Strength Debut Albums and Johnny free essay sample

They are taking the casket away to the burial site. It is made of a dark maple wood with an arrangement of white roses on top. The preacher says only family can come. So the son stands up and follows the casket to the burial site. He is wearing a gray shirt with a black coat and black pants. He doesnt seem to be shaken up about the funeral. He Is quiet and stays to himself. Once they reach the burial site he stands next to the casket as they begin to lower it. He just stares and begins to think about the memory that caused this. Johnny was sitting at the kitchen table watching his mother Anita, cleaning the ashes. She was wearing her tired blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up, beat up denims, and her hair in a low pony-tail. Antas favorite thing was to do the dishes. We will write a custom essay sample on Strength: Debut Albums and Johnny or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page She always sang to herself while her blue eyes traveled out the window through the woods. She would think things of leaving and starting over. She never wanted Johnny to see herself that way but he did. He saw her sadness. Many times she would stare at the little Eiffel Tower statue that was on the window sill or look at her and her husband, Jacks, wedding photo above the fireplace. The pictured showed a much younger, and happier Anita. The house was quiet.And Johnny Liked moments Like these. Moments that showed how cozy and peaceful their 700 square foot home could be instead of the tumble- down house it really was. It had a kitchen/den, two bedrooms, and a bath. Their family spent most of the time in the kitchen. It was painted a pale yellow, had a wooden table with three chairs, and had a window over the sink. It connected to a hallway which connected to the two rooms. All the rooms were small but the size didnt really bother him, it was the only place he had known for his ten years. The house was light green with white shutters on the outside.The paint had faded so much that the home almost blended into the woods. Johnny TLD have many neighbors but he had an Imagination that was as vibrant and wild as the Salmon River a few miles away. He would sneak there sometimes when his mother would be sleeping and his father was at work. One day as the sun was rising over the river he began a story of a boy traveling through the woods and ending up in a far away land. It was a much peaceful, newer, land than the one he knew. He became friends with them and they allowed him to go back and bring one person back to live with them.He brought his mother. Anita finished the dishes and turned around to look at Johnny. Alright young man, its time for bed. Your father will be home soon. Could you read me a story before bed? Sweetie, your father Is almost home and you need to be in bed. Mama, please? said Johnny. She looked at him; his big blue eyes, half covered by his unkempt hair, always won. They were her weakness. He was such a kind boy whose eyes always saw good, no matter the evil In front of him. Okay she said, but its going to be a short one. save a girl who is in trouble.In the story the boy had to learn that bravery isnt Just bout doing what is right but also being able to sacrifice your feelings to do the right thing. As she neared the end of the story she heard her husbands truck pull up. She hurriedly got to her feet and looked out the window. Her heart started to beat faster and there was a little bit of perspiration right above her brow. Johnny sat up and peered over her shoulder. They both looked and saw him and his gun fall out of their blue Ford F-1 50. Her husband picked up his gun and staggered towards the house. Anita turned around and tucked Johnny in. As she pulled away Johnny grabbed her and, and in a very small but strong voice Johnny said, Mama One day Ill save you. I promise. Anita stared. The car door slamming knocked Anita out of her trance. She walked out of Johnnys room, wiped the few tears that had gathered at the corners of her eyes, and shut the door behind her. As Anita walked into the kitchen so did her husband Jack. He was a tall man who looked much older than he was. His skin was leathery and the tips of his hair were gray. His blue eyes which, used to hold so much promise, were now red with black sags under them. He and Anita meet in high school.They were in the same math class. Anita was failing math and Jack decided to help her with her studies. The friendship blossomed into a beautiful relationship. One time, when they were together, Jack gave Anita an Eiffel Tower statue and promised her that when he became a famous engineer he would take her there. This never happened though. Their Junior year she got pregnant. They both dropped out to support their son. Jack was a loving man but as his dream got farther, the liquor bottle got closer. It became a continuous problem. Anita could count on one hand how many times she saw Jack without a whiskey bottle, in the past six months.The alcohol changed him, like many men, into a monster. Whats wrong with you? Jack asked while he threw his gun on the counter by the hallway and kicked off his old black boots. Nothing, been cleaning all day. Im a little tired I guess. How was work? Well, lets see, I worked an eleven hour day, at a Job that I hate, with a boss who doesnt respect me, and I come home to a family that doesnt appreciate me. Its Just another day. Oh now, come on, you know that Johnny and I love- Love me? Jack interrupted. Is that why I come home to half the house a mess, no inner on the table, no poured drink, and my son already asleep.Its starting to get real old Anita. Im not up for all these games, never have been. Im not playing games with you Jack. I have worked all day too and I take care of our son. God I dont understand why you get so paranoid. Dont call me paranoid! Anita you dont know when to shut the buck up, do you? I am not paranoid you- muff accuse me of everything! Anita interrupted, Last night we argued about how you think I am turning Johnny against you and how you think I am taking money. I think we know where the money is going. Anita watched as Jack opened up the brown cupboard door, took out the whiskey, and poured himself a glass.There was no expression on Antas face but her heart was pounding. Jack stopped in mid swig What the buck is this? Here you go again Jack accusing me. Anita tried very hard to put on an easy face but the rage in Jacks eyes seemed to be building with every second. His hand on the bottle became a vice. What did I tell you about touching my whiskey? l didnt touch your damn whiskey. muff think because Im drunk that I dont taste the difference? Youve done this before, Anita. Again with the Para- Stop calling me paranoid! Jack roared. All the blood in his entire body seemed to be at his face.The buttons on his blue and gray plaid shirt almost popped from his chest being out too far. He shut his eyes and took a breath. Didnt I tell you what was going to happen if you watered down any of my drinks again? Jack said with an almost eerie calmness. Anita saw the familiar look in his eyes. Her body reacted in a way a deers does when they know whats coming for them: heart racing, fixed stare, muscles tense. She took a deep breath and tried to relax herself. Jack, sweetie, I didnt touch your whiskey. I promise you. muff think Im dumb, dont you?Yea know I try and be sweet and understanding, but you keep lying to me. Why do you do that? You know I cant stand it when you do that. You say that you love me, and when you love someone you arent supposed to lie to them. You love me dont you? Of course sweetie I love you. You mean the world to me. I dont know- See, here you go again with those lies. It makes me angry. And what am I supposed to do? Just let you continue telling lies? We are raising a son together, and I dont want Johnny to learn that habit. The eerie calmness was still there, and Jack rarely spoke above a whisper.He began streaming his fingers through her hair. He looked down at his bottle, and as his face rose again to meet hers it changed. He became a monster. l told you I dont like my whiskey being watered down. Is it that difficult to do as I say? Jacks voice became louder and stronger. He grabbed Antas hair with his fists and shoved her head onto the table. The skin around her scalp was stretching from the force of the grip. Her arms were against the edge of the table trying to push herself up, but he was too strong. Tightening his grip, he bent down to have his face side hers. muff have to learn.You bucking pitch, you have to learn. Jack please, I didnt do it. Your hurting me, sweetie, stop. As she spoke, the force of Jacks hand against her face became stronger towards the wooden table. Her heart was pounding and she was looking for any possible way to protect herself. Tears started rolling down her face. She didnt know what to do. She knew he wasnt going to believe her and he was so much stronger than her. She finally said the only thing she felt could stop it, Im sorry. He eased up on his force but still kept a grip on her hair. What did you say? Im sorry.Its Just, Just your drinking changes you. And I like the old Jack. Honey Im on his. Now, now doesnt that feel better? Jack said as he straightened his back and looked down at her. Doesnt it feel good to tell the truth and admit your problems? See, I am helping. But honey that doesnt change the fact of what you did. Youve done it before, and its becoming a habit. At that moment his full force returned. He lifted her head and slammed it into the table. Anita wailed in pain. Above her temple she started bleeding. He pulled her off the table and started dragging her across the white laminate floor with her hair.As he dragged her to the hallway entrance, towards the bedroom, he looked up for the first time and let go of his wifes hair. She turned around and slowly stood up. They saw Johnny standing in the hallway. Johnnys eyes were red with dried tears on his checks. He stood as if he were seven feet tall with all the confidence in the world, and Just stared at his father. Anita looked at his sweet eyes, that for the first time realized there was no good to be seen in his father. Jack wasnt looking at Johnnys eyes like his wife was, he was looking at the pistol Johnny was holding up with both is hands.Johnny witnessed everything like he always had. When he heard his mothers screams he got out of bed and walked towards the kitchen. He saw blood running down his mothers face and couldnt control the anger that was rising in him. As his father slammed his mothers head into the wooden table, a second time, he grabbed the gun that was on the counter. Holding the cold unfamiliar metal in his hands, he stood tall and pointed it at his father. Sweetheart, his mother said, everything is going to be okay. Alright? Come here, let me hold you. Johnny didnt say a word but kept starring at his father. Son give the gun to me. l gave mama a promise. Johnny spoke with no hesitation. Sweetie, its okay to break promises. This isnt your battle to fight. This isnt a story. Honey Just look at me. Anita was scared for her sons life. Neither her or her husband had taught him to shoot a gun. She was afraid the he would end up hurting himself. Johnny turned his head to look at his mother. He saw that the blood on her face was curving around the fake smile she was trying to make. As he looked down to see some of her hair on the floor, his father took the opportunity and lunged for Johnny.His grip wasnt as tight anymore and he felt the gun falling out of his hands. His father picked him up and threw him against the wall. Jack started yelling and slapped Johnny across the face. Johnny began to cry. Anita felt the breaking point. Hearing her son cry was the key to unveiling her eyes. She knew, the only reason she stayed alive, was to protect Johnny. Her heart began to race. All the lost opportunities of running away led to this moment. Her blood started pumping faster. She would be damned if she let this happen to her son. She picked up the gun and thought back to the moment her daddy taught her to shoot.Jack, put him down. He didnt turn around or even acknowledge her. Jack! Jack turned around and dropped his son. Anita, baby what are you- Anita shot a bullet to the left of him. Had one hand around her leg and used the other to wipe tears from his eyes. Sweetie, go outside. Mama will be there soon. Johnny walked out of the kitchen door and sat by the truck. Im done with this Jack. I am his mother, I have to protect him. Her grip became tighter. What are you going to do? You have no Job, no education. You need me. Jack tried to seem calm but the fear in his eyes gave him away. l dont need you.I will find my own way. Anita raised the gun and pointed it straight at his head. l hope your son can live with the fact that his mother is a coward and a murderer. When the kids ridicule him I hope you think of me. Bam She did it. She put a bullet through his head and finally shut the bastard up. He laid there with a pool of blood flowing out of his head. Blood was everywhere. It was splattered all over the walls and cabinets. Her hearing slowly came back to her in a wave. She finally lowered her gun and Just starred. Part of her couldnt believe what she had done. And she wondered if she was strong enough to handle it.She remembered Johnny sitting outside. She tossed her thoughts aside and walked to the bathroom. She looked in the mirror. Her shirt was ripped, she had patches of hair missing, and her face was covered in blood. She cleaned herself up and walked out to Johnny. Johnny ran into his mothers arms. Mama Im sorry. Honey, you look at me. Dont cry anymore. You did nothing wrong. Okay? We are going to call the police and you will tell them the absolute truth. Baby everything will be fine. Okay mama, ill be strong for you. Why could you never let those words go? Johnny thought to himself. L hope your on can live with the fact that his mother is a coward and a murderer. I know you loved me and you did what you had to do. You protected me. How could that man still have control over you after all this time? I tried to be strong and hide my tears for you but you kept sinking further away. Maybe you knew that you wouldnt be able to handle it but you did it anyway;ay? Like what you taught me in those stories when I was young: bravery isnt Just about doing what is right but also being able to sacrifice your feelings to do the right thing. Johnny lowered his head and, for the first time in eight years,

