Narrative Report On The First PTA Gener Essay

In order to settle things up, Bunga Elementary School, headed by our principal Mrs. Jessica Narvasa, together with her teaching staff, officers of the Parent – Teacher Association (PTA) and the Barangay Bunga Council, which is headed by Brgy. Capatain Edgardo Aguilar had its 1st PTA General Assembly Meeting at Bunga Elementary School Stage last July 04, 2014. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the following: 1. Personal Safety Lesson 2. SOSA Performance Indicator/School Policy/SIP 3. School Feeding 4. Tree Planting and School GPP Competition Mechanics 5. Class Report/Feed backing 6. Voluntary Contribution 7. Family Day 8. Expected Monthly Activities/District and Division Competition In this meeting, it was majorly favored that in celebration with Family Day this coming December 2014, families would celebrate it together with Jollibee and it will be a fund-raising. Moreover, the school and the barangay agreed to jointly implement the project (which is the water facilities) that will provide a safe water supply system to the school’s children. In addition, there was also an open forum between teachers and parents wherein they were free to ask questions regarding to the agenda’s that had been discussed. There were many questions raised by parents that were answered well by the school staffs. The meeting was then ended ensuring that all the matters that have been tackled and agreed was fully understand by the concerned subjects of this meeting, and was hoping for positive outcomes.

Collaboration Worksheet Essay

†¢ What are the advantages of having diversity in a collaborative learning environment? Some of the advantages of having diversity in a collaborative learning environment are that each person has something to bring to the group. Diversity makes it easy for each person in the group to learn more about the topic at hand, because each person comes from a different background and had different experiences, and brings something different to the collaborative group. When working with other people, you get the chance to go into depth about the topic, and you get the chance to have a different teacher. Maybe the teachers teaching style doesn’t fit with your personal learning style, so having someone in your group that understands what is being taught may be able to help you to understand the topic better. Bring more light to the subject per say. †¢ How might factors such as diversity, attitude, learning, and work styles affect collaboration? Factors such as diversity, attitude, learning, and work styles can affect collaboration in a number of ways. Diversity affects collaboration, because there may be someone in the group that is very intolerant to diversity, and closed minded. Attitude plays a big role in collaboration, because if everyone in the group has a good attitude then collaboration is easy, however, if even one person in the group has a bad attitude, it can turn the entire group attitude negative, making collaboration difficult or even impossible. Learning and work styles also greatly affect collaboration, because as I mentioned previously, everyone has a learning style, as well as a teaching style, so the more people in a group, the more likely it is that everyone learns the topic to the best of their ability. As for work styles, this can cause problems when it comes to collaboration, because everyone in the group has to agree that the assignment should be done in a particular way, and a particular work style may not fit with that persons said work style. That also goes with learning how to be open-minded. †¢ How does personal responsibility influence the work and success of a group? Personal responsibility influences the work and success of a group, because each person in a group has to put forth equal effort in completing the task at hand. If I did not have a since of personal responsibility, I might not put forth my share of work, and therefore hindering the success of my group. Personal responsibility pushes a person to excel in the school or work place, and the better a person is doing, the more effort a person puts forth reflects on the group as a whole, and makes them more successful together. This is why when working in a group, or even by yourself, it is important to put forth every bit of effort possible.

Business strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Business strategy - Essay Example of these components in one software program was instrumental in facilitating a rapidly expanding enterprise with the capability of enabling businesses to realize a marked improvement in its underlying environmental management without any detrimental fiscal effects. In order to accomplish this, Entropy International utilized a unique business strategy. At the heart of this strategy is the notion that there is a singular vision throughout the organization. This vision serves as a guiding force for strategic planning and incorporates the necessary components for the systematic expansion of Entropy’s customer base and its quest for the lion’s share of the market. One of the most significant focal points of Entropy’s business strategy is a dedication to addressing the needs of the customers. In so doing, the management of Entropy ensured that in developing their product, the customer was consulted first and foremost. As a direct result of consulting with the customer and obtaining feedback, Entropy was able to develop a product which satisfied the current needs of its customers and the up-and-coming needs of the market. Secondary to its focus on product development was its commitment to sales and marketing. Entropy was able to realize a great deal of success by expanding its marketing and sales force. In so doing, the company went from one full-time sales person in 2002 to a complete sales and marketing force consisting of three dedicated marketing and five sales managers. The marketing and sales managers worked to procure contracts with new organizations by utilizing an in-house software product which coordinates the sales process. Th is software has been very effective in that it has been responsible for a 40% sales conversion rate for leads and a 60% rate for proposals. These figures far exceed the current market rates. An integral part of Entropy International’s business strategy is its relationship with governmental bodies. In 2002 Entropy

Could Alice Carter have done anything differently here Why or why not Term Paper

Could Alice Carter have done anything differently here Why or why not - Term Paper Example Bob could not do the job since he lacked the skills but had good credentials. "I would ensure that there is a good succession planning. This will ensure that one is trained and induced effectively before allowing the previous worker to go. There should be training evaluation to ensure that the work skills are competently acquired. Bob should not keep the job. This is because the succession planning was good enough to allow Bob be trained early enough for the responsibilities which were not hard enough. Despite the training from Alice, Bob still showed numerous weaknesses which were may lead to organization diverting from the mission or even making less in along run. It is evidenced that Bob lacks conscientiousness and has neurotism which makes him not perform well. In addition, Bob was employed simply because his paper was good but not because he had the ability and skills to do the tasks. His credentials were good and he had made a good impression. He is a man of constant problems. Ordinarily, performance appraisal involves addressing individual in a systematic way. I will evaluate Bob’s performance so as to ensure that the Job is done perfectly.First; I will examine the quality and quantity of output. This should result as expected and it should go with the mission.Secondly, I will observe his judgment and cooperation which are vital for teamwork and progress. His supervision and leadership abilities will also be scrutinized.This should be done well without partiality and complains.Lastly, his performance will be measured based on his initiative and dependency. The performance measures will be used in compensation reviews, competency building, and promotions."

K-12 budget cuts in california Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

K-12 budget cuts in california - Research Paper Example The people of the state feel as though their voices should be heard if budget cuts are needed and where would be the best possible place to cut. In the case of California budget cuts in regards to k-12 education this is not so. The majorities of the people are not in favor of the proposed budget cuts and are not afraid to say so. Voices are heard from newspapers, newsreels, high offices and education systems themselves. Why are budget cuts proposed? Where do the deciding factors come from? In who’s best interest? These are the underlying questions to the foundation of this paper. Proposed state budget cuts are looked upon as evils by the people. Budget cuts means jobs lost, jobs lost means hard times, unwanted struggles and hopeful prayers. Budget cuts means some organization that has served the people will not be able to do so any longer in the original capacity. Budget cuts are often times proposed in place of tax increases. Although tax increases would usually only affect t he higher income families. The government relies on the state’s elected leaders to lead during the time of economic downturn and budget cuts. The deciding factors in budget cuts are sometimes based on the efficient use of the remaining and less spending of the variables involved. In the state of California one of the areas involving budget cuts is in education. Specifically covered here will be grades k-12. Education budget cuts mean massive layoffs for teachers among other educational expense loss, such as purchasing of books. The impact and acceptation of the budget is described here in an article from Targeted News Service (2011), Despite positive economic messages surrounding President Obama's recent State of the Union address, America's 14,000 school districts will remain vulnerable for the next half decade. Nationally, forty states currently project budget gaps totaling over $140 billion for the next fiscal year. Even worse, states will have to try to fill the gaps with nearly $40 billion less in federal stimulus funds than they had last year--creating what many officials are calling the "ARRA cliff," the sudden loss of billions of dollars in federal money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Looking even further down the road, twenty-four states already face a combined gap of $66 billion for fiscal year 2013. When it comes to schools, these gaps are significant because state dollars account for almost half, 48.3 percent, of K-12 education funding. In California, the budget picture is grim. The state faces ongoing structural budget gaps of over $20 billion a year through 2014, with debt levels currently topping out over $25 billion for this fiscal year. Governor Brown's proposed budget slashes higher education funding by over $1 billion, or nearly 20 percent, and his promise to avoid cuts to K-12 education hinges on a tax extension vote in June. If voters reject the tax extension, school districts could face an additional $4 to $5 bill ion in cuts before classes begin. All of this comes on top of the 14.5 percent hit K-12 funding has taken since 2007. Listed above are the hard facts the state of California is facing. Are the budget cuts necessary because the government failed in its duties or is the state? For either answer there are individuals who have come up with answers on how to prevent future cuts in areas that are desperately needed. The dropout rate is not decreasing, the need for our

Computer games and violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Computer games and violence - Essay Example dition of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, research conclusions have been stated which prove that the violence depicted in computer games have a definite negative effect on social attitudes of the child. The experiment included research scientists from the Universities of California, San Francisco and Pittsburgh. A hundred male undergraduates, from varying socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds were chosen to participate. They were divided into two groups; each group playing a computer game, one more violent than the other. The results were surprising: Before and after playing the game, both groups filled out a questionnaire that tested their attitudes towards violent acts and their attitude towards risky pastimes - alcohol and marijuana use, and unprotected sex. Their blood pressure was measured during play. Men who played Grand Theft Auto had greater increases in blood pressure, more negative moods, more uncooperative behaviour, more conflict in their social interaction with others, and more permissive attitudes toward using alcohol and marijuana, compared to those who played The Simpsons. The more violent game, Grand Theft Auto included involvement with the mafia, bludgeoning the villain with a baseball bat, drug dealing and so on as part of its game’s plot; while, The Simpsons required the player to deliver Lisa Simpson’s homework to the Principal on time (ABC Health and Wellbeing, 2006). Long-term exposure to violence may lead to desensitizing the child or player to real pain. Battering or killing people becomes commonplace. If this idea is reinforced with rewards, the child may end up desiring this harmful kind of violence. The popular idea that playing violent games actually helps the child to vent their aggression is wrong. They only lead to skewed perceptions of Right and Wrong. How has the depiction of violence in computer games changed over the years? The first game to seriously bring up concerns was Legend of Zelda in 1987. The

