Friday, November 29, 2019

How serious a threat to Soviet Power were the Hungarian free essay sample

When Khrushchev came to power in 1953 after Stalins death in 1950 he began a policy of Desalination in Eastern Europe and even denounced Stalin in a secret speech in 1954. This all made communism seem weaker and people began to revolt against the Users influence in Hungary believing that with Stalin gone it would be easier to achieve independence. The Hungarian Uprising of 1 956 posed the greatest threat to Soviet power because protests in Budapest showed an increased dislike for Soviet control and Khrushchev let Hungary was drifting away from the Users control. The Uprising in Hungary lead to the election of Mire Nagy who intended to withdraw Hungary from the Warsaw pact and began introducing a range of political reforms such as free speech and free elections including non-communist parties. This was a huge threat to Soviet Power because Khrushchev knew that if one of the Soviet satellites left the Warsaw Pact it would acts as a catalyst for other Eastern European countries to revolt against Communism and the SovietUnion would weaken. We will write a custom essay sample on How serious a threat to Soviet Power were the Hungarian or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia in 1968 was less serious a threat than Hungary was in 1 956 because revolts against Soviet control were not uncommon by 1968 whilst in 1956 the uprising in Hungary had been a shock to Moscow. Dubbed as First Secretary of the Czech communist party abolished censorship which led to a flow of anti-Soviet propaganda causing a national urge to abolish Soviet power in Czechoslovakia.The Warsaw pact acted to terminate Prague Spring in August however the damage had already been done and Soviet power had been further weakened through the increased negative attitude towards socialism and the Soviet Union in Czechoslovakia and other Eastern European countries.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Bridge essay essays

Bridge essay essays In project one, we tested the thickness of the bridges. We measured construction paper and cut the paper six inches long and four inches wide. We set the bridges between tables and recorded our results. We had one bridge and had it hold fourteen pennies. Two bridges held twenty-two pennies. Three bridges held thirty-three pennies. Four bridges held sixty-seven pennies. When I graphed this data, it was linear. In project two, we tested the length of bridges. We measured and cut construction paper four inches wide and four inches long; five inches long; six inches long; seven inches long; eight inches long; nine inches long; and ten inches long. Again, we set the bridges apart on two desks, letting them overlap the table an inch on each side. Then we started to add pennies to the bridges. The four inch long held sixty-seven pennies; the five inch long held thirty pennies; the six inch long held twenty-five pennies; the seven inch long held fifteen pennies; the eight inch long held thirteen pennies; the nine inch long held ten pennies; and the ten inch long held seven pennies. When I graphed this data, it came out as a non-linear graph. In project one, the thicker bridges held up better than the thinner bridges. In project two, the shorter bridges held better than the longer bridges. The non-linear graph has an obvious curve in it compared to the straight linear graph. Hypothesis: Thicker is stronger My graph of this data comes out as a linear graph. Yes, my graph came out approximately linear. Errors I could have made are: bad measurement; cup position; drop of pennies; desk position; imprecise; paper defective; or miscounted. My notes indicate the rise over run = M= - 11. ...

Friday, November 22, 2019

Business Strategy Able Corporation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business Strategy Able Corporation - Essay Example Able Corporation provides user friendly 'portable electric power tools' for individuals and professionals for their plumbing, electricity and other furniture fitting requirements. We strive to make life easier for carpenters, electricians, wood-workers and plumbers by providing them with user-friendly tools. Company's value proposition must include its long association with customers in the field of power tools, its ability to take lead and come out with innovative ideas, its ability to retain a good market share despite increasing cost of production owing to some internal problems and of course its urge to grab more market space in near future. Walden International believes in short-term quarterly financial considerations, which will help Able Corp in taking short-term reviews of its operations and corrective actions can be taken accordingly. Planning forms an integral part of management. Fleischner (2007) states that, marketing plan is a way of developing a marketing program and achieving something within the available resources and time limits. Such a plan basically involves, setting objectives and selecting strategies accordingly. Able Corporation has the potential of being an industry leader, provided the company identifies some of