Heart of Darkness Essay essays

Heart of Darkness Essay essays Joseph Conrad ¹s novel Heart of Darkness is about a seaman named Charlie Marlow and an experience he had as a younger man. Early in the novel it becomes apparent that there is a great deal of tension in Marlow ¹s mind about whether he should profit from the immoral actions of the company he works for which is involved in the ivory trade in Africa. Marlow believes that the company is ignorant of the tension between moral enlightenment and capitalism . The dehumanization of its laborers which is so early apparent to Marlow seems to be unknown to other members of the Company ¹s management. In this story Marlow ¹s aunt represents capitalism. Her efforts to get him a job are significant because of the morally compromising nature of the work of which she seems totally ignorant. When Marlow expresses doubts about the nature of the work, she replies,  ³You forget, dear Charlie, that the labourer is worthy of his hire ² (12). It is clear that Marlow has mixed feelings about the whole idea. At one point, trying to justify his actions to himself, he says,  ³You understand it was a continental concern, that Trading Society; but I have a lot of relations on the living continent, because it ¹s cheap and not so nasty as it looks they say ² (12). Marlow finally takes the job, however, and tells himself that the pain and unusually harsh treatment the workers are subjected to is minimal. During the tests and the requirements that he has to undergo before entering the jungle Marlow feels that he is being treated like a freak. The doctor measures his head and asks him questions such as,  ³Ever any madness in your family? ² (15). In this part of the story Marlow is made to feel small and unimportant. Any feelings or concerns that he has are not important to the company, and as a result, he feels alone. It is only logical that Marlow would have been ...

Women and Leadership Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Women and Leadership - Case Study Example Promotion to the highest rank positions happens rarely in the modern America. 3% of Fortune CEOs is occupied by women, but they are promoted for occupying middle-rank positions and management professions. 3) Development of a more androgynous type of leadership is required. Women should be released from lower-level and lower-authority leadership positions and has equal opportunities for further promotion. Gender diversity of the organization leads to its financial benefits1. 4) Understanding different components of labyrinth will facilitate a process of understanding between male and female employees. There are three main differences in explanation of gender differences between men and women. Firstly, there is a human capital difference. Women are supposed not to contribute much to their education and training. However, women obtain undergraduate degrees more often than men. Secondly, there are prejudices about gender differences, explaining a gap in leadership by claiming that men and women are different by nature. 1) Lori encounters a â€Å"ceiling barrier†, which means that women cannot be promoted only because they are women! This case study illustrates a typical situation of men’s behavior to women: they do not think that women are able to be promoted to higher positions and they just do not understand some matters the way men do. 2) They should have greeted her, then ask her opinion about game and then listen to her creative ideas attentively. Basically, Lori was captured in leadership labyrinth and it was very difficult for her to give her ideas to someone else. Her colleague stole her ideas and she could do nothing about that. 3) She should have drawn attention of her colleagues and insist on her opinion. Her innovative ideas were very important in the future, that is why she had to fight for them with all her heart. It