Online Education Market Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Online Education Market Research - Essay Example The researcher has formulated research questions and objectives that will be achieved through primary and secondary data analysis. The research methodology is based on antipositivist research philosophy, inductive research approach and primary and secondary data analysis that assist each other in a great manner. Questionnaires will be designed to seek views and opinions of respondents on the research topic along with in-depth interviews based on snow ball sampling to understand and analyze the beliefs and opinions of respondents on online courses and overall usefulness and feasibility. At the same time, few hypotheses have been formulated that will be tested against the views and opinions of respondents in a critical manner. Based on the overall analysis, certain recommendations and conclusions will be formed that will help in understanding whether the proposed aim and objectives of the research have been achieved or not. Overall, the research has been designed in a logical and descriptive manner that will help in understanding the impact and influence of online courses in a significant manner. Life often offers a number of opportunities that are often accepted or rejected on the basis of priorities. Education can be considered as one of the most important priorities that is affected by lack of time and few other priorities like jobs, family look out and lack of sources and resources. In this regard, online courses have emerged as a savior for a number of students willing to learn along with adding value to their life in a desired manner ... f the most important priorities that is affected by lack of time and few other priorities like jobs, family look out and lack of sources and resources. In this regard, online courses have emerged as a savior for a number of students willing to learn along with adding value to their life in a desired manner (Nagy, 2005). When having a busy schedule; sometimes, it becomes hard to attend college and with little flexibility being offered by colleges, students tend to miss their important lectures along with missing valuable learning. However, with the advent of the online courses and learning, things have been changing at a rapid pace with a number of students willing to opt for such courses offering them a flexibility of striking a right balance between their education, personal and professional lives. The research aims at identifying the importance and worth of online courses in changing the conventional trend in the university education industry along with identifying ways to improve the quality of online courses and learning. In order to achieve the research aim, these objectives have been formulated: To identify the role of online courses in the conventional university education industry To analyze the acceptance and benefits of online courses along with identifying ways for improving them The research questions formulated for this purpose are; will the online course become the new trend in the university education industry and how to provide better online courses to university students along with finding ways to manage and meeting the expectations of students in a desired manner. Organization Background The organization chosen for the research purpose if DeVry University that is the parent organization for Keller Graduate School of Management and many other colleges.

Week 6 DQ's Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week 6 DQ's - Essay Example Most students from minority schools enroll in low-level colleges because of lack of finances, these schools do not have resources needed for them to complete their college studies like their year mates in high-level colleges, which are mostly the Whites and the Asians who comes out successfully as graduates. The students from the minority end up dropping out from college, a few makes to graduate leading to low graduation rates among these minority groups. Cultural differences have been a contributing factor for the differences in graduation rates between these two groups (Davidson, 2008). The process of carrying out evaluation process is a technical process and requires that an individual be conversant with the cultural issues of the setting he/she is dealing with. The is need for evaluators to have some cultural competences of that setting, such cultural competencies include understanding communication patterns used, practices these communities participate, mode of dressing and mode presenting himself/herself. Lack of these competencies will render evaluation useless since they will not open up. Consulting firms should ensure that both the majority and minority groups are represented. Looking at the composition of both the staff and the students in the school, there were unequal distribution of staff among the races, minority groups had few staff while the majority groups dominates almost all sectors. If cultural biasness is to be minimized and even brought to an end, the authority should ensure that these inequalities are brought to an end. Capacity building in the district schools should be put into consideration during evaluation process. Consulting firms should create position to accommodate all groups; the capacity for each group should be put into consideration (Becker, 2003). Effective learning and acquisition of appropriate skills and experience in students is realized when teachers put

Strategic Management - Assignment for TNC Case Study

Strategic Management - Assignment for TNC - Case Study Example TNC is a diversified entertainment enterprise functioning in eight industry segments, including; Television; Filmed Entertainment; Direct Broadcast Satellite Television; Cable Network Programming; Magazines and Inserts; Newspapers; Book Publishing, and Other. The News Corporation functions mainly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, Asia and the Pacific Basin. It is engaged in the operation of broadcast television stations, and the development, production and distribution of network and television programming through its subsidiaries (Johnson, Scholes, & Whittington, 2008). The Company is involved in the direct broadcast satellite business through its subsidiary, SKY Italia. It also owns interests in BSkyB and DIRECTV, which are engaged in the direct broadcast satellite (DBS) business. It is also involved in the newspaper and magazine publishing business in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and the United States through its various subsidiarie s. Through HarperCollins Publishers (HarperCollins), its wholly owned subsidiary, the Company is engaged in English language book publishing on a worldwide basis. TNC has shown consistent revenue and profit growth in recent years. ... They have a strong library content consisting of film achieves in the 1940s to present. Opportunities In the first instance many of its opportunities arise from the very nature of the competitive environment. Opportunities that are literally available to TNC in the television and print media market are many and varied. Especially its strategically important acquisitions have played a very big role in determining its success. TNC acquired Dow Jones & Company. This has helped place TNC on a firm footing. It allowed the company to expand its online presence and tap into the higher growth rates than many of its core traditional businesses. This will allow TNC to maintain their solid earnings growth without the downside of a pure growth company. TNC has benefited from the emerging markets in Asia, especially that of India and China. The combined population of the two countries equal approximately 2.5 billion. This is the economic reality and TNC has much to gain from its expansion into this region. Alternative media outlets such as the television, cable network programming, direct satellite broadcast and the print media such as magazines and newspapers. Therefore it can reach the market using any of these alternatives before or on par with their competitors. There has been a growth in High Definition Television (HDTV) in recent years and TNC has a sizable percentage in this technology. TNC is looking at new technologies that promise to improve spectrum efficiency or otherwise increase available capacity so that DIRECTV could expand the amount of HDTV content. Options such as the use of Ka-band capacity, higher order modulation schemes, such as the 8PSK technology FOX uses for its broadcast distribution

Light intensity Essay Example for Free

Light intensity Essay The set up of the circuit is simple as shown above. The 12-volt lamp is set up in a simple circuit. Then in a SEPARATE circuit, the light dependent resistor is connected to the Multimeter, which shows the resistance readings. If I did connect the LDR in the same circuit, I would almost certainly fry the LDR, and ruin the experiment! I want to keep the distance from the lamp to the LDR the same. I have decided after testing the system, to put the LDR directly under the lamp. This makes me get the best readings for the earlier voltages when the bulb is dim. It also helps to cancel out any other light, which will obviously get in the way more, the further the LDR is from the bulb. I will find out how much this effects the results in the preliminary practical. I will needed to keep the bulb at a set height, perhaps 2cm above the LDR. During the preliminary practical, there are many things I can do to get the optimum results. That includes keeping the distance and height the same, but also taking the correct resistance reading. You can set the resistance readings on the Multimeter to different levels of accuracy. If you dont have a large enough setting, the dial will display one. I will then go down one until I get a suitable answer. I may even have to change the accuracy settings during the preliminary practical, if they become too inaccurate. My independent variable is voltage (potential difference). I will be finding out how the intensity of the light effects resistance of the LDR. I will be going up in gaps of 2 volts, up to 12 or 14 volts, giving me seven readings. I need to make sure I get two, preferably 3 sets of good results, to iron out anomalies, getting a better overall average. Some small errors could creep in when reading off the Multimeter. The resistance readings will start to fluctuate slightly. I will take the best reading I can by waiting until the Multimeter stays on one number. The more accurately I set the Multimeter, the harder this is to do. Of course, this is only an initial method. The preliminary practical will give me a good feel of the equipment, and where things could go wrong. I will be able to change things for the final practical. Preliminary Work I will need to undertake a preliminary practical for many reasons. A preliminary is very good for helping me get a feel for the equipment. I will do it to find out how much resistance there is without the lamp being turned on, to see what effect other light has on the LDR. I will also see if this changes when the LDR is out in the open. From this, I can decide where I will put the LDR in the final experiment. To start with, I will have the LDR directly under the lamp, so as little light as possible gets to the LDR. A second thing I will probably do, is slowly increasing the voltage until a noticeable difference is shown on the LDR. I will also get a good feeling of what I expect to happen in the actual main practical, and where I will be getting anomalous results. I may also be able to predict trends, and alter my graphs. I will only take readings at a few voltages. I may take readings at 4 volts (the lowest reading), 8 (a middle reading), and 12 (the highest reading. These are all of some use, as they will give me an estimate of the trends, and by finding the highest and lowest readings, the range. I will also need, in my preliminary practical, to take down the conditions that the practical is taken in. I will need to make the experiment as fair as possible, so I will need to see where all the extra light is coming from, so I can regulate that in my main experiment, and also things like the vertical distance from the LDR to the lamp.