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

How are women represented in afghanistan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How are women represented in afghanistan - Essay Example There have been diverse concerted efforts to improve the freedom, quality of life, and privileges of afghan women, but the situation is still disgraceful. The representation of Afghanistan women is still confounded. While Australia has recently appointed only one woman in the ministry, Afghanistan has three women representatives in the cabinet. In the last century, Afghanistan has struggled with issues related to the leadership status of women in the country. The Taliban rule has recently created a major situation for women. The situation is a symbolism of war of Western military powers for women’s justice and freedom. Most recently, the Mujahideen rule is worse than the Taliban. Once people analyse the Women’s situation in Afghanistan from the perspective of the country’s History rather than the above rules, women would be integral in the Nation building. (Ahmed-Ghosh 1). Women’s rights, leadership, education and participation in growth and development of the country are strategies useful in advancing their status as discussed in this document. Throughout history, government authorities have instituted several policies to support and curtail the rights of women. Most of the policies have been suppressive, since traditional institutions have thwarted individual efforts to support women rights. For instance, previous leaders, for instance, Amanullah Khan in the 1920s (Lough 4), who have tried to create equal opportunities have failed in consequent elections. In terms of political participation in previous years, there has not been any measurable progress (Lough 4). The only women who accessed the political sphere were the elite or those in urban areas. The rural women had no rights since they were not empowered. A big incident between women and the government was women leaders presenting The Afghan Womens Bill of Rights to

Monday, November 18, 2019

Visual Literacy in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Visual Literacy in Business - Essay Example I suggest that a committee be formed incorporating members from all departments of the company, from the senior management staff and supervisory staff, to the auxiliary staff. It has been my experience that joint efforts between departments smoothens any activity and reduces red tape and bureaucracy. In addition, a well-organized team with the support of the management is bound to succeed. However, there is need to ensure that there is an open line of communication with the C.D.C to ensure their quick response in case of an emergency. The team tasked with the disaster preparedness plan will ensure that relevant employee information such as their emergency contact lists, their next of kin and their locations are updated. By liaising with the C.D.C, the company will have access to information regarding treatment matters, at risk/infected personnel and quarantine procedures. I would also recommend simulation exercises to ensure that all company employees are well-versed with the company’s protocols in case of an outbreak or any another disaster. Howells argues that the use of visual evidence elicits emotional response from the audience. Therefore, by using visuals I think the company employees and the top management staff will be more convinced of the urgency to develop a disaster management plan. Images of the Ebola epidemic earlier this year, the symptoms and the mass graves in Sierra Leone and Liberia, will be instrumental in swaying the management and staff to act. The images will serve as a cautionary tale of how the lack of a preparedness plan, such as was the case in West Africa, can lead to the death of thousands of civilians. Visual emphasis should be placed on the adverse effects of the epidemic (Howells,

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Experiences and Suppression of Intrusive Thoughts

