Managing Finance & Decision Making Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Managing Finance & Decision Making - Essay Example The retail sector is expected to show growth in all the categories and sub-divisions: electrical, groceries, clothing and footwear, cosmetics, home-ware, floor coverings and furniture, gardening as well as e-retail, in the coming years. (Tesco, 2010) The grocery and the e-retail will be the most important divisions in the coming years. According to British Retail Consortium, the sector sales in the country amounted to GBP 293 billion in 2010. The retail companies based in the United Kingdom provides services to millions of people around the globe leading in grocery, clothing, and home-ware. This sector supplies employment to 11 percent of the total workforce in the country: employing around 3 million people. It contributes 8 percent to the country’s GDP and accounts to be a major part of the country’s exchequer. (Invest in UK, 2010) The retail sector in the United Kingdom is oversaturated with the a small number of big players controlling the market. According to Britis h Retail Consortium, there were 286,680 retail outlets in the country as of 2010. According to a research performed by the TNS Kantar Worldpanel, the three major players of the retail industry in the United Kingdom, with respect to market share, are: Tesco with 30.5 percent Sainsbury with 16.6 percent ASDA with 16.5 percent 1 Despite the setbacks in the economy: rising prices, fuel costs, spending cuts, the investors look forward to strong growth and positive sales growth in the retailing. They expect the economy to heal itself in the coming months and realize its true potential. Tesco A global merchandising and grocery store based in the United Kingdom leads the ‘Big Four’ supermarkets group. The brand is the largest within the boundaries of the country with a market share of 31 percent and the third largest in the global market with respect to sales revenue. The company operates in 14 different countries through 4,811 different types of stores. It provides everything under one roof: from grocery to appliances, clothing to shoes, tires to gardening tools as well as home wares. (Tesco, 2010) Tesco plans to invest GBP 27 million to reduce its carbon footprint by 2020. â€Å"At Tesco, we care about the environment and want to lead the way in preparing for a low carbon future. We are now ready to unveil the scale of our plans to use Combined Heat and Power to cut our carbon footprint2.† The brand is ranked as the second largest in the world with respect to profits. The brand in the fiscal year 2010 showed strong growth: sales showed an increase by 6.8 percent whereas it’s pre-tax profit increased by 10 percent. Therefore, the financial gurus believe that the company has now transformed itself into a fully globally diversified business and is en route to strong future growth. (Tesco, 2010) Sainsbury J Sainsbury, with a market share of 16.6 percent, is ranked as the second largest retailer in the United Kingdom. The company provides an en ormous assortment of goods and services under one roof to its 19 million customers through the 872 stores spread across the country. The products range from grocery to appliances, tires to gardening, clothing to cosmetics as well as furniture. (Sainsbury, 2010) Sainsbury has become one of the pioneers of dedication. It has planned to invest GBP 40 million into the sustainable farming over the period of next three years that will allow the farmers to augment their productivity and

Leonardo da Vinci Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Leonardo da Vinci - Research Paper Example dia Britannica. 2011). His unlimited desire for knowledge drove him beyond painting. Powered by his superb intellect, keen sense of observation, and mastery of the art of drawing, he studied nature; a line of inquiry that allowed him to pursue dual art and science (Capra 2007). Life of Leonardo da Vinci Leonardo da Vinci was born of the illegitimate relationship of a Florentine notary and landlord, Ser Piero, and a young peasant woman, Caterina (Bortolon 1967). That notwithstanding, Leonardo da Vinci, enjoyed the privileges of a legitimate son and grew up in his father’s estate and received the usual elementary education of those days: reading, writing, and arithmetic (Bortolon 1967). He did not exhibit any particular aptitude for Latin, the key language of traditional learning, and higher mathematic until later in his life. Due to his artistic inclination, which appeared early in life, he father apprenticed him to the renowned artist Andrea Del Verrocchio (Bortolon 1967). He received a multifaceted training that included painting and sculpture as well as the technical-mechanical arts in Andrea Del Verrocchio’s workshop. ... In 1482, Leonardo abandoned two painting projects, The Adoration of the Magi for the monastery of San Donato and an alter painting for the St Bernard Chapel, in Florence and moved to work for the duke of Milan, Duke Ludovico Sforza (Encyclop?dia Britannica. 2011). The prevailing strict academic atmosphere in Milan as well as the duke’s brilliant court and the meaningful project may have enticed him to Milan. Indeed, the 17 years spent in Milan were fruitful. He was highly esteemed as a painter and a sculptor. He completed six works in Milan among which was the famous painting, The Last Supper. He also had an extensive workshop in Milan where he had several apprentices. In addition, he served as a technical adviser in the fields of architecture, fortifications, and military matters, and he served as a hydraulic and mechanical engineer (Capra 2007). Following the victorious entry of the French into Milan, Leonardo left the city probably December 1499 or January 1500. He visited Mantua and Venice before returning to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, he was accorded a reception deserving of a renowned son. Leonardo devoted his stay in Florence to intensive scientific study (Capra 2007). That notwithstanding, he was still involved in painting. It was during this period, 1503 – 1506, that he painted Mona Lisa (Vezzosi 1997). Upon the invitation of the French governor in Milan, Charles d’ Amboise, Leonardo returned to Milan in May 1506. During his second stay in Milan, he did little work as a painter; rather, he worked as adviser in architectural matters. His scientific activities reached their zenith during this time. The expulsion of the French from Milan in 1513 led Leonardo