Women in Antebellum America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Women in Antebellum America - Essay Example Women acquired superiority in social matters, and their voice would thus be heard. Regarding the introduction of education for women, many women joined learning institutions to acquire relevant information which would enable, better their lives. The education provides to women enabled them rear their children properly as well as providing significance influence to their husbands. The same reasoning lead to the opening up of the teaching profession suitable for females since they were considered having moral superiority over men and were innately fit to handle children. The piety morality of women, as well as concern over families, presents the impetus into the involvement in antebellum movements’ reform. Additionally, education gave women the capacity to articulate problems they face, and eventually propose necessary alternatives. Reforms provided women with necessary ideologies, which facilitated the, establishment of this cause. More conservative work charity attracted the upper classes’ members; more radical functions including abolitionism, helped draw men and women from social groups of lower levels. However, reformers of a working -class indicated less integration to such movements. Despite the fact that women suffered divisions from religion affiliation, class, and marital status, they indicated uniqueness in mind in the capacity to help others, a concept which was translated into women’s moral superiority overpowering men. The concept of moral superiority boosted efforts to raise women’s political, economic, and legal position. Women, as well, contributed to the economy of the nation through taxation exercised on their earnings, given that their population was significantly high. The impact of religion was also evident in the history of American woman. The Divine Word (The Bible) puts it, â€Å"The wise women buildeth her house.† The implication of the wisdom in this

BIM (BUILDING Information Modeling ) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

BIM (BUILDING Information Modeling ) - Essay Example The lifecycle of a product involves designing, building, operation, and maintenance activities. Since current buildings rely upon drawings, building designs have formerly focused upon communications through numerous distinct and often inconsistent documents. With BIM, building designs are not just about drawings and numerous documents, but about a data repository where structure and continuation information is combined in one expedient model for sharing amongst all stakeholders (McNell et al, 5). As a model-based design process, BIM offers explicit design information, for instant consideration and evaluation of the design objective and program. As a result, BIM model offers augmented process competence and superior quality accuracy compared to conventional 2D CAD drawings. 2.0. Management of BIM Previously, architects designed buildings which were then scrutinized by engineers who offered feedback and technical responses concerning the design (AUGI, 1). Conversely, the contractors ob tained the drawings and build the structure. At this point, every party played their own part. However, BIM and all its inventions, ideas, methods and designs are all owned by the Department of design and Construction. According to AUGI, the other persons using BIM like contractors only have temporary use for given time extents after which all BIM copies are submitted to DDC. In the BIM model, the owner hires an architect and contractor. The architect is the design review agency while the contractor performs QC testing and inspection (Ashcraft and Shelden, 7). The architect works with specialist consultants and engineers (A+E). The contractor works with engineer contractors and subcontractors. The subcontractors work as product suppliers, material suppliers, installers and labor unions among others. The contractor have a construction simulation model and fabrication model, the architects have the design model, and the engineer will have the analysis model depending on their discipli ne (Ashcraft and Shelden, 7). BIM collaborative use requires that all available models are interoperable and that each model is a clear and consistent representation of the same structure. 3.0. BIM practice The building industry comprises of architects, engineers, contractors and owners or (A/E/C/O). The architect is provided with a service request (Ashcraft and Shelden, 7). The architect is responsible for designing buildings and space using BIM and has the intentions to have the building executed to work. However, the role of the architects expanded to business strategy, and technology among others. The professional engineers then utilize recent 3D modeling and visualization (Revit and AutoCAD) for 3D design. After receiving the request, the architect validates and designs the structure. Conversely, the engineer imports conventional 2D drawings that have 3D information for precise establishment of 3D renderings. When coupled with onsite coordination, 3D visualization offers improv ed accuracy for detection and resolution of instances of collision among infrastructure components. The process used here is crash detection (Ashcraft and Shelden, 7) and is cost saving since component collisions are only detected after commencement of construction. The engineer then documents the findings and issues to the designer. The designers utilize BIM to discover substitute concepts, perform value engineering and optimize designs. Given the BIM model, t

