Iphone 5C price decision Essay Example for Free

Iphone 5C price decision Essay The fist factor that important in the pricing decision of iPhone 5C is by considering costs. For instance, since Apple Inc. wants to maximize its profits through establishing new products, the price should be set at the point where marginal revenue equals to marginal cost. We know that iPhone 5C is in the perfectly competitive market, the company can reach its maximum profit at equilibrium at X* and P*. To determine the price, Apple Inc. needs to do the marginal analysis. According to profits (Ï€) equals to total revenues (TR) minus total costs (TC), which is Ï€=(P*X)-(fixed cost+variable costs per unit *X), X is the number of units sold by Apple Inc. Of course, manager needs to ask several departments and contractors to know the cost of their product and services. From online websites, I get to know that producing a 16Gbyte iPhone, total BOM and Manufacturing Cost is about $173.45, for a 32Gbyte iPhone 5C is approximately $182.85(which accounts only for hardware and manufacturing costs and does not include other expenses such as software, licensing, royalties or other expenditure)(Andrew, 2013). The manager can differentiating the fixed costs and variable costs based on cost behavior, and plug those numbers into the equation and get an equation between Ï€ and X. then differentiate the equation and set it to zero, the manager can get the number of units when profit maximizing. Finally, plug X into assuming demand function, the manager can get the price and make a decision. But, in the real world, it is not easy to implement the marginal analysis method. So, managers usually try to combine cost-based approaches and market-based approach to make a profit satisfying approach, for example full cost-plus target profits, variable costs-plus percentage markup can both assess to pricing decision. However, the common and basic factor for the methods is costs. The second factor that important in the pricing decision of iPhone 5C is product line and competitors. Strategy analysis is the company needs to consider about the Competitors as well as the whole industry, and then assess to firm’s plan. We can figure out that the competitions in the smartphone market are quite intense, there are numerous competitors and are almost equal size, such as Samsung, Microsoft. So, Apple Inc. has to investigate the cost leadership and the unique producers in order to make a competitive price in the smartphone market. The website take the example of Moto X, which has 18 kinds of colors and the functions are really similar to iPhone 5C (Darren, 2013). The price of Moto X is $599, so the manager should decide a lower price than it to gain a competitive advantage. In particular, the competition is not just from the external market, we know that Apple Inc. promoted iPhone 5C as well as iPhone 5S at the same time. To iPhone 5C, the manager needs to consider about the plastic case, which is $42 less than the metal case cost of iPhone5S (Ben, 2013). So manager should also compare the 5C’s price to 5S. It is an important thing to keep secret of the product’s price before they coming out. The manager of Apple Inc. can survey the expected price of the public, or conduct some historical sample tests before making the final price decision. The third factor that important in the pricing decision of iPhone 5C is the manager should estimate the demand. Assume that we are suffering a financial crisis, most people don’t have extra money to pay for new electronic devices. They have already owned iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S and do not want to pay for another similar product. Then the manager should decrease the price of iPhone 5C to fit for people’s expectation of low pricing, using the profit margin per unit to trade for higher quantities. As I mentioned above, the estimation of demand function is also important in the marginal analysis. In order to estimate the demand, the manager should also make market survey to analyze the targeted customers. According to Pew Internet’s report, Teens and Technology 2013, 37% of U.S. teenagers now own a smartphone (which compares to 23% in 2011). And the increases of U.S. wireless carriers’ family data plans, intensive the parents to buy smartphones for their kids (Jason, 2013). Because the iPhone5C is colorful, has proper functions and easy to control, it must a first-choice for kid’s cellphone. Aimed at attracting teenagers group, the Apple Inc. manager should make the price to a certain level. What’s more, we also have to consider whether buyers are sensitive to price. In economics, we call it price elasticity of demand, which means the percentage change in the numbers of units sod to the percentage change in the price of the product. Assume most people are price sensitive, if the price of iphone5C is much higher than they expected, they will not buy it, which decreases demand a lot. So, listen to the public opinions on price is quite important. Before iphone5C facing to the public, a lot of individuals forecast that the selling price should be low enough to satisfy the low-end customers needs. Somebody was kidding that iPhone 5C is iPhone for China or iPhone for cheap. Apple Inc. wants to occupy more market percentage in developing countries, so they advertised that to make a colorful low-end smartphone. However, the price of iPhone 5C is not as low as we expected. The data shows after releasing the iPhone for 72 hours, both in China, Australia, U.S., the sales of iPhone 5S is almost 4 times compare to iPhone 5C. Especially, the graph says in the â€Å"target† country China, where the 5s is outselling the 5c five to one (Christopher, 2013). So I think the price of iPhone 5C is not reasonable. There are several reasons to explain iPhone 5C price is not appropriate. Firstly, compare to iPhone 5S, people claim 5C just looks an iPhone 5 with a candy-colored plastic shell. According to a report published by UBS, the same memory for 16 Gigabyte iPhone, 5S costs $213 in materials, whereas a 5C costs $156IPhone 5S has metal shell, Touch ID fingerprint scanner, more advanced A7 chipset, Motion Coprocessor and True tone flash for camera. The different price due to plastic case of $42 and finger print sensor of $7. However, the price of iPhone 5C is only $100 less than iPhone 5S. The UBS also estimates the gross margins of iPhone 5S is 45-55% and for iPhone 5S is 48-54% (Ben, 2013). As a rational consumer, I will buy iPhone 5S instead of iPhone 5C, since 5S