The Internet and Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Internet and Business - Essay Example Every business to thrive in this tough competitive market must have a business model to boost the developmental plans. A business model acts as the back-bone of a business and helps the business to make strategic decisions. River Island - as a business has a business model of stylish, high-quality fashion clothing especially for its target audience. The Body Shop on the contrary has developed a business model focusing on the natural beauty and beauty products. River Island promotes fashion and modernization; whereas The Body Shop promotes beauty with natural products. As part of business model and marketing strategy each business has their own target markets and target audiences. River Island targets young men and women, boys and girls with an attitude and style statement. The target audience is high-street consumers looking for affordable yet stylish fashion clothing by including new designs in apparel, shoes, bags and more. On the contrary The Body Shop targets consumers with more mature blend of mind set and inclined towards natural products for beauty enhancement. The target audience is restricted to consumers who are searching for natural beauty products for various requirements including, skin care, body and bath, make-up, hair, fragrance and more. Modern business world has seen fierce competitions within business houses. It is nearly impossible to have a business without any competition in modern days. River Island has also competitions such as H&M, Republic, ASOS, G2000, Padini, U2 etc to name a few. Similarly The Body Shop also faces many competitors such as Lush, Aveda, Origins, Kiehls etc to name a few. Businesses have developed marketing strategies exploiting the mass adoption and usage of Internet. The simplest and foremost of Internet marketing strategies is the website of the business. Although the Internet marketing strategies

Describe to me the basic differences between Scientific Method and Essay

Describe to me the basic differences between Scientific Method and Scientific Process - Essay Example This is basically the process through which science actually takes place. It takes place in a series of steps which involve making hypotheses, deriving predictions and performing experiments in line with those predictions to determine whether the initial hypotheses were indeed correct. This basically entails the steps that are taken in performing a scientific method. The scientific process is contained in the scientific method. Science is in itself the study of processes through scientific methods. The scientific process has inputs and desired outcomes which in tern influence the Scientific methods It is clear from the discussion above that there are certain basic differences between scientific method and scientific process. What is clear, however, is that the two are so much dependent on each other. The scientific method investigates what is known based on measurable evidence while scientific process is all the steps that the scientific method applies in achieving its

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Environmental Sciences Essay