Causes And Effects Of The Current Economic Crisis Economics Essay

Causes And Effects Of The Current Economic Crisis Economics Essay Overall economy is bullish; it is not only the stock exchanges that tell  riches to rags  stories but even  small businesses. It all adds to the national exchequer. An economist is likely to give a detailed, comprehensive definition of  recession. But for the layman who has been affected knows it only one way-when he loses his job and has no money to pay his  credit and loans.  Recession  is when the consumer faces foreclosure and the banker comes knocking for his pound (or dollar) of flesh. Many companies and whole countries go bankrupt for want of liquid funds and cash flow for even daily requirements.   If you look at it from the point of view of a businessman,  recession  is a transitory phase. The Business Cycle Dating Committee of the  National Bureau of Economic Research  has another definition. It profiles the businesses that have peaked with their activity in one season and it falls naturally in the next season. It regains its original position with new products or sales and continues to expand. This revival makes the  recession  a mild phase that large companies tolerate. As the fiscal position rises, there is no reason to worry.  Recession  can last up to a year. When it happens year after year then it is serious.   Are we facing a  recession  or not? Yes, for the simple reason that not only our neighbors but our friends are unemployed. There is less of business talk and more billing worries. Transitory recessions are good for the economy, as it tends to stabilize the prices. It allows run away bullish companies to slow down and take stock. There is a saying, when its tough the tough get going. The weaker companies will not survive the brief  recession  also. Stronger companies will pull through its resources. So when is it time to worry? When you are facing a foreclosure, when the chips are down and out and creditors file cases for recovery.   Firms face closures when they go through  recession  and are not able to recover from losses. If, at this time, they are not able to sustain their prices and stocks then there is more trouble. Even when the  recession  period gets over, they will not be able to do well. If a business survives a  recession  period they should be able to survive a depression. But how many  recession  proof businesses are there? Who will eventually survive the  recession?   1. Those that have been able to save their funds.   2. Those who have not invested in fly-by-night companies.   3. Those who remain clam till the storm passes.   4. Those that take stock immediately and decide to reinvest in a  recession  proof business. GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS The world is seemingly inching towards recession .Companies are going bankrupt, stock market are nose diving and more employees are being laid off while companies struggle to cut cost. Looking theng back, it seems not so long ago when economies across the globe, especially india , were going through a boom . What went wrong ,then? Here,s a quick round up of the major events that bought the current economic downturn. 2001-2005: Housing prices shoot up in the US. Bank start lending aggressively, leading to the creation of sub primary Industry. Subprime lending refers to lending at slightly higher interest rates to borrowers,who under normal circumstances would not have been eligible for the loan .Such borrowers are consider to have a less -than-ideal credit as they may have defaulted in the past or are employed or without any regular income. Banks usually, refrained from lending to such people owing to the higher default risk. However, with the rise in property prices, banks started lending to such borrowers as these loans were mortgaged against property .In case of default, the banks could recover the money by selling off the mortgaged property. 2005: The prospering housing market comes to a standstill in many parts of the US. 2006: As the prices even out, homes sales drop. February 2007: Sub -prime bubble in the US burst-more than 25 sub prime lenders either go bankrupt, incur heavy losses or are up for the sale Banks files to take into account the possibly of a fall in property prices while undertaking sub prime lending . With the hike in interest rates by the Federal bank , the sub-prime borrowers began defaulting . This prompting banks to sell off the mortgaged properties. As more banks joined this trend of selling mortgaged properties , prices of property dropped down in the U.S. August 2007 : A no of leading mortgage lenders in the us go bankrupt : March 2008 : bear Sterns crumbles September 2008 : Lehman Brothers file for bankruptcy while Merrill Lynch is sold off to Bank of America Financial markets in the us developed a new product between 2001 nd 2006 . This product was in form of a bond securitized against mortgages . Financial institutions like bear sterns, Lehman brothers and Merrill lynch lent money to mortgage banks against the mortgages, on condition that these mortgage banks would repay the money as soon as they recovered their mortgages . These lenders ,in turn sold the retail bonds to individual investors . However, as mortgages could not be honoured , banks were unable to pay the back this money to financial institutions, who in turn could not pay repay individual investors. In the entire process, Institutions like Bear Sterns, Lehman Brothers Merrill lynch and AIG got a serve blow. LEHMAN BROTHERS Lehman Brothers was founded in 1850 by two cotton brokers in Montgomery, Ala. The firm moved to New York City after the Civil War and grew into one of Wall Streets investment giants. On Sept. 14, 2008, the investment bank announced that it would file for liquidation after huge losses in the mortgage market and a loss of investor confidence crippled it and it was unable to find a buyer. Lehmans slow collapse began as the mortgage market crisis unfolded in the summer of 2007, when its stock began a steady fall from a peak of $82 a share. The fears were based on the fact that the firm was a major player in the market for subprime and prime mortgages, and that as the smallest of the major Wall Street firms, it faced a larger risk that large losses could be fatal. As the crisis deepened in 2007 and early 2008, the storied investment bank defied expectations more than once, just it had many times before, as in 1998, when it seemed to teeter after a worldwide currency crisis, only to rebound strongly. Lehman managed to avoid the fate of Bear Stearns, the other of Wall Streets small fry, which was bought by JP Morgan Chase at a bargain basement price under the threat of bankruptcy in March 2008. But by summer of 2008 the rollercoaster ride started to have more downs than ups. A series of write-offs was accompanied by new offerings to seek capital to bolster its finances. Lehman also fought a running battle with short sellers. The company accused them of spreading rumors to drive down the stocks price; Lehmans critics responded by questioning whether the firm had come clean about the true size of its losses. As time passed and losses mounted, an increasing number of investors sided with the critics. On June 9, 2008, Lehman announced a second-quarter loss of $2.8 billion, far higher than analysts had expected. The company said it would seek to raise $6 billion in fresh capital from investors. But those efforts faltered, and the situation grew more dire after the government on Sept. 8 announced a takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Lehmans stock plunged as the markets wondered whether the move to save those mortgage giants made it less likely that Lehman might be bailed out. On Sept. 10, the investment bank said that it would spin off a majority of its remaining commercial real estate holdings into a new public company. And it confirmed plans to sell a majority of its investment management division in a move expected to generate $3 billion. It also announced an expected loss of $3.9 billion, or $5.92 a share, in the third quarter after $5.6 billion in write-downs. By the weekend of Sept. 13-14, it was clear that it was do or die for Lehman. The Treasury had made clear that no bailout would be forthcoming. Federal officials encouraged other institutions to buy Lehman, but by the end of the weekend the two main suitors, Barclays and Bank of America, had both said no. Lehman filed for bankruptcy Sept. 15. One day later, Barclays said it would buy Lehmans United States capital markets division for $1.75 billion, a bargain price. Nomura Holdings of Japan agreed to buy many of Lehmans assets in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Lehman also said it would sell much of its money management business, including its prized Neuberger Berman asset management unit, to Bain Capital and Hellman Friedman for $2.15 billion. Lehmans demise set off tremors throughout the financial system. The uncertainty surrounding its transactions with banks and hedge funds exacerbated a crisis of confidence. That contributed to credit markets freezing, forcing governments around the globe to take steps to try to calm panicked markets. On Oct. 5, Richard S. Fuld Jr., Lehmans chief executive, testified before a Congressional panel that while he took full responsibility for the debacle, he believed all his decisions were both prudent and and appropriate given the information at the time. EFFECT ON THE INDIAN ECONOMY Impact of global recession on India America is the most effected country due to global recession, which comes as a bad news for India. India have most outsourcing deals from the US. Even our exports to US have increased over the years. Exports for January declined by 22 per cent. RECESSIONS ARE the result of reduction in the demand of products in the global market. Recession can also be associated with falling prices known as deflation due to lack of demand of products. Again, it could be the result of inflation or a combination of increasing prices and stagnant economic growth in the west. Recession in the West, specially the United States, is a very bad news for our country. Our companies in India have most outsourcing deals from the US. Even our exports to US have increased over the years. Exports for January have declined by 22 per cent. There is a decline in the employment market due to the recession in the West. There has been a significant drop in the new hiring which is a cause of great concern for us. Some companies have laid off their employees and there have been cut in promotions, compensation and perks of the employees. Companies in the private sector and government sector are hesitant to take up new projects. And they are working on existing projects only. Projections indicate that up to one crore persons could lose their jobs in the correct fiscal ending March. The one crore figure has been compiled by Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), which says that it has carried out an intensive survey. The textile, garment and handicraft industry are worse effected. Together, they are going to lose four million jobs by April 2009, according to the FIEO survey. There has also been a decline in the tourist inflow lately. The real estate has also a problem of tight liquidity situations, where the developers are finding it hard to raise finances. IT industries, financial sectors, real estate owners, car industry, investment banking and other industries as well are confronting heavy loss due to the fall down of global economy. Federation of Indian chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) found that faced with the global recession, inventories industries like garment, gems, textiles, chemicals and jewellery had cut production by 10 per cent to 50 per cent IMPACT ON DIFFERENT SECTORS 1. Impact on stock market The immediate impact of the US financial crisis has been felt when Indias stock market started falling. On 10 October, Rs. 250,000 crores was wiped out on a single day bourses of the Indias share market. The Sensex lost 1000 points on that day before regaining 200 points, an intraday loss of 200 points. This huge withdrawal from the Indias stock market was mainly by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), and participatory-notes. 2. Impact on Indias trade The trade deficit is reaching at alarming proportions. Because of workers remittances, NRI deposits, FII investment and so on, the current deficit is at around $10 billion. But if the remittances dry up and FII takes flight, then we may head for another 1991 crisis like situation, if our foreign exchange reserves depletes and trade deficit keeps increasing at the present rate. Further, the foreign exchange reserves of the country has depleted by around $57 billion to $253 billion for the week ended October 31.(Sivaraman, 2008) 3.Impact on Indias export With the US and several European countries slipping under the full blown recession, Indian exports have run into difficult times, since October. Manufacturing sectors like leather, textile, gems and jewellery have been hit hard because of the slump in the demand in the US and Europe. Further India enjoys trade surplus with USA and about 15 per cent of its total export in 2006-07 was directed toward USA. Indian exports fell by 9.9 per cent in November 2008, when the impact of declining consumer demand in the US and other major global market, with negative growth for the second month, running and widening monthly trade deficit over $10 billions. Official statistics released on the first day of the New Year, showed that exports had dropped to $1.5 billion in November this fiscal year, (Sivaraman, 2008) from $12.7 billion a year ago, while imports grew by $6.1billion to $21.5 billion. 4.Impact on Indias handloom sector, jewelry export and tourism Again reduction in demand in the OECD countries affected the Indian gems and jewellery industry, handloom and tourism sectors. Around 50,000 artisans employed in jewellery industry have lost their jobs as a result of the global economic meltdown. Further, the crisis had affected the Rs. 3000 crores handloom industry and volume of handloom exports dropped by 4.6 per cent in 2007-08, creating widespread unemployment in this sector (Chandran, 2008). With the global economy still experiencing the meltdown, Indian tourism sector is badly affected as the number of tourist flowing from Europe and USA has decreased sharply. 5.Exchange rate depreciation With the outflow of FIIs, Indias rupee depreciated approximately by 20 per cent against US dollar and stood at Rs. 49 per dollar at some point, creating panic among the importers. 6.IT-BPO sector The overall Indian IT-BPO revenue aggregate is expected to grow by over 33 per cent and reach $64 billion by the end of current fiscal year (FY200). Over the same period, direct employment to reach nearly 2 million, an increase of about 375000 professionals over the previous year. IT sectors derives about 75 per cent of their revenues from US and IT-ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) contributes about 5.5 per cent towards Indias total export. So the meltdown in the US will definitely impact IT sector. Further, if Fortune 500 hundred companies slash their IT budgets, Indian firms could adversely be affected. 7.FII and FDI The contagious financial meltdown eroded a large chunk of money from the Indian stock market, which will definitely impact the Indian corporate sector. However, the money eroded will hardly influence the performance real sector in India. Due to global recession, FIIs made withdrawal of $5.5 billion, whereas the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) doubled from $7.5biilion in 2007-08 to $19.3 billion in 2008 (April-September). Conclusion From the above argument it can be noted down that the Financial or Subprime Crisis was the shear consequences of greed and to make too much profit on the part of Wall Street Firms and Investment Banks. This crisis also shows the failure of capitalist market economy. Though the Indian economy would be able to withstand the crisis without any major difficulty, but the crisis is still causing mayhem all over the world.