Empirical Formula of a Hydrate-CE Essay Example for Free

Empirical Formula of a Hydrate-CE Essay Conclusion and Evaluation: Aspect 1 Based on the interpreted data of group A, the empirical formula of aluminum chloride did not stay the same. The expected empirical formula was. In group A the empirical formulas are as followed Group Name Empirical formula Laurie Jordan Rica, Victoria Stephanie Vince Josh Jane Kaityln So, as a group, we all had a different outcome of the empirical formula but the percent composition of water is the same for all. 11.2% for hydrogen and 88. 8% for oxygen as shown in table #7.3. A random error would be the measurement of the hydrate crystal. A scoopula was used to measure 3g. Also another one would be the electronic balance having an uncertainty of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.001g. A systematic error would be heating the evaporating dish through a wire mesh instead of a clay triangle. You notice that the theoretical yield and experimental yield values are shown in a pie graph. Both of the pie graphs are the exact same as both percentages are 11.2% and 88.8%. In these pie graphs, neither trends nor patterns apply. Aspect 2 The procedural weaknesses are stated above. For example the measurement of the hydrate crystal wouldve affected the lab. There wasnt an accurate measurement so that couldve affected the weight of the final product or the reaction of the product. Another weakness was that the evaporating dish was being heated through a wire mesh instead of a clay triangle. The wire mesh had a white coating on it, so therefore the evaporating dish was being heated indirectly and the wire mesh would absorb the heat itself. This would affect the heating process of the evaporating dish and the substance inside of it. There were a few assumptions made in this particular lab. They are as followed Assumption Possible effect on the result All of the moisture was removed from the evaporating dish If all the moisture wasnt removed, then an accurate and precise reaction isnt obtained. The aluminum chloride was pure If impure aluminum chloride was used then other products could have formed The only substance reacting with the aluminum chloride was itself as a hydrate form This could have had other reactions which therefore will affect the products formed. All of the aluminum chloride hydrate evaporated Could possibly effect the measurement of the weight 3g of aluminum chloride was added to the evaporating dish Obviously if there were less or more than 3g added, it will affect the outcome result The quality of the data was fair. The precision and accuracy of the aluminum was absent since it was measured by a scoopula and estimation. Although, the same balance was used to weigh all the masses, therefore the accuracy of those measurements were present with the exception of the uncertaintyà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½0.001g. Aspect 3 If this lab were to be redone, I think that everything should stay the same besides 2 factors which are the use of wire mesh and the measurement of the hydrate crystal. If we were to use a clay triangle instead of the wire mesh, the evaporating dish would have been directly heated instead of being indirectly heated. This would remove the systematic error. A better precision and accuracy would be obtained if we actually used a measuring device. For example, a measuring spoon wouldve been more accurate than the scoopula. Using the same balance for all masses would obtain greater control of variables and reduce the random error.