Experiences and Suppression of Intrusive Thoughts A Mixed Methods Research on the Experience and Suppression of Intrusive Thoughts and other ways of Thought-Control in the Non-Clinical Mauritian Adult Population ‘’The mind is its own place, and in itself can make heaven of Hell, a hell of heaven.’’ Milton The experience and suppression of intrusive thoughts, and the use of other thought-control strategies by normal or non-clinical individuals, are some of those complex cognitive phenomena, which are gradually gaining increasing thorough scientific attention in the world of Psychology. Significantly Wegner Pennebaker (1993) view the experience of intrusive thinking as a remarkably common clinical and normative phenomenon. Hence, it would be wise to underline that intrusive thoughts occur universally. Indeed research on intrusive thoughts always accompanies research on thought control especially thought suppression. Definition Because intrusive thinking is studied alongside manifold psychological disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD), General-Anxiety Disorder (GAD), depression, phobias, eating disorders and even Substance-Use disorder, there are bound to be major differences in the definition of the term ’intrusive thought’. Notably Clark and Purdon (1995; Purdon Clark, 1999) underlined the construct validity problems of some measures utilised in studies about intrusive thoughts in non-clinical populations just because of the broad definitional problem of the term. These researchers have also suggested that both the cognitive characteristics (intrusiveness, thought-control difficulty) and the content of intrusive thoughts have to be considered while defining them. For the purposes of this research, which focuses on the experience and suppression of intrusive thoughts, and the use of other thought-control strategies by the non-clinical Ma uritian adult population, we would preferably agree with Rachman’s definition of intrusive thoughts as ‘cognitions that are spontaneous, disruptive, and difficult to control and unwanted’ (Rachman, 1981). Similarly, Clark Rhyno (2005,p.4) define the experience of intrusive thought as ‘any distinct, identifiable cognitive event that is unwanted, unintended, and recurrent’. The focus of this research is on negative intrusive thoughts which are unwelcome, involuntary and distressing. People generally approach these negative thoughts in a myriad of ways. Our next point is that people have different coping or appraisal styles in their approach to unwanted negative thoughts. Many people try to control their intrusive thoughts using different thought control strategies which reflect their appraisal styles. Appraisal is the way in which meaning is attached to intrusive thoughts (OCCWG,1997). It cannot be denied that when some negative intrusive thoughts int erfere with concentration and emotional equilibrium, they become unpleasant and distressing and many people try to banish these thoughts from their awareness. Notably, Sigmund Freud (1915,1957) explained the role of suppression and repression that keep unwanted, unpleasant and distressing thoughts out of awareness. The modern view, as supported by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (American Psychiatric Association; APA, 2000) uses the concepts automatic (unconscious) and voluntary (conscious) processes to refer to the Freudian defence mechanisms: repression and suppression. Ever since Wegner et al (1987) started their White Bear experiments in an attempt to study suppression of intrusive thoughts, many other studies have been gradually carried out, which present thought suppression as an inadequate, counterproductive mental control strategy (Beevers et al, 1999; Bodenhausen Macrae, 1996; Monteith et al, 1998a; Purdon Clark 1999; Wegner 1989, 1992; Wegner et al 1994a; Wegner Wenzlaff 1996). Significant studies have also analysed other thought-control strategies like distraction, punishment, re-appraisal, worry and social control in an attempt to understand how individuals approach their intrusive thoughts (Wells Davies, 1994). Aim of Research The primary aim of this study is to review the research done on the experience and suppression of intrusive thoughts in the normal population and analyse the experience and suppression of intrusive thoughts in the normal or non-clinical Mauritian adult population, by shedding light specifically on the different thought-control strategies employed by normal people while coping with intrusive thoughts and most significantly, by analysing suppression as a maladaptive control strategy. Clinical Approach to Intrusive Thoughts and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Initial research on intrusive thoughts started with the analysis of the experience of intrusive thinking in the clinical context and it has verily been observed that intrusive thoughts characterize several clinical disorders, for example, GAD, OCD, Depression, PTSD (Brewin, 1998; Green, 2003; Langlois, Freeston, Ladouceur, 2000a,b; Pudon, 1999; Watkins, 2004). It has also been stated that as well as being symptoms of these disorders, intrusive thoughts also contribute to the maintenance of these disorders (Brett Ostroff, 1985; Brewin, Watson, McCarthy, Hyman Dayson, 1998). There is indubitably a significant relationship between intrusive thinking and OCD. The DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association; APA, 2000) refers to recurrent, intrusive thoughts, images or impulses that are experienced as ego-dystonic (totally inconsistent with the self) and extremely distressing, as partly characterizing OCD. More specifically, many researchers have scrutinized the experience of intrusive tho ughts among OCD patients and have demonstrated that these patients feel compelled