable economic growth as a society can borrow a large sum of money for the investment project. Investment improves the living standard of the society as they earn a profit from the investments. The advice to Edgar is to take up the positive strengthening economy and invest during the low lending rate (Sydney, 2010). Demand is as the amount of a commodity that consumers are willing and can purchase at any given price over a given time (Tayor, 2007). The law states that, at low prices, the need is high. The firm being an oligopoly has rigidity in its price of the gas oil. Rigidity represents stickiness in the prices that does not change regularly. Edgar will enjoy the high prices of the oligopoly market as the American consumer has accepted the prices. The high prices are as due to the kinked demand curve as oligopoly market has two demand curves. A highly elastic demand curve on the price increase and a highly inelastic in the price decrease (Tayor, 2007). DdMC PricedKINK P1EP X Ddy Q1D QuantityQMR The elastic part of the curve is the dd curve thus an increase in price will lead to a rise in demand for the gas oil. A similar case to the market, if China and India increase their market the prices will also increase. A profit in the oil industry enjoys in the point where MR marginal revenue curve cuts the MC marginal cost curve. At this point, marginal revenue is equates the marginal cost and the profit is at maximum (Tayor, 2007). The supply also affects the oil industry, and it is the amount a producer is willing and can sell at a given price in a given time (Derik, 2010). In the supply of the gas oil collusion remains evident to increase market share. Competitors are on the evaluation as they affect the price and profits in the other firm. If one firm drops price the other firm is forced to drop its prices to in order to increase profit. The firms in the oligopoly structures have adopted non-price completion eliminating the pricing war among them. It has enabled international trading as they enjoy the collusion and similar prices and the control from one area. The interest rates within the country will also affect the enterprise. With business policies controlling the levels of interest rate in the area, the business is at a position to borrow funds for expansion with low interest rates on the returns. The central’s bank adversely controls the monitory policy by regulating the lending rates. The government through the fiscal policies regulation protects the survival of the oligopoly. The oligopoly market maintains barrier to entry through the production of large scale adversely improving the Gross Domestic Product within the country as the quantity of well produced increases. Recommendations and Economic Justification The GDP is one of the major issues in macroeconomic through the collusion of  demand and supply in the country the GDP is maintained as the business operates in its equilibrium point (Brake, 2011). Unemployment forms a major challenge but with a low interest rate from the financial sector business can operate and start up in the country. The case example is Edgar if he opens the four stations employment will increase. Demographics is affecting by supply and demand as they affect the chances of improving the living standards of the population. The salaries from the oil industry will maintain the demand and supply of the oil. The interest rate in the country determines monetary policy. Edgar before starting a business should consider this during the start up to maintain profits as he aims to supply the gas oil. Reference Brake, R. (2011). World Monopolies. Summertime Publishers. Derik, K. (2010). International Trading. Kansas Publisher. Fredy, T. (2010). World Businesses. Milestone Publishers. Henry, J. (2008). World Demography. Wimtertime Publishers. Sydney, G. (2010). Money and Banking. Westminister Publishers. Tayor, W. (2007). Introduction to Economics. Riverside Publishers.