The Role of Women in Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart Essay -- Things

More than those of any other African writer, Chinua Achebe’s writings have helped to develop what is known as African literature today. And the single book which has helped him to launch his "revolution" is the classic, Things Fall Apart.   The focus of this essay includes: 1) Achebe's portraiture of women in his fictional universe, the existing sociocultural situation of the period he is depicting, and the factors in it that condition male attitudes towards women; 2) the consequences of the absence of a moderating female principle in his fictions; 3) Achebe's progressively changing attitude towards women s roles; and 4) feminist prospects for African women. In the context of this study, the Igbo people whom Achebe describes will represent the rest of Nigeria -- and a great many of the nations of Africa. Sociocultural Background Were Nigeria and Africa oppressively masculinist? The answer is, "Yes." Ghana was known to have some matrilineal societies, such as the Akans; but Nigeria's traditional culture, Muslim as well as non-Muslim, had been masculine-based even before the advent of the white man. The source, nature, and extent of female subordination and oppression have constituted a vexed problem in African literary debates. Writers such as Ama Ata Aidoo of Ghana and the late Flora Nwapa of Nigeria have insisted that the image of the helpless, dependent, unproductive African woman was one ushered in by European imperialists whose women lived that way. On the other hand, the Nigerian-born, expatriate writer Buchi Emecheta, along with other critics, maintains that African women were traditionally subordinated to sexist cultural mores. I ally myself to the latter camp. I believe that, in creating a masculine-based society, Ac... ...Function of Folk Tradition." Approaches To the African Novel: Essays in Analysis. London: Saros International, 1992. Nwapa, Flora.   Efuru.   London: Heinemann, 1966. ---.   Idu.   London: Heinemann, 1970. Ogunyemi, Chikwenye Okonjo.   "Women and Nigerian Literature." Perspectives on Nigerian Literature. Vol. 1.   Lagos, Nigeria: Guardian Books, 1988. Okonkwo, Juliet.   "The Talented Woman in African Literature." African Quarterly 15.1-2: pages. Rich, Adrienne.   Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution.   New York: Norton, 1976. Thiong o, Ngugi   wa.   Petals of Blood.   London: Heinemann, 1977. ---.   Devil on the Cross.   London: Heinemann, 1982.   Walker, Alice.   "In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens." In Search of Our Mothers   Gardens: Womanist Prose. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1983.   231-243. Weinstock, Donald, and Cathy Ramadan.     

Quality Improvement Plan Final Essay

The journey of quality improvement is a responsibility of all those involved in patient care. At The Women’s Hospital (TWH) at Saint Joseph East (SJE) it was decided that a change in culture would be needed and focus was directed on decreasing the length of stay (LOS) for maternity patients. Quality process improvement is a formal approach to the analysis of performance and systematic efforts through a team approach to improve the outcomes for patients and staff (Spath, 2013). Types of Care The Women’s Hospital at SJE is a state-of-the-art free standing facility that provides exclusive care for the women of central and eastern Kentucky. Services include both high and low risk maternity care, a level three neonatal intensive care nursery, cardiology and rheumatology services, all exclusively specialized and conveniently under one roof for women. The mission of TWH is shared by the larger market based organization of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI). As part of the mission statement of CHI and TWH the goal is to â€Å"†¦create healthier communities†, this is done through culture changing quality improvement processes such as decreasing the LOS (Catholic Health Initiatives [CHI], 2014, para. 1). The Women’s Hospital welcomes the chance to collaborate with SJE and other hospitals within CHI to offer quality improvement data while supporting the mission of the organization. Role of Consumers Health care is a business just like any other, with customers that have a choice where to obtain services. The customer is just beginning to become an integral part in the quality improvement process for health care. At TWH the role the patient and family plays will help to shape a culture of improved safety and quality of care. Patients and families are engaged in the quality improvement process through patient surveys, bedside reporting, and direct observation through patient rounding by nursing management. The organization of TWH practices transparency and public methodology. Quality results are reported and available through websites supported by agencies such The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, The Joint Commission and  the Kentucky Hospital Engagement Network. To assist the consumer in partnering with TWH in quality improvement the websites for TWH offer links to resources to navigate the websites that provide the reported quality data. Three Quality Indicators The organization has both internal and external accountability to quality indicators. External quality indicators are used by government agencies, third party payers and consumers to define a quality hospital stay (Kelly, 2011). The external indicators relevant to consumers for TWH include; overall patient satisfaction with hospital stay, infection rates for surgeries and patient satisfaction with nursing care. Knowing patient satisfaction with an organization, for those that are seeking similar services will allow a consumer to know if they will be able to have the desired experience at TWH. When infection rates are reported to external agencies it allows consumers to make informed decisions as to the safety of the care provided by TWH and speaks to the transparency of the quality improvement programs. Lastly, since everyone in the hospital will have contact with a nurse, the reporting of patient satisfaction with nursing care will promote the compassionate nursing culture of care available at TWH. Monitoring and reporting quality indicators externally allows the organization to know if the customer’s interests are being properly served. Stakeholders and the QI Process The Women’s Hospital at SJE takes a proactive approach to quality improvement. This approach means including all stakeholder involved in patient care; patients, managers, administration, medical staff, health insurers, accrediting agencies, and the mission team. In addition to patient surveys and manager rounding, TWH has a quarterly community group that meets to listen to the needs of its members. This multidisciplinary team is comprised of executive team associates, nursing staff, medical staff, former patients, commercial insurance representatives and is open to anyone interested in the community. Information learned in these meetings is then taken back the perinatal quality committee and serves as direction for future efforts of quality improvement initiatives. Jointly working to improve the quality of care will create an environment of trust between TWH  and the community served. In conclusion, the responsibility of quality improvement is shared by all members of the health care team and includes the patient. Importance and relevance of quality indicators is influenced by internal and external factors. At The Women’s Hospital, efforts are made to incorporate the role of the consumer in improving the quality of care delivered and through collaboration achieve optimal outcomes for both patient and caregiver. References Catholic Health Initiatives. (2014). About Us. Retrieved from http://www.catholichealth.net/mission-and-vision Kelly, D. L. (2011). Applying quality management in healthcare-A systems approach (3rd ed.). Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection Database. Spath, P. (2013). Introduction to healthcare quality management (2nd ed.). Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection Database.