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Environmental Sciences Essay Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a method that combines the features of gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify different substances within a test sample. [6] Gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) make an effective combination for chemical analysis. [5, 10] The use of a mass spectrometer as the detector in gas chromatography was developed during the 1950s by Roland Gohlke and Fred McLafferty. These sensitive devices were bulky, fragile, and originally limited to laboratory settings. The development of affordable and miniaturized computers has helped in the simplification of the use of this instrument, as well as allowed great improvements in the amount of time it takes to analyze a sample. In 1996 the top-of-the-line high-speed GC-MS units completed analysis of fire accelerants in less than 90 seconds, whereas first-generation GC/MS would have required at least 16 minutes. This has led to their widespread adoption in a number of fields. [6] GC-MS theory and principle The Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) instrument separates chemical mixtures (the GC component) and identifies the components at a molecular level (the MS component). It is one of the most accurate tools for analyzing environmental samples. The GC works on the principle that a mixture will separate into individual substances when heated. The heated gases are carried through a column with an inert gas (such as helium). As the separated substances emerge from the column opening, they flow into the MS. [3] The GC separates the constituents of a sample as previously described, but as the gaseous sample exits the column and enters the Mass Spectrometer, it is bombarded with electrons that cause the molecules to become unstable and break down into charged fragments. The positive ions are collected and separated on the basis of their mass / charge ratio.   Various analyser types are available depending on what is being studied.   We have both a quadrupole type MS and an ion trap type MS available. The resulting mass spectra permit the identification of the analytes.   A typical detection limit would be 10 picograms which make it much more sensitive than the flame ionising detector on a GC. [2] To effectively use GC/MS evidence one must understand the process.   First, the GC process will be considered, and then the MS instrument will be presented.  [5] Gas chromatography In general, chromatography is used to separate mixtures of chemicals into individual components. Once isolated, the components can be evaluated individually. In gas chromatography (GC), the mobile phase is an inert gas such as helium. The mobile phase carries the sample mixture through what is referred to as a stationary phase. The stationary phase is a usually chemical that can selectively attract components in a sample mixture. The stationary phase is usually contained in a tube of some sort. This tube is referred to as a column. Columns can be glass or stainless steel of various dimensions. The mixture of compounds in the mobile phase interacts with the stationary phase. Each compound in the mixture interacts at a different rate. Those that interact the fastest will exit (elute from) the column first. Those that interact slowest will exit the column last. By changing characteristics of the mobile phase and the stationary phase, different mixtures of chemicals can be separated. Further refinements to this separation process can be made by changing the temperature of the stationary phase or the pressure of the mobile phase. The capillary column is held in an oven that can be programmed to increase the temperature gradually (or in GC terms, ramped). This helps our separation. As the compounds are separated, they elute from the column and enter a detector. The detector is capable of creating an electronic signal whenever the presence of a compound is detected. The greater the concentration in the sample, the bigger the signal. The signal is then processed by a computer. The time from when the injection is made (time zero) to when elution occurs is referred to as the retention time (RT). While the instrument runs, the computer generates a graph from the signal. This graph is called a chromatogram. Each of the peaks in the chromatogram represents the signal created when a compound elutes from the GC column into the detector. The x-axis shows the RT, and the y-axis shows the intensity (abundance) of the signal. [1] Figure: schematic diagram of gas chromatography 3.1 Mass spectrometry Mass spectrometry (MS) is a technique used for characterizing molecules according to the manner in which they fragment when bombarded with high-energy electrons, and for elemental analysis at trace levels. Therefore, it is used as a means of structural identification and analysis. Its widest application by far, is for the structural elucidation of organic compound. MS involves the ionization (conversion of molecules into positively charged ions) and fragmentation of molecules. Various methods are available to effect such a process: e.g. (i) Electron impact ionization, by far the most common mode used, (ii) Chemical ionization, (iii) Field ionization or (iv) Fast atom bombardment. In the more commonly used electron impact (EI) mode, the sample molecules are bombarded in the vapour phase with a high-energy electron beam in the instrument known as a mass spectrometer. This process generates a series of positive ions having both mass and charge, which are subsequently separated by deflection in a variable magnetic field according to their mass to charge (m/z) ratio. This results in the generation of a current (ion current) at the detector in proportion to their relative abundance. The resulting mass spectrum is recorded as a series of lines or peaks of relative abundance (vertical peak intensity) versus m/z ratio. The sample is introduced into the inlet system, where it is heated and vaporized under vacuum, and then bled into the ionization chamber (ion source) through a small orifice. Sample sizes for liquids and solids range from milligrams to less than a nanogram, depending on the detection limits of the instrument. Once the gas stream from the inlet system en ters the ionization chamber, it is bombarded at right angles by an electron beam (70 eV) emitted from a hot filament. Only Ëœ20eV is needed to remove one electron from the molecule, to create M+, the remainder is used to fragment the molecular ion into a mixture of radical cations, cations and free radicals. The positively charged ion fragments are then forced through a series of negatively charged accelerating slits towards the mass analyser, where separation of these ion fragments takes place. This analyser tube is an evacuated curved metal tube through which the ion beam passes from the ion source to the ion collector. In early instruments, the fragment ions were deflected in a curved path by a magnetic field only. Mass separation depended on the magnetic field strength, the radius of curvature of the magnetic field and the magnitude of the acceleration voltage. The introduction of an electrostatic field after the magnetic field in later instruments permitted higher resolution so that the mass readings could be obtained to four decimal places. In present day instruments, this double focusing system has been further modified to optimize resolution and most instruments now use a quadrupole mass analyser to effect separation of the ion fragments. The ions are collected one set at a time, with the aid of collimating slits, in the ion collector, where they are also detected and amplified by an electron multiplier. Mass spectral data is recorded on computer. Most mass spectrometers are computer controlled nowadays, and scans from mass ranges 12 to > 700 amu, Can be performed in seconds. [4] Figure: schematic diagram of mass spectrometry 4. Instrumentation of GC-MS The insides of the GC-MS, with the column of the gas chromatograph in the oven on the right. The GC-MS is composed of two major building blocks: the gas chromatograph and the mass spectrometer. The gas chromatograph utilizes a capillary column which depends on the columns dimensions (length, diameter, film thickness) as well as the phase properties (e.g. 5% phenyl polysiloxane). The difference in the chemical properties between different molecules in a mixture will separate the molecules as the sample travels the length of the column. The molecules take different amounts of time (called the retention time) to come out of (elute from) the gas chromatograph, and this allows the mass spectrometer downstream to capture, ionize, accelerate, deflect, and detect the ionized molecules separately. The mass spectrometer does this by breaking each molecule into ionized fragments and detecting these fragments using their mass to charge ratio. Figure: GC-MS schematic These two components, used together, allow a much finer degree of substance identification than either unit used separately. It is not possible to make an accurate identification of a particular molecule by gas chromatography or mass spectrometry alone. The mass spectrometry process normally requires a very pure sample while gas chromatography using a traditional detector (e.g. Flame Ionization Detector) detects multiple molecules that happen to take the same amount of time to travel through the column (i.e. have the same retention time) which results in two or more molecules to co-elute. Sometimes two different molecules can also have a similar pattern of ionized fragments in a mass spectrometer (mass spectrum). Combining the two processes makes it extremely unlikely that two different molecules will behave in the same way in both a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer. Therefore when an identifying mass spectrum appears at a characteristic retention time in a GC-MS analysis, i t typically lends to increased certainty that the analyte of interest is in the sample. [6] Figure: schematic of GC/MS 4.1 Inlet system Samples are introduced to the column via an inlet. This inlet is typically injection through a septum. Once in the inlet, the heated chamber acts to volatilize the sample. [6] 4.1.1 GC-MS interface In this GC-MS system, the link between the two instruments is called an interface; it is like a jet separator, whose purpose is to (1) enrich the sample and (2) adjust the vacuum to the high vacuum conditions needed for MS analysis of the column eluent. [11, 9] After separation of our components by the GC, we need away to introduce this sample into MS- interface. An ideal interface should be Qualitatively transfer all analyte Reduce pressure flow/from chromatograph to level MS can handle Not cost an arm (or a leg) No interface meets all requirements The major goal of the interface is to remove all of the carrier gas from- the majority of the effluents. Interface should cover Molecular separator Permeation separator Open split Capillary direct [7] 4.1.2 Molecular separator It is the most popular approach when packed columns are used and based on the relative rate of diffusion. In this the smaller molecules will diffuse more rapidly and most will miss the MS entry jet. The larger molecules will diffuse more slowly will tend to lead the MS entry jet. [7, 11] Figure: molecular separator Advantages of molecular separator It is relatively simple and inexpensive approaches Disadvantages Rate of diffusion is molecular weight dependent If jet becomes partially plugged, you can end up with an excellent carrier gas detector [7] 4.1.3 Permeation interface A semi permeation membrane is placed between the GC effluents and the MS The major problem with this approach is Membrane selectively based on polarity and the molecular weight slow to respond. Only a small fraction analyte actually permeates through the membrane. [7] Figure: permeation membrane 4.1.4 Open or split interface In a split system, a constant flow of carrier gas moves through the inlet. A portion of the carrier gas flow acts to transport the sample into the column. [6] The chromatographic column leads to a T-shaped that contains a smaller diameter tube. A platinum or deactivated fused silica capillary also leads to this tube and goes into the mass spectrometer source. The capillary is kept into the vacuum sealed device and is heated to avoid condensation. The T-shaped tube is closed at both ends but is not sealed, so that pressure remained equal to the atmospheric pressure. A helium gas is continuously passed to avoid any reaction of the gas. [9] The MS pulls the analyte in about 1mL/min through a flow restrictor. If flow is above that the excess is vented. If it is below the He from the external source is pulled in. it is the best source for that have flows close to1mL/min like capillary columns.[7] Figure: open or split interface Advantages Any gas producing source will be used. Relatively low cost and easy to use. Disadvantages Sample leaves columns in split. Split changes as flow change. Split system is preferred when the detector is sensitive to trace amounts of analyte and there is concern about overloading the column [7] 4.1.5 Capillary direct interface This coupling consists of having the capillary column directly entering the spectrometer source by a set of vacuum- sealed joints. Here the pumping is not the problem because the capillary is very long. A length of at least 1.5m is necessary for the column with inside diameter of 0.25mm. [9] If we limit the GC to the capillary column only, the MS can actually use all column effluents. [7] The carrier gas flow gets directed to purge the inlet of any sample following injection (septum purge). Yet another portion of the flow is directed through the split vent in a set ratio known as the split ratio. [6] Figure: capillary direct interface Advantages Low cost simple device No dead volume No selectivity Disadvantages Limits flow range that column can be used Limits the column ID that can use Part of column lost which serve as a flow restrictor[7] 4.2. Vacuum system In order to the MS process to work, it must be conducted under vacuum condition. The major reason for this is to increase the mean free path. The average distance that ions or molecules will travel before colliding with another ion or molecule. A high mean free path is to ensure predictable and reproducible high sensitivity and reliable mass analysis. [7] Since a vacuum is required to work a detector; Detectors are design to use the vacuum as an insulator Large voltage are used in the MS Operation of the detector in the absence of the vacuum that can cause severe damage Most instrument prevent operation if the vacuum is not high enough A vacuum is produced by using a combination of the two pumps- two stage vacuum pumps. The rotary pumps produced vacuum 102-104torr. These are the turbomolecular or diffusion pumps work in the range of 105torr. These are actually like the compressor. 4.2.1 Turbomolecular pump It relies on the series of blades or the air foils that tend to deflect the gas. It able to produce the clean vacuum in few hours and reliable Disadvantage It is expensive, short life time, can become noisy Figure: turbomolecular pump 4.2.2 Oil diffusion pumps It is another important type of the pump that produce high vacuum. These are reliable, maintenance free and quite but take much time and due to poor design oil enters into the vacuum. [7] Figure: oil diffusion pumps 4.3. Ionization A number of ionization techniques available Figure: types of ionization 4.3.1 Types of ionization After the molecules travel the length of the column, pass through the transfer line and enter into the mass spectrometer they are ionized by various methods with typically only one method being used at any given time. Once the sample is fragmented it will then be detected, usually by an electron multiplier diode, which essentially turns the ionized mass fragment into an electrical signal that is then detected. The ionization technique chosen is independent of using Full Scan or SIM. [6] 4.3.1.1 Electron Ionization By far the most common and perhaps standard form of ionization is electron ionization (EI). The molecules enter into the MS (the source is a quadrupole or the ion trap itself in an ion trap MS) where they are bombarded with free electrons emitted from a filament, not much unlike the filament one would find in a standard light bulb. The electrons bombard the molecules, causing the molecule to fragment in a characteristic and reproducible way. This hard ionization technique results in the creation of more fragments of low mass to charge ratio (m/z) and few, if any, molecules approaching the molecular mass unit. Hard ionization is considered by mass spectroscopists as the employ of molecular electron bombardment, whereas soft ionization is charge by molecular collision with an introduced gas. The molecular fragmentation pattern is dependant upon the electron energy applied to the system, typically 70eV (electron Volts). The use of 70eV facilitates comparison of generated spectra with Na tional Institute of Standard (NIST-USA) library of spectra applying algorithmic matching programs and the use of methods of analysis written by much method standardization Chemical Ionization. [6, 10] Figure: EI graph Figure: EI source 4.3.1.2 Chemical Ionization In chemical ionization a reagent gas, typically methane or ammonia is introduced into the mass spectrometer. Depending on the technique (positive CI or negative CI) chosen, this reagent gas will interact with the electrons and analyte and cause a soft ionization of the molecule of interest. A softer ionization fragments the molecule to a lower degree than the hard ionization of EI. One of the main benefits of using chemical ionization is that a mass fragment closely corresponding to the molecular weight of the analyte of interest is produced. Figure: CI source Positive chemical Ionization In Positive Chemical Ionization (PCI) the reagent gas interacts with the target molecule, most often with a proton exchange. This produces the species in relatively high amounts. Negative Chemical Ionization In Negative Chemical Ionization (NCI) the reagent gas decreases the impact of the free electrons on the target analyte. This decreased energy typically leaves the fragment in great supply. [6, 7] Figure: comparison of graph obtain from EI and CI 4.4 Mass analyzer A mass analyzer or filter is the portion of the mass spectrometer that is responsible for resolving different mass fragments. Typically all ions will move with same kinetic energy (1/2mv2). Some aspects of these accelerated ions are exploited as the basis for resolving them. 4.4.1 Types of mass analyzers There are following types of mass analyzers Magnetic Electrostatic Time of flight Quadrupole mass filter Quadrupole ion storage(ion trap) The last two types are most commonly used in GC/MS systems although time of flight making a come back [7, 6, 10] 4.4.1.1 Quadrupole mass filter It consists of four rods. Figure: rods of quadrupole Rods operate in pairs (x or y) and each carries a voltage. Only ions of proper m/z value can successfully traverses the entire filter (z axis). The high pass rods filter out ions with too low of an m/z. the low pass filter outs the ions with too high of an m/z value. [7] Figure: schematic of quadrupole 4.5 Detector Ion detection Once the ions are separated, we need a way to convert them to a response that can be used. An electron multiplier is the most common type of detector used. It is a continuous dynode type of detector. The inner surface of the detector is electroemassive material. When struck by ion electrons are ejected. Due to increasing potential, the electrons are accelerated and when they strike another surface, even more electrons are ejected. This significantly amplifies our signals. [7] Figure: detector 4.6 Data system Data system is the heart of our GC/MS system. Without it we would have no way to deal with the vast amount of information that even a single GC/MS analysis produce. Inexpensive fast desktop are the single most important advance in GC/MS. [7] Figure: data system 4.7 Method of analysis The primary goal of instrument analysis is to quantify an amount of substance. This is done by comparing the relative concentrations among the atomic masses in the generated spectrum. Two kinds of analysis are possible, comparative and original. Comparative analysis essentially compares the given spectrum to a spectrum library to see if its characteristics are present for some sample in the library. This is best performed by a computer because there are a myriad of visual distortions that can take place due to variations in scale. Computers can also simultaneously correlate more data (such as the retention times identified by GC), to more accurately relate certain data. Another method of analysis measures the peaks in relation to one another. In this method, the tallest peak is assigned 100% of the value, and the other peaks being assigned proportionate values. All values above 3% are assigned. The total mass of the unknown compound is normally indicated by the parent peak. The value of this parent peak can be used to fit with a chemical formula containing the various elements which are believed to be in the compound. The isotope pattern in the spectrum, which is unique for elements that have many isotopes, can also be used to identify the various elements present. Once a chemical formula has been matched to the spectrum, the molecular structure and bonding can be identified, and must be consistent with the characteristics recorded by GC/MS. Typically, this identification done automatically by programs which come with the instrument, given a list of the elements which could be present in the sample. A full spectrum analysis considers all the peaks within a spectrum. Conversely, selective ion monitoring (SIM) only monitors selected peaks associated with a specific substance. This is done on the assumption that at a given retention time, a set of ions is characteristic of a certain compound. This is a fast and efficient analysis, especially if the analyst has previous information about a sample or is only looking for a few specific substances. When the amount of information collected about the ions in a given gas chromatographic peak decreases, the sensitivity of the analysis increases. So, SIM analysis allows for a smaller quantity of a compound to be detected and measured, but the degree of certainty about the identity of that compound is reduced. [6] 5. Applications 5.1. Environmental Monitoring and Cleanup GC-MS is becoming the tool of choice for tracking organic pollutants in the environment. The cost of GC-MS equipment has decreased significantly, and the reliability has increased at the same time, which has contributed to its increased adoption in environmental studies. There are some compounds for which GC-MS is not sufficiently sensitive, including certain pesticides and herbicides, but for most organic analysis of environmental samples, including many major classes of pesticides, it is very sensitive and effective. 5.2. Criminal Forensics GC-MS can analyze the particles from a human body in order to help link a criminal to a crime. The analysis of fire debris using GC-MS is well established, and there is even an established American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standard for fire debris analysis. GCMS/MS is especially useful here as samples often contain very complex matrices and results, used in court, need to be highly accurate. 5.3. Law Enforcement GC-MS is increasingly used for detection of illegal narcotics, and may eventually supplant drug-sniffing dogs. It is also commonly used in forensic toxicology to find drugs and/or poisons in biological specimens of suspects, victims, or the deceased. 5.4. Security A post-September 11 development, explosive detection systems have become a part of all US airports. These systems run on a host of technologies, many of them based on GC-MS. There are only three manufacturers certified by the FAA to provide these systems, one of which is Thermo Detection (formerly Thermedics), which produces the EGIS, a GC-MS-based line of explosives detectors. The other two manufacturers are Barringer Technologies, now owned by Smiths Detection Systems and Ion Track Instruments, part of General Electric Infrastructure Security Systems. 5.5. Food, Beverage and Perfume Analysis Foods and beverages contain numerous aromatic compounds, some naturally present in the raw materials and some forming during processing. GC-MS is extensively used for the analysis of these compounds which include esters, fatty acids, alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes etc. It is also used to detect and measure contaminant from spoilage or adulteration which may be harmful and which is often controlled by governmental agencies, for example pesticides. 5.6. Astrochemistry Several GC-MS have left earth. Two were brought to Mars by the Viking program. Venera 11 and 12 and Pioneer Venus analysed the atmosphere of Venus with GC-MS. The Huygens probe of the Cassini-Huygens mission landed one GC-MS on SaturnHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SaturnsHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnss largest moon, Titan. The material in the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko will be analysed by the Rosetta mission with a chiral GC-MS in 2014. 5.7. Medicine In combination with isotopic labeling of metabolic compounds, the GC-MS is used for determining metabolic activity. Most applications are based on the use of 13C as the labeling and the measurement of 13C/12C ratios with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS); an MS with a detector designed to measure a few select ions and return values as ratios. [6]