Spirit Bound Chapter Eighteen

THE THING THAT REALLY SUCKS about being psychically linked to someone is that you have a pretty good idea when they're lying–or, in this case, not lying. Still, my response was immediate and instinctive. â€Å"That's not true.† â€Å"Isn't it?† She gave me a pointed look. She too knew that I could feel the truth in her words. â€Å"But that†¦ it can't†¦ † I wasn't at a loss for words very often–and certainly not with Lissa. So frequently in our relationship, I'd been the one being assertive and explaining to her why things had to be the way they were. Somewhere along the way, with me not realizing it, Lissa had lost that fragility. â€Å"I'm sorry,† she said, voice still kind but also firm. The bond betrayed how much she hated telling me unpleasant things. â€Å"He asked me†¦ told me specifically not to let you come. That he doesn't want to see you.† I stared at her pleadingly, my voice almost childlike. â€Å"But why? Why would he say that? Of course he wants to see me. He must be confused†¦.† â€Å"I don't know, Rose. All I know is what he told me. I'm so sorry.† She reached for me like she might hug me, but I stepped away. My head was still reeling. â€Å"I'll go with you anyway. I'll wait upstairs with the other guardians. Then, when you tell Dimitri I'm there, he'll change his mind.† â€Å"I don't think you should,† she said. â€Å"He seemed really serious about you not coming–almost frantic. I think knowing you're there would upset him.† â€Å"Upset him? Upset him? Liss, it's me! He loves me. He needs me.† She winced, and I realized I'd been shouting at her. â€Å"I'm just going on what he said. It's all so confusing†¦ please. Don't put me in this position. Just†¦ wait and see what happens. And if you want to know what's going on, you can always†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Lissa didn't finish, but I knew what she was suggesting. She was offering to let me see her meeting with Dimitri through the bond. It was a big gesture on her part–not that she could have stopped me if I wanted to do it. Still, she didn't usually like the idea of being â€Å"spied† on. This was the best thing she could think of to make me feel better. Not that it really did. All of this was still crazy. Me being denied access to Dimitri. Dimitri allegedly not wanting to see me! What the hell? My gut reaction was to ignore everything she'd just said and go along with her, demanding access when she arrived. The feelings in the bond were begging me not to, though. She didn't want to create trouble. She might not understand Dimitri's wishes either, but she felt they should be honored until the situation could be better assessed. â€Å"Please,† she said. The plaintive word finally cracked me. â€Å"Okay.† It killed me to say it. It was like admitting defeat. Think of it as a tactical retreat. â€Å"Thank you.† This time she did hug me. â€Å"I swear I'll get more information and figure out what's going on, okay?† I nodded, still dejected, and we walked out of the building together. With grim reluctance, I parted with her when the time came, letting her go off to the guardians' building while I headed toward my room. As soon as she was out of my sight, I immediately slipped into her head, watching through her eyes as she walked through the perfectly manicured grass. The bond was still a little hazy but growing clearer by the minute. Her feelings were a jumble. She felt bad for me, guilty that she'd had to refuse me. At the same time, she was anxious to visit Dimitri. She needed to see him too–but not in the same way I did. She still had that feeling of responsibility for him, that burning urge to protect him. When she arrived at the building's main office, the guardian who'd stopped me gave her a nod of greeting and then made a quick phone call. A few moments later, three guardians entered and gestured for Lissa to follow them into the depths of the building. They all looked unusually grim, even for guardians. â€Å"You don't have to do this,† one of them told her. â€Å"Just because he keeps asking†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It's fine,† she said with the cool, dignified air of any royal. â€Å"I don't mind.† â€Å"There'll be plenty of guards around just like last time. You don't need to worry about your safety.† She gave all of them a sharp look. â€Å"I was never worried about it to begin with.† Their descent into the building's lower levels brought back painful memories of when Dimitri and I had visited Victor. That had been the Dimitri I'd had a perfect union with, the Dimitri who understood me entirely. And after the visit, he'd been enraged at Victor's threats against me. Dimitri had loved me so much that he'd been willing to do anything to protect me. A key card-protected door finally allowed access to the holding level, which consisted mostly of a long hallway lined with cells. It didn't have the depressing feel that Tarasov had had, but this place's stark and steel-lined industrial air didn't exactly inspire warm and fuzzy feelings. Lissa could hardly walk down the hall because it was so crowded with guardians. All that security for one person. It wasn't impossible for a Strigoi to break through a cell's steel bars, but Dimitri was no Strigoi. Why couldn't they see that? Were they blind? Lissa and her escort made their way through the crowd and came to a stop in front of his cell. It was as cold looking as everything else in this prison area, with no more furnishings than were absolutely required. Dimitri sat on the narrow bed, his legs drawn up to him as he leaned into a corner of the wall and kept his back to the cell's entrance. It wasn't what I had expected. Why wasn't he beating at the bars? Why wasn't he demanding to be released and telling them he wasn't a Strigoi? Why was he taking this so quietly? â€Å"Dimitri.† Lissa's voice was soft and gentle, filled with a warmth that stood out against the harshness of the cell. It was the voice of an angel. And as Dimitri slowly turned around, it was obvious he thought so too. His expression transformed before our eyes, going from bleakness to wonder. He wasn't the only one filled with wonder. My mind might have been tied to Lissa's, but back across Court, my own body nearly stopped breathing. The glimpse I'd gotten of him last night had been amazing. But this†¦ this full-on view of him looking at Lissa–at me–was awe-inspiring. It was a wonder. A gift. A miracle. Seriously. How could anyone think he was a Strigoi? And how could I have possibly let myself believe the Dimitri I'd been with in Siberia was this one? He'd cleaned up from the battle and wore jeans and a simple black T-shirt. His brown hair was tied back into a short ponytail, and a faint shadow across his lower face showed that he needed to shave. Probably no one would let him get near a razor. Regardless, it almost made him look sexier–more real, more dhampir. More alive. His eyes were what really pulled it all together. His death white skin–now gone–had always been startling, but those red eyes had been the worst. Now they were perfect. Exactly as they used to be. Warm and brown and long-lashed. I could have gazed at them forever. â€Å"Vasilisa,† he breathed. The sound of his voice made my chest tighten. God, I'd missed hearing him speak. â€Å"You came back.† As soon as he began approaching the bars, the guardians around Lissa started closing rank, ready to stop him should he indeed bust through. â€Å"Back off!† she snapped in a queenly tone, glaring at everyone around her. â€Å"Give us some space.† No one reacted right away, and she put more power into her voice. â€Å"I mean it! Step back!† I felt the slightest trickle of magic through our link. It wasn't a huge amount, but she was backing her words with a little spirit-induced compulsion. She could hardly control such a large group, but the command had enough force to make them clear out a little and create space between her and Dimitri. She turned her attention back to him, demeanor instantly changing from fierce to kind. â€Å"Of course I came back. How are you? Are they†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She cast a dangerous look at the guardians in the hall. â€Å"Are they treating you okay?† He shrugged. â€Å"Fine. Nobody's hurting me.† If he was anything like his old self, he would have never admitted if anyone was hurting him. â€Å"Just a lot of questions. So many questions.† He sounded weary, again†¦ very unlike a Strigoi who never needed rest. â€Å"And my eyes. They keep wanting to examine my eyes.† â€Å"But how do you feel?† she asked. â€Å"In your mind? In your heart?† If the whole situation hadn't been so sobering, I would have been amused. It was very much a therapist's line of questioning–something both Lissa and I had experienced a lot of. I'd hated being asked those questions, but now I truly wanted to know how Dimitri felt. His gaze, which had so intently focused on her, now drifted away and grew unfocused. â€Å"It's†¦ it's hard to describe. It's like I've woken up from a dream. A nightmare. Like I've been watching someone else act through my body–like I was at a movie or a play. But it wasn't someone else. It was me. All of it was me, and now here I am, and the whole world has shifted. I feel like I'm relearning everything.† â€Å"It'll pass. You'll get more used to it, once you settle back into your old self.† That was a guess on her part, but one she felt confident of. He inclined his head toward the gathered guardians. â€Å"They don't think so.† â€Å"They will,† she said adamantly. â€Å"We just need more time.† A small silence fell, and Lissa hesitated before speaking her next words. â€Å"Rose†¦ wants to see you.† Dimitri's dreamy, morose attitude snapped in a heartbeat. His eyes focused back on Lissa, and I got my first glimpse of true, intense emotion from him. â€Å"No. Anyone but her. I can't see her. Don't let her come here. Please.† Lissa swallowed, unsure how to respond. The fact that she had an audience made it harder. The best she could do was lower her voice so the others wouldn't hear. â€Å"But†¦ she loves you. She's worried about you. What happened†¦ with us being able to save you? Well, a lot of it was because of her.† â€Å"You saved me.† â€Å"I only did the final piece. The rest†¦ well, Rose did, um, a lot.† Say, like, organizing a prison break and releasing fugitives. Dimitri turned from Lissa, and the fire that had briefly lit his features faded. He walked over to the side of the cell and leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and then opened them. â€Å"Anyone but her,† he repeated. â€Å"Not after what I did to her. I did a lot of things†¦ horrible things.† He turned his hands palm-up and stared at them for a moment, like he could see blood. â€Å"What I did to her was worst of all–especially because it was her. She came to save me from that state, and I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He shook his head. â€Å"I did terrible things to her. Terrible things to others. I can't face her after that. What I did was unforgivable.† â€Å"It's not,† said Lissa urgently. â€Å"It wasn't you. Not really. She'll forgive you.† â€Å"No. There's no forgiveness for me–not after what I did. I don't deserve her, don't deserve to even be around her. The only thing I can do†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He walked back over to Lissa, and to the astonishment of both of us, he fell to his knees before her. â€Å"The only thing I can do–the only redemption I can try for–is to pay you back for saving me.† â€Å"Dimitri,† she began uneasily, â€Å"I told you–â€Å" â€Å"I felt that power. In that moment, I felt you bring my soul back. I felt you heal it. That's a debt I can't ever repay, but I swear I'll spend the rest of my life trying.† He was looking up at her, that enraptured look back on his face. â€Å"I don't want that. There's nothing to repay.† â€Å"There's everything to pay,† he argued. â€Å"I owe you my life–my soul. It's the only way I can come close to ever redeeming myself for all the things I did. It's still not enough†¦ but it's all I can do.† He clasped his hands. â€Å"I swear, whatever you need, anything–if it's in my power–I'll do it. I'll serve and protect you for the rest of my life. I'll do whatever you ask. You have my loyalty forever.† Again, Lissa started to say she didn't want that, but then a canny thought came to mind. â€Å"Will you see Rose?† He grimaced. â€Å"Anything but that.† â€Å"Dimitri–â€Å" â€Å"Please. I'll do anything else for you, but if I see her†¦ it'll hurt too much.† That was probably the only reason that could have made Lissa drop the subject. That and the desperate, dejected look on Dimitri's face. It was one she had never seen before, one I'd never seen before either. He'd always been so invincible in my eyes, and this sign of vulnerability didn't make him seem weaker to me. It simply made him more complex. It made me love him more–and want to help him. Lissa could only give him a small nod as answer before one of the guardians in charge said she had to leave. Dimitri was still on his knees as they escorted her out, staring after her with an expression that said she was the closest to any hope he had left in this world. My heart twisted with both sorrow and jealousy–and a bit of anger too. I was the one he should have looked at that way. How dare he? How dare he act like Lissa was the greatest thing in the world? She'd done a lot to save him, true, but I was the one who'd traveled around the globe for him. I was the one who had continually risked my life for him. Most importantly, I was the one who loved him. How could he turn his back on that? Both Lissa and I were confused and upset as she left the building. Both of us were distraught over Dimitri's state. Despite how angry I was over his refusal to see me, I still felt horrible at seeing him so low. It killed me. He'd never acted that way before. After the Academy's attack, he had certainly been sad and had grieved over that loss. This was a different kind of despair. It was a deep sense of depression and guilt that he didn't feel he could escape from. Both Lissa and I were shocked by that. Dimitri had always been a man of action, someone ready to get up after a tragedy and fight the next battle. But this? This was unlike anything we'd ever seen in him, and Lissa and I had wildly varying ideas on how to solve it. Her gentler, sympathetic approach was to keep talking to him while also calmly persuading Court officials that Dimitri was no longer a threat. My solution to this problem was to go to Dimitri, no matter what he claimed he wanted. I'd busted in and out of a prison. Getting into a jail cell should be cake. I was still certain that once he saw me, he'd have a change of heart about all this redemption stuff. How could he truly think I wouldn't forgive him? I loved him. I understood. And as far as convincing officials that he wasn't dangerous†¦ well, my method there was a little fuzzy still, but I had a feeling it would involve a lot of yelling and beating on doors. Lissa knew perfectly well that I had observed her encounter with Dimitri, so she didn't feel obligated to come see me, not when she knew they could still use her over at the medical center. She'd heard Adrian had nearly collapsed with all the magic he'd wielded to help others. It seemed so uncharacteristic of him, so unselfish†¦ he'd done amazing deeds, at great cost to himself. Adrian. There was a problem. I hadn't had a chance to see him since getting back after the warehouse fight. And aside from hearing about him healing others, I really hadn't thought about him at all. I'd said that if Dimitri really could be saved, it didn't mean the end of Adrian and me. Yet, Dimitri had barely been back twenty-four hours, and here I was, already obsessing ov– â€Å"Lissa?† Despite the fact that I'd pulled back to my own mind, part of me was still absentmindedly following along with Lissa. Christian was standing outside the medical center, leaning against its wall. From his posture, it appeared as though he'd been there for a while waiting for something–or rather, someone. She came to a halt, and inexplicably, all thoughts of Dimitri vanished from her mind. Oh, come on. I wanted those two to patch things up, but we had no time for this. Dimitri's fate was a lot more important than bantering with Christian. Christian didn't look like he was in a snarky mood, though. His expression was curious and concerned as he regarded her. â€Å"How are you feeling?† he asked. They hadn't talked to each other since the ride back, and she'd been largely incoherent during a lot of it. â€Å"Fine.† She touched her face absentmindedly. â€Å"Adrian healed me.† â€Å"I guess he is good for something.† Okay, maybe Christian was feeling a little snarky today. But only a little. â€Å"Adrian's good for lots of things,† she said, though she couldn't help a small smile. â€Å"He ran himself into the ground here all night.† â€Å"What about you? I know how you are. As soon as you were up and around, you were probably right there beside him.† She shook her head. â€Å"No. After he healed me, I went to see Dimitri.† All mirth disappeared from Christian's face. â€Å"You've talked to him?† â€Å"Twice now. But yeah. I have.† â€Å"And?† â€Å"And what?† â€Å"What's he like?† â€Å"He's like Dimitri.† She suddenly frowned, reconsidering her words. â€Å"Well†¦ not quite like Dimitri.† â€Å"What, does he still have some Strigoi in him?† Christian straightened up, blue eyes flashing. â€Å"If he's still dangerous, you have no business going near–â€Å" â€Å"No!† she exclaimed. â€Å"He's not dangerous. And†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She took a few steps forward, returning his glare. â€Å"Even if he was, you have no business telling me what I can or can't do!† Christian sighed dramatically. â€Å"And here I thought Rose was the only one who threw herself into stupid situations, regardless of whether they might kill her.† Lissa's anger flared up rapidly, likely because of all the spirit she'd been using. â€Å"Hey, you didn't have any issues helping me stake Dimitri! You trained me for it.† â€Å"That was different. We were in a bad situation already, and if things went wrong†¦ well, I could have incinerated him.† Christian regarded her from head to toe, and there was something in his gaze†¦ something that seemed like more than just objective assessment. â€Å"But I didn't have to. You were amazing. You made the hit. I didn't know if you could, but you did†¦ and the fire†¦ You didn't flinch at all, but it must have been awful†¦.† There was a catch in his voice as he spoke, like he was only now truly assessing the consequences of what might have happened to Lissa. His concern and admiration made her flush, and she tilted her head–an old trick–so that the pieces of hair that had escaped from her ponytail would fall forward and hide her face. There was no need for it. Christian was now staring pointedly at the ground. â€Å"I had to do it,† she said at last. â€Å"I had to see if it was possible.† He looked up. â€Å"And it was†¦ right? There really isn't any trace of Strigoi?† â€Å"None. I'm positive. But no one believes it.† â€Å"Can you blame them? I mean, I helped out with it and I wanted it to be true†¦ but I'm not sure I ever really, truly thought someone could come back from that.† He glanced away again, his gaze resting on a lilac bush. Lissa could smell its scent, but the distant and troubled look on his face told her that his thoughts weren't on nature. Neither were they on Dimitri, I realized. He was thinking about his parents. What if there'd been spirit users around when the Ozeras had turned Strigoi? What if there had been a way to save them? Lissa, not guessing what I had, remarked, â€Å"I don't even know that I believed either. But as soon as it happened, well†¦ I knew. I know. There's no Strigoi in him. I have to help him. I have to make others realize it. I can't let them lock him up forever–or worse.† Getting Dimitri out of the warehouse without the other guardians staking him had been no easy feat for her, and she shivered recalling those first few seconds after his change when everyone had been shouting to kill him. Christian turned back and met her eyes curiously. â€Å"What did you mean when you said he was like Dimitri but not like Dimitri?† Her voice trembled a little when she spoke. â€Å"He's†¦ sad.† â€Å"Sad? Seems like he should be happy he was saved.† â€Å"No†¦ you don't understand. He feels awful about everything he did as a Strigoi. Guilty, depressed. He's punishing himself for it because he doesn't think he can be forgiven.† â€Å"Holy shit,† said Christian, clearly caught off guard. A few Moroi girls had walked by just then and looked scandalized at his swearing. They hurried off, whispering among themselves. Christian ignored them. â€Å"But he couldn't help it–â€Å" â€Å"I know, I know. I already went over it with him.† â€Å"Can Rose help?† â€Å"No,† Lissa said bluntly. Christian waited, apparently hoping she'd elaborate. He grew annoyed when she didn't. â€Å"What do you mean she can't? She should be able to help us more than anyone!† â€Å"I don't want to get into it.† My situation with Dimitri bothered her a lot. That made two of us. Lissa turned toward the medical building. It looked regal and castle-like on the outside, but it housed a facility as sterile and modern as any hospital. â€Å"Look, I need to get inside. And don't look at me like that.† â€Å"Like what?† he demanded, taking a few steps toward her. â€Å"That disapproving, pissed-off look you get when you don't get your way.† â€Å"I don't have that look!† â€Å"You have it right now.† She backed away from him, moving toward the center's door. â€Å"If you want the whole story, we can talk later, but I don't have the time†¦ and honestly†¦ I don't really feel like telling it.† That pissed-off look–and she was right, he did have it–faded a little. Almost nervously, he said, â€Å"Okay. Later then. And Lissa†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Hmm?† â€Å"I'm glad you're all right. What you did last night†¦ well, it really was amazing.† Lissa stared at him for several heavy seconds, her heart rate rising slightly as she watched a light breeze ruffle his black hair. â€Å"I couldn't have done it without your help,† she said at last. With that, she turned and went inside, and I returned completely to my own head. And like earlier, I was at a loss. Lissa would be busy the rest of the day, and standing and yelling in the guardians' office wouldn't really help me get to Dimitri. Well, I supposed there was the off chance I might annoy them so much that they'd throw me in jail too. Then Dimitri and I would be next to each other. I promptly dismissed that plan, fearing the only thing it would land me with was more filing. What could I do? Nothing. I needed to see him again but didn't know how. I hated not having a plan. Lissa's encounter with Dimitri hadn't been nearly long enough for me, and anyway, I felt it was important to take him in through my eyes, not hers. And oh, that sadness†¦ that utter look of hopelessness. I couldn't stand it. I wanted to hold him, to tell him everything would be okay. I wanted to tell him I forgave him and that we'd make everything like it used to be. We could be together, just the way we planned†¦ The thought brought tears to my eyes, and left alone with my frustration and inactivity, I returned to my room and flounced onto the bed. Alone, I could finally let loose the sobs I'd been holding in since last night. I didn't even entirely know what I was crying for. The trauma and blood of the last day. My own broken heart. Dimitri's sorrow. The cruel circumstances that had ruined our lives. Really, there were a lot of choices. I stayed in my room for a good part of the day, lost in my own grief and restlessness. Over and over, I replayed Lissa's meeting with Dimitri, what he'd said and how he looked. I lost track of time, and it took a knock at the door to snap me out of my own suffocating emotions. Hastily rubbing an arm over my eyes, I opened the door to find Adrian standing out there. â€Å"Hey,† I said, a little surprised by his presence–not to mention guilty, considering I'd been moping over another guy. I wasn't ready to face Adrian yet, but it appeared I had no choice now. â€Å"Do you†¦ do you want to come in?† â€Å"Wish I could, little dhampir.† He seemed to be in a hurry, not like he'd come to have a relationship talk. â€Å"But this is just a drop-by visit to issue an invitation.† â€Å"Invitation?† I asked. My mind was still on Dimitri. Dimitri, Dimitri, Dimitri. â€Å"An invitation to a party.†