has much more functions, which is not at a so much higher price. Secondly, the factors of competitor also have huge effects. Samsung is the key part for apple to make its â€Å"retina display† screen, as well as apple use Sony’s sensor in its camera. We know that Samsung and Sony are competitors. Apple Inc. is hiring, relying and paying them. But if someday, Samsung or Sony stop providing essential parts to apple, what will happen? I think Apple Inc. has to produce all manufacturing parts by themselves under a big amount of fixed cost, which will have a big effect on Apple’s price decision. Thirdly, the price of iPhone 5C is not as low as rumored. It brings the question to us, who exactly is Apple targeting? We know that Samsung has galaxy series, which with large-screen and liked by fashion people and developing markets. In china, there are a lot of really cheap phones under 1000RMB, those phones have varieties function and beautiful looking. So when Apple Inc. can really open the market to low-end customers? The price decision and targeting customer is not clear and accurate. I am kind of thinking there must be some sailing strategy when apple promoted 5C and 5S at the same time, with a huge cost performance in my opinion. Maybe Apple Inc. just wants to stimulate the sales of 5S, after people comparing these two products.

Companys Resources And Competitive Position

Companys Resources And Competitive Position In Dubai, the Jumeirah groups present portfolio includes many multi-hotel complexes such as Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort Spa, Mandinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Club Resort Spa, Jumeirah Emirates Towers and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. At the same time, it is also negotiating to operate new resorts and hotel contracts in big cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Milan and Beijing. The company is operating in order to achieve its vision that to become a world class international hospitality and hotel company and also committed to being the leader of the industry in all operating activities through the process of dedication to their colleagues and customers (About Jumeirah Group). The Jumeirah group also has been a member of Dubai Holding since the duration of year 2004 under the leadership of CEO Gerald Lawless. The companys achievement can be estimated by the data that in the year of 2006, the revenues were recorded more than $1 billion (About Jumeirah Group). The project would help us to analysis a companys resources and its competitive position in the world. This will aim to get deep understanding of its current strategy and to create a strategy which would be more effective as per the current scenario. This would be helpful to gain insights about the flaws and their solutions of the company as per the current scenario and current strategy. The study would analysis strength, weakness, opportunities and threats and eventually the proposed alternative can be adopted to enhance the current situation of the company. Company Background: The Jumeirah group was founded in Dubai in the year of 1997, owned by ruling Al Maktoum family with the Gerald Lawless, with an aim of becoming a global hospitality leader. After ten years of development the company has been realized with the groups portfolio that has been regarded as among the most innovative and luxurious globally (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). The brand of the Jumeirah group can be summarized as A global brand having name synonyms of Luxury. A brand having professional team of experts and professionals having wide experience in entire aspects of hotel management that handles the functions from development phase to the daily operations. A strong distribution system with the help of more than ten sales offices in major locations of the world. A strong emphasis on an adapting approach to the owner (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). The Jumeirah branched from the strength of Dubais ruling Maktoum family in order to develop the UAE member into one of the regions as well as in the worlds top tourism destinations. In the early period of the year 1990s, Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum commissioned a new project for the hotel which was supposed to build on land that reclaimed from the sea in the Dubai port, called the Burj Al Arab (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). However the first three year of the project were held in the land reclamation phase that lead to the launched of the construction by the year 1997. At the same time, Al Maktoum joined with the Gerald Lawless who was an Irish native had more than twenty year of work experience in the hotel industry and had fifteen year of experience as a head of the Forte hotel group in Dubai only. After join with the Lawless, Al Maktoum had begun to start others hotel projects for the wide market of Dubai such as Jumeirah Beach Hotel. In addition to the hotels and restaura nts, Maktoum developed Water Park and theme park also (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). Hallmarks: The companys vision is to become a world class luxury international hotel management company that committed to the industry leader in all the operational activities through the medium of the dedication to colleagues, customers, stake holders, owners and business partners (Jumeirah Guiding Principles Vision). The companys Hallmarks considered as the reason of their success in the past as well as guidelines for the future. The Hallmarks are seems to reflects in design of inspiration and would remain in the core of operating philosophy along with the new adopted philosophy of Stay Different. In Jumeirah culture their guiding principles plays a major role which are supposed to be consider as foundation of the business and strength of their culture (Jumeirah Guiding Principles Vision). They are: Integrity :Honesty and Sincerity Teamwork: win-win attitude and mutual support Recognition: Success are supported and recognized Innovation: Implementation of new ideas Continuous Growth: Positive Environment People Focus: Focus on individual as colleagues, business associates and customers. Stay Different : provides unique experience to the customers (Jumeirah Guiding Principles Vision) Strategic Objective: The Jumeirah group strategic objective is to fulfill their vision and mission through the commitment of resources to learning and innovation. Through the Business Management System the company is