to perform compulsive rituals (for instance, neutralizing behaviours etc.) in an attempt to escape from the distressing intrusive thoughts. For them, the performance of these rituals is aimed at the reduction of anxiety and the prevention of a feared outcome from occurring. However these compulsive rituals increase intrusive thinking and therefore, maintain the disorder. Notably, research has demonstrated that OCD patients show deficiencies in cognitive inhibition and when they fail to suppress their thoughts, they make internal attributions of their suppression failures (Tolin et al., 2002). The Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Group (2005) have denoted the relationship of OCD with several specific appraisal styles such as responsibility/overestimated threat, intolerance of uncertainty/perfectionism and importance/control of thoughts. In his cognitive model of OCD, Salkovskis underlines the centrality of responsibility. Rachman (1997) argues that as these intrusive thoughts are ego-dystonic (that is, they perfectly contrast what the self really wants),OCD patients often interpret these thoughts as having personal negative significance and having potentially severe consequences and predicting undesirable outcomes. Furthermore, emphasizing the importance of metacognitions (that is, thinking about thoughts), Wells, Gwilliam and Cartwright-Hatton (2001) elucidate the role of thought-fusion beliefs in the maintenance of the disorder. More concisely, these are: thought-event fusion (the belief that thoughts can change the course of events); thought-action fusion (the be lief that thinking about something means a possibility to act on the thought) and thought-object fusion (the belief that thoughts can be fused into objects). Responsibility beliefs and thought-action fusion beliefs are stronger in people with OCD than those without (Coles, Mennin Heimberg, 2001). Additionally recent cognitive-behavioural theories about OCD have assumed that obsessive thoughts have their roots in some of the thoughts currently experienced by normal individuals (Pudon Clark, 1999; Salkovskis, 1985, 1989). Intrusive thoughts in non-clinical population Ever since Rachman and de Silva (1978) scientifically found that intrusive thoughts are a common non-clinical phenomenon, a plethora of research, especially questionnaire studies have tried to replicate Rachman and de Silva’s research. Using the questionnaire of Rachman and de Silva, Salkovskis and Harrison (1984) confirmed that 88% of a sample of non-clinical individuals experienced at least one intrusive though t. Additionally, according to several other studies, around 79-99% of people in non-clinical samples experience intrusive thoughts similar in nature to those experienced by people suffering from OCD (Freeston, Ladouceur, Thibodeau Gagnon, 1991; Julien, O’Connor Aaredma, 2009; Rachman de Silva, 1978; Salkovskis Harrison, 1984). The real prevalence of intrusive thoughts in non-clinical populations is likely to be on the higher ends of these estimates, as research participants may have underreported their experience of intrusive thoughts due to embarrassment, hesitation and shame. Moreover Pudon and Clark (1993) and Belloch, Morillo, Lucero, Cabedo, and Carrio (2004) also found that 99% of their non-clinical samples (n=293, n=336 respectively) reported having experienced at least one intrusive thought listed in the Obsessive Intrusions Inventory (OII/ROII). But it should be underlined that these researchers also found a slight difference in contents of intrusive thoughts exp erienced by OCD patients and non-clinical samples. OCD patients reported thoughts of dirt, disease and contamination among others. However normal people mainly reported thoughts of unacceptable sex, harm to self, aggression towards others and accidents amongst others. But it might be that the normal people do not consider thoughts about disease, dirt and contamination distressing, thus they are underreported. A Severity Continuum from Normality to Clinical Obsessions The intrusive thoughts reported by normal individuals are considered the ‘normal’ analogues to clinical obsessions and their study allows for better comprehension of the nature of intrusive thoughts. Instead of the normality versus psychopathology breakdown, the modern view discusses the continuity from normality to clinical obsessions. Clark elaborates more on this continuum of intrusive thoughts, by placing clinical obsessions at the extreme end, stating that the difference between clinical and non-clinical cognitive intrusions is ‘one of degree, rather than kind’(Clark,2005, p.11). Similarly Rachman and de Silva (1978) denote a similarity between the content of intrusive thoughts experienced by normal people and people with OCD. The researchers even postulate that psychologists and psychiatrists, who only have the knowledge about the content of the thoughts, have difficulty distinguishing between clinical and non-clinical obsessions. However the same researchers identified a quantitative difference between normal intrusions and clinical obsessions. The difference lies in the intensity and frequency with which these thoughts are experienced. Other studies highlight differences in other variables such as the associated unpleasantness and the level of anxiety occasioned by obsessions, the difficulty in controlling them or freeing the mind from the thoughts, the extent to which people perform neutralizing behaviours or rituals to reduce discomfort and ease anxiety, and the ultimate consequences that result from these intrusive thoughts, because clinical intrusive t houghts interfere remarkably with the daily functioning and life of people suffering from them (Oltmanns Gibbs, 1995; Parkinson ranchman, 1981; Rachman de