Pricing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Pricing - Research Paper Example Ideally, skimming refers to setting high prices based on the value of the product (Holden and Burton 51). The features of the new washing machine are likely to excite the customers, creating no need for the company to opt for a discounted pricing strategy. The financial value of the product is strength to the organization. The new washing machines is built on new technology that requires very little water and energy to clean clothes. Therefore, customers are unlikely to put cost into consideration and instead consider the functionality of the washing machine. According to Holden and Burton (51), most customers buy a product due to the service they receive from the product, and not on price. In fact, very few customers choose to buy a product due to pricing, leaving the biggest customer base on the service side. Low pricing could make the customers perceive the washing machine as inferior. A low price intended to attract more sales might lead to decrease in sales in the later days, as customers’ debate on the standards of the product. Cheap products are considered to be of substandard quality while highly priced products are considered to be of high quality. ... A machine using little water and energy to clean is likely to be exactly what the market needs presently. An evaluation of various cost benefits the machine is likely to bring to homesteads is enticing enough for a person to be lured to purchase the machine. Imagine a machine that uses much less energy and even much less water to do the same amount of washing just like an ordinary washing machine? Is that not exciting good news? Out of all possible considerations, my price would not be based on either competition or willingness to buy by the customers. Penetration strategy is the war of prices where companies slash their prices with huge margins as they compete to retain their market share amidst overwhelming competition. Penetration strategy mostly applies to the period of growth where customers have understood the product while competition is still high (Holden and Burton 52). The product at this period still enjoys customer loyalty due to tested and experience with use. However, i n other cycles of a product such as maturity stage, penetration strategy is likely to fail and thus prevent the company from realizing all the intended profits. Understanding the type of market the company is operating in is important in setting the right prices. For an emerging market, the product is still new and customers are still willing to use the product. The company is rolling out this product to an emerging market, where customers are most likely to buy the product regardless of the price. When making my decision regarding the price for the machine, information such as customers’ trust to Whirlpool’s products will be helpful. Trust means that people already know

Why is Ethics and Leadership in Criminal Justice class so inportant Essay

Why is Ethics and Leadership in Criminal Justice class so inportant - Essay Example systems need to know that they will receive a fair decision from a judge that is not biased against their case and that they will receive the best possible defense. Leadership is important in criminal justice because leadership sets standards of conduct. Leadership in any organization is how a culture of integrity is established. True leadership requires individuals to model correct behavior if they are operating in a leadership capacity. It also requires leaders to establish the sort of culture that allows individuals working in non-leadership roles to feel comfortable reporting breaches in integrity by their peers. Leadership is much more than being the person that tells others what to do in the criminal justice system. Individuals in the system are vulnerable in many ways. It is important that leaders protect these individuals, some of which have committed terrible crimes. The only real way fair treatment can be guaranteed to all individuals in the criminal justice system is if leaders establish, model and maintain a culture of integrity throughout the

Corporate Strategy Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Corporate Strategy Case Study - Essay Example Macpac became a leading manufacturing unit of outdoor equipments as there were no other manufacturing industries in New Zealand. The sound internal resources like technology, manpower, innovative ideas and machinery equipments paved the way for the impending success in the this period. Product innovation was another stimulus responsible for the growth. The enormous entrepreneurial energy displayed by the founder also made the success achievable and it was a strong impetus for the rapid growth in the initial stage. In the startup stage, the entrepreneur focused mainly in his vision and available resources. Bruce McIntyre did not make much of an effort on market expansion, market penetration or product development. He efficiently used his internal resources like people, expertise, technology and funding. The growth depended on the company’s ‘international strategy of exporting’. By using acquired skills, knowledge and experience Macpac grew internationally out of challenging conditions of New Zealand. The entrepreneur prioritized customer service which raised a huge demand among the buyers. In 1978, this led to 100% growth in sales figure. In 1987, the export market of Macpac took a new shape. Export in the countries like Holland and Switzerland followed and soon after Germany and United Kingdom markets also were developed. The key factors behind the international success were: Macpac not only pursued a strategy to grow internationally but also concentrated on being a leading name domestically. Honesty and transparency was factor for Macpac’s success. Customers nowadays are very much cautious about what they buy. Many companies fail to prove their transparency and honesty in providing support and facts to the customers. But it was not the case with Macpac. Working as a powerful brand from the initial stage of starting up, Macpac never considered itself less than any strong brands. The attitude of being powerful was a significant

The Fugitive Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Fugitive - Movie Review Example As a suspect, police arrests Kimble and accuses him of having committed the murder of his own wife. Without having a sound reason for suspecting or arresting Kimble, the police convict him and the court sentences Kimble to death. The police carries him to the prison where he would wait till he is executed. In the bus in which Kimble is taken to the prison, there happen to be three prisoners in addition to Kimble. They mutually prepare a plan of escaping from the bus. This causes the bus driver to lose control of the bus and the bus slips off the embankment and gets crashed on the way to the jail. This provides Kimble with a chance to escape. Kimble manages to break free of the hold of police and runs away. Deputy Samuel Gerard who is also in Chicago assumes the responsibility of finding and arresting Kimble ninety minutes after Kimble’s escape. During this time, instead of relying on the capability of police, Kimble commences an investigation on his own and tries to find out t he murderer of Helen. In this course, Kimble is also keen to involve Deputy Samuel Gerard and other members in his team. The police do not accede to his proposal and the Deputy constantly follows Kimble. This leaves Kimble with no choice but to keep away from all of his relatives and fellows. Kimble leaves no stone unturned in his efforts of catching the murderer. Meanwhile, the Deputy also starts to believe that the case is indeed more complicated and vague than he had originally anticipated. His ingenuity and uninterrupted determination gain fruition and Kimble reaches the conclusion that there is no one in this world that he can trust. The murderer ultimately discovered turns out to be a one-armed man. The concept has been derived from a television series that was telecast in 1960s. In that series, the title role was played by late David Jansen. However, the story has been too modified to leave any touch of the original source of idea. In that series, the adventure was narrated w eek after week of Jansen’s escape, and there was much more to attract the audience than simply the murderer’s chase unlike this two hour film, in which chasing the real criminal is the focus of the plot. The Fugitive is an exceptional movie based on murder investigation. Among all scenes in the movie, the ones that were shot before the commencement of the chase are the most dramatic and purposefully included. Everything that is related to the assassination is clearly conveyed to the audience in a prologue of no more than fifteen minutes. The scenes are quite well-edited. The doctor has to cope with two miseries simultaneously. He is convicted for the murder of his beloved wife. In such tough circumstances, he makes rational decisions which lead him to success in the long run. The opening scenes are followed by a non-stop thrill made by the Deputy and his men for about thirty minutes. These scenes are full of energy and the audience keeps on the seats’ edges. The speed of action considerably fades away in the second hour of the movie as Kimble starts finding the one armed man. However, giving this portion of the story more time does make sense as most of the problems of the movie are engrossed in this part. The performance of Harrison Ford in this movie is much more emotional than it was in Patriot Games. The performance that is indeed, most worthy of discussion and appreciation is that of Tommy Lee Jones. He had been struggling for a couple of years until 1993, when his superb performance in this movie became a potential