Terrorism Essay -- Homeland Security, Politics, Social Issues, Media

George Orwell once said, â€Å"Political language— with variations this is true of all political parties, from Conservatives to Anarchists—is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.† In today’s modern society, the world is continuing to become smaller and more interconnected than ever before due to media networks such as Cable News Network (CNN) providing round-the-clock news coverage and the Internet. In the last few decades, both information sources have been instrumental in helping to expose individuals all over the world to new ideas and diverse cultures. However, with this great opportunity to expand one’s knowledge and understanding of humanity, also brings to light other individuals or groups adverse and often dangerous ideologies as well. Philip Seib contends in his book, The Al Jazeera Effect,that â€Å"terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda have made good use of new media, taking advantage of satellite television news channels’ hunger for content and using it to disseminate propaganda, display hostages, gain exposure, and on a grander scale, they count on the media to help spread terror†(pg. 3). Terrorists are unconventional in their approach to battle and operate with the belief that violence is a worthy cause in order to depose any organization or government that does not share their beliefs. Due to terrorist groups ability to use television and the Internet â€Å"to proselytize, recruit, train, and dispatch orders to their followers, governments—especially those that protect free speech—have been at a loss as to how to deal with the use of mass communication for such evil purposes†(pg. 3). Because of the unconventional nature that terrorists chose t... ...,† this time with Muslims as the primary target†(Dickinson, Keating). The Internet and Terrorism In Gabriel Weimann’s article, â€Å"How Modern Terrorism Uses the Internet† in the United States Institute for Peace Special Report, he states that, the Internet is in many ways an almost perfect embodiment of the democratic ideals of free speech and open communication; it is a marketplace of ideas unlike any that has existed before. Unfortunately, the freedom offered by the Internet is vulnerable to abuse from groups that, paradoxically, are themselves often hostile to uncensored thought and expression. Ironically, the same decentralized network of communication that the U.S. security forces created out of fear of the Soviet Union now serves the interests of the greatest foe of the West’s security services since the end of the Cold War: international terror (pg. 2).