A Critical Analysis Of Jean Twenges Generation

A Critical Analysis Of Jean Twenges Generation Jean Twenges Generation Me gives amazing insight about people born after 1970. It talks about how different we are to our parents and how different will be compared to our children. We have become a generation focused on our own ideals and future. Weve also become less concerned with religion and societal rules. It contrasts and compares us to the older generations, and it also discusses us as a young generation, with all our faults and merits. Twenge begins her novel stating we are a much more informal and accepting society than we once were (pg. 18). Our social rules are not as strict as they were several years ago. We let people believe what they want to believe, and dress the way they want to dress without judgement or correction. We have become a generation, as Twenge puts it, As long as I believe in myself, I really do not care what others think. We are a generation that only cares about making decisions relating to ones self and seek only personal gain. The author compares our generation to several films, saying that most of them are about the social norms putting the individual down and that person rising above that. For the most part, I agree with what ahe is saying. We are obsessed with our ideas, our motives, our decisions, and we dont care what others think. We try to rise above what people normally expect. We were raised constantly letting us know that we are the future. Everyone put it our heads as children th at we have to become someone important, or change the world. Our generation also believes that the decisions we make are always correct, and we are never wrong. We are raised in a way that we do not receive rules of normal society. Students dont recognize the authority of teachers, believing that their beliefs and insight is completely correct compared to the professionals. The rules of marriage and dating are gone. Profanity has become part of our normal everyday speech. Cheating and infringement has increased highly. Its the new social trend. You do what you want, what makes you happy, and you dont care what other people think. We are raised, being constantly told we are all equals. We are in the midst of a revolution of what are considered acceptable social rules which define this generation as being radically different to the cultural ethos of previous decades. We have evolved into a generation obsessed with trying to show that we are able to do anything we want. Look at what I can say, look what I can do and no one to stop me. Swearing is the perfect example. I remember saying my first swear word and not a single person came running tow ards me to stop me. College parties are filled with alcohol and in some cases involve illegal drugs, and we only partake in them because we can. Parents correct their children, only to see their children do the same thing again a couple days later. Constantly pushing against the wall, showing trying to show that there isnt one. This is mostly due to the fact, that we are raised to believe that we could be anything we want to be. We created the belief that feeling good about yourself is more important than good performance. So much self esteem can turn into a negative effect which Twenge says its that we become, overly focused on themselves and lack empathy for others. She even introduce religion into the picture. Saying that we become less concerned about religion, and that over 60% of our generation is atheist. Believing in a faith has become less restrictive as the years gone by. In some ways this chapter is spot on in the way our generation has come to be. What surprised me is that this novel didnt take into consideration cultures. In Non-American cultures, any disrespect towards authority or misbehavior is usually countered with physical punishment. Even religion is a major factor, with most families drowning their children in religion since birth. In America however, misbehavior is usually countered with taking something away or grounding a child. Religion takes a backseat as well, with most families no t even encouraging or forcing their children to follow their religion. Its become common in our culture for someone to respect the fact the some people dont believe in God, whereas several years ago it wouldve been against societys laws. We have become a generation so concerned with ourselves and our future. If we dont get what we want we become depressed or upset. She discusses more about this in the second half in her book. One of the major differences when comparing our generation to an older generation is high increase in people who experience anxiety, stress, or even depression. Our growing tendency to tongue punch a fart box put the self first leads to unparalleled freedom, but it also creates an enormous amount of pressure on us to stand alone. This is the downside of the focus on the self when we are fiercely independent and self-sufficient, our disappointments loom large because we have nothing else to focus on. We grow up being taught that we cant expect our parents to help us forever. Schools teaches us independence and the ability to try and work alone. In some cases you would work in groups, but it starts off awkward and weird as to how to approach the situation or problem presented. We also try to go off to pursuit our own individual dreams and goals, and we our taught to love everything about ourselves. Its no wonder why we eventually develop loneliness. Were encouraged throughout our chil dhood to develop our own personal interests, our own goals, our own method of supporting our self. We lose sight in how to preform in a team, or how to engage in mutual relationships. We develop anxiety and depression because of loneliness and isolation. Many of these cases occur because of school. College is the huge stepping stone in an individuals education. College teaches you want you want to learn, and makes you experienced in the field that you want to go in. Kids are always told that their special and unique individuals that can achieve anything if they just follow their dreams. They expect to get into the best colleges, and receive high paying jobs where they constantly to put in their 2 cents. Where in fact only a few will get into the best colleges and fewer will receive jobs where they need to get your input on a daily basis. I agree with the beginning of this chapter, then it continues to something where only people who dont learn after 10 will expect out of life. While were little were always told that we are the most special, and that our ideas are unique. What ends up happening however is that you gradually begin to realize how life is like, and realize what job you want to get into. Everyone expects to have a high paying job, but people do realize that you do h ave to start small. College is a tool that helps you get a job, not start off big. What really got me is that people will develop depression because they dont realize this. I dont think thats the case. When your a kid you believe everything your told. To get through school and actually like learning your told these wonderful things about yourself as encouragement. When you get older you become less and less gullible, and the teaching method becomes different. We dont develop depression because we are suddenly not told that we are the greatest. We start to see how the world works and comprehend more complex things. Telling us that we are special and unique just wont cut it. Pressure however from societies standards can cause our depression or anxiety. Since were not expecting certain things, it may come as a shock or too much to handle. Which is probably why we find that bearing all the rules of society might be too much and its better if we dont worry about them. This generations tolerance to breaking societies rules is more than any generation before it. Many things like marriage before sex, or not caring if a woman becomes a construction worker. Twenge spends an entire chapter speaking about sex and how it ties to our generation. The tie to individualism is obvious: do what feels good for you, and ignore the rules of society. We approve more of premarital sex than generations before us. We are also more accepting of casual sex, rather than just having sex for reproduction purposes. We are also incredibly more accepting when it comes to things that other generations would look down upon. For instance, the job placement for women has become more incredibly diverse than it ever has been. In older generations, it was common for women to be a housewife and take care of the children. Now more and more women join the workforce, and are in jobs that are considered manly but we dont pay any mind. We are also more accepting of people who would be considered different by how they look. We are less likely to believe in moral absolutes, so we are tolerant and accept diversity in all its forms. I grew up learning history with the rest of class. We learned of the civil rights and women rights movement. We werent taught how to hate som eone or a group of people. We learned that everyone is equal and has a equal opportunity in life. I think however that its not just our generation thats become more accepting. I believe that since the older generations have learned to accept others even if their different, influenced our outcome. We drop societal rules that we feel are bad and not worthy of following. As a new generation we have become more open and accepting than any other before it. Twenge begins to conclude her book stating how we come so far as a generation. has the highest self-esteem of any generation, but also the most depression. We are more free and equal, but also more cynical. We expect to follow our dreams, but are anxious about making that happen. In summary, we feel compelled to follow our dreams and if we dont achieve them, we lose hope in life. But we are also free, of social rules, of restrictions, and life. We can make all the choices in the world, and it doesnt matter what other people think. In some cases this novel is spot on in describing our generation. While it doesnt describe in detail what every single persons outlook on life, it does generalize it rather well. However, Im still upset over the fact that they didnt mention once about cultures and how each one deals with this generation. While the book may describe a typical American life, the books generalization on this generation may not be the same in India, or China. I for one, agree w ith some parts of the book, while others I find ridiculous to comprehend. Generation Me gives amazing insight as to how our generation developed and how it compares to past generations. It shows how while other generations may value certain rules of society, we just decide on what feels good to us. However, it also showed the downside. Were so preoccupied with ourselves, and are told we can achieve anything, that real life may come to a surprise to most people. The messages of our youth were unflaggingly optimistic: You can be anything. Just be yourself. Always follow your dreams

Beef Customer Satisfaction :: essays research papers

Executive Director, Issues Management — NCBA Summary The checkoff-funded beef safety tracking survey conducted in November 2004 found that fresh beef steaks/roasts remained the protein with the highest consumer confidence in safety. The survey asks consumers to give grades to foods for being safe to eat and 76 percent of survey respondents gave steak/roast an A or B for safety. Background The beef safety tracking surveys are quarterly telephone surveys of a national, random sample of U.S. adults. Vegetarians do not answer the survey. The margin of error for survey data is plus/minus 3.2 percent. General food safety The percentage of Americans giving U.S. food in general an A or B for safety has remained relatively stable with some small fluctuations in the past year. However, this survey found the percentage of A/B grades (70%) significantly lower than in November 2003 (74%) and at the lowest score since November 2002 (69%). The November 2004 score is much lower than the 77 percent measured during the last survey in May 2004. Safety of specific fresh foods The safety ratings for specific fresh foods remained stable during the past year with no significant differences in the ratings in November 2004. Fresh fruits and vegetables are consistently at the top of the list when it comes to safety grades given to specific fresh foods one might buy in a grocery store. Fresh beef steaks and roasts receive the highest meat product safety grade (76%). Tied for second place with 70 percent of consumers grading A or B were fresh pork chops and microwaveable foods. Foods with lower consumer safety grades were fresh ground beef (64%), fresh chicken (63%), fresh fish (60%), fresh ground pork (56%) and pre-prepared foods from the deli (52%). Specific concerns regarding food safety The safety tracking survey asks consumers to rate their level of concern about specific safety issues on a 5-point scale, with one being not concerned and five being extremely concerned. The percentage of â€Å"top two† scores (4-5 ratings on the scale) indicate the issues of greatest concern. Safety issues tend not to be top of mind with consumers, evidenced by the fact that safety issues barely register when consumers state reasons for eating less beef. However, when asked to think about specific safety concerns, bacteria (62%) and pesticides (62%) top the list. Consumer concerns about chemical additives (58%) and mad cow disease (57%) make up a second tier of safety concerns. Concerns about mad cow disease did not increase significantly as a result of the first U.S. case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in December 2003, and in fact, currently are significantly lower than the 61 percent concern level measured in November 2003.