EU law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

EU law - Essay Example The European Union has also come up with several measures that will help it in dealing with the member states who do not comply with the union’s laws. Key Question: How can an individual or business enforce its rights under EU law at national level? 1. What does â€Å"DIRECT EFFECT† mean? This is a principle of European law that applies to varying aspects of their law which are enforceable by the union citizens within their respective member states. This is carried out regardless of the fact that these countries may have initiated laws for their country that will be charged with implementing their provisions1. 2. Which EU measures can have direct effect? (a) Treaty articles- Have a direct effect as can be seen in the case of Van Gend en Loos v Netherlandse Administratie Der Belastingen Case 26/62 [1963]. This case established that the provisions under the treaty that helped in forming the European Union were indeed capable of establishing other legal rights that were en forceable by individuals living within the member states2. (b) Regulations- Have a direct effect as witnessed in the judgment at the case between Politi SAS v Italian Ministry of Finance Case 43/71 [1971] which concerned itself with the levying of duties on poultry imports to Italy3. (c) Decisions- Have a direct effect since as per the judgment made in the case of Grad v Finanzamt Traunstein Case 9/70 [1970] the nature, wording and backgrounds of the provisions found in various questions must be ascertained for the purpose of establishing the legal relationship between a third party and an addressee4. (d) Directives- Have a direct effect. In the case of Van Duyn v Home Office, a Dutch citizen by the name of van duyn was denied entry into the country for her affiliation to a scientific religion that was largely believed by the government to be communally harmful. After suing on the basis of the Rome treaty, the court was later on referred to the Justice court of the European Union5. (e) Recommendations and opinions- Do not have a direct effect. According to the rulings case of Grimaldi v Fonds des Malaises Professionelles Case 322/88 [1989], recommendations with no binding effects do not have a direct effect on the parties to the case6. 3. What conditions must be satisfied? (a) Treaty articles, Regulations and decisions: Three conditions on the direct effect the treaty, regulations and decisions may have were identified from the cases of NV Algemene Transporten Expedite Onderneming Van Gend En Loos V. Nederlandse Administratie Der Belastingen, Case 26/62 [1963]. They stated that the situations for the above three conditions should be precisely stated and be adequately clear, be unconditional and independent of other legal stipulations and confer specific rights upon which citizens could base their claims7. (b) Directives: For the direct effect to be applied to directives in three additional conditions require satisfaction. Firstly, the directives must be clear and precise as evidenced in the rulings made in the case of Defrenne v SABENA No 2 Case 43/75 [1976] while the second condition stipulates that the deadline for the implementation by the member states has not passed as witnessed in the case of Pubblico Ministero v Ratti Case 148/78 [1979]. Thirdly, the directives only have a direct effect which implies that the are only enforceable against their states as witnessed in t

Global Finance Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Global Finance Environment - Essay Example Other than trade, globalization has affected the social realm through change in social relations and customs change in consumption patterns and lifestyles, and through important domain values like religion. Additionally, globalisation has affected the political ream through the widespread of multiparty democracies, pluralism, free elections, human rights, parliamentary systems, and independent judiciaries. This paper will focus on the global finance environment addressing some main drivers of globalisation, risks associated with globalisation, and the importance of cultural sensitivity to global finance issues. OECD statistics reveal an increasing trend in global trade patterns. Driving Forces of Globalisation The first main driver to globalisation is advancement in technology in the fields of ICT and transportation, which has reduced the costs of trade. Internet enables global interconnectivity where people can interact and pass information regardless of the physical proximity. With the interconnectivity, firms who have reached their full-scale production in their home country prefer to cross borders and secure other smaller companies. They do this through amalgamations, joint ventures, or partnerships. Internet has lowered the cost of transmitting and communicating information empowering multinationals. For instance, a company can have one CEO abroad who oversees all the operations of a company through the internet. Additionally, multinationals management team can use teleconferencing to communicate and hold meetings where each of them is contributing. With better technology, the cost of shipping has come down due to containerisation and bulk shipping. In addition, competition between airlines has lowered the costs of travelling abroad on business. Secondly, multilateral trade liberalisation has boosted globalisation. Globalisation involves creation of linkages between nations. One means of achieving interconnectedness is through reducing pre-existing barrier s to trade through liberalisation. Countries trading with each other have collaborated and reduced trade barriers between them increasing their potential to grow. Statistics reveal that over the last decade average tariffs has gone down from 30% to 10% in developing countries and from over 9% to 4% in developed countries. Successful economic reforms on the emerging markets have fostered globalisation. For instance, India’s economy was in a bad state in the early nineties and the country was almost defaulting in payment of its loans. Economic reforms like working in favour of a more open market and market-oriented economy has enabled the country to pick. Liberalisation was another move that enabled India to venture its products in the international market. In fact, India scrapped off the industrial licensing regime, reduced the number of areas reserved for the public sector, and reduced in tariffs and rates (Rodolphe, 2010). Lastly, migration is a main driver to globalisation. Often, people migrate in search of greener pastures or because of political instability in their country. Widening inequalities has increased pressure on the citizens to move. Statistics reveal that in America alone over 38 million of its population consists of persons born abroad. At least one person in 10 living in developed

The Han Dynasty and Rome Essay Example for Free

The Han Dynasty and Rome Essay From 206 B.C.E. 220 C.E., the Han dynasty, in China, accumulated many political control methods, as did Imperial Rome reigning from 31 B.C.E. – 476 C.E. However, there were more differences than similarities between the two empires/dynasties. Two main differences were China and Rome’s territorial expansion and their political philosophies (mandate of heaven and monarchy). A similarity between these two empires would be their centralized government adopting bureaucracy. China put their trust in the mandate of heaven, which is a Chinese political theory that gave those in power the right to rule from a divine authority. Imperial Rome relied on a monarchy system, which put Augustus Caesar (Julius Caesar’s son) into power. Another factor that differentiated Han China and Imperial Rome was their territorial expansion. Imperial Rome expanded from Italy to Spain, Gaul, Macedonia, Asia Minor, Egypt, Greece and Britannia. However, although Han China expands throughout Asia, they felt they did not need to expand much to sustain their power. Nonetheless, what allowed Han China and Imperial Rome to resemble each other, was there centralized bureaucracies. This is a government system in which all of the important decisions are made by one or a few authorities in a region. Rowland 2 Han China (206 B.C.E. 220 C.E.) and Imperial Rome (31 B.C.E. – 476 C.E.) discriminate more with their political methods, than relate to one another. Two distinctions would be their political philosophies, mandate of heaven and monarchy, and their territorial expansion concepts. One aspect that helped them relate to one another was that they shared the ideal of a centralized bureaucracy.

Origins Of Our Economic Worldview Essay Example for Free

Origins Of Our Economic Worldview Essay Nature is a wonderful tool that heals all by itself and it is a very well known fact. It is said that if nature is provided with enough time she would heal herself and that includes the affects of human activities too. But the basic question to this argument is the time duration or in other words what is the time taken to heal such wounds? It has been estimated that the unknown civilization that was wiped out of the Easter Island was due to deforestation. Human interventions devastated the ecology and subsequently themselves and still after about 1000 years the island is still grassland with little foliage. This is the point that was instrumental in developing the factors of ecological economics. Ecological economics is regarded as a subfield of economics that deals with issues that are, broadly speaking, related to the ecological concerns. The main purpose of Ecological economics is to use the universal methods of economics, mainly and mostly neo classical, to achieve its goal. According to Davis Lamb the ecological economics’ focal point is to centralize on the perception of externality of environment. In other word some or more of the outcomes of a commotion are not evaluated in accordance to its fiscal result. As an example he states that when the pollution level of a given state reaches its optimum level the price of the producer of this pollution subject should be taken into consideration otherwise the balance would be in the brink of commotion. Therefore it is encouraged to formulate the outcome of a polluting medium in respect of utility oriented price format. According to the Coase Theorem the assigning property rights is based on a fact that there is all probability that this application would lead to an optimal solution of ecological policies of economics whereby in accordance to regardless of who receives them, the basic cost of transaction would reveal an inconsequential state where the stake holders of the negotiating parties would be minimized. In other words, if there is a factory operating over a substantial period of time and polluting the surrounding area all along the way and the local population is suffering for that reason then a negotiation committee should be set up to find a perfect formulation that would help either way. One of the most logical conclusion could be the factory would be held responsible for the pollution and the suffering of the local population as the factory is polluting and banishing the local population’s right to proper and healthy environment. For this the factory should pay the local population as a price for a better living surrounding. Ecological economics in today’s world is one of the most relevant issues concerned. It should be remembered that the perception of Ecological economics is directly included into the peripheral view of the subject economics and is inseparable in nature. It is also believed that Ecological economics is in actuality three-fifths of ecology as per economist Mike Nickerson. Ecological economics is often regarded as a consolidation of conventional economics and political economy. Ecological finance and theories of natural capitalism are also highly influenced by the variables of Ecological economics. According to the DETR, government policies will strive to ensure that the countryside is environmentally protected while at the same time maintaining its working nature, thereby contributing to national prosperity as part of a competitive economy. The government stresses the need for social, economic and environmental concerns all to be considered together. Whether though the current legislation is in fact meeting such objectives is debatable. The most substantial protection for the habitat in the UK from the point of vie of Ecological economics is to be found in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which specifically provides for the designation of certain areas, known under the Act as ‘sites of special scientific interest’ or SSSI’s, for protection. The Act (Section 28(1) WCA 1981) provides for guidelines on designation criteria with the effect that designation will be likely if the area is ‘of special interest by reason of any of its flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features’. (McEldowney, 1999) In fact, if the area in question satisfies these criteria, then the Nature Conservancy Council must deem the areas to be under strict regulation. This ruling was most notably exemplified by the case of R v Nature Conservancy Council, ex parte London Brick Property Ltd. In conclusion it could be stated that despite the first glance opinions by the scientific and economic communities Ecological economics and habitat protection suggests that equal importance is in fact proffered to the environment than it is to the economic interests of those bound by the laws, in practice the laws have been implemented in such a fashion as to, in the main, permit an acceptable level of a balancing of interests of all concerned, a result which is not easily reached and is therefore to be applauded.