KFC vs McDonald’s

When you like fried chicken, KFC is always the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind. The reason for this is these companies claim of particular products that have became their trademark until now. The difference between McDonald’s and KFC is mainly the cuisine. The following report is a comparative analysis of the operational parameters of McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and projects an overview of various factors that differentiate the services of the two food giants. The survey was based on the consumer’s response on their choice between KFC and McDonalds and the basis of their choice was differentiated into various factors.MCDONALD’S: COMPANY PROFILEThe year 1940 is the birth year of McDonald’s and they have started https://phdessay.com/explaining-of-the-child-protection-in-the-wider-concept-of-safeguarding-children-and-young-people/everything. Their Speedier Service System that was introduced in their very first restauran t is being followed until now in modern day fast food chains.Their very first mascot was a man with a head of a hamburger that is wearing a chef’s hat. It was replaced by McDonald’s ever popular clown man. McDonald’s is recorded to currently serving 58million customers each day in 119 countries.Their restaurants differ from their settings, some offer by-passers with their drive thru service, some have playgrounds for kids but are just counter service alone. Some of their restaurants have outer seats as well. McDonald’s signature colours are red and yellow.Their well-supported products are their famous hamburgers, breakfast offers, desserts, chicken sandwiches and French fries. For vegetarian customers, McDonald’s have offerings that are suitable for them. When it comes to regional branches, McDonald’s are known for being fond of offering these  countries food taboos for them to have some sort of relationship with people around. For example , Portugal McDonald’s are the only ones who have soup in the menu. Another example would be Indonesia for Mc Rice.MCDONALD’S IN INDIAThe year 1996 saw the opening of the first McDonald'sâ„ ¢ restaurant in India and since then, there have been numerous milestones for us. Here is a look at the last 17 years and all that was special about them.First McDonald'sâ„ ¢ restaurant opened on Oct. 13,1996 at Basant Lok in New Delhi. It was also the first McDonald'sâ„ ¢ restaurant in the world to not serve beef and pork based productsFirst Drive -Thru restaurant at Noida (UP) in 1997.First disabled friendly store at Noida (UP).First Mall location restaurant at Ansal Plaza (New Delhi) in 1999.First highway restaurant at Mathura (UP) in 2000.First thematic restaurant at Connaught Place (New Delhi) in 2001.The first restaurant in a food court at 3C's, Lajpat Nagar (New Delhi) in 2002.The first restaurant at the Delhi Metro Station at Inter State Bus Terminus. The first fundr aiser in association with ORBIS and Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye hospital. (Delhi)The first Dessert Kiosk – Faridabad (Haryana) in 2003.McDonald'sâ„ ¢ Delivery Service (McDeliveryâ„ ¢) introduced in New Delhi Local menu innovations like McAloo Tikkiâ„ ¢, McVeggieâ„ ¢ and Pizza McPuffâ„ ¢ exported to Middle Eastin 2004.McDeliveryâ„ ¢ on Bicycles flagged off at Chandni Chowk (Delhi) – another first  initiative by McDonald'sâ„ ¢ India.100th McDonald'sâ„ ¢ Restaurant opens in India in 2006.Also celebrated.10th Year Anniversary.First McDonald'sâ„ ¢ open in Eastern Region at Park Street, Kolkata in 2007.Also,first restaurant opened at Airport (Domestic Airport at New Delhi).First ‘Made For You' (MFY) restaurant opened at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.First 24 hours McDonald'sâ„ ¢ Restaurant opens at Old Delhi Railway Stationin 2008.Also,Chicken McNuggets ® launched in India. The first reimaged (new look) restaurant opened at Ambiance mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi in 2010.McDonald'sâ„ ¢ launches the global singing contest for its restaurant employees – Voice of McDonald'sâ„ ¢ in 2012 and also introduces Spice Festival from April – June – Launches Spicy variants (Limited time offer).New Product Launch – McEggâ„ ¢.McDonald'sâ„ ¢ Celebrates National Breakfast Dayin 2013.McDonald’s has developed a menu especially for India with vegetarian selections to suit Indian tastes and preferences. Keeping in line with this, McDonald's does not offer any beef or pork items in India. In the last decade it has introduced some vegetarian and non-vegetarian products with local flavours that have appealed to the Indian palate. There have been continuous efforts to enhance variety in the menu by developing more such products. McDonald's has also re-engineered its operations repeatedly in its 11 years in India to address the special requirements of a vegetarian menu. Vegetable products are 100% vegetarian, i.e. they are prepared separately, using dedicated equipment and utensils only pure vegetarian oil is used as a cooking medium.Cheese and sauces are completely vegetarian and egg less. Separation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products is maintained throughout the various stages of procurement, cooking and serving.KFC: COMPANY PROFILE KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is a fast food restaurant chain headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, which specializes in fried chicken. It is the world's second largest restaurant chain overall (as measured by sales) after McDonald's, with over 18,000 outlets in 120 countries and territories as of December 2012. The company is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, a restaurant company which also owns Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.KFC was founded by Harland Sanders, a colourful figure who began selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, during the Great Depression. Sanders identified the potential of the r estaurant franchising concept, and the first â€Å"Kentucky Fried Chicken† franchise opened in Utah in 1952. KFC popularized chicken in the fast food industry, diversifying the market by challenging the established dominance of the hamburger. By branding himself as â€Å"Colonel Sanders†, Harland became a legendary figure of American cultural history, and his image remains prominent in KFC advertising. However, the company's rapid expansion saw it grow too large for Sanders to manage, and in 1964 he sold the company to a group of investors led by John Y. Brown, Jr. and Jack C. Massey.KFC was one of the first fast food chains to expand internationally, opening outlets in England, Mexico and Jamaica by the mid-1960s. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, KFC experienced mixed fortunes domestically, as it went through a series of changes in corporate ownership with little or no experience in the restaurant business. In the early 1970s, KFC was sold to the spirits distributor He ublein, who were taken over by the R.J. Reynolds food and tobacco conglomerate, who sold the chain to PepsiCo. The chain continued to expand overseas however, and in 1987 KFC became the first Western restaurant chain to open in China. The chain has since expanded rapidly in China, and the country is now the company's most profitable market.PepsiCo spun off its restaurants division as Tricon Global Restaurants, which later changed its name to Yum! Brands. KFC primarily sells fried chicken pieces and variations such as chicken fillet burgers (chicken sandwiches[US]) and wraps, salads and side dishes such as French fries and coleslaw, desserts and soft drinks, often supplied by PepsiCo. Its most famous product is pressure fried chicken pieces,  seasoned with Sanders' â€Å"Original Recipe† of 11 herbs and spices. The exact nature of these ingredients is unknown, and represents a notable trade secret. Larger portions of fried chicken are served in a distinctive cardboard  "bucket†, which has become a signature of the chain since being introduced by franchisee Pete Harman in 1957. KFC is known for the slogan â€Å"finger lickin' good†, which has since been replaced by â€Å"Nobody does chicken like KFC† and â€Å"So good†.KFC IN INDIA The first Indian KFC opened in Bangalore in June 1995. Protests ensued from left wing, anti-globalisation and environmental campaigners, as well as local farmers, who objected to the chain bypassing local producers. Many Indians were concerned about the onslaught of consumerism, the loss of national self-sufficiency, and the disruption of indigenous traditions. The protests came to a head in August 1995, when the Bangalore outlet was repeatedly ransacked.KFC Bangalore demanded, and received, a police van permanently parked outside for a year. Rural activist M. D. Nanjundaswamy subsequently claimed KFC would adversely affect the health of the impoverished, by diverting grain from poor people to make the more profitable animal feed. Former environment minister Maneka Gandhi joined the anti-KFC movement. KFC was also accused of using illegally high amounts of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and frying its food in pork fat.A second store opened in Delhi, but was closed by the authorities soon afterwards, purportedly for health reasons, but more likely to avoid a repetition of the Bangalore incident. The two stores only managed to attract a limited, affluent clientele, and KFC decided to abandon the Indian market. KFC returned to India in 1999, with a new Bangalore outlet. This was the sole KFC in India until 2004, when the chain began to expand, albeit with a makeover and a range of new vegetarian dishes. As of December 2012, there were 280 KFCs in the Indian market. As well as the standard KFC offerings, the chain sells a chickpea burger and hot wings with chilli lemon sprinkles.RESEARCH METHODOLOGYIn simple terms methodology can be defined as, it is used to give a clear cut idea on what the researcher is carrying out his or her research. In order to plan in a right point of time and to advance the research work methodology makes the right platform to the researcher to mapping out the research work in relevance to make solid plans.More over methodology guides the researcher to involve and to be active in his or her particular field of enquiry. Most of the situations the aim of the research and the research topic won’t be same at all time it varies from its objectives and flow of the research but by adopting a suitable methodology this can be achieved. Right from selecting the topic and carrying out till recommendations research methodology drives the researcher in the right track. The entire research plan is based on the concept of right methodology.More over through methodology the external environment constitutes the research by giving a depth idea on setting the right research objective, followed by literature point of view, based on that chosen a nalysis through interviews or questionnaires findings will be obtained and finally concluded message by this research. On the other hand from the methodology the internal environment constitutes by understanding and identifying the right type of research, strategy, philosophy, time horizon, approaches, followed by right procedures and techniques based on his or her research work. In other hand the research methodology acts as the nerve center because the entire research is bounded by it and to perform a good research work, the internal and external environment has to follow the right methodology process.RESEARCH METHODOLOGY USEDIn this project, the research used is qualitative research method focusing on what kind of reasons led to the comparison between the two. Large amounts of necessary data and information were collected from the internet.RESEARCH OBJECTIVETo conduct survey analysis on the consumer’s preference of food joint amongst McDonald’s and KFC.RESEARCH HYPO THESISWhen young consumers choose the fast food restaurants, I selected six factors as the major factors, which are price, food selections, taste of food, environment, service and brand image and I consider that everyone has different beliefs on the six factors.The Six Hypotheses to be verified in this Research Hypothesis 1 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'†Environment† is a competitive advantage of McDonalds Hypothesis 2 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'† Food Selection.† is a competitive advantage of McDonalds Hypothesis 3 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'†Price† is a competitive advantage of McDonalds Hypothesis 4 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'†Brand Image† is a competitive advantage of McDonalds Hypothesis 5 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'†Service† is a competitive advantage of McDonalds Hypothesis 6 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'†Taste of Food† is a competitive advantage of MacdonaldsRESEARCH FRAMEWORKThis research is to understand how young consumers select fast food restaurants. On the other hand, this can help the two fast food restaurants to know their drawbacks and edges for improving and maintaining. The questionnaire is designed base on six hypotheses. After analysis, the result will indicate if the hypotheses are confirmed or rejected, through which the advantages of two fast food restaurants and consumers’ perception will be revealed. SAMPLE FRAMEA questionnaire was designed and used to verify the six hypotheses. 40 people were surveyed on their choice and perception on both the restaurants.CHAPTER II: ANALYSIS PART I MCDONALDS VS KFC: ENVIRONMENT KFCUnlike some other international food brands available here in India, KFC offers the same taste and value no matter which part of the world you are. You can sit back, enjoy and be assured of the world class quality. The environment of its outlets should you choose to dine in is always informal and fun like a select few can offer. It focuses on self service. Many times both m en and women enjoying a meal alone without judgement and pleasant service. Everyday 8 million customers are served in KFC and this is not without reason. They have formally announced the absence of Trans-fats in their cooking oil thus making your occasional binge less worrisome.MCDONALD’SThere’s always a rush near McDonald’s because they have planned their locations very well near colleges, classes stations etc so before going home or during the lunch break many people come for a snack. There is also a special counter for home delivery. A major highlight of the chain. It’s the interior which attracts you to the place, especially the well polished and squeaky clean floors and good seating arrangement. There is no formal stuff in here and it truly follows the concept of self service. Mc Donald’s is one of the most happening hang out joints. In all, a very ambient atmosphere for dining out.MCDONALDS VS KFC: FOOD SELECTION KFCKFC is geared up to tap th e country’s Youth crowd.KFC has launched their new menu Streetwise„ aiming at the college goers. With â€Å"Streetwise†, KFC is offering a range of signature KFC products at affordable prices.KFC has also launched several new television commercial as part of the promotional activities for the new offering.KFC’s earlier menu consisted of Chicken Wings and Wraps which were too alien for Indian taste buds. Hence, KFC localized its brand by introducing the Veggie Options to its menu that included rice meals, wraps and side dishes that was desirable to the Indian consumers. Also, it stuck to eggless mayonnaise and sauces. Even its trademark chicken dishes were given a local flavour with the use of Indian spices and cooking techniques. The recently  launched Veg Zinger burger is at par with its chicken counterpart. Also, KFC has changed its target audience. From Higher Income group to Middle Income Youth. While they have localized the menu according to the Ind ian Taste they haven’t forgotten their originality that is resides in Chicken.MCDONALD’SMcDonald's regular scrumptious menu includes wide range of products like McAloo Tikki, Filet-O-Fish, Spicy