Silva,1978; Salkovskis Harrison, 1984). Freeston and Ladouceur ( 1997) found that among all the other variables, unpleasantness associated with intrusive thoughts is immensely clinically significant because the assessment of this variable can provide insight to therapists on whether clinical change has occurred or not. Hence this variable can be used to assess therapeutic effectiveness. Theoretical Explanations of Intrusive Thinking Various theorists have attempted to approach intrusive thinking in manifold ways using different approaches like the biological, psychodynamic, behavioural and cognitive approaches. A full discussion of all the approaches is beyond the scope of this thesis. Hence, our analysis will focus on the cognitive and metacognitive approaches. If intrusive thinking is initially a normal phenomenon, then why does it develop into obsessive thinking in a minority? Research has underlined the role of cognitive and behavioural variables in the transition from normality to pathology (Clark Purdon, 1993; Freeston et al, 1991,1992; Niler Beck, 1989; OCCWG, 1997; Purdon Clark, 1994a, 1994b; Rachman,1993). More concisely, cognitive variables are related to the evaluative process (cognitive appraisal) and meaning that an individual attach to his or her negative thought. In clinical cases the meaning assigned to intrusive thoughts might be immensely threatening and disturbing. The behavioural variables are related to the covert and overt actions that the individual performs in response to his or her negative thoughts in an attempt to feel better by decreasing anxiety and discomfort. Salkovskis (1989) highlights the neutralising responses to intrusive thoughts as the key element in the ultimate development of obsessions. Hence the c ontents of normal intrusions and clinical obsessions are basically similar; it’s only the mental and behavioural processing of the negative thoughts that put them on either end of the continuum. Rachman’s (1997) Cognitive Theory of Obsessions According to Rachman (1978), the transformation of normal intrusions into clinical obsessions occurs when the individual considers his thoughts as catastrophic and threatening by viewing them as being personally significant. In an attempt to explain the origins of intrusive thoughts, Rachman (1978) argues that exposure to stressful events occasions the occurrence of intrusive thoughts. Rachman and de Silva (1978) further highlight that external cues trigger the occurrence of normal intrusive thoughts (characterized as being less intense and less distressing) and even clinical obsessions (characterized as being more intense and distressing). This view gained support by the experimental research carried out by Horowitz (1985), Horow itz and Becker (1971), and Horowitz, Becker, Moslowitz and Rashid (1975) which summarized that patients and non- patients experienced increased intrusive thoughts when they were exposed to stressful films. A Metacognitive Approach Metacognitions refer to the beliefs and knowledge about thinking and also the strategies used in the regulation and control of thinking processes (Flavell, 1979). Indeed, metacognitions are responsible for the shaping of the attention we pay to things, thoughts and so on, and they also determine the appraisal and the strategies we employ to regulate our thoughts. Adrian Wells (1997) developed the metacognitive therapy by positing that people experience emotional disturbance, distress and anxiety because of the Cognitive Attentional Syndrome (CAS) which consists of the perseverative thinking style including worry, rumination, attention focused on threat, thought suppression, ineffective self-regulating strategies and maladaptive coping behaviours. The CAS i s a maladaptive style of responding to thoughts and feelings and it enhances negative emotions and the occurrence of intrusive thoughts. The author highlights the presence of a higher degree of this syndrome in clinical patients suffering from depression and other anxiety disorders. He also differentiates between the ‘object mode’ and ‘metacognitive mode’ of mental processing.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Dairy Queen :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Dairy Queen The United States was coming out of the Depression in 1938. Business began to flourish and prosper again and families had more money for leisure time and recreation. J. F. McCullough, owner of the Homemade Ice Cream Company in Illinois, experimented in the soft serve ice cream at the right time. He thought that ice cream tasted better when it was served fresh and not frozen. He first tested his idea on August 4, 1938 in an ice cream shop owned by one of his best customers, Sherb Noble. They offered an all you can eat ice cream festivity for 10 cents. The response they had was overwhelming and had lines down the street. They found a reliable freezer to keep the soft serve ice cream at a temperature of 23 degrees Fahrenheit with Harry Oltz. McCullough and his son were ready to open for business on June 22, 1940. McCullough thought that his soft serve creation was the closest thing to dairy perfection and therefore he called it Dairy Queen. Dairy Queen struggled during WWII and thrived greatly at the end of the war. They only had 100 stores in 1947 and jumped to a nationwide system of 1156 stores by 1950. Dairy Queen introduced a system of territory operators across the country which still play a great role today. The McCulloughs and Oltz laid groundwork for a franchising system that many fast-food organizations use today. In the 1950’s they expanded the menu by adding new ice cream products. They later added a food line which the called the Brazier. In the 1960’s many changes were brought about to the operations of the Dairy Queen system.