Explaining The Stages Of Communication Process Information Technology Essay

Explaining The Stages Of Communication Process Information Technology Essay A communication is a process which involves a sender, a receiver and the mes ­sage which is to be sent. There are some external things which might occur during this transfer, which could distort the message and prevent the receiver from receiving the original message that was meant by the sender. Apart from these externalities, both the sender and the receiver do some ­thing interest ­ing. The senders do not just give a universal message that is under ­standable by everybody. They encode it. They add certain things and state things in a certain way. On the other side, the receiver of the message has to decode, to a certain extent, what the sender meant to say. This includes the words as well as the tones and certain gestures and indications that are not ex ­pressed verbally. This often results in distortion of the message. Image Source: http://www.passia.org/seminars/2000/conflict/wanis-6.htmlConflict Resolution and Negotiations In Organisatons Message is what a communicator actually produces for transmission using spoken or written words, photographs, paintings, films, posters, etc. a great deal of skill and effort is required to formulate a message, the meaning of which should be understandable to the receiver. Actually the purpose of communication is to influence the receiver and get favourable responses so that appropriate decisions can be taken. The success of communication, therefore, depends on what we say and how we say it. A message can enhance or distort effective communication. For instance, in an interview your intention is to impress interviewer, but if you give answers whose meaning is not clear, the interviewer may perceive that you are incompetent for the job. (mbaknol.com, 2010) A channel is the vehicle through which a message is carried from the communicator to the receiver. There are many channels of communication i.e. written, spoken, verbal, non-verbal, mass media like TV, radio, newspapers, books, etc. Choosing the appropriate channel, which is most suitable for the message as well as the receiver, is a complicated task. Success and failure of communication depends on the selection of the right channel. (mbaknol.com, 2010) The receiver, at the other end of the communication, is the recipient of the message and must possess the same orientation as the communicator. If the receiver does not have the ability to listen, to read, to think, he will not be able to receive and decode the messages in the manner the communicator want him to. For effective communication, the receiver is the most important link in the communication process. (mbaknol.com, 2010) Decoding is the interpretation of the message by the receiver. Actually, the receiver looks for the meaning in the message, which is common to both the receiver and the communicator. (mbaknol.com, 2010) Feedback is the response or acknowledgement of receiver to the communicators message. The exchange is possible only if the receiver responds. In this way both participants in communication interact and constantly exchange roles. In face-to-face communication the receiver responds naturally, directly and immediately. This provides the communicator an opportunity to improve and make his communication effective. Feedback, thus, provides an opportunity to evaluate what is right or wrong about a particular communication. It helps to regulate the conversation among two or more individuals and also stimulates and reinforces an idea that is desired to be communicated. (mbaknol.com, 2010) Noise is an interruption that can creep in at any point of the communication process and make it ineffective. Environment is one major cause that interferes with message reception: like noises from the roadside, constant chattering of individuals outside the communication act, blaring loudspeaker, faulty transmission, etc. noise can occur in other forms also; poor handwriting, heavy accent or soft speech, communication in a poorly lit room, etc. in fact, these are barriers to effective communication. For smooth and effective communication, it is necessary to eliminate or reduce noise as far as possible. (mbaknol.com, 2010) Image Source: http://www.mbaknol.com/business-communication/elements-of-the-communication-process/ (mbaknol.com, 2010) WHAT ARE THE MAIN BARRIERS TO GOOD COMMUNICATION ? Communication is a process beginning with a sender who encodes the message and passes it through some channel to the receiver who decodes the message. Communication is fruitful if and only if the messages sent by the sender is interpreted with same meaning by the receiver. If any kind of disturbance blocks any step of communication, the message will be destroyed. Due to such disturbances, managers in an organisaton face severe problems. There are several barriers which affects the flow of communication in an organisaton. These barriers interrupt the flow of communication from the sender to the receiver, thus making communication ineffective. It is essential for managers to overcome these barriers. The main barriers of communication are summarized below. Language Inability to converse in a language that is known by both the sender and receiver is the greatest barrier to effective communication. When a person uses inappropriate words while conversing or writing, it could lead to misunderstanding between the sender and a receiver. Prejudice the sender may have already got pre set views and is not prepared to listen. Cultural differences The receiver may receive the message correctly worded but due to cultural differences take the message to have a different meaning. Complicated If the message is to long or technical, it may not be properly understood. Concentration. If the receiver has his/her mind on other matters, the message may not be properly understood. Emotions Your emotions could be a barrier to communication if you are engrossed in your emotions for some reason. In such cases, you tend to have trouble listening to others or understanding the message conveyed to you. A few of the emotional interferences include hostility, anger, resentfulness and fear. (Pillali, Accessed 2010). Lack of Subject Knowledge If a person who sends a message lacks subject knowledge then he may not be able to convey his message clearly. The receiver could misunderstand his message, and this could lead to a barrier to effective communication. (Pillali, Accessed 2010). Stress One of the major communication barriers faced by employees in most of the organisaton is stress. When a person is under immense stress, he may find it difficult to understand the message, leading to communication distortion. (Pillali, Accessed 2010). No matter how good the communication system in an organisation is, unfortunately barriers can and do often occur. This may be caused by a number of factors which can usually be summarised as being due to physical barriers, system design faults or attitudinal barriers. Physical barriers   are often due to the nature of the environment i.e. if staff are located in different buildings or on different sites. Likewise, poor or outdated equipment, particularly the failure of management to introduce new technology, may also cause problems. (Pillali, Accessed 2010). Staff shortages are another factor which frequently causes communication difficulties for an organisation. Whilst distractions like background noise, poor lighting or an environment which is too hot or cold can all affect peoples morale and concentration, which in turn interfere with effective communication. System design   faults refer to problems with the structures or systems in place in an organisation.   Examples might include an organisational structure which is unclear and therefore makes it confusing to know who to communicate with. Other examples could be inefficient or inappropriate information systems, a lack of supervision or training, and a lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities which can lead to staff being uncertain about what is expected of them. Attitudinal barriers   come about as a result of problems with staff in an organisation. These may be due to the factors such as poor management, lack of consultation with employees, personality conflicts which can result in people delaying or refusing to communicate, the personal attitudes of individual employees which may be due to lack of motivation or dissatisfaction at work, brought about by insufficient training to enable them to carry out particular tasks. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF GRAPEVINE TO MANAGER? Grapevine is an informal communication network, which ignores formal channels of communication and spreads rumours and gossips at all levels of the business organisaton. Although every business-organisaton has its formal channels of communication, the informal channel of communication called grapevine also operates in it. It can be easily found that a large portion of the communication in almost every business house is not formal or pre-planned. The employees communicate through informal channels as they do their jobs. It is neither pre-planned nor deliberately motivated by the management. It is neither written nor documented or recorded. Therefore, it refers to any communication that takes place outside the prescribed and pre-planned channels of formal business communication. It is not set with the lines of organisatonal hierarchy. As it has no set rules and regulations, it is not confined to a particular direction. It just spreads like a grapevine. (mbaknol.com, 2010) Grapevine communication Image Source: http://www.mbaknol.com/business-communication/grapevine-communication-and-its-features/ Importance of Grapevine in business scenario: Though the structure of the grapevine is not so well defined, as that of the formal channels, it should not be taken for its weakness. The messages flowing through grapevine have greater speed than that of the messages flowing through the formal channels. The grapevine may carry equally vital message through it for the achievement and success of the organisaton. It is not correct to underestimate the grapevine by saying that the vital messages pass only through the authorized, formal channels. On the other hand, though the formal channels are systematic, pre-planned and documented, it is authority-laden. It can never be as speedy and spontaneous as the grapevine. The employees communicate through grapevine, not because they are compelled to communicate but because they earnestly want to communicate with their associates. (mbaknol.com, 2010) The method of formal written communication is slow and expensive method of information transmission. The grapevine, on the other hand, is non-expensive method and most-rapid oral method of transmitting the information to the maximum number of the communication receivers. The grapevine can flow wherever the participants wish it to flow, therefore, the manager can use the properly cultivated grapevine in dealing with the problems that require crossing the boundaries between the departments. Grapevine originates from the psychological need of the employees to talk about their jobs and their associates as the subject of their main interest. The absence of grapevine surely creates the dull, sick and unfriendly atmosphere in the business organisaton. Grapevine is also described as the barometer of public opinion in the organisaton. If the manager is sensitive to it, s/he can gather information about the ideas, opinions, attitudes and interests of the employees. The grapevine gives an opportunity to the employees to let off the suppressed air of anxiety, worries and frustration. When they talk about their associates, they get emotional relief. The fact that the employees talk about their associates or that they have the interest in their associates is a proof of the high morale. Thus, the grapevine not only promotes unity, integrity and solidarity of the organisaton but it also helps to raise the morale of the employee. (mbaknol.com, 2010)

Liking your job :: essays research papers

Persuasive Essay How many of you think about what you want to be when you grow up? How many see themselves as an upper class citizen in a couple of years? Are you attracted to a particular career because of the money or the adventure? All of these are questions most of us are being faced with at this point in our lives. We have to ask ourselves, would we rather have a job that we love regardless of the money, or would we rather make a ton of money but hate what we do? My future job is going to be something that I love, something with adventure. I have been thinking about becoming a FBI agent. Mostly everything I have heard about the FBI has been interesting. Besides the grueling and arduous process of becoming an agent, the idea of knowing things and being involved with things that the normal person doesn’t have a clue about. Of course there are the basic downfalls, but if I love doing my job I will deal with them. A good example of my theory is my mother, who is a preschool teacher. She doesn’t make much money, compared to a doctor or lawyer, but she is very happy with her job. Her students love her, and to most of them she is their guardian. Her students are with her for most of the day. Often times the whole day. She accepts the responsibility of basically raising the kids in her class. Her job can be very rewarding, from seeing a child move on to kindergarten, to teaching a kid to tie his or her shoe. People have to go to work five days a week. For the most part, your job is your life. If you have a job that you dread going to every morning, sooner or later it will catch up with you and force you to make a career change. Although a huge