Range, Chicken McGrill, McVeggie, Veg Pizza McPuff, Chicken Mcnuggets, Fries, Wraps, an assortment of Sundaes, Soft Serve and refreshing beverages such as Ice Tea & Cold Coffee with outstanding service in a vibrant and lively ambience, for which McDonald's is known worldwide.McDonald’s has also recently introduced Masala Grill, a range of grilled vegetarian and non-vegetarian products inspired by the kebabs of the province in Pakistan formerly called the Northwest Frontier Province. These products are wrapped in roasted chilli sauce, a specially-developed condiment, and are available both a la carte and in meal combos. The range comprises two products, namely the Veg Masala Grill which is a blend of potatoes and a soya patty flavoured with aromatic spices, and the Chicke n Masala Grill , which comprises a chicken mince patty seasoned with Indian herbs and spices.MCDONALDS VS KFC: PRICE COMPARISONKFCKFC globally enters the market using market skimming. Their products are priced high and target the middle to upper class people. Gradually they trickle down the prices focusing on the middle to lower class people to penetrate both sides of the market. KFC price their product keeping different points in view. They adopt the cost base price strategy. Pricing of the product includes the govt. tax and excise duty and then comes the final stage of determine the price of their product. The products are bit high priced according the market segment and it is also comparable to the standard of their product. Total Pounds of Chicken Served in KFC RestaurantAnnually =1.914 Billion Total KFC Chicken Pieces Sold Annually = 5.89 BillionTotal Retail Sales = $8.9 Billion Sales Price of per Chicken Piece =$1.51MCDONALD’SMcDonald’s has realized that, despite the cost savings inherent in standardization, success can often be attributed to being able to adapt to a specific environment. This is indeed the case with its implementation of its pricing strategy, which is one of localization rather than globalization.As a part of its business strategy to penetrate deeper into the new and existing markets, the forever young brand McDonald’s introduced Happy Price Menu at Rs.20/- in the year 2004 in India. This value for money proposition has been well accepted by the discerning customers. The communication towards this proposition has graduated over the years, but the Happy Price Menu platform has been consistent. It came up with a very grasping punch line  ³Aap ke zamanemein ,baap ke zamane ke daam ´in 2008. This pricing strategy was founded to attract middle class and lower class people and the effect can clearly be seen in the consumer base that McDonalds has now.It started offering value meals in a range of prices.Ensured afforda bility and attracted the widest section of customers. Brought the customer and provided arrange of entry-level products. Trial of those new items and graduate to higher-rungs. For E.g. – if a customer starts with McAloo Tikki, he will finally graduate to McVeggie and so in Nonveg. McDonalds has certain value pricing and bundling strategies such as happy meal, combo meal, family meal, happy price menu etc to increase overall sales of the product. MCDONALDS VS KFC: BRAND IMAGEKFCKFC holds the position of a youth based brand with its youthful, lively ambience of stores and the friendly service. In KFC feedback is taken from the customer in order to know the customer demands and then improvements are made in products. KFC focuses on pure and fresh food in order to create a distinct and clear position in the minds of customers KFC has a strong  brand name and they are leading the market in fried chicken. KFC uses its attributes to Position its Product (Fried Chicken). KFC positi ons itself as a youthful, quick service restaurant brand that serves unique, great tasting food and beverages. The focus of the brand strategy is to highlight this across all their communication, menu offerings and the experience that is delivered.MCDONALD’SAt first people were rather sceptical about this brand. It was a foreign brand and people dint know what to expect. But clearly now, this doesn’t seem to be that way. Now when one thinks about McDonalds, one thinks about a place to go and ‘hang out’ with our friends because it has a comfortable environment. At the same time it not very expensive and gives quick service and value for money. And most of us have grown up having a meal in McDonalds with a cardboard crown on our head, a balloon in our hands, sitting in Ronald McDonalds lap and walking out with a toy in the end and also a big smile. As we left the restaurant we just could not wait to go back and enjoy the whole experience all over again.It is things like these that create a certain kind of an impression, a perception, and an image in our heads that lingers on for most of our lives. McDonald’s wanted to position itself as ‘Indian’ and a promoter of ‘family values and culture’ as well as being ‘comfortable and easy’. Simultaneously the brand wanted to communicate that it was committed to maintaining a quality service, cleanliness and offering value for money. But at the end of it McDonald's means different things to different people and doesn't have one brand position.MCDONALDS VS KFC: SERVICEKFCSelf Service is the concept followed by KFC. It gets very crowded especially on weekends, but they have a very competent staff that provide quick service. It’s difficult to get a place to sit on weekends and takeaway seems to be the best bet. The staff is very polite irrespective of the maddening rush and always lends a ear for your complaints. Home delivery is one area where th ere have been complaints.MCDONALD’SThough there’s self service, i.e. you have to order at the counter and collect your items yourselves, the service is quick and sharp; and the people make sure you get the food as early as possible. It normally takes around 30 secs after taking your order to delivering the food at the best McDonald outlets. McDonald’s also provides home delivery which has been appreciated by the customers.MCDONALDS VS KFC: TASTE OF FOOD KFCThough the name KFC indicates chicken but that’s not the case. KFC has diversified itself in all the food items and that’s why they have shortened ‘Kentucky Fried Chicken’ to KFC. The food is delicious with less spicespices and good quantity and anyone fond of chicken can surely go there and gorge on the various chicken dishes. Though KFC is mainly famous for chicken, the vegetarians are also not disappointed here. There are as many varieties of vegetarian stuff as there are of chick en dishes. Typical chicken made by Indian style is not available here, but the combination of chicken is interesting here.MCDONALD’SMcDonald's strives to maintain its international quality standards in every single one of its outlets. Dealing directly with the farmers, McDonalds ensures that every ingredient is of the best quality. Strong supply chain efficiencies, cold chain delivery, minimum storage times, standard recipes and food that is specially ‘made for you' deliver freshness right to the customer's plates. Paying attention to minutest of details, McDonald's India has ‘Indianised' their menu with introductions like the Mc Aloo TikkiAlooTikki Burger, McSpicy Chicken Burger, McSpicy Paneer Burger and more. With due respect to local customs and customer sentiments, no McDonald's outlet in India serves either beef or pork. Furthermore, the vegetarian and non-vegetarian kitchens are completely separate.CHAPTER III: ANALYSIS PART II SURVEY ANALYSISThe report has been designed to study the consumer behaviour with respect to McDonalds and KFC. A questionnaire was designed in order to understand the  reasons of the consumer perception towards the two food giants. My method of going about the study at hand involved the basic survey method, whereby I put forward questions to individuals who were divided into the basic segments provided by and aimed at as either the source or target service provider. Question 1Which age group do you belong to?The first question was essentially designed to throw light on the age group of people visiting/dining at the food joints. This gave us an idea of the preference of a particular food brand among a given age group if any. For e.g. the HAPPY MEAL available at McDonald's attracted the major portion of the younger crowd. As a matter of fact as shown in the following questions, this particular strategy drained almost the entire young consumer segment. Of the individuals surveyed a majority of the individuals be longed to the 18-25 yr age group both for McDonald’s as well as KFC. Question 2What is your profession?This question was essential in calculating the trend of the customers who visit these food joints i.e. the working class of the people visiting the respective places. The survey revealed that the majority of people visiting both the places i.e. 46% for KFC and 55% for McDonald's were students. This thus lays direct stress on the strategies adopted by both the joints resulting in a heavy demand among the student group. Question 3Are you a vegetarian/non-vegetarian? This was essentially designed to demarcate the groups according to whether they were vegetarians or otherwise. It was a preconceived idea that the vegetarians preferred McDonald's of the two while KFC proved to be a non-vegetarian paradise. This thus showed a balanced market for McDonald's whereas a strong shift for KFC towards the non-vegetarian section. Question 4How do you consider the environment at both the jo ints? This question was essentially designed to find out what people think about the environment and crowd at both the joints. There is no significant difference observed when it comes to the environment and the experience of  people at both the joints. Question 5What is your saying on the pricing of both the joints?In KFC 31% found the food priced nominally and an equal amount of people surveyed i.e. 31% found inexpensive. Hence it was concluded that it dropped down to the individual in the case of KFC and there was no clear market trend. In McDonald's 46% found it nominally priced as well as value for money while just 8% found it expensive. Hence in terms of comparative study it was concluded that McDonalds was optimally priced although KFC wasn't overpriced either.Question 6What is your saying on the service provided by both the joints and which one would you prefer? This question was designed to find out the type of service provided by each of them and people’s percepti on on quality of service at these joints KFC got an upper hand when it came to service with 51 % people opting for it whereas 49 % opted for McDonald’s.Question 7Rate both the joints on the scale of 10 on the basis of taste of food This question was designed to get an idea about the taste of food provided by each of these joints. No significant difference was observed when it came to the food served by both the joints. Although KFC is known for their chicken dishes, it’s also come out with its vegetarian menu which is equally enjoyable. McDonald’s on the other hand had been the place for everyone since the very beginning. Therefore, when it comes to taste of food, both McDonald’s and KFC have been given equal preference.DIAGRAMMATIC REPRESENTATION1. Which age group do you belong to?2. Are you a Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian?3. What is your Occupation?4. What is your saying on the pricing of the eat-outs?5. How do you consider the environment at both the eat-o uts?6. What is your saying on the service of the eat-outs and which one would you prefer?7. Rate both the eat-outs on the scale of 10 on the basis of taste of foodFINDINGSWhat do the young consumers care most? From the Histogram, it shows that the young consumers care about the service and taste of food most. Note that the score of rating is from 0 to 6 The results show that there are no significant difference on environment, food selection, brand image, service and taste of food and that means they are not the competitive advantages of McDonald. However, the price of McDonald is a competitive advantage of McDonald Young consumers generally considered that McDonald provides a more reasonable food price of food.CHAPTER IV: CONCLUSION/SUMMARY/RECOMMENDATIONS CONCLUSIONThis research studies the competitive advantages of two fast food restaurants, McDonald and KFC, from young consumers’ perspective. Summary of hypotheses test Hypothesis1 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'†Environmentà ¢â‚¬  is a competitive advantage of McDonald’s Rejected Hypothesis2 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'† Food selection† is a competitive advantage of McDonald’s Rejected Hypothesis3 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'†Price† is a competitive advantage of McDonald’s Supported Hypothesis4 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'†Brand image† is a competitive advantage of McDonald’s Rejected Hypothesis5 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'†Service† is a competitive advantage of McDonald’s Rejected Hypothesis6 Compared with KFCï ¼Å'†Taste of Food† is a competitive advantage of McDonald’s RejectedWhen young consumers selected a fast food restaurant, they care about the service and taste of food most. In order to increase the market share of young consumers, restaurant managers have to put plenty of efforts on the service and taste of food. Young consumers consider that the McDonald provides a more reasonable food price than KFC. To McDon ald, it’s an advantage against KFC and should be maintained. On the other hand, KFC should do a detail research about the reason why young consumers have such perception about the price of two restaurants.SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARYIn India fast food market is strongly dominated by these 2 brands. But when it comes to comparing these two brands the above study brings us to a conclusion that as far as market presence and brand value is concerned McDonald's has definitely proved a point for themselves.But KFC who re-entered in 2003 has shown a rapid progress and no wonder if in the coming years KFC overtakes McDonald’s in the Indian market share. Both the food-giants have given each other immense competition in terms of customer satisfaction and promotional strategies.The range of products and offers offered by each is remarkable in every context. Although McDonalds has an upper hand with the vegetarian crowd because of its exclusive products, KFC is slowly catch ing up to the challenge. KFC provides vegetarian alternatives with an added advantage of a complete meal including rice and desert.Where McDonalds fall into the snack option KFC has covered the meal area.  Thus it is not quite evident which one can be termed as better than the other.RECOMMENDATIONS KFCKFC still needs to do a bit of re-vamp in its vegetarian menu and add more options to it. The fried chicken category already has more options and varieties as compared to the vegetarian section. The prices of KFC are reasonable as compared with other fast food restaurants. But as price is always a primary concern for the customer, therefore, they should adopt certain strategy to attract the customers. And it can only be done by lowering the prices. It could be by introducing some discount packages for families, employees, students or regular customers. The membership card can be used to provide certain extra value to the customer.MCDONALD’SOff recent, there have been a lot of complaints on the quality of food that one gets at McDonalds. This should be a matter of prime concern when it comes to the progress of the fast food restaurant. McDonald’s should start focusing more on improving the quality of products rather than being completely driven by quantity and variety. McDonald’s also needs to work on their advertising strategy. For example, the breakfast menu at McDonalds does not find many takers due to poor publicity. Ignorance of the breakfast menu at McDonald’s is one of the biggest drawbacks of this restaurant.