Transformation of Japan Essay -- History Historical Japanese Essays

Transformation of Japan During the time period between the 1850s and 1950s, Japan underwent massive changes politically, economically, and socially. Acknowledging the failure of isolation, Japan imitated the West in an attempt to modernize, however, still retaining its own identity. A reorganized and more centralized government allowed Japan to industrialize in half the time it took the nations of Western Europe. Industrialization provided Japan with the tools needed to transform itself from a half civilized and â€Å"backwards† society during isolation, to a dominating superpower during WWII.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1853 during the Tokugawa shogunate, Matthew Perry, an American commodore, arrived with an army at Edo Bay to coerce the Japanese government to allow the Americans to trade. In 1856, Japan signed a treaty opening two ports to the United States trade. Soon, other nations such as Britain, Russia, and Holland won similar rights. The opening of Japan to the West created opposition among its people and in the 1860s political crisis came into the open. In 1866, civil war broke out. The samurai armed with the surplus of weapons from the American Civil War defeated the shogunate force. The civil war ended, when the victorious reform group proclaimed Mutsuhito, often called the â€Å"Meiji† meaning enlightened one, emperor.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The new Meiji government promptly went about making reforms to the political structure. Feudalism was abolished and replaced with a system, similar to that of the French, of nationally appointing prefects, or district administrators. In the 1870s, the samurai class was abolished and a draft was created to produce a new army.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Meiji leaders traveled abroad to study economic organization, political institutions, and technological advances. The bureaucracy was reorganized and opened to men of talent through the civil service exams. In 1889, a new constitution was issued based on German prototype. It recognized the supremacy of the emperor, but limited the powers for the lower house of Diet. Under the constitution, the emperor commanded the military and chose his own ministers. The Diet had power to pass law and budget if both sides agreed. Voting rights were determined by the amount of property owned; leaving the majority of the population the inability to vote. Japan’s government was centralized and authoritarian, but incorporated busines... ...shment of the samurai and their fixed salaries that were replaced by worthless government bonds, many became poor. However, during industrialization individual samurai, as well as, several peasants were able to find opportunities and thus could gain social mobility.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many Japanese copied Western clothing and hairstyles as an attempt to modernize. Japan adopted the Western calendar and metric system. Education incorporated Western teaching in science and mathematics. Several Japanese converted to Christianity. Despite adopting Western trends, the Japanese managed to preserve their traditional values.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, Japan became a world giant equal to their Western counterparts. Isolation ended with forced entry by the West. The Japanese government effectively centralized and laid the foundations for industrialization. Industrialization led to economic growth. Economic growth led to a shift in foreign policy to imperialism. In the stages of imperialism, the military took control of government, thus their entry into WWII. After WWII, Japan was slightly devastated but still was able to recover and situate themselves as a dominant superpower for years to follow.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

The fed under alan greenspan Essay -- essays research papers

Bankers prior to the establishment of the Federal Reserve would establish lines of credit with larger banks. In the event of a run, the smaller bank would draw on the line of credit. In times of panic, large numbers of depositors would demand to withdraw their money, and only the largest Wall Street banks, with millions of dollars in reserve, could guard against this. In the early twentieth century, people were running to withdraw all their cash from their accounts, this may seem dramatic, almost theatrical to people today. Nevertheless, to people living in an economically unstable society, they were an expected occurrence. The banks were independent rivals, the amount of currency in circulation was fixed, and there was no element of trust between the depositor and the bank. However, in an attempt to avoid bank runs, they were storing their money for the inevitable, which meant they did not lend any money out, bringing the economy to a standstill. The credit system of the country ha d ceased to operate, and thousands of firms went into bankruptcy. Something had to be done that would provide for a flexible amount of currency as well as provide cohesion between banks across the United States. A large regulated bank, like the Federal Reserve, could make this happen which was to establish banks as a united force working for the people instead of independent agencies working against each other. By providing a flexible amount of currency, banks did not have to hoard their money in fear of a bank run, so there was no competitive edge to see who could keep the most currency on hand and a more expansionary economy was possible. President Wilson passed the Federal Reserve Act into law December twenty-third, nineteen thirteen, which created the Federal Reserve System and converted central banking into a government monopoly. All nationally chartered banks were required to maintain reserves with a regional Federal Reserve Bank. The regional reserve banks would be managed not for profit and in the "public interest," by political appointees. The Act divided the country into twelve districts, each district with its own banking "center." The banks within each district were then divided up with respect to size, so that small banks, medium banks, and large banks all have the same voting power. An appointed board of governors would oversee all bank operatio... ...coming out of a recession in the beginning of the twenty first century, the Fed had heavily dropped the interest rate to counter the increase in unemployment and jump-start the economy to meet its goal of a steady rate of economic growth. As the economy reacted to the low interest rate in expanding, the Federal Reserve has begun to raise interest rates accordingly. The Federal Reserve should continue to monitor the growth of the economy and not be shy in continuing to raise interest rates to prevent an over zealous economy. With a constant increase in the interest rates, The United States economy is slowing down by not investing as much, as well the consumer market is slowing down for the expected rise in interest rates. The economy has had its difficulties, and the Federal Reserve has done the best it could to handle it. The Fed has to understand that there is no one causes to a problem, and not handling the problem correctly may lead to an even bigger problem. As time progresse s, the Federal Reserve should acknowledge that controlling the economy is a learning experience, and what was used in the past to solve a recession is nothing more than a good place to start in the future.

Food in My Family Essay

I come from a very diverse ethnic background, with many variations of what maybe considered cultural foods. I have many fond memories of family reunions and all the interesting dishes my relatives would prepare. Food in my family holds so much meaning; it’s the glue that has held us together for many years even before I was born. Food in my family isn’t just a substance we consume in order to keep our bodies healthy and energized. When we create a meal, it’s as if we are creating art by expressing ourselves in our dish. We take the time to perfect our meals, while also keeping our tradition alive by incorporating the same rituals as our ancestors before us. When it came to certain meals my mother was very traditional in preparing it, and it had to be done a certain way or it was ruined. She wanted to maintain our family’s culture in each dish she prepared. She felt as if by doing this it kept our ancestor’s memories alive; with each recipe preserved to its natural and formal state with zero alteration kept our tradition alive. She didn’t believe in wasting food, so when she prepared dishes she would make sure to cook everything from the head to the feet. My mother’s favorite dish to create was Peni which means pig in Spanish. I remember going to the meat market and having to wait on long lines to buy a whole pig so that she can begin prepping it for the family reunion that was scheduled for next week. My mother always said â€Å"Una de Las cosas mas importantes de recordar es que no es el alimento que usted come que es importante pero como usted lo creo que lo hace memorable†. In English it means â€Å"One of the most important things to remember is that it is not the food you eat that is important, but its how you created it that makes it memorable. † Preparing meals for a family reunion takes a group effort; especially if it requires large quantities of food needed. I believe it brought us closer together when we were cooking the meals compare to when we actually sat down to eat it. Everyone had there own responsibilities to help contribute to the meals, my family was big on making sure no one was left out. It brought everyone together as a whole, no matter what prier arguments you had with one another or what grudges you may have construed towards each other. It was always put aside when it came to family reunion, because on that day nothing else mattered but family. I believe certain foods can trigger certain memories, depending on what your mind can connect it too. For example every time I smell the sweet sent of buttered pancakes in the morning with a side of bacon. It reminds me of my mom and how I use to wake up and run to the kitchen as fast as I can trying to beat my brothers to the table, because I knew they would eat up all the beacon. It reminds me of happier days; when I use to not have to worry about anything and I could just be myself. When my mother would create Peni it would take hours to just prepare it and then she would have to wrap it up in alumini foil so that it would allow the seasonings to settle in. With big family reunions it bound to have some people bring the similar dishes. Even though they cooked the same type of meat doesn’t mean that they are the same dish. Since they were prepared by two different people with different backgrounds, the dish itself represents two completely different styles. For example my mother cooked a lot of her foods traditionally, because that’s how she was raised. She grew up with the knowledge of our ancestor recipes, but our relatives from other countries grow up with their own cooking style. They made it the best way they felt expresses themselves and what they grew accustom to. I looked forward to having family reunions not just because I enjoyed learning how create new dishes, but also I wanted to feel closer to my relatives who I hardly ever get to see. By tasting their foods I was able to take a journey to their home town. I was able to taste all the seasoning that they grew up with and to what they felt best express the true essence of the meat. From the bitter sweet aroma to the texture of how it was deliciously prepared with each morsel I bit into, you could tell how much attention to detail was put into it. I love trying new things especially created by my family members because their style of cooking was so different compare to what I was used to; it was so unique. It always surprised me how dramatically different there dishes tasted compared to my mothers. They would use ingredients I didn’t expect would ever mix so wonderfully together. That’s why I believe when you create a meal it is a form of expression of who you are and where you come from. Every time I eat Peni it reminds me of many different fond memories of my mother, because that was what she loved to make. She took pride in her cooking and because of it I also take pride in everything I cook.