America Must Provide Foreign Aid to Poor Countries Essay examples --

America Must Provide Aid to Poor Countries         Ã‚  Ã‚  Eliam Diamond lives on the shores of Lake Malawi.   Diamond is a weaver, making mats out of dried palm leaves.   A six-foot sleeping mat takes him four days to make and sells for as little as four cents, not enough to buy what little food there is in Malawi.   So he relies on handouts.   A few days ago, Diamond picked up his monthly ration of donated U.S. corn from the World Food Programme (WFP) at the Ngodzi distribution center near his village, carrying home the 110-pound bags tied to his bicycle (Harman).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Malawi is one of six southern African countries - along with Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Swaziland - in which 14.5 million people face severe food shortages.   The spread of famine on the entire African continent now threatens well over 30 million people and is overwhelming the capacity of relief agencies to address the problem.   Floods last year followed by poor rains across the region caused two successive years of poor harvests.   Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Jacques Diouf expresses the tragedy that this situation could be reversible: "Wed on not have the excuse that we cannot grow enough or that we do not know enough about how to eliminate hunger."   He notes that a public investment of $24 billion a year - less than ten percents of what developed economies spend on agricultural subsides per year - would be sufficient to "jump start" a campaign against hunger (Caso n).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The increasing rates of poverty in Africa, south Asia, and Eastern Europe, and the fact that we could indeed give more to the poor "without thereby sacrificing anything of comparable moral significance... ... as Southern Africa seeks food."   Christian Science Monitor.   13 Nov. 2002: 12-13.   <http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/1113/p12s01-woaf.html> * "Income Distribution and Poverty."   <http://www.finance.gov.pk/survey/pover.pdf> * "The effects of poverty on early childhood."   UNICEF's State of the World's Children Report. http://www.unicef.org/sowc01/short_version/poverty.htm * "The Singer Solution to World Poverty."   5 Sept. 1999.   The New York Times.   <http://www.fordham.edu/economics/combs/savechild.pdf>   * Singer, Peter.   Practical Ethics: Second Edition.   New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993. * World Bank.   World Development Report 2002. <http://www.worldbank.org/poverty/wdrpoverty/report/overview.pdf> * "World Aid Trends: never richer, never meaner."   <http://www.devinit.org/ktrends.pdf>   

Assessment Worksheet Essay

In a risk management plan you must first, establish the objectives. What is the exercise called when you are trying to identify an organization’s risk health? When trying to identify an organization’s risk health, you would use the Health Risk Assessment exercise. What practices helps reduce or eliminate risk? Risk Management. What on-going practice helps track risk in real-time? Risk Mitigation Given that an IT risk management plan can be large in scope, why is it a good idea to develop a risk management plan team? Scope identifies boundaries. So, if the plan is that large in scope, a team would work obviously together and not against to maintain its structure in nature and have consensus. Within the seven domains of a typical IT infrastructure, which domain is the most difficult to plan, identify, assess, remediate, and monitor? LAN-WAN From your scenario perspective, with which compliance law or standard does your organization have to comply? NERC-CIP Compliance: (critical infrastructure protection) plan is a set of requirements designed to secure assets vital to reliably operating North America’s bulk electric system. How did the risk identification and risk assessment of the identified risks, threats, and vulnerabilities contribute to your IT risk management plan table of contents? It was detailed properly to locate provided information needed. What risks, threats, and vulnerabilities did you identify and assess that require immediate risk mitigation given the criticality of the threat or vulnerability? None: All compliance was meet For risk monitoring, what techniques or tools can you implement within each of the seven domains of a typical IT infrastructure to help mitigate risk? Anything possible, man or man-made to properly assess, identify and deal with possible risks. For risk mitigation, what processes and procedures are needed to help streamline and implement risk mitigation solutions to the production IT infrastructure? I should start with each and every one of the seven domains, and do a risk analysis and trying to find vulnerabilities that could be exploited, and take necessary actions utilizing any tool available to mitigate or eliminate unnecessary risk if possible, for example disabling ports on an application server, web server, eliminating unnecessary processes, penetration testing and implementing a user awareness program and a strict AUP. How does risk mitigation impact change control management and vulnerability management? Change control is a systematic way to approaching change, within an org anization, it can prevent the possibility of services becoming interrupted and if so, provide a plan to bring them back up as soon as possible.