Northanger Abbey Transformations

â€Å"Explore the theme of Transformations in â€Å"Northanger Abbey† In â€Å"Northanger Abbey† Austen crafts from start to finish a perfect paradigm of her own satirical wit and burlesqued humour, which go to all lengths imaginable to disguise and embed her novel’s transformations. These demonstrate her great skill as a satirist in making the reader dig for their own enjoyment.Her meaning is drenched in multiple interpretations causing even complete opposites like the transformed and unchanged to blur together, leaving as Fuller says, â€Å"The joke on everyone except Austen†; whose sophisticated â€Å"meta-parody† carries on transforming and confusing the reader (Fuller, Miriam 2010). Craik first contrived how to delve into Austen’s satire, and that was by realising that â€Å"The literary burlesque is not incidental, nor integral† (Craik, W A 1965).In my essay I am therefore going to delve deeply into the satirical, and reveal the true transformations Austen intended to present. The first line of the text identifies Catherine Morland as the novel’s central figure for transformation â€Å"No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born to be an heroine† (Austen, Jane â€Å"Northanger Abbey† 2003 PP. 5). Austen then ironically, and ambiguously, decks her out to be a burlesqued parody of the heroic archetype, thus transforming the perspective of what constitutes a heroine.Traditionally they were thought of as intelligent, beautiful and isolated like Eleanor Tilney, but we are told Catherine is â€Å"Occasionally stupid†¦almost pretty†¦and (her father) was not in the least addicted to locking up his daughters† (PP. 5 – 7). Austen reverses the polarity of Catherine’s character transforming her into a more modern heroine, her point being that anyone can be a heroine as long as they evolve as opposed to stagnating like tradit ional gothic figures such as Emily St Aubert (Radcliffe, Anne 2008).Already Austen is choosing transformation and change over self-stagnation, while with feminist intentions breaks down the barrier that portrays women as self-reliant on the patriarchal strength of men by encouragement to live life on their own terms like Catherine Morland â€Å"Let me go, Mr Thorpe†¦. do not hold me! † (PP. 73). Austen introduces the unchanged character of Eleanor Tilney to highlight â€Å"Catherine’s subconscious refusal to be helpless and passive† (Fuller, Miriam 2010).Eleanor unlike Catherine relies on men for support throughout her life first her father, and then through a â€Å"man of fortune and consequence†, which shows â€Å"her real power (to be) nothing† (PP. 185), in the light of Eleanor’s lack of transformation Catherine’s transformative nature is apparent by direct contrast. By deviating from this generic norm Austen sets up Catherin e’s own transformation from innocent, naive girl to blossoming, self-reliant woman. However many critics have debated whether or not Catherine in fact changes at all.This is the case for her intuition, which is part of what Fuller called â€Å"Catherine’s defences† (2010), which according to Schaub: â€Å"Catherine’s romantic temperament, her â€Å"intuition,† is right in all her basic judgments† (2000). Schaub is referencing Catherine’s interpretation of individuals such as General Tilney which all turn out to be correct â€Å"in suspecting General Tilney of either murdering or shutting up his wife, she had scarcely sinned against his character, or magnified his cruelty† (PP. 183). A true transformation however does occur in Catherine abandoning her gothic unreality for â€Å"objective reality† (Butler, Marilyn 1975).Her change is illustrated in the fading out of Austen’s free indirect narrative, observed in volu me one, for the true direct narrative perspective of Catherine herself, heard strongly in her condemnation of Isabella â€Å"she must think me an idiot, or she could not have written so†( PP. 161). This narrative change shows the growth of mind that Austen observes in her own character, and she allows her the freedom to use it which has Catherine; through transformative mistakes; gain a greater perspective on the world â€Å"Nothing could shortly be clearer, than that it had been all a voluntary, self-created delusion† (PP. 46). Lastly a final sign of her ultimate growth is a change in her setting of choice after marrying Henry Tilney. Instead of the sublime gothic grandeur of the abbey she chooses the simplistic pastoral setting of the parsonage â€Å"In her heart she preferred it to any place she had ever been† (PP. 156). The abbey of Northanger, that Catherine rejects, is traditionally seen as the key location for all gothic goings on. However it is my joint assertion with Fuller, that â€Å"the social codes of Bath are as labyrinthine as he passageways of Udolpho are to Emily†, and according to Drabble â€Å"like a minefield† (2010) for the young Catherine Morland. Austen uses satire once again to confuse and camouflage the full roles these two settings play, making for a clever and shocking juxtaposition as settings now transform along different lines. This is done through almost frequent and obvious references to the gothic in the anti-gothic setting of Northanger â€Å"Darkness impenetrable and immoveable filled the room† (PP. 124) while contrasting it to more subtle and less noticeable gothic in Bath â€Å"Mr Thorpe only laughed, smacking his whip† ( PP. 2). If we follow Fuller’s argument that â€Å"Northanger abbey† is part of what she terms the â€Å"Domestic Gothic† (2010); a genre that highlights the sexual threat to young women; the then humorous misadventures of Catherine in Ba th turn into events that closely resemble sexual abuse. Particularly in the character of John Thorpe who transforms from a bawdy, comic figure, stumbling over himself to marry Catherine, into a sadistic sexual predator. This is seen in the simple contrast when he abducts young Catherine on a trip to â€Å"Blaize castle! † (PP. 0), and Austen transform the light comedy of deception into a â€Å"gothic abduction scene† (Fuller, Miriam 2010). In which Thorpe â€Å"lashes his horse into a brisker trot† and takes her â€Å"into the marketplace† (PP. 62) thus turning Catherine into a â€Å"commodity† to be owned (Fuller, Miriam 2010). In her sudden character transformations Austen shows how she can rework any of her characters in an instance, making them comic one moment and frightening the next, and it is also a warning to young women of the â€Å"powerful and opportunistic members of society† that reside in Victorian resort towns like Bath (Full er, Miriam 2010).Austen’s satire, as witnessed, goes to great lengths to confuse and mask her meaning. Her reasoning behind it is simply her own enjoyment, and her desire to praise her medium of choice: the novel. Her complexity and ambiguity are merely part of an elaborate, and in itself satirical complement to novels which she believes display â€Å"the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, and the liveliest effusions of wit and humour† (PP. 24). Bibliography: Austen, Jane (2003[1818]) Northanger Abbey, Lady Susan, The Watsons and Sandition (Oxford, Oxford University Press) †¢ Fuller, Miriam (2010) â€Å"Let me go, Mr Thorpe; Isabella, do not hold me! : Northanger Abbey at the Domestic Gothic† Persuasions: The Jane Austen Journal (Jane Austen Society of North America) †¢ Craik, W A (1965) â€Å"Jane Austen The Six Novels† (W & J MacKay & Co ltd, Chatham, Great Britain) †¢ Schaub, Melissa (2000 ) â€Å"Irony and Political Education in â€Å"Northanger Abbey† (Jane Austen Society of North America) http://www. asna. org/persuasions/on-line/vol21no1/schaub. html Accessed (27/0/2012) †¢ Butler, Marilyn (1975) â€Å"Jane Austen and the War of Ideas: The Juvenilia and â€Å"Northanger Abbey† (Clarendon Press, Oxford) †¢ Radcliffe, Anne (2008) â€Å"The Mysteries of Udolpho† (Oxford, Oxford University Press) †¢ Keymer, Thomas (2011 [1997]) â€Å"Northanger Abbey and Sense and Sensibility† â€Å"The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen† (University Press Cambridge, Cambridge) †¢ Bush, Douglas (1978[1975]) â€Å"Jane Austen† (The Macmillan Press LTD, London)