A Critical Discourse Analysis Framework Essay - 1077 Words

Methodology A critical discourse analysis framework News is manufactured industrially and deeply influenced by the bureaucratic and economic structure of the media industry, by relations between the media and other industries, and by relations with authoritative apparatuses and institutions such as government. It reflects the prevailing values of a society in a particular historical context and simultaneously shapes the society in return (Fowler, 1991/2013). Although we cannot simply suggest an explicit causal relation between structurally determined material and symbolic resources and the actual cultural practices, a pure linguistic analysis may still overlook the external constraints and the effects of the cultural practices. The embryo of cultural studies finds its roots in the historical context of a social structure shaped by industrial capitalism and the increasingly commercialized system of cultural production, distribution, and consumption. To some extent, the reference to power and struggle, domination and subordinations is the mantra to sustain and legitimatize the existing cultural studies literature (N. Graham, 1999). While avoiding the notion that Marxism and cultural studies form immediate affinity, cultural studies still has to establish itself as a ‘worldly’ vocation by coping with the tension between the study of the text and its affiliations with institutions, classes, nations, races, and genders, and etc. (Hall, 1999a). 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The Bible Among The Myths - 3214 Words

In The Bible Among the Myths, John N. Oswalt, opens up his book by establishing his expertise in the subject of the Ancient Near East (ANE). Oswalt started his study into the ANE at Asbury Theological Seminary. After attending Asbury Theological Seminary, he went to Brandeis University. This is where his fascination with the subjects and Ideas of the ANE started to grow. Oswalt eventually went on to teach at Asbury Theological Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Wesley Biblical Seminary. In the beginning of the next paragraph Oswalt makes the attestation that while the information has stayed unaltered since the 1960s, the subject has changed. Researchers used to accept that the Old Testament was remarkable among alternate†¦show more content†¦While trying to help characterize the saying, he records four essential qualities of a myth. These qualities conclude that people have practically zero natural worth, the relative absence of enthusiasm toward history, fa scination of magic and the occult. and the refusal to acknowledge obligation regarding individual actions. The final part of the introduction deals with a serious claim. Oswalt strongly expresses that religious claims are unable to be separated from historical claims. He basically says that the trustworthiness of the religious issues is contingent upon the trustworthiness of the historical claims. If the historical claims are clearly false, then no belief should be given to the religious legal statements. However, if the historical descriptions are agreeing with what is known, then the religious issues should be taken seriously by the reader of the Bible. The Bible and Myth Chapter 1: The Bible in Its World The first chapter addresses the Bible in the connection of its surroundings and its commitment to society. Oswalt expresses that there are numerous commitments to the way the Western world perceives reality. The Bible, be that as it may, is the most essential contributor. The Greeks brought a type of feeling that had a significant effect on society. Three of their greatest commitments were: the belief in a universe rather than a polyverse, simple cause