Monday, November 11, 2019

The Modern Marine NCO Today

Today’s Marine NCO has changed over the years from the past Marine NCO. An NCO today takes the knowledge from their senior NCO’s that was passed down to them and help shape the Jr. Marine today. Having respect goes a long way with Marine NCO’s but how can that be achieved if the NCO doesn’t show any themselves? A Marine NCO is like a father figure in a way, teaches junior marine what he/she needs to know in order to better themselves and make good decisions so that one day when he/she becomes and NCO they can look back and be like my NCO when I was a troop taught me and show me what it takes to be a NCO. NCO’s gain knowledge and wisdom from their seniors but also gain knowledge for their jourior marines and make themselves better. The NCO from the past was more about odering and not listening to their marines which made the Marines under their charge hate their NCO as of to now and days the NCO takes time to listen to their Marines and properly take care of their needs. As a Marine NCO, we have to set standards for others to emulate and strive to be the best and surpass their leaders. A Marine NCO is there for his/her Marines from the smallest minute problem back in the rear to being on the fron lines and helping their Marine in a battle situation. A jounior Marine will trust and respect his fellow NCO(s) if that Marine NCO takes time to understand them and help them in their situation.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Coffee Crisis Essay

Introduction Stephen Quinlan and Jose Gomez-Ibanez describes, in â€Å"The Coffee Crisis†, that in 2004 the governments of coffee producing countries were considering how to respond to rapid decline to coffee prices. In 2001, coffee prices hit a forty-year low, which resulted in extreme hardships for the local farming communities. On that note, this decline in coffee prices was considered â€Å"the coffee crisis. † The coffee crisis came to be thanks in part to coffees: overproduction, under-consumption and oligopoly market structure. International Nature and Structure. At best, coffee should be grown in an area with a warm climate and an abundance of rain. Coffee is centrally grown near the equator; however, it is primarily consumed in the northern hemisphere. It is traded in 60-kilo bags and the annual crop exceeded 100 million bags in recent years. â€Å"In 2003, for example, 101 million bags were produced of which roughly 95 million bags were consumed and the remaining 6 million added to storage in the hopes of fetching higher prices in later years†(Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, p. 1, 2004). Coffee is comes in two types: Arabica, which is milder in flavor, and Robusta, which is acidic. Robusta, which is grown in Asia and some countries in Africa, is easier to grow and is primarily used to make instant coffee, espresso and local consumption in the producing countries (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, p. 2, 2004). Arabica, which is grown primarily Latin America makes up, historically, two-thirds of the coffee produced and is the longest to produce. The long production time begins with a two year period before the coffee seedling can bear fruit followed by several more years before reaching full production (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, p. 2, 2004). Supply and Demand Analysis There was a rapid decrease in coffee consumption due to an increase in soft drink consumption. In the U. S. , it is estimated that coffee consumption fell from 36 gallons to 17 gallons per person and soft drinks increased from 23 to 53 gallons per person (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, p. 2, 2004). As U. S. coffee consumption began to slow down in the 1990s, due in part to the increased liking to premium coffees thanks to Starbucks, Pete’s and other coffee chains, European coffee consumption increased along with other countries helping offset the U. S decline. Beginning in 1962, the International Coffee Organization (ICO), an association of coffee exporting and importing countries, managed the coffee market by negotiating exporting and import quotas to support target prices (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, p. 3, 2004). The ICA collapsed in 1989 and this opened the door for non-traditional suppliers like Vietnam and traditional supplier Brazil. During this period, Brazil had always been the world’s largest coffee producer, growing Arabica by traditional labor-intensive methods in frost-prone areas (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, p. 3, 2004). Since most Arabica coffee is grown on steep slopes, Brazilians utilized new plantations on leveled ground; developed new large-scale coffee plantations in less frost-prone areas, mechanical harvesters along with other cost-cutting devices to replace donkeys in how they produce coffee. Vietnam, who had never exported coffee before through government assistance, was able to build irrigation systems to help in the production of Robusta coffee beans (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, p. 3, 2004). These beans produced in Vietnam had a poor quality, less flavorful and were processed at lower quality standards than traditional Arabica. Within a couple of years Vietnam had become a top supplier and was setting the price in which all other Robusta producers would have to compete. By the end of the decade, Vietnam had become the largest Robusta producer in the world, although its costs were rising as the rapid growth in the Vietnamese economy was increasing local income and wages (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, p. 3, 2004). Market Structure The overall coffee market resembled that of an oligopoly, which is defined as â€Å"a market dominated by a few large producers of homogeneous or differentiated product. Because of how few exist, oligopolies had considerable control over their prices, but each must consider the possible reaction of rivals to its own pricing, output, and advertising decisions† (McConnell, Brue & Flynn, 2012, p. 223). Oligopolies are also characterized by barriers to market entry (McConnell, Brue & Flynn, 2012). Although there were many countries producing and exporting coffee, the market was largely dominated by a few countries (i. e. , Brazil, Colombia, and later on, Vietnam). Oligopoly, by its very nature, limits transparency in the market place. Within ten years this country grew from a relatively insignificant producer to the world second largest – ahead of Colombia (producing ~11 million bags accounting for 10% world export) but behind Brazil (producing ~35 million bags accounting for 35% world export) – producing well over 11 million bags annually and accounting for approximately 12% of world exports (CRB, 2006). Factor Markets From the ICA collapse bringing forth Vietnam’s entrance into the coffee market to the quality degradation, the coffee crisis affected more than just the market. With a drop in coffee prices, the farmers not being able to cover all of their costs so grower’s families many had to remove their kids in order to help out at the farm (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, 2004). There was the merging of coffee blends and the experimentation of new ways of creating low quality coffee beans in an effort to meet demands. As a result many of the beans were of poor quality, which caused the coffees to taste cheap. Furthermore, such an increase in low-quality beans causes the price to drop in order to remain competitive (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, p.3, 2004). Many major roasters experimented with technical advances in finding new ways to mask the bitterness of the acidic bean. They even went as far as combining Robusta and Arabica beans together. This line of production caused the price of coffee to decrease, which hurt many producers because the profits weren’t enough to cover most of their overhead (roughly 65-90 US cents per pound) (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, Exhibit 6, 2004). This caused the quality of coffee to diminish because many roasters were using beans that should have been discarded. It also caused countries whose costs were high (Central America, Colombia and Mexico) with average or lower quality coffee to be in trouble (Quinlan & Gomez-Ibanez, 2004). Reference: Commodity Research Bureau (CRB). (2006). The CRB Commodity Yearbook 2006. [eBook] Retrieved from http://books. google. com/books? id=GmzxkvNhxnIC&printsec=frontcover McConnell, C. R. , Brue, S. L. , & Flynn, S. M. (2012). Wage Determination. Economics (19th ed. ), (pp92-114). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Quinlan, S. & Gomez-Ibanez, J. (2004). The Coffee Crisis. Capella University. McGraw-Hill.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