Schizophrenia †A Brain Disease

Schizophrenia – A Brain Disease Free Online Research Papers Schizophrenia is a disease of the brain that interferes with normal brain and mental function. This disease affects not only the patient, but the patients family as well. Learning that a person is schizophrenic is frightening and possibly devastating. Living with schizophrenia is possible with treatment and medication. Schizophrenia is characterized by the belief that the patient hears or sees thing that are truly not there. Hallucinations are only one of the many symptoms a schizophrenic person and their family has to endure. The brain is the major factor in schizophrenia. It triggers hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and lack of motivation. Schizophrenia has three phases of progression: Prodromal, Active, and Residual. The major characteristics of the prodromal phase are depression and unreasonable fear of something or someone. During the active phase the patient suffers from hallucinations and confused thinking and speaking. The residual phase is when the disease becomes easier to manage and live with. The patient may even be able to regain social and job skills. More then two million Americans suffer from schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects men, women, the old, the young, and people of all races. Symptoms in men appear earlier then they do in women. Males may develop symptoms in their late teens or early twenties, whereas, symptoms in women surface generally in their late twenties to early thirties. Schizophrenic symptoms either appear suddenly or they may be gradual. Because of the delay in symptoms many people go without treatment until the disease is in its advanced stages. Thus, making it harder to treat and control. Schizophrenia has no proven cause. It may be a genetic disorder, but may also be related to problems that occur during pregnancy. Research has revealed that schizophrenia may be the result of the interaction of certain genes, or due to damaged portions of genes. There is also contradictory research suggesting the disease may not be genetic because most people with a schizophrenic relative will not develop symptoms. Malnutrition or viral infections during pregnancy may be a cause of schizophrenia because of the negative affect on the growing fetuss developing nervous system. What increases your risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia? The greatest risk factor is having genetic disposition, meaning you are related to someone already diagnosed. If you have suffered a brain injury during fetal development, or had complications during birth, a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth may increase your risk. Ongoing research shows that if a father is over 50 years of age at conception the child is at greater risk. Although research is not directly correlative to the disease, having a substance abuse problem may increase your risk. But research shows that a schizophrenic person may also be at a greater risk to have a substance abuse problem. Schizophrenia is diagnosed with the use of medical history, physical exam, and a mental health assessment. To rule out diseases with similar symptoms, blood tests, CT scans, or an MRI may be performed. In order to be accurately diagnosed, the patient must experience at least two symptoms for at least 1 month, and not have any other mental health problems. People with schizophrenia often suffer terrifying symptoms such as hearing internal voices, believing that people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. These symptoms may leave them fearful and withdrawn. Their speech and behavior can be so disorganized that they may be frightening to others. People with schizophrenia often have difficulty interacting with people on a social level. They also have difficulty adjusting to new situations, professionally and personally. Many people whom life with Schizophrenia lose their jobs, and are never able to work again. Research Papers on Schizophrenia - A Brain DiseasePersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyGenetic EngineeringArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)The Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsThe Fifth HorsemanThree Concepts of PsychodynamicResearch Process Part OneInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in Capital

Ethical Values Essay Sample

Ethical Values Essay Sample Essay on Moral Values and Ethics Valuing the life, safety, and the presence of other person is important because it means that you are respecting ethical values of every person, animal, or a property in any way. This is a practice that allows an individual to consider their values to be always respected to preserve their dignity and integrity at all times. The essence of value is important to ensure that there are no rights that are violated because every organism or material in our society deserves to be respected and protected. Associating ethical values to a person beliefs and actions would mean that it enhances the discipline of a person by portraying a role model to other groups regarding their respective behavior. This is a way to improve how we treat and respect each other to prevent conflicting interest. One of the major ethical values is to do better or provide something beneficial to the interest of other individuals. This can be applied by allowing other individuals to experience safety that they must have to adhere with their personal or professional affairs. The principle of beneficence such as doing something that benefits others individuals are an important ethical value that can be applied to other individuals. This is to ensure that their needs are always addressed and their safety is secured by anyone who wants to prevent any stress, hazards, and risks. The ethical value of respecting the law is an important structure that should be followed by every individual in our community. The reason behind is that following the policies and rules that prevent anyone from being apprehended such as violations might risk the rights and safety of other individuals or groups. The principle of veracity is an important ethical value because it corresponds to the application of truth. This is because each individual has the right to know the truth, especially if it involves their personal space. The truth reveals an actual scenario that displays a realistic view of acknowledging something that is important to a person’s dignity. Equality succeeds an ethical value because it responds to a fair treatment of a person, group, or an organization towards something that is important to their practice and belief. Every person has the right to be treated fairly as a way to generate a diverse cultural and social environment to prevent ethical and legal consequences by the authorities. Respecting the person’s demographic status such as with regard to their age, race, sexual orientation, gender, and social classification is a clear example on how the society should maximize the role of equality and equity at all times. Valuing ethics is a social responsibility for every individual or group because it corresponds to the law and policies that should be always respected in any way possible. If the value of ethics is violated due to the infliction of harm towards other individuals, this means that there is a threat of life or injury. Damage to properties is one example on how ethics is violated because it creates an unpleasant consequence to the environment of the owner. This is why there are law enforcement agencies that are always on alert for any violations committed by a person or group towards others. This is to ensure that the quality of life is always respected as well as the sanctity of their existence is preserved through the application of the law at all times (Freemont Kitney, 2012). Reference Freemont, P. F. Kitney, R. I. (2012).  Synthetic Biology. New Jersey:  World Scientific.  ISBN  978-1-84816-862-6.

New SAT Practice Tests 8 Tips for Finding and Using Them

New SAT Practice Tests 8 Tips for Finding and Using Them SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The new SAT is officially here, which means that a lot of the old SAT practice material out there isn’t very helpful anymore. In order to study effectively, it’s important to use practice tests that test the same strategy and content as the SAT. With the recent SAToverhaul, this means turning to new practice material. Official College Board tests are the gold standard when it comes to test prep materials. Here, you’ll find free links to all the official New SAT practice tests, essays, answer keys, and scoring instructions, along with tips and strategies on how to use them. You might notice, however, that there’s a limit to how much free official prep is available. If you’re looking for more legitimate practice problems to work with, you’ll find helpful alternatives to the official practice tests towards the end. Free Official New SAT Practice Tests These following tests are the only free official practice tests for the redesigned SAT. If you need preparatory material, these practice tests are the best things you can use. In order to prepare effectively for the SAT, you want to use practice problems that test the same content, in the same ways, with the same timing restrictions as the actual test. If you use sub-par practice materials, you may be doing yourself more harm than good by preparing for things that won't actually help you on the SAT- this just wastes your time and leaves you underprepared, even if you study hard. Actual practice tests from the College Board meet all of the criteria I listed above because they're written by the makers of the SAT. Practice Test 1: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations | Essay Practice Test 2: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations | Essay Practice Test 3: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations | Essay Practice Test 4: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations | Essay Practice Test 5: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations |Essay Practice Test 6: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations |Essay Practice Test 7: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations |Essay Practice Test 8: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations | Essay Practice Test 9: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations Practice Test 10: Questions | Answers | Answer Explanations How to Use Official New SAT Practice Tests Most Effectively With a limited number of officialSAT practice tests available, you'll want to make sure you use each and every practice problem as effectively and as efficiently as possible. Follow these steps to get the most out of the official tests: Mimic Official Testing Conditions You need to use official practice tests because they're as close to the real SAT as you can get. In order to get the most out of them, you should also recreate real SAT testing conditions as best you can. To do this, you should: Take each test straight through, in a single sitting if possible. The SAT requires an extended period of intense focus- the more you practice these marathon testing sessions, the better off you'll be on test day. Time each section carefully. Many students have issues with timing on the SAT- if you give yourself extra time (even a couple minutes) on a practice section, you might think you're performing better than you actually would on test day. Even if you can't take a whole test straight through, make sure you time each section appropriately Do a Post-Mortem After Every Test The whole point of investing time and energy in SAT practice is so that you can learn from your mistakes and improve your score. If you do a ton of practice but never figure out where you're messing up, you scores won't go up- it's as simple as that. If you want to know exactly how to analyze your practice materials, check out our guide on the best way to review your mistakes on the SAT. Don't Use Them All at Once With only 10 official practice tests, you're limited when it comes to optimal practice materials. As such, it's important to pace yourself and use the official tests wisely. This means only moving on to the next practice test after thoroughly reviewing your mistakes from the previous one. You may even want to re-do tough questions (after a waiting period) to see if you can figure them out after reviewing the material. What Are Your Other Options for SAT Practice Materials? Thesetests are a good place to start, but you could run out of practice material quickly if you have an intensive study plan. Here are some other things you can do to get your hands on quality study material: Use PSAT Practice Tests The PSAT is made by the College Board (the maker of the SAT) and closely resembles the new SAT. It's not a perfect match, but it will be very similar to what you see on the actual test. You can find a complete list in our guide to PSAT practice tests. Get an SAT Prep Book You should have the same concerns with SAT prep books that you do with free online prep materials: you want to make sure they’re as close to the real thing as possible so that you can study effectively. If you choose to get an SAT prep book, make sure you purchasea highly rated, legitimate resource. You can start by checking out our guide to the best SAT books- it's updated regularly so you know you're getting the most up-to-date recommendations. Use Other College Board Resources The College Board has other practice material available besides their complete, official practice tests. You can check out individual practice questions on their website for the math, reading, writing language, and essay sections- they're all official. You can also check out College Board-approved practice problems through Khan Academy. Although this is a great resource, keep in mind that there are problems with just relying on this service to prepare for the SAT. Use Unofficial Free Tests (With Caution) Unofficial free tests can be good resources for students who will be doing a lot of prep and require supplementary materials. There are afew things to be wary of when you look for unofficial tests: Free test prep materials, by virtue of being free, are often lower quality than paid prep materials They may not test the same content in the same way that you'll see on the real SAT These tests may be particularly helpful if you're already a high scorer and want to do a deep dive on what makes official materials different from non-official ones.Ultimately, unofficial tests are best for untimed content review- don't worry if you come across weird question types or content. You can start your search for unofficial tests with Ivy Global, MajorTests.com, Varsity Tutors, and Veritas Prep. Check out our massive guide to free prep material for more tips and tricks to using these unofficial tests. Be careful to think critically about how unofficial materials differ from the real SAT Use PrepScholar to Stay Linked In PrepScholar will always be a great free and reliable resource for students trying to prep for the SAT. Our blog content is constantly updated to keep up with changing SAT content and strategy. Some of our updated posts on the new SAT include: The Complete Guide to the New SAT in 2016 How to Study for the New SAT in 2016 New 2016 SAT: What's a Good Score? The New SAT vs. the ACT: Full Breakdown Best SAT Prep Books 2016 (Updated for the New SAT) What's Next? Still not enough? You can also check out our complete collection of free SAT prep materialsand our guide to usingold SAT practice tests to study for the redesigned test. You'll also need to make sure you understand what's on each section: Math, Reading, Writing, and the Essay. Finally, learn the best tips and tricks for acing the test. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points?We have the industry's leading SAT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and SAT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible. Check out our 5-day free trial today:

Verizon Wireless Marketing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Verizon Wireless Marketing - Case Study Example Verizon Business provides communications and information technology (IT) services to global business and government clients. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., Verizon Wireless has the largest number of retail customers in the industry and is the most profitable wireless company in the U.S. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). (Verizon Wireless, 2008) Since wireless is the way of the future, the wireless divisions of these companies is the most hotly contested, and the focus of this "Battle of the Brands." It is important to note that despite Verizon Wireless bearing solely Verizon's name, it is not owned by just them, it is a 55%-45% joint venture between Verizon and Vodafone Group (NYSE: VOD). It is also important to note that AT&T Mobility is the service formerly known as Cingular, which was acquired by AT&T in 2006 when it bought BellSouth for $86B. Verizon Wireless lives up to its tagline as "America's Most Reliable Wireless Network". By doing so, it is the only major wireless company that offers a test-drive pledge that pays calls if a customer isn't satisfied and switches to another carrier. This marketing strategy is believed to have been backed upon by a broad marketing research. Verizon Wireless have focused on strengthening its customer loyalty, making it their edge from their competitors. It is believed to have the highest customer loyalty in the industry based on lowest-in-industry churn. -- footnote Compared to AT&T which is their serious challenger in wireless network, Verizon Wireless' products are almost the same with its competitor. Thus, the need to identify an area where they can perform better. Based on marketing research conducted, in order to increase customers of an industry, you need to increase a customer's trust in your products. Launching the Verizon Wireless Test Driver's Manual is a very strategic tactic that has been very effective for the company. It definitely achieved their objective to increase their trial rate. When a product if of high quality performance, a very vital percent, if not 100%, will lead to purchase rate and will then lead to re-purchase rate of customers until customer loyalty is established. By reading the mind of their consumers, Verizon Wireless knew exactly that their products are of high quality standards, leaving a little, if not zero, room for shifting to competition. None of this will be achieved if no marketing research has been intr icately done to its market. Competitive intelligence plays a vital role in analyzing competition of AT&T and Verizon Wireless. To analyze each of the company's stregths and weaknesses is important in order to come up with strategies to counter each other's marketing points. In detail, the present market of AT&T is composed of 71 million users againt 65 million users of Verizon Wireless. Looking first at Verizon Wireless, its strategy is simple. It focuses on the strength of its network as its main selling point. From the company's "Can you hear me now" ads, to the current "It's the network" ads, the point the company conveys is that if you have Verizon, you are covered by the biggest and most reliable network. AT&T's most memorable recent ads may be Martin Scorsese "We won't interrupt your phone calls, please don't interrupt our movies" ads that play at the cinema, but the company also runs television ads that focus on "more bars in more

Compartive Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Compartive - Essay Example But they needed the state to maintain peace and order, provide them with essential services, and settle their quarrels and conflicts. Thus, in a social contract to which they voluntarily consented, they created the state for the purpose of promoting and preserving their natural rights to life, liberty and property. Hobbes’ social contract was not really a special contract, since there was no contract or covenant between the ruler and the subjects. The sovereign had no obligations to his subjects nor could they limit his exercise of absolute power. It was John Locke who painted a picture of liberty of citizens and authority of government in tones which were far moderate than that of Thomas Hobbes. Men in a state of nature could make use of their perfect freedom for their own good, since they were reasonable men. To John Locke, men did not abuse their Liberty. They did not threaten the lives of their neighbors. He wrote: Though this is a state of liberty, yet it is not a state of license†¦. The state of nature of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges everyone; and reason, which is that law that teaches all mankind who will but consult it, that being all equal and independent; no one has a right to harm another in his life, health, liberty of possessions. 1 Locke’s social contract favored men quitting the state of nature to form themselves into a civil society. In this society men instituted the state where a social contract or covenant was formulated between citizens and government, a trustee which they could dismiss if it did not maintain the freedom and equality that men originally knew and enjoyed. In other words, when government no longer served the citizens’ interests and welfare, it might be resisted or overthrown. Why, because government had violated its obligations under the social contract to the extent that it had broken it. What were these obligations? The government as trustee had to protect and

The factors restraining investment in the oil and gas industry Dissertation

The factors restraining investment in the oil and gas industry - Dissertation Example Investment is an important source of capital for growth in the developing countries. It provides a package of new technologies, management techniques, finance and market access for the production of goods and services; and thus contributes significantly to raise the productivity in the host countries in attaining their overall economic growth. An investment is been determined by balance, opportunity, and risk, which are relative concepts, especially with respect to Exploration activities. Opportunity involved in finding commercial quantities of oil and gas, the intensive capital required for undertaking exploration and production result in significant business risks. In many developing countries, the transformation from an agricultural and resource based economy to the export-led economy has contributed to higher energy consumption. Although they are oil & gas reserves located in those countries; very few had sufficient financial resources for the upstream investments, especially for the development of oil & gas exploration and production. Government can promote investment opportunity by adopting a proactive approach to selecting foreign partner towards improving entry procedure moreover, reducing red tape in oil and gas sector operation. However, many countries had granted development rights to foreign Companies, which have adequate capital, technology, and expertise; still some foreign Companies are not investing in those countries for many reasons.

Human resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Human resource Management - Essay Example The three human resource topics that will be emphasize in this analysis are managing sex and gender issues, employee benefits and compensation, and equal employment opportunities. My father’s company currently has only two employees. I envision tremendous growth for this company and within five years it is highly likely the firm could approach a payroll of over 100 employees. One of the topics that must be emphasized by the managers and the human resource department of the company are sex and gender issues. The civil rights and feminism movements of the 1960’s helped women reached equality in the United States. In the past women served the role of housewives. Today there are as many women in the workforce as men. In the 1900 only 19% of women worked, but by 2007 women composed 46% of the labor force (Lee & Mather, 2008). Due to the importance of women in the workplace the company must protect the rights of its workers and provide equal opportunities for employees of bot h sexes. My father’s business will become a place where people feel secured and happy to work there. The best way to achieve that goal is by complying with labor laws to ensure the employees are provided with a safe working environment. Title VII of the 1964 Civil Right Act prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. â€Å"Title VII applies to private employers, state and local government employers, labor organizations, employment agencies, and joint employer-union apprenticeship programs with 15 or more employees† (Equalrights, 2011). The company will utilize an ethical framework to ensure all employees are respected. Another problem related with gender is a concept known as glass ceiling. The glass ceiling is an invisible barrier that affects the chances of women and minorities to reach the managerial level in an organization due to prejudice (Businessdictionary, 2011). To prevent the glass ceiling from occurring at the organization the firm must hire women and mi norities to become a part of the managerial team as the firm begins to grow. The company must audit its human resource composition every three months. The manager will compare the ethnic and gender composition to determine if the firm’s human resources have a similar composition as the population of the United States. The second human resource issue that the company must manage well is its employee salary and benefit packages. Employees participating in the U.S. labor force expect to get compensated well. In the United States the average salary is $41,673 (Ssa, 2011). The company must perform adequate research on how much each profession is paying in the United States. The salary the company will pay its employees will be equal or higher than the average salary for the profession based on experience. A website that provides excellent information regarding the salaries of different professions based on work experience is Salary.com (Salary, 2011). The company will be able to m aintain a higher employee retention rate if the firm pays competitive salaries. A second component of a total compensation package is the benefits. In today’s economy sometimes employees value benefit as much if not more than salary. The employees knows that a salary can be replaced by getting a different job, but a job that offers tremendous benefits are hard to

English paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

English paper - Essay Example My quest for knowledge and learning ability leads me to write efficiently and learn more in the field of writng. I have the ability to express my feelings about different subjects, like life, nature, politics, history and so on. This course helped me in understanding writing from a different perspective which further helped me in polishing my existing skills. My attitude towards writing changed after the course as I learnt to give my own opinion when it came to discussion about different topics. I no longer depend on other’s opinion and have developed the potential to write on any subject using my own researching skills. I have learnt not to plagiarize and try to research and provide original content with my personal views and knowledge. The originality of the work is what I have learnt through the course. The course has helped me to learn about different topics and study them clearly. I have been able to critically assess different works and pin point the views put down by ot hers. By amalgamating different views and assessing them I have been able to grab the skills of a critical analyst. With time I have also been able to put forward arguments to my own opinions. Arguments to my own opinions help me greatly when it comes to deriving conclusions. In my view a good piece of writing has to have no weakness or so. In my view a good piece of writing is when person is able to express his opinions about a topic with the ground facts about it. The writing should not be bias and should analyze different perspectives. I analyze a good writing based on the opinions given by the writer. The perspectives analyzed are the foremost part which should be noticed. The arguments given by the writer are the second most important part which is to be seen so that one can analyze a good piece of writing. Finally the flow of the writing should be seen and the conclusion given by the writer about the specific topic which is being talked