The Caste System of India :: The Caste System

The caste system and the major advantages and disadvantages of it. Hindu philosophy and religion with customs and traditions are connected to the caste system as being deeply rooted in the society of India. Over 2800 documented castes break down into sub-castes with each having their own uniqueness and variety of rules. The hierarchy divides society with the highness or superiority and lowness or inferiority to set a defined rank structure. Each caste has set customs, traditional practices and rituals but also have it’s own informal procedures and rules as applicable. The dominant caste wields economic power, high status because of wealth, political power and numerical strength. The presence of higher educated persons and the higher occupation rate members play a decided role in the dominance within local caste groups. It is highly discouraged to seek any justice from local, area or government officials located outside the village. The caste system is broken down into four main groups: Brahmans as the elites and mainly priests or highly educated. The Kshatriya as the rulers, warriors and land owners. The Vaishya are the merchants. The Shudra are the artisans and agriculturalists, there many sub-groups as this is the service provider group. Many of the â€Å"birth right† service groups function similarly to unions in the US. Then actually outside of the system are the Harijan or â€Å"untouchables†or as they like to be called â€Å"Dalits† (which in India means oppressed), their occupations are labeled as the unclean, unhealthy, and all dirty work which can be anything from being a musician, making cow dung into patties to burn as fuel or heat (by all castes) A major advantage of the caste system is the ensuring of continuity of traditional social organization in India. The passing down of knowledge and skills with trades and occupations from one generation to the next is highly important. The rituals and traditions promoted cooperation and unity within the local areas between the different castes. Some subsystems promote interactions between different villages, communities and the castes independently. Major disadvantages include the promotion of untouchability and discrimination against certain members of society even though it is illegal by the India constitution.