Cisco Global Business Strategy

Cisco Global Business Strategy Introduction The current competitive business world has presented many opportunities and challenges to different companies. This is as far as globalization is concerned. Different companies have been enhancing their operations to reach a wide market through globalization. The main aim of this report is to asses Cisco Systems Inc in relation to its strategic positioning in the market.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Cisco Global Business Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In this case, the report will analyze and evaluate various strategic challenges that the company is facing. As a matter of fact, these strategic challenges will be looked at after a clear assessment of the company has been done. This is because every global or multinational company like Cisco Systems Inc is expected to encounter such challenges in the course of doing business. The report will also carry out a PESTEL analysis. This will be don e to evaluate the current external environmental conditions that the company is facing in its operations. It should be known that every company is exposed to different external environmental conditions that can end up affecting its operations and business. In a broad perspective, the report will evaluate if Cisco Systems Inc is strategically positioned in the market to exploit its strengths and on the other hand defend itself against its own weaknesses. In this case, the report will evaluate if the company’s current strategy is in deed sustainable. This will be done using Michael Porters Five Forces and Three Generic Strategies. As a matter of fact, the current competitive business world offers many opportunities to Cisco Systems Inc. In this case, there are some common urgent issues that the company needs to deal with as far as its global strategy is concerned. Therefore, the report will recommend a good course of action that can be undertaken by the company to deal with suc h issues. Wholesomely, the report will give various recommendations that can be used by the company to enhance its global competitive as far as strategic positioning is concerned. History Cisco Systems Inc is an American global company. The company develops and sells different consumer electronics in various countries. In addition, the company is a big player in communications technology and networking. As a matter of act, it offers different services as far as these aspects are concerned. The company’s headquarters are located at San Jose in California (Bunnell 2000, p. 14).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The company has more than 70, 714 employees. In 2010, it is estimated that the company will receive revenues of more than $40 billion (Cisco 2010, p. 16). As a matter of fact, it is rated as one of the world’s largest technological corporations. I n addition, the company trades its stocks on the Dow Jones stock exchange market. It should be known that the company was founded in 1984. As a matter of fact, the company’s name was derived from the name San Francisco (Cisco 2010, p. 6). In a broad perspective, Cisco Systems Inc was one of the first companies to sell good routers that had the capacity deal with a large number of network protocols. Currently, its routers are widely used in different countries to enhance the delivery of IP packets. The company has been acquiring other companies to enhance its product base and bring in new talent that can help it to advance its operations. An example of these companies is Stratacom that was acquired to bring in new products. In 2000, the Cisco Systems Inc was the most valuable company around the world (Cisco 2010, p. 12). This was as far as its market capitalization was concerned. Strategic challenges Like every other technological company, Cisco Systems Inc is facing various c hallenges that need to be looked at. These challenges have been increasing as time goes by in relation to various and distinct prevailing market conditions (Paulson 2001, p. 17). As much as the company has faced different strategic challenges, it is the market leader in switches and routers. This can be evaluated from an enterprise and service provider point of view. One of the major strategic challenges that the company is facing is the fact that sales in the USA market are declining as time goes by. In this case, the company has a challenge to look for other markets to enhance its growth (Cisco 2010, p. 16).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Cisco Global Business Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Another strategic challenge that Cisco Systems Inc is facing can be seen in the erosion of margins in its existing markets. This has been brought about by increased competition in the global technological industry. Such issues have ended up affecting the company’s sales and revenue projections in a broad way. The company has to face new- low cost competitors in the market and this is a very big strategic challenge (Cisco 2010, p. 19). Low cost competitors have emerged because of various advancements in technology. This ends up giving them an advantage in the market. Cisco Systems Inc’s core technologies have been commoditized in the market and this is a strategic challenge that needs to be looked at. As much as USA accounts for 13% of Cisco Systems Inc’s market share, total sales have been declining because the market is saturated (Cisco 2010, p. 10). As a matter of fact, demand is softening in this market and the company needs to be creative and innovative to increase its overall demand and sales. PESTEL Analysis A PESTEL analysis is very important in assessing the current environmental conditions that Cisco Systems Inc is facing in the market. In this case, it is done t o analyze various economic, social, political, environmental, legal and technological issues that affect the company and its operations (Traverso 2000, p. 21). Cisco Systems Inc is a global company and is therefore exposed to various macro environmental issues that define the way it conducts its business and operations. Cisco Systems Inc has to contend with various economic factors that it is facing in the market. Recently, there was the global financial crisis that had its effects on different businesses.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This means that various economies have not recovered as expected and the company needs to come up with good mitigation measures (Soederbaum 2008, p. 18). As a matter of fact, sales have been adversely affected in countries that were seriously hit by the global financial crisis. Because the company is a global player, it has been affected by exchange rate variations. This is because it sells its products in different countries with diverse and distinct currencies. It should be known that exchange rate variations keep on changing as time goes by. This is in relation to prevailing market conditions and scenarios (Moore 1995, p.9). Therefore, for the company to return to profitability, it has to trade carefully as far as the global financial crisis is concerned. This is because there has been a gradual return to normalcy in relation to the global financial crisis. In this case, economic uncertainty has affected the company’s profits in different markets. This is because there is a slow growth in GDP in other developing countries. There are other political factors that have ended up affecting the company’s operations. Different countries have had networking restrictions as far as the company’s business is concerned (Cisco 2010, p. 29). This has reduced its growth momentum in such countries. In most occasions, such countries have strict rules that are supposed to be adhered to. Cisco Systems Inc has to deal with various legal issues when it is establishing its operations in different countries. Some of these legal issues can either favor the company or work against the company. In this case, the company has been at the mercy of different legislations from various countries. Such legislations have political inclinations and can therefore be done with vested interests. In extreme cases, the company has been accused of being involved in China’s censorship issues. As a matter of fact, the company has been blamed for supplying China with the e quipment that it used to block internet sites (Slater 2003, p. 17). Such political issues have affected the company’s image in the global market. In this case, the company argued that it did not specifically supply China with the equipments that it used to block internet sites but it was doing business with no vested interests. Different countries have their own tax systems that are supposed to be adhered to. Some of this tax systems and policies might have serious implications for the company in different markets (Wright 2004, p. 14). This is because some countries levy large tariffs and quotas with an aim of protecting their home industries. In 2007, the company was accused for tax fraud in Brazil. Technology has been advancing as time goes by (Stauffer 2001, p. 23). As a matter of fact, Cisco Systems Inc is a technological firm with global operations. This means that it has to face various technological issues in enhancing its operations. The growth rate of technological a dvancements has been very high in recent years. This means that other technologies have been wiped out and made obsolete. In this case, Cisco Systems Inc has been forced to invest in research and development to come up with new products as far as technological advancements are concerned. It should be known that new technology has created new products in the global market. To remain competitive, the company has been coming up with new products in relation to existing market trends and dynamics. This therefore explains why the company has been acquiring other technological companies as time goes by (Waters 2002, p. 21). As far as technological forces are concerned, companies can effectively enhance their technological processes to reduce operational costs. This helps to improve on the quality of products through vibrant innovation activities. The company is currently exposed to a lot of social issues that need to be dealt with. Technology moves with existing market trends and dynamics (Wright 2004, p. 19). This means that the current consumer is very demanding and needs new products every now and then. In a broad perspective, there are various social trends in the market. These forces have an impact on the overall demand that a given company will have in the market. Markets like the UK have an ageing population that needs a lot of investment in pension payments. When announcing its Q4 results, the company implied that it has conservative customers (Cisco 2010, p. 29). This means that such customers are very cautious about the economy and will therefore limit their spending and investments. The technological industry has one of the most unpredictable social trends. This implies that customers want new experiences every now and then. In this case, the company has been forced to source for new talent to enhance its operations and market presence. The company has not been exposed to a lot of environmental issues. This is because most of its products do not need a lo t of environmental assessment (Young 2001, p. 18). The only issue has been the company’s ability to comply with various environmental requirements and expectations. In this case, the company has to look at all environmental issues when it is designing its products. This is because technology has an impact on the environment and should be