In the Time of the Butterflies Essays

In the Time of the Butterflies Essays In the Time of the Butterflies Essay In the Time of the Butterflies Essay In the Time of the Butterflies, Patria, as a child, accepts Trujillo, but sees God as the only god present. Yet as the novel progresses, similarities between the two are shown, especially with the use of their power. Even though this confuses Patria, a new faith in motherhood forms controlling both of Patriots faiths. Julia Olivarez shows that despite how Patria treats God and Trujillo in the different manner to protect her hillier, Patria views them as having the same power. Throughout the novel, Patria watches how her children are killed and saved by Trujillo and God, revealing their similarities. When Patriots son is released from Jail, she realizes the similarities. She says But I know a godly voice when I hear one. I heard Him alright, and he was calling my name (226). By hearing God through Trujillo, it shows that it was God as much as Trujillo for helping Patria. Both of their power is not only able to choose life or death for a person, but what happens within fife, shown with this example. This is also seen, when Patria is on a pilgrimage with the rest of her family, she hears Virgin Mary, which shows signs of both God and Trujillo. Virgin Mary says Here, Patria Mercedes, Im here, all around you. Eve already more than appeared (59). This reflexes Trujillo and God, as they use their power to be everywhere. Trujillo uses the SIMI to spy on everything, making sure that nobody Is rebelling against him. God Is assumed to be everywhere and Is able to watch everyone. Since they are everywhere, Patria Is angry at both at them for not stopping all the deaths that have occurred. Patria deals with her anger with Trujillo by trying to make deals with him Instead of trying to fight for what she wants. When her son was In Jail, she prayed to Trujillo, showing she felt powerless. She said, l dont know how It started, but pretty soon, I was praying to him, not because he was worthy or anything Like that. I wanted something from him, and prayer was the only way I knew to ask (202). This shows Patriots weakness towards Trujillo. She Is unable to challenge Trujillo as she thinks that her son will be killed because of It. Patria makes a deal with Trujillo Instead because she Is not afraid to die for her children. God, on the other hand, Is treated by Patria the opposite of Trujillo. Patria Is able to challenge God, but Is unable to make a deal with God. I looked up challenging Him. And the two faces merged (53). Im not going to sit back and watch my babies die, Lord, even If thats what you In your great wisdom decide (162). In the Time of the Butterflies By midfielders 9 be everywhere. Trujillo uses the SIMI to spy on everything, making sure that nobody is rebelling against him. God is assumed to be everywhere and is able to watch everyone. Since they are everywhere, Patria is angry at both at them for not stopping Patria deals with her anger with Trujillo by trying to make deals with him instead of trying to fight for what she wants. When her son was in Jail, she prayed to Trujillo, showing she felt powerless. She said, l dont know how it started, but pretty soon, I was praying to him, not because he was worthy or anything like that. I wanted Patriots weakness towards Trujillo. She is unable to challenge Trujillo as she thinks that her son will be killed because of it. Patria makes a deal with Trujillo instead because she is not afraid to die for her children. God, on the other hand, is treated by Patria the opposite of Trujillo. Patria is able to challenge God, but is unable to make a deal with God. l looked up challenging Him. And the two faces merged (53). Im not going to sit back and watch my babies die, Lord, even if thats what you in