Judicial Precedent Is Best Understood as a Practice

Judicial precedent means the process whereby judges follow previously decided cases where the fact are of sufficient similarity. The doctrine of judicial precedent is a practice of the court, it provides guidance to the judges when they apply case precedents. It also provides certainty, consistency and clarity in the application of precedents. The rule is that judges should decide like cases in like manner. It is a decision of the court used as a source for future decision making. This is known as stare decisis and by which precedents are authoritative and binding and must be followed. Doctrine of precedent or stare decisis, this item is from the latin phrase â€Å"stare decisis et non quieta movere†, means to stand by decisions and not disturb that which is settled. The doctrine of binding precedent based on stare decisis, that is standing by previous decisions. Once a point of law has been decided in a particular case, that law must applied in all future cases containing the same material facts. For example in the case of Donughue v Stevenson (1932) AC 562. The House of Lords held that a manufacturer owed a duty of care to the ultimate consumer of the product. This set a binding precedent which was followed in Grant v Knitting Mills (1936) AC 85. The ratio decidendi forms the legal principle which is a binding precedent meaning it must be followed in future case containing the same material facts. Besides, the obiter dicta is things stated in the course of a judgment which are not necessary for the decision. The decision of the judge may fall into two parts, the ratio decidendi means reason for the decision. The ratio decidendi in a case is the principle of law on which a decision is based. When a judge delivers judgment in a case he outlines the facts which he finds have been proved on the evidence. Then he applies the law to those facts and arrives at a decision, for which he gives the reason. Besides, obiter dictum means something said by the way. The judge may go on to speculate about what his decision would or might have been if the facts of the case had been different. The binding part of a judicial decision is the ratio decidendi. An obiter dictum is not binding in later cases because it was not strictly relevant to the matter in the original case. However, an obiter dictum may be of persuasive authority in later cases. For example, in the case Donoghue v Stevenson (1932), the house of lords held that a manufacturer owed a duty of care to the consumer that products are safe because the circumstances prevented the consumer from discovering any defects. This is a ration decidendi and lord Atkin’s â€Å"neighbour test† was obiter. Where there is no existing precedent, the court will declare the law and the case will become an original precedent, example, in the case Airedale NHS Trust v Bland (1993) HL, where the courts were asked to decide if food and treatment could be lawfully withdrawn from a patient in a persistent vegetative state, and thus allowed to die. The concept of ratio decidendi tries to link the competing aims of the notion of rule of law, ie, the requirement of certainty in the application of law and flexibility in the development of law within the legal system. To identify the ratio in a case, Professor Goodhart (1931), set out a method of identifying the ratio decidendi as the ratio is derived from the application of the law to the facts that were treated as material by the judge in his decision and generalising them to make a principle. Besides that the principle of the case is found by taking account of the facts treated by the judge as material ; and his or her decision as based on them. The principle is therefore a formula, which the facts fit, and the facts provide a specific instance or example of the application of the principle. However, Professor Julius Stone (1959) argued that Goodhart’s theory was prescriptive rather than being descriptive of actual practice. In Stone’s analysis, the ratio of a case is part of a legal category of indeterminate reference or concealed multiple reference. The facts of a case precedent are able to be material under a wide range of fact descriptions, but any given decision was open to a succession of subsequent judicial reformulations of the prior decision. So, the question for the later court is the analogical relevance of the prior case holding to the later case, thus requiring the later court to choose between possibilities presented by the earlier case. This gives us a picture of radical indeterminacy . This is because the later courts appear to have great freedom in reinterpreting the actual ratio of the certain case. Stone’s approach is considered as a rather radical scepticism towards the concept of ratio. Consequence of the indeterminacy of the ratio is the difficulty in identifying the ratio of a case actually provides the English common law system the flexibility when case law is applied and its subsequent development through the courts. From Cross (1991) who argues â€Å"it is impossible to devise formulate for determining the ratio decidendi of a case†, but ‘this does not mean it is impossible to give a tolerably accurate description of what lawyers mean when they use the expression’. Consequently, courts have a great deal of choice in reformulating and interpreting law. In his work on legal reasoning , Neil MacCormick (1987) makes the point that often the ratio of a case can only be determined in light of what judges subsequently make of it. In conclusion, the discussion above have gone to establish that the doctrine of binding precedent is nothing more than a practice of the English judiciary. As a judicial practice, the doctrine provides a guide to judges on how case precedents are to be applied in courts. If the doctrine is avoided or not allowed, there are no legal sanctions or consequences. At worst, if there is a rampart ignoring of the doctrine by the courts, the outcome will be uncertainty and instability in the common law and its development.

The Advantages Imparted By Resin Addition To Conventional Glass Ionomer Outweigh The Disadvantages

Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC) is created when ion-leachable calcium alumino-silicate glass powder that contains fluoride reacts with polyalkenoic acid. Recently, the use of GIC has been extensive in dentistry as it can be modified by combining it with several substances and the properties can be further enhanced. GIC cement was initially developed by Wilson and Kent in England in the year 1972 (Graig, 2002). When created earlier, the GIC was not an aesthetic material and did not have any translucency. It was utilized to full only small class V abrasive lesions.It was slowly modified and can be used in several clinical processes such as luting, as a lining and a base, etc. GIC has certain unique properties that may not be present in any other material. It helps to conserve the tooth structure and it directly bonds with the tooth. The GIC cement directly bonds to the dentine present in the tooth. It helps to remineralise caries and hence can be utilized by preserving the tooth material. The GIC cement slowly releases fluoride over a long-period. This property of GIC can also be utilized in caries prevention and in patient’s having a high-risk of developing caries (Mount, 1998).The powder present in the resin-modified GIC cement is somewhat similar to the conventional GIC’s. The liquid contains monomers and polymers to ensure the strength of the GIC cement is increased (Graig, 2002). The GIC cement has usually two components, a powder and a liquid. The powder is a ion-leachable alumina-silicate glass. The liquid contains polymers and copolymers of acrylic acid dissolved in water. During the setting reaction Aluminium ions and calcium ions are released by the glass and polymers release acid groups.The setting reaction takes place slowly and results in the formation of a cross-linked gel matrix. Aluminium ions may be exchanged slowly in the gel matrix which helps to strengthen it. This process occurs very slowly until the final set. The calcium present i n the gel matrix may combine with the exposed GIC cement bonds using both diffusion an the adsorption phenomenon (Mount, 1998). When the freshly cut tooth surface is smeared with GIC, the polyalkenoic acid plays a very important role in initiating adhesion. The carboxyl ions present in the acid displaces the phosphate ions present in the apatite crystals.The Calcium phosphate-polyalkenoate crystalline complex formed at the interface of the tooth surface and the GIC material plays a very important role in bonding. This phenomenon is frequently-known as diffusion based adhesion (Mount, 1998). When the intermediate complex phase is subjected to acid etching, it was more resistant to etching than the other portions of the tooth. When forces were applied to debond the restoration to the tooth, the complex phase formed was left behind. The carboxyl group of the polyacid of the GIC combines with the collagen molecules of the dentin to form a bond.The strength of this bond may be increased by using conditioning agents such as citric acid and hydrogen peroxide which help to remove the smear layer. However, polyacrylic acid is the best material in removing the smear layer and improving adhesion. Polyacrylic acid helps to remove the smear layer, but does not interfere with the dentinal plugs that block the entry into the dentinal tubules. This helps to prevent the development of hypersensitivity following restoration. This solution can also be utilized remove the smear layer (Mount, 1998). The Cement so formed may have a lot of limitations which may restrict use.GIC cement is slightly more soluble in the saliva compared to several other dental cements especially the resin containing cements. However, GIC cement is more resistant to solubility than other cements such as silicate cements. Another problem of GIC cement is that it may begin to disintegrate in the oral cavity when certain problems such as zerostomia or Sjogern’s syndrome are present. This is because th e GIC cement tends to lose its moisture in the oral cavity. In such a circumstance, GIC restorations have to be replaced every few months or maximum on an annual basis.Frequently, the cement has to be covered by a composite resin lining to ensure that the GIC cement does not face the ruthless environment of the mouth, especially in Sjorgren’s syndrome (Mount, 1998). Resin modified GIC cements helps to make the material more resistant to both excessive solubility in the oral cavity and excessive destruction from unfavourable conditions present in the mouth such as Sjogren’s syndrome (Mount 1998). GIC cement tends to shrink slowly with time. The shrinkage on an average basis (volumetrically) is about 3 %.This shrinkage develops slowly over a period of time. On the tooth side of the restoration, as the GIC combines with the collagen and the tooth surface to form a bond, the shrinkage may not be much to result in debonding of the restoration from the tooth. The stress rela xation is not much on the tooth side of the restoration. When the cement tends to set slowly, it usually absorbs water and also dissolves slightly more in the saliva. Slowly setting cements overall do not have good mechanical properties but anyway shrink less than the faster setting GIC’s.A cavity varnish or a Composite Resin may have to be applied to the surface of slow-setting GIC cement in order to protect if from the oral environment during the initial stages following setting. In resin-modified GIC cements, even if the resin content is about 5 %, it would result in reduced amounts of shrinkage at the time of placement. The shrinkage that develops over a period of time occurs much more slowly. The adhesion formed between the tooth surface and the GIC helps to limit shrinkage to some extent (Mount,1998). GIC cements are weak material and lack rigidity.They are susceptible to fracture compared to other materials such as dental amalgams and composite resins. Those restoratio ns with GIC prepared in high stress bearing areas, having high occlusal load, usually fail within a short period of time. However, research suggests that the resin-modified GIC cements have a better strength compared to the conventional GIC cements. The transverse strength of resin-modified GIC cement is almost twice that of conventional GIC cement (Graig, 2002). They also have higher fracture resistance, almost comparable to micro-filled composite resins.On an average, the compressive strength of conventional GIC cements is about 70 to 220 MPa, and that for luting GIC cements is about 10 to 150 MPa. The compressive strength for a resin-modified GIC cement is about 110 to 220 MPa. The tensile strength for conventional GIC cements is about 12 to 16 MPa and that for luting GIC cement is about 6 to 15 MPa. The tensile strength of resin -modified GIC cement is about 15 to 16 Moa. The Shear strength of the conventional GIC cement is about 30 to 40 MPa and for the luting GIC cement is abo ut 20 to 25 MPa.On the other hand, the resin-modified GIC cement has shear strength of about 60 to 70 MPa. During the early days, the GIC cements did not have a good compressive and tensile strengths. However, nowadays due to advancements in the materials, the compressive and tensile strengths of conventional GIC is approaching that of resin-modified GIC and also the microfilled composite resins (Mount, 1998). However, the resin-modified GIC cements should only be utilized in low –stress bearing areas. They can be utilized in patients having a high-caries rate as the GIC cement has anti-cariogenic properties (Graig, 2002).Many dental practitioners consider using cermets cements or sliver-impregnated GIC cements in load-bearing areas as they would feel that it helps improve the facture toughness of the GIC. However, this is a wrong perception as cermets cements only help to improve the abrasive resistance. Conventional GIC cements have a reasonable amount of resistance to abra sion. They may be susceptible to abrasion during the initial stages following placement (Mount 1998). Self-curing GIC cements may have moderate translucency, but this may take several days to develop.Self-curing GIC cements tend to be affected by the presence of water during the initial period following setting. Hence, self-curing GIC cements may have to be carefully sealed during placement for at least 24 hours until some amount of translucency is achieved. The technique of placement plays a very important role in the case of conventional GIC. Resin-modified GIC cements show a much better translucency compared to the conventional GIC cements. The translucency is achieved immediately following curing with light. The translucency may slightly worsen over the next few days following placement, but this may not be perceived to the eye.Following this, the translucency improves again and sometimes it even achieves a greater amount of translucency compared to that obtained following curin g (Mount, 1998). HEMA (about 15 to 25 %), certain polymerisable groups (1%) and a photo-initiator are present in the liquid component of the resin-modified GIC cement. The light –activation of the GIC enables polymerization of the resin, and the chemical reaction between the liquid and the powder components of the GIC goes on as in an auto-curing system. The final setting of the resin-modified GIC cement is the same as that of conventional cement.As HEMA is present in the liquid component of the resin-modified GIC cement, using thinly consistency cements would bring about a higher HEMA content in the final set mixture. A thick mixture would contain 4. 5 % HEMA, whereas thinly-mixed GIC cement would contain about 15 % HEMA. The HEMA is capable of drawing water from the oral environment and degrading. Further, HEMA is released into the dentin. The presence of certain trace elements in the GIC cement brings about an oxidation-reduction reaction and ensures that the HEMA is not l eft behind. Hence, water is not absorbed from the environment by the GIC cement.During the setting of the resin-modified GIC cement, two basic reactions occur between the powder and the liquid. The first is the acid-base reaction between the polyalkenoic acid and the glass powder. Two separate matrices are formed, one is a hydrogel of the ionomer salts and the other is a poly-HEMA matrix. When these two matrices are formed, the interactions prevent the acid-base reactions from completing. The HEMA particles will begin to set following activation by light, and will prevent the auto-curing GIC cement from absorbing water almost immediately (Mount, 1998).This will also ensure that a greater amount of strength is achieved by the restoration almost immediately (Graig, 2002). The acid-base reaction, the light-curing reaction (along with the presence of the photo-initiator) and the oxidation-reduction reactions ensure that adequate cross-linking takes place in the resin-modified GIC cement . The light-curing reaction ensures sufficient and immediate hardening of the GIC mass provided the light activation is performed. The acid-base reaction will continue for a few days to bring about hardening within a few days.The cross-linking formed in the acid-base reactions and the HEMA matrix will ensure that water is not taken up by the GIC mass. The 5 to 15 % HEMA present in the GIC ensures that water is not immediately taken up by the GIC mass. However, as a sufficient quantity of substances present in the conventional GIC cement is present, the chances of dehydration following the initial setting reaction are still high. Hence, light-cured resin-modified GIC cement should also be protected with a low-viscosity resin sealant (Mount, 1998).When resin-modified GIC cement is utilized as a base below composite resin restorations, there is no need to etch the GIC cement before inserting the composite resin material. HEMA helps in forming a chemical bond between the GIC cement and the composite resin. Efforts should be made during the etching process to prevent accident etching of the GIC cement. However, etching the GIC cement would not result in an adverse affect. When GIC cement is utilized below amalgam restorations, it is better to use resin-modified GIC cement as it can tolerate higher strengths compared to the conventional GIC cements (Graig, 2002).Resin-modified GIC cements are frequently utilized below composite resin restorations since the year 1985, so as to lower microleakage. Besides, fluorides released by the GIC would ensure that secondary caries does not develop. The composite resin would ensure that superior aesthetic effects of the restoration would be maintained. Fluorides leached by the GIC would ensure that the restoration has some anti-cariogenic effect. Earlier, conventional GIC cement was utilized below composite restorations, and only mechanical interlocking between both the materials occurred.The GIC present below the resin material was lost over a period of time. There is no chemical bonding between the GIC and the composite resin restoration and hence, the bond strength is very poor. The use of rein-modified GIC cements present below composite resins helps to improve the bond strength as a chemical bonding would be formed between the monomer present in the GIC and certain substances present in the composite resin (Taher, 2007). The GIC utilized in a laminate or sandwich technique can be used in two fashions, that is open sandwich and closed sandwich technique.In the open sandwich technique, portions of the GIC are exposed to the oral cavity. The GIC is not only utilised to cover the exposed dentin but is also placed peripherally to form a type of seal. In the closed technique, the GIC covers the dentin and is in turn completely covered by the composite resin restoration. Using conventional GIC cements, the failure rates were 13 to 35 % within 2 years and 75 % within 6 years. The conventional GIC cements place d were capable of degenerating to a greater extent in the saliva and are also susceptible to fracture due to decreased fracture resistance.Gradually, resin-modified GIC began to replace the conventional GIC under composite restorations. As resin-modified GIC cements have superior properties, they would ensure a longer life, and would also have an anti-cariogenic effect. Studies demonstrated that the resin-modified GIC developed better proprieties and was not much technique-sensitive compared to the conventional GIC cements. In the open-sandwich technique, the marginal seal developed by the resin –modified GIC cement was much better than the composite resin materials and hence is preferred.The caries rate was much less in the patients using Resin-modified GIC cements compared to the conventional GIC cements. A study was conducted by Dentists in a city in Sweden to study the effect of using resin-modified GIC cements on about 239 restorations. It was found that the 5 % of the r estorations had become unacceptable after 3 years (that is about 5 % of all restorations treated with open-sandwich techniques had failed). Tooth fractures developed in about 2. 5 % of the restorations. Minor erosions of the GIC were observed in 4 %. Secondary caries developed only in one of the 239 restorations.The properties of resin-modified GIC cements is much superior to conventional GIC cement when utilized beneath composite restorations in a sandwich technique. The Resin-modified GIC cements are less susceptible to dissolve and disintegrate in the salvia compared to the conventional GIC cements. It also adapts well to the cavity walls and offers a chemical bonding with the composite resin. The failure rate with resin modified GIC cements was much less compared to that of conventional GIC cements. The sandwich technique can be utilized as an alternative to amalgam restorations especially in those with a high caries index.The restorations produced have a lower failure rate and has a much longer life. However, the use of resin-modified GIC cements for sandwich technique has not been studied on a long term basis (van Dijken, 1999). The bond strengths formed between resin-modified GIC cements and the composite resin materials was higher compared to that between the conventional GIC and the composite restorations following etch and bond technique. In etch and bond technique, the bond strength formed was about 2. 42 MPa compared to that of 6. 87 to 7. 05 MPa formed between the resin-modified GIC and the composite restorations (Knight, 2006).Another study conducted in the University of Cardiff by Chadwick et al (2007), demonstrated that resin-modified GIC cement had a much better success rate compared to conventional GIC cements. The failure rates of conventional GIC cements were between 6. 6 to 60 %. The failure rates of resin-modified GIC cements were found to be between 2 to 14 %, suggesting superior mechanical properties. Some amount of evidence is present from past literature that resin-modified GIC cements could also be utilised to a certain extent in small and moderate sized class II restorations (Chadwick, 2007).A study was conducted to study the surface properties of resin-modified composite resins compared to that of conventional GIC and that of composite resin restorations. The materials were examined following polishing with silicon carbide. The composite resin restorations and the resin-modified GIC cements were more resistant to the effect of foodstuff such as tea, coffee and red wine on the restoration than the conventional GIC. The surface roughness of the composite resin restoration and the resin-modified restoration were much lesser compared to the conventional GIC restoration (Bagheri, 2007).There are not much of differences in the composition of the resin-modified GIC and the conventional GIC cements. The resin-modified GIC contains a small percentage of monomers and polymers to bring about superior mechanical properti es. Resin-modified GIC cements are more resistant to solubility and excessive disintegration from several factors that operate from within the oral cavity. The shrinkage that develops in resin-modified GIC is much slower and less compared to conventional GIC cement. Resin–modified GIC cements have higher transverse strengths, compressive strengths and fracture resistance compared to conventional GIC cements.Even the tensile strengths and the shear strengths of resin-modified GIC cements are higher than conventional GIC cements. However, resin-modified GIC cements should not be utilized in high stress bearing areas, as they could fail. Resin-modified GIC achieves its final properties almost immediately, following curing with light. Resin-modified cements have better properties when placed below composite and amalgam restorations. Below composite restorations, it forms a chemical bond with the composite. As its strength is higher, it can be utilized below amalgam restorations.I t also helped to reduce the secondary caries rate as they released fluorides over a period of time. The surface properties of Resin-modified GIC are also much better compared to that of conventional GIC, and hence the aesthetic properties would be much better. All these superiorities do imply that Resin-modified GIC should be preferred for use in various situations. However, the Resin-modified GIC should not be utilized to fill large cavities in stress bearing areas, as they are susceptible to fail.