evaluated for sustainability. All this factors are very important in coming up with a strategic management plan. Because Cisco is a global player in the technological industry, it needs to assess such aspects for its own sustainability (Young 2001, p. 18). This is because such macro environmental issues influence a business and its operations. Economic indicators will continue to play an important role in a company’s growth plans and future prospects. Current strategy and positioning Cisco Systems Inc is currently the world largest company in networking for the internet (Cisco 2010, p. 9). The company has been growing because of its ab ility to handle various external and internal business factors. All along, the company has focused on its core business by engaging in effective strategic partnering. To remain competitive, the company has maintained a positive cash flow as time goes by. This has enabled it to compete well with other competitors in the market. In a broad perspective, the company has built its core strategy by being customer centered. This means that its current business strategy is very competitive and sustainable (Cisco 2010, p. 15). In this case, all technological companies should continue being customer centered to enhance their market share. This is because customers can shift their attention and loyalty depending on their tastes and preferences. In this case, a company should occasionally consult customers to understand their needs. Porters’ five forces help to analyze an industry and enhance the development of a given company’s strategy. The bargaining power of customers has been increasing as time goes by (Porter 2008, p. 17). This is because the current consumer is more informed and demanding. As a matter of fact, e-business has been affected by distinct customer preferences. This is because customers want more personalized products. In extreme cases, they want such products to be delivered at their own convenience. To remain competitive, the company has come up with customer centered products to satisfy their individual needs and preferences. As a matter of fact, the company offers highly responsive services to its customers. Since its creation, the company has been moving products to customers (Cisco 2010, p. 16). As a matter of fact, the company has a lot of business processes to the internet as time goes by. The global technological industry has a lot of competitive rivalry. This has enhanced the emergence of various low cost companies. Such companies are threatening the existence of established companies like Cisco Systems Inc. In extreme cases, tech nological advancements have brought in new companies in the market. Therefore, the company has been forced to come up with new ways of doing business to remain competitive. In this case, the company has occasionally developed new products to keep off competition. Government policies have been encouraging technological advancements and that is why many companies have taken advantage of such provisions to establish their presence in the market (Slater 2003, p. 14). Competitive rivalry has also been intensified through various innovations that have taken place in the industry. The company’s strategy is very sustainable because it has been attracting new talent to enhance product development. There is a high threat of substitute products and services in the global technology industry. The existence of substitute products has increased buyers’ ability to switch products according to their needs. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of substitute products in the market (Wate rs 2002, p. 16). To remain sustainable, the company has built a good relationship with customers. This has been done by occasionally coming up with new products in relation to their needs at a particular time. The company relies on proper utilization of the internet to enhance its operations. Such aspects have seen it become one of the most successful technological companies in the world. As a matter of fact, the company has driven e-business to customers to enhance its performance. The bargaining power of suppliers for technological companies has been increasing in recent years. This is because technological companies have come up with better ways of doing business. In this case, suppliers can switch to different companies in relation to the prevailing market switching costs (Soederbaum 2008, p. 14). All this withstanding, the company has an effective distribution channel that it has used to enhance its operations and activities in the market. This has been done through good strate gic partnerships and relationships with different suppliers in the market. Although this has been improving as time goes by, the company has projected that it will experience different supply chain constraints that are expected to affect its 2010 financial performance (Cisco 2010, p. 18). The number of new competitors in the industry has also been increasing in relation to market needs and trends. This has always threatened the company’s core business. For sustainability, the company has come up with better ways of doing business. This revolves around new approaches to strategic management. In extreme case, the company has occasionally developed new products to remain competitive. Cisco Systems Inc’s success and continued profitability can be attributed to proper enforcement of porters’ three generic strategies. The company’s segmentation strategy has been very effective in penetrating new markets (Cisco 2010, p. 12). In this case, it has identified diffe rent market segments that need to be attended to. As a matter of fact, the company has differentiated its products to compete well with other market players and companies. This is because customers want new and effective products in the market. The company’s cost leadership strategy has enabled it to appeal to different price sensitive consumers. As a matter of fact, the company has always come up with good prices to suit its target market. This is because its serves different clients with distinct needs. In a broad perspective, the company was able to save $ 1.5 billion dollars in 2009. This was done through effective cost avoidance and increased operational efficiency in its operations around the world. Cisco Systems Inc has a good strategic scope that has focused on effective customers’ needs delivery. In this case, the company competes in all market segments. Globalization has come up as a new way and approach of doing business (Cisco 2010, p. 14). To show how stra tegic the company is, it provides internet protocol to all businesses around the world. This means that the company has strategically positioned itself in the market to serve various market needs and interests. Urgent issues Cisco Systems Inc has to deal with various issues as far as its global strategy is concerned. The company has been receiving criticisms in relation to its global activities. Such criticisms include the China censorship issue that gave the company a bad image. To solve such issues, the company should be open about its business activities and operations (Cisco 2010, p. 26). This is because customers might not want to associate themselves with a company that colludes with other governments to infringe on the rights of internet consumers. The company has also been facing legal lawsuits in different countries. These lawsuits have been advanced by various organizations and companies in relation to its activities and operations. An example of such a lawsuit is the shar eholder class issue where the company ended up paying $ 91.75 million (Cisco 2010, p. 11). In this case, the company should review it’s cooperate practices to avoid any controversies. It should be known that the company is experiencing supply chain constraints that need to be attended to for sustainability. This is because the global market is vey competitive and such incompetency’s can end up being costly to the company. Such an aspect can be looked at by evaluating the company’s component lead time that is supposed to be improved as time goes by (Cisco 2010, p. 13). The company should ensure that it reduces its supply chain constraints to remain competitive. The company needs to review its strategy to reflect the current global financial crisis’s real market situation. This is because there is a market uncertainty that has seen many countries experience slow GDP growth rates (Cisco 2010, p. 9). Such an aspect is expected to affect the company’s r evenue projections. In this case, the company should come up with better ways of enhancing its sales and revenues. Another urgent issue is the slow recovery from the global financial crisis than it had been projected. As a matter of fact, the company’s customers have ended up being cautious in their spending. Because these customers are re-evaluating their spending, the company should come up with a new approach to marketing to enhance its sales and operations. The company should also deal with an unfavorable product mix. This is because it has been introducing new products in the market every now and then. As a matter of fact, sales of its core products; switches and routers have dropped by 1.4% in the third quarter of 2010 (Cisco 2010, p. 23). There is also an impact of different government regulations. This has affected its sales margins in different ways. In this case, it should clearly evaluate markets before launching its operations. Conclusion and recommendation Like e very other technological company, Cisco Systems Inc is facing various challenges that need to be looked at. These challenges have been increasing as time goes by in relation to the prevailing market conditions. One of the major strategic challenges that the company is facing is the fact that sales in the USA market are declining as time goes by. In this case, the company has a challenge to look for other markets to enhance its growth. Therefore, it is recommendable for the company to enhance product development to remain competitive. The company should also exploit other emerging markets for sustainability. It will also be advisable for the company to engage in strategic alliances to increase its market share. In a broad perspective, Cisco Systems Inc should enhance its relationship with customers to know what they want in the market. This will enhance the company’s competitive advantage as time goes by. Reference list Bunnell, D., 2000. Making the Cisco Connection: The Story Behind the Real Internet Superpower. New York: Wiley. Cisco., 2010. Products and Services. Web. Moore, M, H., 1995. Creating Public Value: Strategic Management in Government. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Paulson, E., 2001. Inside Cisco: The Real Story of Sustained MA Growth. New York: Wiley. Porter, M.E., 2008. The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy. Harvard: Harvard business Review. Reichheld, F., 1996. The Loyalty Effect. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. Slater, R., 2003. The Eye of the Storm: How John Chambers Steered Cisco Through the Technology Collapse. New York: HarperCollins. Stauffer, D., 2001. Nothing but Net Business the Cisco Way. New York: Wiley. Soederbaum, P., 2008. Understanding Sustainability Economics. London: Earthscan. Traverso, D., 2000. Outsmarting Goliath. New York: Bloomberg Press. Waters, J. K., 2002. John Chambers and the Cisco Way: Navigating Through Volatility. New York: Wiley. Wright, R., 2004. A Short History of Progress. Toronto : Anansi. Young, J. S., 2001. Cisco Unauthorized: Inside the High-Stakes Race to Own the Future. New York: Prima Lifestyles.