Monday, November 4, 2019

Interview paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Interview paper - Essay Example The budget that he has allocated is $750. Because of the numerous brands in the market, buying a laptop is a difficult decision for the professor. There are several factors which he considered in making the final decision. First factor that he considered is the weight of the computer. Since he and his kids will most probably bring the computer to school, he was very much concerned with the weight. Furthermore, he foresees that the laptop will be moved from one room in the house to another. The lighter the laptop, the more he was inclined to buy it. Another critical aspect for the professor is the power consumption. Since the users of the laptop are always on the go, he preferred a battery which could last at least for four hours. He realized that if the laptop has additional features, it would also consume more power. Processing power is another factor that the professor looked into. He preferred a Core 2 duo in case his kids would need multimedia programs. He expects that he will also need to do some class presentations that will require multimedia programs. The after sales service and warranty is another feature that the professor viewed as essential. Aside from a local warranty, he would like an international warranty to go with it. As a professor, there are times when he travels to other countries for seminars or trainings. An international warranty will guarantee that if something goes wrong with his computer while he is abroad, his computer can be repaired immediately. Moreover, the longer the warranty on parts and labor the better for him. He recognized the fact that there are some brands which offer extended warranty but with extra cost. Another aspect which the professor considered is the operating system of the laptop. He knew that if he chose the Windows Vista operating system, it will be more expensive because it requires the latest hardware. He was however open to using Linux, Windows XP

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Research Methods for Professional Practice Essay

Research Methods for Professional Practice - Essay Example Throught this paper, there will be clear and evident focus on research based practice. The paper will analyse the data analysis element of research methods in relation to the two articles. I chose data analysis because it provides a vital base to the decision making process. Data analysis is the crucial element in a research process since mere data collection is not important to a researcher. Research is mainly aimed at helping people make informed decisions in different fields. The current blooming interest in evidence informed health and education promotion is part of an on-going strategy to base professional practice and policy on sound research evidence (Ritchie, 2002). Many evidence based research types can inform practice or policies. For example, narrative, conceptual, and statistical data methods can inform practice. Often, studies take the form of evaluations which determine the effectiveness of policies or studies which collect the views of people about an intervention, acceptability of a policy or their needs and requirements. Moreover, conducted and designed research provides vital and significant information covering a wide array of issues which are vital to people in practice. In today’s era, knowledge about the research process is mandatory in the healthcare industry. Consequently, midwives and nurses need to comprehend the research findings. Moreover, they should grasp the implications of research methods in transforming the health care industry. Non statistical methods were employed in analysing the collected data. Descriptive statistics were categorized and analysed based on various categories. Comparison techniques were used in the descriptive analysis process. The information got from the nurses and midwives was related to the study hypothesis and research question. According to Buetow (2010) one of the most reliable and accurate way of determining