Twilight 11. COMPLICATIONS

11. COMPLICATIONS Everyone watched us as we walked together to our lab table. I noticed that he no longer angled the chair to sit as far from me as the desk would allow. Instead, he sat quite close beside me, our arms almost touching. Mr. Banner backed into the room then – what superb timing the man had – pulling a tall metal frame on wheels that held a heavy-looking, outdated TV and VCR. A movie day – the lift in the class atmosphere was almost tangible. Mr. Banner shoved the tape into the reluctant VCR and walked to the wall to turn off the lights. And then, as the room went black, I was suddenly hyperaware that Edward was sitting less than an inch from me. I was stunned by the unexpected electricity that flowed through me, amazed that it was possible to be more aware of him than I already was. A crazy impulse to reach over and touch him, to stroke his perfect face just once in the darkness, nearly overwhelmed me. I crossed my arms tightly across my chest, my hands balling into fists. I was losing my mind. The opening credits began, lighting the room by a token amount. My eyes, of their own accord, flickered to him. I smiled sheepishly as I realized his posture was identical to mine, fists clenched under his arms, right down to the eyes, peering sideways at me. He grinned back, his eyes somehow managing to smolder, even in the dark. I looked away before I could start hyperventilating. It was absolutely ridiculous that I should feel dizzy. The hour seemed very long. I couldn't concentrate on the movie – I didn't even know what subject it was on. I tried unsuccessfully to relax, but the electric current that seemed to be originating from somewhere in his body never slackened. Occasionally I would permit myself a quick glance in his direction, but he never seemed to relax, either. The overpowering craving to touch him also refused to fade, and I crushed my fists safely against my ribs until my fingers were aching with the effort. I breathed a sigh of relief when Mr. Banner flicked the lights back on at the end of class, and stretched my arms out in front of me, flexing my stiff fingers. Edward chuckled beside me. â€Å"Well, that was interesting,† he murmured. His voice was dark and his eyes were cautious. â€Å"Umm,† was all I was able to respond. â€Å"Shall we?† he asked, rising fluidly. I almost groaned. Time for Gym. I stood with care, worried my balance might have been affected by the strange new intensity between us. He walked me to my next class in silence and paused at the door; I turned to say goodbye. His face startled me – his expression was torn, almost pained, and so fiercely beautiful that the ache to touch him flared as strong as before. My goodbye stuck in my throat. He raised his hand, hesitant, conflict raging in his eyes, and then swiftly brushed the length of my cheekbone with his fingertips. His skin was as icy as ever, but the trail his fingers left on my skin was alarmingly warm – like I'd been burned, but didn't feel the pain of it yet. He turned without a word and strode quickly away from me. I walked into the gym, lightheaded and wobbly. I drifted to the locker room, changing in a trancelike state, only vaguely aware that there were other people surrounding me. Reality didn't fully set in until I was handed a racket. It wasn't heavy, yet it felt very unsafe in my hand. I could see a few of the other kids in class eyeing me furtively. Coach Clapp ordered us to pair up into teams. Mercifully, some vestiges of Mike's chivalry still survived; he came to stand beside me. â€Å"Do you want to be a team?† â€Å"Thanks, Mike – you don't have to do this, you know.† I grimaced apologetically. â€Å"Don't worry, I'll keep out of your way.† He grinned. Sometimes it was so easy to like Mike. It didn't go smoothly. I somehow managed to hit myself in the head with my racket and clip Mike's shoulder on the same swing. I spent the rest of the hour in the back corner of the court, the racket held safely behind my back. Despite being handicapped by me, Mike was pretty good; he won three games out of four singlehandedly. He gave me an unearned high five when the coach finally blew the whistle ending class. â€Å"So,† he said as we walked off the court. â€Å"So what?† â€Å"You and Cullen, huh?† he asked, his tone rebellious. My previous feeling of affection disappeared. â€Å"That's none of your business, Mike,† I warned, internally cursing Jessica straight to the fiery pits of Hades. â€Å"I don't like it,† he muttered anyway. â€Å"You don't have to,† I snapped. â€Å"He looks at you like†¦ like you're something to eat,† he continued, ignoring me. I choked back the hysteria that threatened to explode, but a small giggle managed to get out despite my efforts. He glowered at me. I waved and fled to the locker room. I dressed quickly, something stronger than butterflies battering recklessly against the walls of my stomach, my argument with Mike already a distant memory. I was wondering if Edward would be waiting, or if I should meet him at his car. What if his family was there? I felt a wave of real terror. Did they know that I knew? Was I supposed to know that they knew that I knew, or not? By the time I walked out of the gym, I had just about decided to walk straight home without even looking toward the parking lot. But my worries were unnecessary. Edward was waiting, leaning casually against the side of the gym, his breathtaking face untroubled now. As I walked to his side, I felt a peculiar sense of release. â€Å"Hi,† I breathed, smiling hugely. â€Å"Hello.† His answering smile was brilliant. â€Å"How was Gym?† My face fell a tiny bit. â€Å"Fine,† I lied. â€Å"Really?† He was unconvinced. His eyes shifted their focus slightly, looking over my shoulder and narrowing. I glanced behind me to see Mike's back as he walked away. â€Å"What?† I demanded. His eyes slid back to mine, still tight. â€Å"Newton's getting on my nerves.† â€Å"You weren't listening again?† I was horror-struck. All traces of my sudden good humor vanished. â€Å"How's your head?† he asked innocently. â€Å"You're unbelievable!† I turned, stomping away in the general direction of the parking lot, though I hadn't ruled out walking at this point. He kept up with me easily. â€Å"You were the one who mentioned how I'd never seen you in Gym – it made me curious.† He didn't sound repentant, so I ignored him. We walked in silence – a furious, embarrassed silence on my part – to his car. But I had to stop a few steps away – a crowd of people, all boys, were surrounding it. Then I realized they weren't surrounding the Volvo, they were actually circled around Rosalie's red convertible, unmistakable lust in their eyes. None of them even looked up as Edward slid between them to open his door. I climbed quickly in the passenger side, also unnoticed. â€Å"Ostentatious,† he muttered. â€Å"What kind of car is that?† I asked. â€Å"An M3.† â€Å"I don't speak Car and Driver.† â€Å"It's a BMW.† He rolled his eyes, not looking at me, trying to back out without running over the car enthusiasts. I nodded – I'd heard of that one. â€Å"Are you still angry?† he asked as he carefully maneuvered his way out. â€Å"Definitely.† He sighed. â€Å"Will you forgive me if I apologize?† â€Å"Maybe†¦ if you mean it. And if you promise not to do it again,† I insisted. His eyes were suddenly shrewd. â€Å"How about if I mean it, and I agree to let you drive Saturday?† he countered my conditions. I considered, and decided it was probably the best offer I would get. â€Å"Deal,† I agreed. â€Å"Then I'm very sorry I upset you.† His eyes burned with sincerity for a protracted moment – playing havoc with the rhythm of my heart – and then turned playful. â€Å"And I'll be on your doorstep bright and early Saturday morning.† â€Å"Um, it doesn't help with the Charlie situation if an unexplained Volvo is left in the driveway.† His smile was condescending now. â€Å"I wasn't intending to bring a car.† â€Å"How -â€Å" He cut me off. â€Å"Don't worry about it. I'll be there, no car.† I let it go. I had a more pressing question. â€Å"Is it later yet?† I asked significantly. He frowned. â€Å"I supposed it is later.† I kept my expression polite as I waited. He stopped the car. I looked up, surprised – of course we were already at Charlie's house, parked behind the truck. It was easier to ride with him if I only looked when it was over. When I looked back at him, he was staring at me, measuring with his eyes. â€Å"And you still want to know why you can't see me hunt?† He seemed solemn, but I thought I saw a trace of humor deep in his eyes. â€Å"Well,† I clarified, â€Å"I was mostly wondering about your reaction.† â€Å"Did I frighten you?† Yes, there was definitely humor there. â€Å"No,† I lied. He didn't buy it. â€Å"I apologize for scaring you,† he persisted with a slight smile, but then all evidence of teasing disappeared. â€Å"It was just the very thought of you being there†¦ while we hunted.† His jaw tightened. â€Å"That would be bad?† He spoke from between clenched teeth. â€Å"Extremely.† â€Å"Because†¦ ?† He took a deep breath and stared through the windshield at the thick, rolling clouds that seemed to press down, almost within reach. â€Å"When we hunt,† he spoke slowly, unwillingly, â€Å"we give ourselves over to our senses†¦ govern less with our minds. Especially our sense of smell. If you were anywhere near me when I lost control that way†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He shook his head, still gazing morosely at the heavy clouds. I kept my expression firmly under control, expecting the swift flash of his eyes to judge my reaction that soon followed. My face gave nothing away. But our eyes held, and the silence deepened – and changed. Flickers of the electricity I'd felt this afternoon began to charge the atmosphere as he gazed unrelentingly into my eyes. It wasn't until my head started to swim that I realized I wasn't breathing. When I drew in a jagged breath, breaking the stillness, he closed his eyes. â€Å"Bella, I think you should go inside now.† His low voice was rough, his eyes on the clouds again. I opened the door, and the arctic draft that burst into the car helped clear my head. Afraid I might stumble in my woozy state, I stepped carefully out of the car and shut the door behind me without looking back. The whir of the automatic window unrolling made me turn. â€Å"Oh, Bella?† he called after me, his voice more even. He leaned toward the open window with a faint smile on his lips. â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"Tomorrow it's my turn.† â€Å"Your turn to what?† He smiled wider, flashing his gleaming teeth. â€Å"Ask the questions.† And then he was gone, the car speeding down the street and disappearing around the corner before I could even collect my thoughts. I smiled as I walked to the house. It was clear he was planning to see me tomorrow, if nothing else. That night Edward starred in my dreams, as usual. However, the climate of my unconsciousness had changed. It thrilled with the same electricity that had charged the afternoon, and I tossed and turned restlessly, waking often. It was only in the early hours of the morning that I finally sank into an exhausted, dreamless sleep. When I woke I was still tired, but edgy as well. I pulled on my brown turtleneck and the inescapable jeans, sighing as I daydreamed of spaghetti straps and shorts. Breakfast was the usual, quiet event I expected. Charlie fried eggs for himself; I had my bowl of cereal. I wondered if he had forgotten about this Saturday. He answered my unspoken question as he stood up to take his plate to the sink. â€Å"About this Saturday†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he began, walking across the kitchen and turning on the faucet. I cringed. â€Å"Yes, Dad?† â€Å"Are you still set on going to Seattle?† he asked. â€Å"That was the plan.† I grimaced, wishing he hadn't brought it up so I wouldn't have to compose careful half-truths. He squeezed some dish soap onto his plate and swirled it around with the brush. â€Å"And you're sure you can't make it back in time for the dance?† â€Å"I'm not going to the dance, Dad.† I glared. â€Å"Didn't anyone ask you?† he asked, trying to hide his concern by focusing on rinsing the plate. I sidestepped the minefield. â€Å"It's a girl's choice.† â€Å"Oh.† He frowned as he dried his plate. I sympathized with him. It must be a hard thing, to be a father; living in fear that your daughter would meet a boy she liked, but also having to worry if she didn't. How ghastly it would be, I thought, shuddering, if Charlie had even the slightest inkling of exactly what I did like. Charlie left then, with a goodbye wave, and I went upstairs to brush my teeth and gather my books. When I heard the cruiser pull away, I could only wait a few seconds before I had to peek out of my window. The silver car was already there, waiting in Charlie's spot on the driveway. I bounded down the stairs and out the front door, wondering how long this bizarre routine would continue. I never wanted it to end. He waited in the car, not appearing to watch as I shut the door behind me without bothering to lock the dead-bolt. I walked to the car, pausing shyly before opening the door and stepping in. He was smiling, relaxed – and, as usual, perfect and beautiful to an excruciating degree. â€Å"Good morning.† His voice was silky. â€Å"How are you today?† His eyes roamed over my face, as if his question was something more than simple courtesy. â€Å"Good, thank you.† I was always good – much more than good – when I was near him. His gaze lingered on the circles under my eyes. â€Å"You look tired.† â€Å"I couldn't sleep,† I confessed, automatically swinging my hair around my shoulder to provide some measure of cover. â€Å"Neither could I,† he teased as he started the engine. I was becoming used to the quiet purr. I was sure the roar of my truck would scare me, whenever I got to drive it again. I laughed. â€Å"I guess that's right. I suppose I slept just a little bit more than you did.† â€Å"I'd wager you did.† â€Å"So what did you do last night?† I asked. He chuckled. â€Å"Not a chance. It's my day to ask questions.† â€Å"Oh, that's right. What do you want to know?† My forehead creased. I couldn't imagine anything about me that could be in any way interesting to him. â€Å"What's your favorite color?† he asked, his face grave. I rolled my eyes. â€Å"It changes from day to day.† â€Å"What's your favorite color today?† He was still solemn. â€Å"Probably brown.† I tended to dress according to my mood. He snorted, dropping his serious expression. â€Å"Brown?† he asked skeptically. â€Å"Sure. Brown is warm. I miss brown. Everything that's supposed to be brown – tree trunks, rocks, dirt – is all covered up with squashy green stuff here,† I complained. He seemed fascinated by my little rant. He considered for a moment, staring into my eyes. â€Å"You're right,† he decided, serious again. â€Å"Brown is warm.† He reached over, swiftly, but somehow still hesitantly, to sweep my hair back behind my shoulder. We were at the school by now. He turned back to me as he pulled into a parking space. â€Å"What music is in your CD player right now?† he asked, his face as somber as if he'd asked for a murder confession. I realized I'd never removed the CD Phil had given me. When I said the name of the band, he smiled crookedly, a peculiar expression in his eyes. He flipped open a compartment under his car's CD player, pulled out one of thirty or so CDs that were jammed into the small space, and handed it to me, â€Å"Debussy to this?† He raised an eyebrow. It was the same CD. I examined the familiar cover art, keeping my eyes down. It continued like that for the rest of the day. While he walked me to English, when he met me after Spanish, all through the lunch hour, he questioned me relentlessly about every insignificant detail of my existence. Movies I'd liked and hated, the few places I'd been and the many places I wanted to go, and books – endlessly books. I couldn't remember the last time I'd talked so much. More often than not, I felt self-conscious, certain I must be boring him. But the absolute absorption of his face, and his never-ending stream of questions, compelled me to continue. Mostly his questions were easy, only a very few triggering my easy blushes. But when I did flush, it brought on a whole new round of questions. Such as the time he asked my favorite gemstone, and I blurted out topaz before thinking. He'd been flinging questions at me with such speed that I felt like I was taking one of those psychiatric tests where you answer with the first word that comes to mind. I was sure he would have continued down whatever mental list he was following, except for the blush. My face reddened because, until very recently, my favorite gemstone was garnet. It was impossible, while staring back into his topaz eyes, not to remember the reason for the switch. And, naturally, he wouldn't rest until I'd admitted why I was embarrassed. â€Å"Tell me,† he finally commanded after persuasion failed – failed only because I kept my eyes safely away from his face. â€Å"It's the color of your eyes today,† I sighed, surrendering, staring down at my hands as I fiddled with a piece of my hair. â€Å"I suppose if you asked me in two weeks I'd say onyx.† I'd given more information than necessary in my unwilling honesty, and I worried it would provoke the strange anger that flared whenever I slipped and revealed too clearly how obsessed I was. But his pause was very short. â€Å"What kinds of flowers do you prefer?† he fired off. I sighed in relief, and continued with the psychoanalysis. Biology was a complication again. Edward had continued with his quizzing up until Mr. Banner entered the room, dragging the audiovisual frame again. As the teacher approached the light switch, I noticed Edward slide his chair slightly farther away from mine. It didn't help. As soon as the room was dark, there was the same electric spark, the same restless craving to stretch my hand across the short space and touch his cold skin, as yesterday. I leaned forward on the table, resting my chin on my folded arms, my hidden fingers gripping the table's edge as I fought to ignore the irrational longing that unsettled me. I didn't look at him, afraid that if he was looking at me, it would only make self-control that much harder. I sincerely tried to watch the movie, but at the end of the hour I had no idea what I'd just seen. I sighed in relief again when Mr. Banner turned the lights on, finally glancing at Edward; he was looking at me, his eyes ambivalent. He rose in silence and then stood still, waiting for me. We walked toward the gym in silence, like yesterday. And, also like yesterday, he touched my face wordlessly – this time with the back of his cool hand, stroking once from my temple to my jaw – before he turned and walked away. Gym passed quickly as I watched Mike's one-man badminton show. He didn't speak to me today, either in response to my vacant expression or because he was still angry about our squabble yesterday. Somewhere, in a corner of my mind, I felt bad about that. But I couldn't concentrate on him. I hurried to change afterward, ill at ease, knowing the faster I moved, the sooner I would be with Edward. The pressure made me more clumsy than usual, but eventually I made it out the door, feeling the same release when I saw him standing there, a wide smile automatically spreading across my face. He smiled in reaction before launching into more cross-examination. His questions were different now, though, not as easily answered. He wanted to know what I missed about home, insisting on descriptions of anything he wasn't familiar with. We sat in front of Charlie's house for hours, as the sky darkened and rain plummeted around us in a sudden deluge. I tried to describe impossible things like the scent of creosote – bitter, slightly resinous, but still pleasant – the high, keening sound of the cicadas in July, the feathery barrenness of the trees, the very size of the sky, extending white-blue from horizon to horizon, barely interrupted by the low mountains covered with purple volcanic rock. The hardest thing to explain was why it was so beautiful to me – to justify a beauty that didn't depend on the sparse, spiny vegetation that often looked half dead, a beauty that had more to do with the exposed shape of the land, with the shallow bowls of valleys between the craggy hills, and the way they held on to the sun. I found myself using my hands as I tried to describe it to him. His quiet, probing questions kept me talking freely, forgetting, in the dim light of the storm, to be embarrassed for monopolizing the conversation. Finally, when I had finished detailing my cluttered room at home, he paused instead of responding with another question. â€Å"Are you finished?† I asked in relief. â€Å"Not even close – but your father will be home soon.† â€Å"Charlie!† I suddenly recalled his existence, and sighed. I looked out at the rain-darkened sky, but it gave nothing away. â€Å"How late is it?† I wondered out loud as I glanced at the clock. I was surprised by the time – Charlie would be driving home now. â€Å"It's twilight,† Edward murmured, looking at the western horizon, obscured as it was with clouds. His voice was thoughtful, as if his mind were somewhere far away. I stared at him as he gazed unseeingly out the windshield. I was still staring when his eyes suddenly shifted back to mine. â€Å"It's the safest time of day for us,† he said, answering the unspoken question in my eyes. â€Å"The easiest time. But also the saddest, in a way†¦ the end of another day, the return of the night. Darkness is so predictable, don't you think?† He smiled wistfully. â€Å"I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars.† I frowned. â€Å"Not that you see them here much.† He laughed, and the mood abruptly lightened. â€Å"Charlie will be here in a few minutes. So, unless you want to tell him that you'll be with me Saturday†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He raised one eyebrow. â€Å"Thanks, but no thanks.† I gathered my books, realizing I was stiff from sitting still so long. â€Å"So is it my turn tomorrow, then?† â€Å"Certainly not!† His face was teasingly outraged. â€Å"I told you I wasn't done, didn't I?† â€Å"What more is there?† â€Å"You'll find out tomorrow.† He reached across to open my door for me, and his sudden proximity sent my heart into frenzied palpitations. But his hand froze on the handle. â€Å"Not good,† he muttered. â€Å"What is it?† I was surprised to see that his jaw was clenched, his eyes disturbed. He glanced at me for a brief second. â€Å"Another complication,† he said glumly. He flung the door open in one swift movement, and then moved, almost cringed, swiftly away from me. The flash of headlights through the rain caught my attention as a dark car pulled up to the curb just a few feet away, facing us. â€Å"Charlie's around the corner,† he warned, staring through the downpour at the other vehicle. I hopped out at once, despite my confusion and curiosity. The rain was louder as it glanced off my jacket. I tried to make out the shapes in the front seat of the other car, but it was too dark. I could see Edward illuminated in the glare of the new car's headlights; he was still staring ahead, his gaze locked on something or someone I couldn't see. His expression was a strange mix of frustration and defiance. Then he revved the engine, and the tires squealed against the wet pavement. The Volvo was out of sight in seconds. â€Å"Hey, Bella,† called a familiar, husky voice from the driver's side of the little black car. â€Å"Jacob?† I asked, squinting through the rain. Just then, Charlie's cruiser swung around the corner, his lights shining on the occupants of the car in front of me. Jacob was already climbing out, his wide grin visible even through the darkness. In the passenger seat was a much older man, a heavyset man with a memorable face – a face that overflowed, the cheeks resting against his shoulders, with creases running through the russet skin like an old leather jacket. And the surprisingly familiar eyes, black eyes that seemed at the same time both too young and too ancient for the broad face they were set in. Jacob's father, Billy Black. I knew him immediately, though in the more than five years since I'd seen him last I'd managed to forget his name when Charlie had spoken of him my first day here. He was staring at me, scrutinizing my face, so I smiled tentatively at him. His eyes were wide, as if in shock or fear, his nostrils flared. My smile faded. Another complication, Edward had said. Billy still stared at me with intense, anxious eyes. I groaned internally. Had Billy recognized Edward so easily? Could he really believe the impossible legends his son had scoffed at? The answer was clear in Billy's eyes. Yes. Yes, he could.