Overview of the DoD Procurement Process

Overview of the DoD Procurement Process The Defense Department procurement process can be confusing and complicated. There are a variety of contract types – each with its own pluses and minuses. The regulations can be daunting since they seem to be the size of the tax code. The competition for contracts can be fierce. There is a lot of paperwork. But Defense contracting can be profitable and rewarding. Defense Department purchases typically begin at one of three points: sole source procurementprocurement under an existing multiple award contractnormal procurement Sole Source Procurements Sole source procurements are made when there is only one company that can fulfill the contract. This procurement is rare and must be documented very well by the government. You are more likely to get a sole source procurement once you have some government contracts and have an open contract vehicle available. Multiple Award Contracts Procurements under an existing multiple award contract are becoming much more common. Multiple award contracts (MAC) such as GSA schedules, Navy Seaport-e, and Air Force NETCENTS II involve companies obtaining a contract and then compete for task orders. Only those companies with a multiple award contract can compete for the task orders and task orders are the work. MAC’s are valuable since the number of companies that can compete for the resulting task orders is much smaller. The process for obtaining a MAC is similar to acquisitions over $25,000 discussed below. One type of multiple award contracts is Broad Agency Announcements or BAAs. BAAs are solicitations issued by an agency when it seeks basic research work. Topics of interest are presented and companies and universities submit proposals with possible solutions needing funding. Normal Procurements Normal procurement is split between simplified acquisitions (those below $25,000) and all the rest. Simplified Acquisitions Simplified acquisitions are purchases under $25,000 and require the government purchasing agent to obtain quotes either orally or through a brief written quote. Then a purchase order is issued to the lowest responsible bidder. The Navy says that 98% of their transactions are below $25,000 meaning there are billions of dollars available to small companies. Simplified acquisitions are not advertised so to get these contracts you have to get in front of the purchasing people so they will call and get a quote from you. Purchases Over $25,000 Purchases over $25,000 are publicized on the Federal Business Opportunities website. On this website, you will find Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for practically everything the government purchases. Review the RFP summaries carefully and when you find one of interest download the RFP documents. Read the documents very carefully and write a proposal in response and in complete compliance with the RFP documents. Make sure you know when the proposal is due and get your proposal submitted before the due date and time. Late proposals are rejected. Proposals are evaluated by the government according to the procedures listed in the RFP. Sometimes there may be questions asked but not always. Most of the time the decision is made based solely on your proposal so be sure everything is in it or you may lose the opportunity. Once you are awarded the contract, a contracting officer will send you a letter and contact you to negotiate a contract. If negotiations go well a contract will be finalized. Some purchases will not require negotiations so the government will issue you a purchase order. Be sure you read all documents carefully and fully understand what they mean. Contracting with the Defense Department can be complicated – better to know what you are agreeing to than finding out after signing a legally binding contract. It is now time to complete the contract and obtain more work.

Typography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Typography - Essay Example Naturally then upon completion of the project, I was exposed to the experimentation of nontraditional methods of type development, while seeking design inspiration from my own environment I chose materials based on ordinary objects bought at the local 99 cent only stores. Some items students worked with plastic suction cup hooks, plastic sandwich bags and an electrical outlet adapter. The purpose of this exploration was to expose students to the potential of typographic solutions inspired from the everyday. I found each experiment to be equally inspiring. I have always been enchanted with simplicity. I think that it is the obvious which is overlooked. The materials at the 99 cent stores are consistently looked at as if they are throw-aways but imagine if an alphabet based on simplicity could work as a language for those who suffered from visual diseases. Working with the simple objects reminded me of what the original purpose of language is. We use language to communicate with others, and it think that it can be said that the majority of cultures somehow find their way into 99 cent stores, thus the culture has common elements as it is. Inventing a language from the items merely takes my concept to the next level. When we look at Chinese, Japanese and Egyptian lettering, we see beautiful art forms. The same very much exists in my project.

The assignment should be presented as a Journal opinion article and Essay - 1

The assignment should be presented as a Journal opinion article and address an economic issue of current interest to Wall Street - Essay Example A recent report showed that around 155,000 jobs were added in December in order to handle the unemployment situation in U.S economy. However, the rate of unemployment remains unchanged and stood at 7.8%. Faster job creation is required that is around 300,000 or more in order to bring the rate of unemployment at desired level. Policy makers are enjoying sweet repose as annual inflation stays at satisfactory level. Over the past 12 months, only an increase of 1.8% has been seen in consumer prices. When it comes to Household Debt, it has been observed that credit card debt has declined to 16.5% and consumers remain cautious. It will enable Americans to spend a little, as economy gets better. Despite of it, certain types of debt are still rising such as student loans. Fresh graduates are not being able to find well-paying jobs. Prices of Homes continues to move up as market condition of real estate improves. As unemployment goes down, there is more chance of further improvement. As far a s Gas Prices are concerned, although they fell last year, they have again started to back up. Gas prices rely on cost of oil, which has increased to double after the recession has ended. As economic conditions get better, there would be an upsurge in demand of oil, which will ultimately increase the prices of gas. For Equity Markets, the combination of low inflation and slow growth is usually good for stocks. Forecasters seek adequate gains from blue chip companies. Certainly, it will lead investors to continue to invest in stocks. Critical Analysis In this article, the author has mentioned the impact of post-recession economic conditions on American families. Several areas have been highlighted in order to provide brief insight of how this area affects American families. In this article the author states that the economic condition in United States has been improving for the past 3 years yet, it does not stand at the point where it should be. I believe that this point is not valid because the economy of United States experienced worst recession in 2008. Usually after recession, the economy gets stabilize but in this case, it was referred to as Double-Dip Recession. It means that after the initial recession, there was very slowly recovery, which was followed by another recession. Analysts predicted that there is threat of United States getting bankrupt. If it happens then it will drown many another economies with itself. Therefore, after all such chaos, even if the economy is heading towards improvement then it must not be criticized. Despite of discussing all the integral components of an economy, the author showed least linkage of these factors with American families and their influence on them. Brief information was given on the concluding note that outlook is encouraging for people having stable housing, good credit and secure jobs. The author concluded that recovery will be weakening and there will be less help for those who are underemployed or unemploye d. It would not do well to them who have lost their homes. At the end, the author transits to building more ambitious budget reforms. Without such reforms, there is a threat that current slow growth will become entrenched in the form of economic stagnation. Thus, by the analysis of this article it can be concluded that as mentioned by the economic indicators, the economic cond