Strategic Planning

â€Å"Tomorrow is built today† – Each of us knows very well that our decisions and actions or non-actions of today will shape our future tomorrow. The collective consciousness of this fact and our efforts in the direction of a better future can definitively work in order to make the future what we like to see – the future can be provoked! Mind rules not only heart and body but all the respective issues in this world. The strategies of life are created by man with his ideas and approaches. â€Å"Think twice before you speak† is a familiar term in day to day life, this statement has got a deep meaning within itself, i.e., before you are about to say something think bout what you are going to speak and what would be it's outcomes later on. It is well said that if you want to achieve something in life, dream for it and plan how to achieve that goal or objective once getting started. Things always gets complicated for a person if the tasks involved in it are not familiar to that very person who was suppose to finish it off. It's always said that, two are better always rather then working single because two people working together makes things possible easily n quickly, thinking bout it's outcomes in advance and the result that comes out is always systematic and best possible. Some human beings follow others footsteps and some create their own ideas and work hard effectively and efficiently for attainment of their goals and objectives. Achievements never knocks at the door after dreaming bout them. One has to work out in real to achieve such tasks. As our day routine gets started we do look for a change so that the coming day should be better in comparison to the previous one. The major aim of most of the people in today's world is profit(monetary) and goodwill and yes definitely a long term well know never ending name in the market place just not in their country but most of the parts of the world. Future remains in hand if a task or work is performed efficiently and effectively keeping in mind all the basic operations which are supposed to be included in that known task. Life has changed a lot with real life competitions and challenges coming up day by day. Whatever step one moves should be effective and well balanced as the other could be smarter and experienced then what he/she is. Challenges not only arise within individuals but also within group of people and competitors. Each and every movement should be well planned and then only should be undertaken for its progress. For the highest level of stability one has to adopt advance skills and objectives as these only help in attainment of goals and objectives. STRATEGIC PLANNING Strategic planning is a management tool, period. As with any management tool, it is used for one purpose only: to help an organization do a better job – to focus its energy, to ensure that members of the organization are working toward the same goals, to assess and adjust the organization's direction in response to a changing environment. In short, strategic planning is a disciplined effort to produce fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide what an organization is, what it does, and why it does it, with a focus on the future. A word by word dissection of this definition provides the key elements that underlie the meaning and success of a strategic planning process: The process is strategic because it involves preparing the best way to respond to the circumstances of the organization's environment, whether or not its circumstances are known in advance; nonprofits often must respond to dynamic and even hostile environments. Being strategic, then, means being clear about the organization's objectives, being aware of the organization's resources, and incorporating both into being consciously responsive to a dynamic environment. The process is about planning because it involves intentionally setting goals (i.e., choosing a desired future) and developing an approach to achieving those goals. The process is disciplined in that it calls for a certain order and pattern to keep it focused and productive. The process raises a sequence of questions that helps planners examine experience, test assumptions, gather and incorporate information about the present, and anticipate the environment in which the organization will be working in the future. Finally, the process is about fundamental decisions and actions because choices must be made in order to answer the sequence of questions mentioned above. The plan is ultimately no more, and no less, than a set of decisions about what to do, why to do it, and how to do it. Because it is impossible to do everything that needs to be done in this world, strategic planning implies that some organizational decisions and actions are more important than others – and that much of the strategy lies in making the tough decisions about what is most important to achieving organizational success. The strategic planning can be complex, challenging, and even messy, but it is always defined by the basic ideas outlined above – and you can always return to these basics for insight into your own strategic planning process. Strategic planning is only useful if it supports strategic thinking and leads to strategic management – the basis for an effective organization. Strategic thinking means asking, â€Å"Are we doing the right thing?† Perhaps, more precisely, it means making that assessment using three key requirements about strategic thinking: a definite purpose be in mind; an understanding of the environment, particularly of the forces that affect or impede the fulfilment of that purpose; and creativity in developing effective responses to those forces. Strategic planning has also been described as a tool – but it is not a substitute for the exercise of judgment by leadership. Ultimately, the leaders of any enterprise need to sit back and ask, and answer, â€Å"What are the most important issues to respond to?† and â€Å"How shall we respond?† Just as the hammer does not create the bookshelf, so the data analysis and decision-making tools of strategic planning do not make the organization work – they can only support the intuition, reasoning skills, and judgment that people bring to their organization. Finally, strategic planning, though described as disciplined, does not typically flow smoothly from one step to the next. It is a creative process, and the fresh insight arrived at today might very well alter the decision made yesterday. Inevitably the process moves forward and back several times before arriving at the final set of decisions. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE MIGHT BE? WHAT KIND OF FUTURE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE? Competitions and challenges in the market or in a working concern is the primary aspect .it bothers all the managers of a growing concern in way or the other. Whether, it is the product (which they deal in or going to launch in the market), price (what should be the price related with other substitutes available in the market), longevity (what would be its demands in future), uniqueness (how it would be different from the other products) and rather endless number of features. Production is concerned with costumers, their tastes, choices. Mood differs from one body to the other. Nobody have the same kind of needs or wants. Thereby products also vary in prices, weight and size. Production is always carried out keeping in mind the perfect market situation. The basic aim of every individual is to earn profit and goodwill in the market. The stability and up-to-date growth is a must concern. To achieve all the goals and objectives all the plans are well made and accordingly strategies are designed. A strategy not only helps in a unique start of work but also gives the best outcomes of the efforts made for future. It takes years to earn goodwill in the market; therefore it is a must to make plans whatever is effective for the start-up of the work. End numbers of features are taken in consideration by any of the famous well-known company or industry whoever are the known leaders in the market. Sum of the known features are: * Members: the number of people who are going to lead the environment and the owners of the business concern. Most of the business concerns have partners. They have to aim at the goals and objectives, moreover, decide what their future would be. They are the only leaders to decide the nature of their business and what would be the size and how globally it should be recognised. They look out for not just competitors but also have to follow some law and orders of the government. These owners employ experienced staff as managers to work under them and employees to work under managers known as subordinates. Owners are the decision makers. * Capital: investments or the amount to be engaged into the business is one of the important feature without which nothing could be worked out. * Product: plans are made regarding the product that has to be brought up in the market. number of issues are considered like, costumers and their choices, other resembling or same usage products that would come up or already exists in the market,. The managers have to decide, how their products would be unique and how it would be better then the rest of the companies' products available in the market. How it would be cheaper and what goodwill would it bring to the company. Whether it has the future or not in the major aspect considered. * Market: strategies relates to market size and its globalization as well. One has to think bout customers and tends and fashions in the market. Managers have to plan out for the best market for their companies' products and its variations. * Machinery and equipments: new methods of production are used with new techniques available so that product could be easily made with less time consumption. Therefore, experienced and well defined staff is appointed and supervisors always motivates the employees and brings in new innovative ideas regarding production. * Available resources: A strategy not only helps in effective production but also helps in usage of resources available. Less wastage results in more profit and best outcome. * Employ welfare: Board of directors gives utmost respect to their employees and take care of their employees whether they are managers or subordinates by providing them with comforts and teaching them the new innovative ideas. They also give them bonus for their effective and efficient hard work they put on for production. * Exports-Imports: strategies are designed on the matter for exports of products and markets for trade are searched in a way or the other to earn profit and goodwill. They also take care of the importers from whom they have to but the raw material and stuff for production. A strong relation could only be maintained if the company have well detailed strategies regarding their work performance. * Strengths and Weaknesses: managers or the board of directors make plans to overcome the weaknesses whatever they could be. The strategies are designed in such a way that it lasts long and have enough strength to overcome every declining effect. A long lasting performance can only be obtained if the growing concern gets hold of their weaknesses. * Web page: as internet has proved to be one of the best sources in business relationships of most business companies. Owners make it a point to design their company's web page in such a manner that each and every product and its features along with price details are easily understandable. Strategies are made to achieve goals and targets not only through internet but also globally. Concluding with an Example: Longview Solutions and Marks & Spencer Take Planning to New Heights THIS IS MARKS & SPENCER Marks & Spencer is one of the UK's leading retailers of clothing, foods, homeware and financial services. Operating within approximately 12.5 million square feet of selling space, serving ten million customers a week in over 340 UK stores, Marks & Spencer employs more than 67,000 people. The company also trades in wholly owned stores in the Republic of Ireland and Hong Kong, and has over 150 franchise stores in 28 countries operating through a network of partnerships. In 2002/2003, Group turnover was in excess of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½8 billion. SITUATION With extensive operations in the United Kingdom, Marks & Spencer required a financial planning, actual reporting, and reforecasting solution to be used by all stakeholders in the planning process across all business units, service areas, and stores. There was a requirement for consistent, cohesive data that could be viewed and reported upon at various levels of summarisation from individual budget holders to a consolidated Group position. BUSINESS CHALLENGE The Marks & Spencer objective was to approach the planning process in a professional manner, passing accountability to individual commercial budget holders. The existing process was spreadsheet-driven and time-consuming with a heavy reliance upon the Finance Group to manipulate and consolidate the data, leaving less time for challenging and detailed analysis. SOLUTION Marks & Spencer considered five critical factors in its decision process – Product, People, Policy, Principles, and Price. Marks & Spencer selected Corporate Performance Management (CPM) application Khalix(r) by Longview Solutions because it best met their needs on all five key performance criteria. Khalix was able to: * Provide Marks & Spencer with a single, accurate version of the financial truth through one central repository of data * Delegate ownership and accountability for budgets and plans back to the commercial budget holders * Reduce the overall time required to achieve an approved, realistic budget * Meet Marks & Spencer's need for a flexible solution that could adapt and grow with the company * Perform â€Å"what-if† analysis during budget creation, to facilitate better decision-making and minimise risk * Provide Marks & Spencer with a solution that would fit with their corporate technology standards and future requirements * Achieve consistency of reporting across similar business units RESULTS With Longview Solutions' Corporate Performance Management application, Marks & Spencer is able to provide excellent service to internal customers and has achieved the following results: * Speedier and more accurate budgeting and planning process, with an overall reduction in process time. * High visibility of consistent, accurate data which is