AS/RS and conveyors

Racks are â€Å"flow-through† racks In which the unit load Is stored from one side of the rack by a dedicated SIR machine, and Is retrieved by another machine from the pick did of the rack. 3. Monomial AS/RSI: is a system designed to handle small loads that are contained in bins or drawers in the storage system. A. Generally smaller than a unit load AS/RSI and is often enclosed for security of the items stored. B. Uses special SIR machines to retrieve and transport the bins to the P&D station at the end of the aisle in order to be able to withdraw individual items from the bin. C.P&D station is manually operated by a worker. D. The bin or drawer must then be returned to its location in the system. 4. Man-on-board AS/RSI: this system is dedicated for retrieving single items from outrage. A. Human worker drives a carriage of the SIR machine. B. Permits individual item that he picked directly at their storage locations. 5. Automated item retrieval system: a storage systems design ed for retrieval of individual items or small product cartons. A. Items are stored in lanes. B. In retrieval process item is pushed from its lane and dropped onto a conveyor for delivery to the pickup station. . The supply of items in each lane is periodically replenished, allowing first-in. First-out Inventory rotation 6. Vertical' lift storage modules (EVILS): These are also called vertical lift automated outrage/retrieval systems. A. Uses a center aisle or more. B. Capable of holding large Inventories while saving valuable floor space In the factory. Three application areas can be distinguished for automated storage/retrieval systems: 1 . Unit load storage and handling. Commonly found in: Warehousing for finished goods. Manufacturing facilities e. G. Deep-lane systems are mostly used in food industry. 2.Order picking. As order picking involves retrieving materials in less than full unit load quantities, monomial, man-an-board, and item retrieval systems are used for this applicat ion area. 3. Work-in-process storage systems. It's a new application recently developed of automated storage technology. The following ways are ways to manage unavoidable WIPE: a. Buffer storage in production. Used between two processes which production rates differ significantly. An in-process buffer is needed between these operations to temporarily store the output of the first process as the input for the second process. . Support of Just-in-time delivery. Just-in-time TIT) is a manufacturing strategy that follows the pull strategy in which parts required in production are received immediately prior they are needed in the plant. As this strategy is very risky in terms f stock outs that occurs due to late supplier deliveries, usually plants install automated storage systems as storage buffers for incoming materials. C. Kitting of parts for assembly. When an order is received, the required components are retrieved, collected into kits, and delivered to the production floor for asse mbly. . Compatible with automatic identification systems. Uses automatic identification devices; bar code readers which allows loads to be stored and retrieved without human interaction to identify the loads. E. Computer control and tracking of materials. Used to identify the location and tutus of work-in-process in the facility. F. Support of factory wide automation. Part 2: Prepare a report about manual and automated conveyors. CONVEYOR SYSTEMS Conveyors are used when material must be moved in relatively large quantities between specific locations over a fixed path.Conveyors divided into two basic categories: 1 . Powered conveyors The power mechanism is contained in the fixed path, using chains, belts, rotating rolls, or other devices to force loads along the path. They are usually used in automated material transport systems in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers. 2. Non-powered conveyors. Tat or by using gravity from one height to a lower height. Types of Conveyors 1. Roller and Skate Wheel Conveyors. Roller conveyor: The pathway consists of a series of rollers that are perpendicular to the direction of travel.The fixed frame contains rollers that lifts the pathway above floor level from several inches to several feet. Flat pallets carrying unit loads are moved forward as the roller rotate. Applications: manufacturing, assembly, and packaging. Skate-wheel conveyors are similar to roller conveyors but skate wheels rotating on shaft connected to a frame to roll pallets along the path way instead of rollers. Applications of skate wheel conveyors are similar to those of roller conveyors, except that the loads must generally be lighter. 2.Belt Conveyors. Belt conveyors consist of a continuous loop: Half its length is used for delivering materials, and the other half is the return run. Belt conveyors are typically available in two types; Flat belts for pallets, individual parts, or even certain types of bulk materials; Thorough belts for b ulk materials. Conveyors Driven by Chains and Cables. Uses chains that forms endless loop on which loads are carried directly. The loop forms a straight line with a pulley at each end. This is usually in an over-and-under configuration.These conveyors are categorized as the following: 1. Chain: a. Used to transport heavy unit loads. B. Parallel chain configuration used to transport pallets. 2. Slat conveyor: a) Uses discretely spaced slats connected to a chain b) Unit being transported retains its position c) Orientation and placement of the load is controlled d) Used for heavy loads or loads that might damage a belt e) Bottling and canning plants use flat chain or slat conveyors because of wet conditions, temperature, and cleanliness requirements f) Tilt slat conveyor used for serration 3.In floor towline conveyors: . Uses towline to provide power to wheeled carriers such as trucks, dollies, or carts that move along the floor b. Used for fixed-path travel of carriers (each of which has variable path capabilities when disengaged from the towline) c. Towline can be located either overhead, flush with the floor, or in the floor a. Uses a series of trolleys supported from or within an overhead track b. Trolleys are equally spaced in a closed loop path and are suspended from a chain c.Carriers are used to carry multiple units of product d. Does not provide for accumulation e. Commonly used in processing, assembly, packaging, and storage operations 5. A power-and-free overhead trolley conveyor: a. Similar to trolley conveyor due to use of discretely spaced carriers transported by an overhead chain; however, the power-and-free conveyor uses two tracks: one powered and the other non-powered. B. Carriers can be disengaged from the power chain and accumulated or switched onto spurs c.Termed an Inverted Power-and- Free Conveyor when tracks are located on the floor 6. Cart-on-track conveyors: a. Used to transport carts along a track b. Carts are transported by a rotating tube c. Connected to each cart is a drive wheel that rests on the tube and that is used to array the speed of the cart (by varying the angle of contact between the drive wheel and the tube) d. Carts are independently controlled e. Accumulation can be achieved by maintaining the drive wheel parallel to the tube 7.Screw conveyors: a. Consists of a tube or U-shaped stationary trough through which a shaft-mounted helix revolves to push loose material forward in a horizontal or inclined direction b. One of the most widely used conveyors in the processing industry c. Many applications in agricultural and chemical processing 8. Vibration-based conveyors: a. Consists of a trough, bed, or tube b. Vibrates at a relatively high frequency and small amplitude in order to convey individual units of products or bulk material c.Can be used to convey almost all granular, free-flowing materials 9. Vertical lift conveyors: is a power-based conveyer that moves products automatically from one level to another. A. Carrier used to raise or lower a load to different levels of a facility (e. G. , different floors and/or mezzanines) b. Differs from a freight elevator in that it is not designed or certified to carry people c. Can be manually or automatically loaded and/or controlled and can interface with horizontal conveyors