accessible to all – â€Å"One version of the financial truth† * Successful ownership for budget-setting to the appropriate level and clear visibility of ownership and accountability of planned performance at all levels of business * Ability to spend time analysing and challenging the plan, removing risk, and exploiting opportunities to achieve a realistic plan * Strong relationship between the Longview Solutions and Marks & Spencer teams, which has resulted in a high level strategic partnership that is helping shape future product direction * Ease of maintenance for database changes and reporting Thus Strategic planning brings in longevity and prosperity for modern corporations. Bibliography: TEXT BOOKS: -Strategic Management Business Policy by Thomas L. Wheelen and J. David Hunger. (Ninth edition). -Strategic Management by John L Thompson. -Strategic Management-An Introduction by Ronald Rosen. -The Strategy Process-Concepts, Contexts, Cases by Henry Mintzberg and James Brian Quinn. -Strategic Management by Cardiff Business School Cardiff University. -Sir John Harvey- Jones, Past chairman ICI, 1987 WEB: -http://www.longview.com/customersuccess/M&S.asp -http://www.lordofthewebs.com/portfolio/StrategicPlanning.asp Strategic Planning Strategic Planning MGT3880: Leadership for Organizations George Henson Strategic planning is a process of optimism by an organization. It anticipates the future of the organizational goals and strategically plans how the organization will achieve those goals. Strategic planning involves several steps in its process those steps are; (1) strategic thinking including external analysis, (2) internal analysis, (3) identifying key strategic issues, (4) developing viable strategic alternatives, and (5) choosing the best strategy using as criteria whatever the company defines as â€Å"success† (Abraham, 2012).The â€Å"Opening Bell Cafe† requires a strategic plan to ensure effectiveness so that new clientele, products and profits are within reach in the near future. The â€Å"Opening Bell Cafe† is a new organization and a revised strategic plan can assist with tackling new goals and growth for the organization over the next three years. This organization is very distinct because it offers services and products that exclude them from other leading competitors. In particular, the organization is responsible for employing individuals with great customer service and providing the client with quality individuals and extraordinary services.Also, the organization capitalizes on its stellar training of culinary and customer service skills which separates it from other competitors. The organization members are required to understand the organizational policies and are the first to ensure that the employee’s and client’s needs are addressed. The managers of the organization are responsible for deciding the direction in which the department should go, what the company should produce, and hence in what industry it competes (Abraham, 2012).Understanding the organization’s competitors, identifying the customers, rather they can provide and how the company will continue to remain profitable is the management’s responsibility. In order for the strategic plan to be effective the direction of the company must be understood. The student believes that the current direction is understood but is not being implemented correctly. The company knows what they want to offer; good products and great services this will allow the organization to compete with leading competitors.The menu of this organization differs from the cafe products to catering services and menu. The organization is aware of who the customer is but is unaware of how to meet them which is a weakness of the organization. During this strategic planning process a SWOT analysis must be completed to understand the organizations strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threats of the organization. The SWOT analysis is a straightforward model that provides direction and serves as a basis for the development of marketing plans (Danca, 2012).The SWOT analysis is being conducted for the benefit of meeting certain goals, the organization has to address the strengths an d weaknesses internally and the opportunities and threats externally. The â€Å"Opening Bell† has several strengths but the employee relations and effective differentiation are two of the organizations strengths. Opening Bell Cafe is a respectable employer and values its employees. They ensure that the employees feel a part of the team which increases employee relations so that everyone has a pleasant experience with Opening Bell Cafe.Effective differentiation is the second strength of the organization. Effective differentiation permits the organization to study the competition and questions if they offer the same as competitors. While studying the group has to be realistic about behaviors that will allow the organization to compete with leading brands while identifying ways to improve. These strengths allow the organization to offer well trained employees and recognize products the competitors do not offer. Exploiting the strengths give the Opening Bell the ability to market and promote ahead of the competition.Weaknesses of the organization need to be understood in order for the organization to have growth and tackle goals. One weakness of the organization is the narrow product line and poor marketing skills. Having a narrow product line limits this company from competing with other cafes’ that offer a selection of breakfast, and lunch. Poor marketing skills limited the organization from reaching millions of potential customers. Just recently the organization established a website which means the people who do not go utilize their stores or catering was unaware that the organization exists.Strategically the company can avoid these issues by planning for new menu items and developing a marketing strategy. If the company can begin to offer more products and reach potential clients the organization can increase growth, revenue and earnings. Capitalizing on opportunities can be beneficial to the organization as well. The opportunity has a specific technical definition; it is a product-market issue (Abraham, 2012). The company can address this situation by creating a new product for an existing market. Opening Bell can also, expand the market for an existing product.Creating new products and expanding on existing products can bring about new clients which can offer the organization appeal from their competitors. Such small changes can be huge when competing with leading brands such as Starbucks or Dunkin Doughnuts. Threats can be unfavorable to any company however identifying threats can help the company when strategizing. The threats for the Opening Bell consist of competitors having stronger brand names and the downturn in the economy. All consumers are currently aware of the leading brand names of Starbucks and Dunkin Doughnuts.Since Opening Bell is aware of these leading brand names they have to offer variations of products and experience. The leading brands do not offer delivery which means that local companies can phone in orders or even order online. Experts say that, â€Å"a downturn in the economy can mean that customers are spending less† (Anonymous,1990). After the threats are identified the organization can work towards increasing customer relations. After conducting the SWOT analysis the student has identified areas that are crucial toward the strategic planning process.The crucial areas are employee relations, poor marketing skills, expand the market for an existing product, and expanding on new products. If these areas are continuous strengths of the organization the organization can focus on other areas that may need restructuring. Employee relations are a part of the operational aspect of the business. Managers are required to guarantee that the organization employees know what to do and how to do it. For this aspect to remain an organizational strength it is essential that all employees know how to communicate effectively.One expert states, â€Å"In order to cope with competitio n, technological developments and customer demands, managers seek different solutions and tools to manage the unstable, rapidly changing, and never predictable situation which involves communicating effectively† (Johansson, 2008). This statement shows the organization that in order to continue growth in the industry the organization should continue focusing on employee relations. The organizations poor marketing skills have to be addressed in order for the strategic plan to be effective.It seems that at the present time the organization does not possess a marketing team or manager. The Opening Bell cannot dismiss what marketing the organization can do for the growth of the company. Having a marketing team who can promote the organization and improve customer relations will be valuable for the organization. The organization should put a budget together that permits marketing opportunities. This issue cannot be overlooked any longer the â€Å"Word of Mouth† marketing stra tegy has gotten the organization so far and now the growth is at a cessation.The organization has to utilize the tools of the internet and television to compete with the leading brands. Having a marketing team who can create promotional opportunities for customers can increase customer acquisition. The strategic plan has to improve the marketing skills of the organization. Expanding the market for an existing product can be challenging but the organization can grow from improving something that is already prevalent for other brands. Since, the organization utilizing fresh ingredients there is nothing like freshly baked cookies and homemade hot chocolate.There is already a market for these items and making them fresh to order with like a fifteen minute wait time would be fulfilling for the consumer. The hot chocolate would be a great in markets where the winters are cold and something warm is always desired One expert states that, â€Å"In fact, line extensions may be the answer to building sales and moving your company in a whole new direction† (Mischina, 2004). Being able to expand can open a whole new avenue for the organization that has not been offered by the leading competitors.Expanding on a new product for an existing market can create long-term growth for the organization. In today’s world of healthy eating offering gluten free product or even allergen free products on the daily menu can set the organization apart from leading competitors. These new products can provide a much needed solution to a giant problem that others have not offered yet. The previously mentioned areas are essential to the strategic plan of the Opening Bell because they provide an avenue on what is being done and what can be done to further advance the organization.The external analysis which entails observing, analyzing, and understanding what is changing in a company's external environment to anticipate what the future might hold has been completed (Abraham, 2012) . Secondly, the internal analysis involves knowing analyzing, and understanding everything about the company itself, especially what makes it a strong competitor or why it isn't as strong as it could be (Abraham, 2012). Both of these steps in the strategic planning process have been completed. The key strategic issues have been identified and managers are working on resolving the issue.Annual objectives will be set also, to measure these critical challenges. To measure the success of the strategic plan the Opening Bell will utilize the metrics of revenue growth and the return of investments. These two measuring tools can allow the organization to measure the success or failures of the organization. Revenue growth is used more often when a firm's revenue growth has been inadequate or flat, or when issues of market share and market positioning are strategically significant (Abraham, 2012,).The organization must measure the growth of revenue to warrant an effective strategic plan. Meas uring revenue growth allows the leader to be aware of rather the organization is prepared monetarily for the strategic plan that has been set forward. Also, the strategic plan sets forward what the allotted monies will be used for and how. Secondly, the return of investments can measure the success of the strategic plan. A ROI is a profitability measure. When utilizing the ROI managers should be aware that ROI can measure the performance of the organization, managers and its business units.Lastly, the strategic plan should include strategic implementation because it’s the only way to boost ROI and increase your chances of success (Evans, 2012). Both of these metrics are capable of measuring the success of the strategic plan which can help any adjustments that need take place to guarantee the company is headed toward success. For an organization such as the Opening Bell Cafe a strategic plan will help to provide sustain the ups and downs of this uncertain economy.Planning stra tegically can ensure that the organization meets goals that they have established. All of the strategic planning process steps have been addressed and will be implemented in the near future. Effectiveness is only possible when all employees are on the same page with one another and when a directive is put into place for all to follow. Indeed, the organization is new to the industry but they have found that revising the strategic plan can lead to growth for the organization. Reference Abraham, S. 2012) Strategic Management for Organizations. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Retrieved from: https://content. ashford. edu/books Anonymous. (1990). 1990 SWOT Analysis. Retrieved from: http://som. csudh. edu/depts/cis/meyadat/ClassesPage/CIS502/casestudies/SWOT Danca , A. (2012). SWOT Analysis. Retrieved from; http://www. stfrancis. edu/content/ba/ghkickul/stuwebs/btopics/works/swot. htm Evans J, (2012). 8 Steps to Boost the ROI of Your Strategic Planning Efforts. Retrieved from: http://www. vancarmichael. com/Management/5844/8-Steps-to-Boost-the-ROI-of-Your-Strategic-Planning-Efforts. html Johansson, Catrin (2008). Speaking of change: three communication approaches in studies of organizational change. Corporate Communications 13. 3 Retrieved from: http://search. proquest. com/docview/214190184/ Mishina,Y. (2004), Are more resources always better for growth? Resource stickiness in market and product expansion. Strat. Mgmt. Retrieved from: http://onlinelibrary. wiley. com/doi/10. 1002/smj. 424/abstract