delivering benefits to the business partners, customers, colleagues, society and owners by developing mutually beneficial relationships, listening and building loyalty. In order to fulfill the companys vision, the Jumeirah strategic approach is summarized in the four key components. They are Engaging stake holders in order to understand their expectations so that they can be fulfilled or expanded and value can be added. Managing key factors of the social, environmental and economical aspects like their risk, opportunity and their impacts. Embedding responsible business practices and standards in the business daily operations and activities. Reporting back to the stakeholder about the progress and development of the company. With the implementation of the above four key strategies the company is trying to be expanding and delivering services all over the world. The company is focusing on current strategy in order to fulfill their objective. The companys current strategies inclusive of global expansion, Stay different, provide unique and different services, value to stake holders, provide luxury and comfort to the customers and implementing the process of learning and innovation (Jumeirah Guiding Principles Vision). Project Undertaken/ Completed: The following are the list of projects which are undertaken or completed under the Jumeirah group are: S. no Name Specification Location Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah Beach Hotel Hotel Dubai (Middle East) Madinath Jumeirah Three Hotels Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel buzzing bazaar Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Hotel(opening summer in 2012) Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Spa, Shopping boulevard, Club and Lounge Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence Residence Dubai (Middle East) Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel Abu Dhabi (Middle East) Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel Spa (opening spring 2012) Kuwait (Middle East) Jumeirah Essex House Residence New York (America) Jumeirah Carlton Tower Spa, Club, Hotel Resort London( Europe) Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel Hotel London( Europe) Jumeirah Frankfurt Residence Germany (Europe) Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa (opening spring 2012 Mallorca Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel Hotel (opening spring 2012) Europe Grosvenor House Apartments Residence London Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto Hotel Rome Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Hotel Shangai (Asia pacific) Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Island Resort Maldives(Asia pacific) Jumeirah Vittavel Five star family deluxe resort Maldives(Asia pacific) Wild Wadi waterpark Waterpark Dubai (Middle East) Talisa Spa Middle East Academy of Excellence Education Dubai( Middle East) (Jumeirah Hotels Resorts) Analyzing Current Scenario of Hospitality Industry in the UAE: During the past decade, the UAE has witnessed with the rapid growth and changes in terms of socio-economic and demographic factors. The regions economy are not perceived as oil and gas exporter but also as major investment destinations due to growing hospitality and tourism sector as well as large scale infrastructure projects. At the same time, the expansion of the Middle East is greatly contributing in the tourism receipt in the Gulf Council Corporation countries. In current situation, the region remains an attractive destination for tourists as well as for the investors for medium to long term returns. The Jumeriah group has provided tremendous growth in the hospitality sector in Dubai and globally also. The study aims to evaluate a companys resources and its competitive position in the world. This analysis will be undertaken by the following described process: Value Chain Analysis Michael Porters five force Model SWOT Analysis Benchmarking Competitive Strength Assessment After analyzing on the above aspects, we will be able to determine competitive position in the world as well as would be able to create a strategy in terms of its position. Value Chain Analysis: The value chain approach was developed for creating and sustaining superior performance in the market. The value added concept is utilized by Jumeirah Group for sustaining competitive advantage in the arena of 21st century. The organization comprises of activities that associate together in order to enhance business value. These activities include inbound logistics, operations such as purchasing, manufacturing, financing, distribution etc. The central aim of Jumeirah Group to adopt this value chain approach is exploiting value creation with minimum possible costs (Jumeirah Group, 2008). http://bettyfeng.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/a-value-chain-analysis1.jpg Source: http://bettyfeng.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/a-value-chain-analysis1.jpg By adopting the concept of value chain analysis, Jumeirah managers identify the key activities within their group and provide potential sustainable advantages to the company. In Jumeirah Company, the value chain analysis starts with the initial stage such as inbound logistics. At this stage, planning is performed for plant scheduling, plant capacity, estimate time for fulfilling objectives. After this stage the next step is operations under which company emphasized on the quality of services, customers expectations, fulfilling orders and customer visit operations. The main theme of Jumeirah Group is to enhance and implement their core services in such a way so that can meet the customers expectations and create positive and sustainable brand image in their eyes. The company more emphasized on the development of innovative programs, current strategies and their Research and Development programs in order to support business by facilitating new openings and high quality services to their customers (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Jumeirah Group incorporates value chain for synchronizing the flow of business operations from input to the delivery of benefits given to the customers. This flow comprises of inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales operations and at the end gets feed back from customers and resolve problems if there is any (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Benchmarking: Benchmarking is the process of analyzing the internal processes of organization and then identify and adapting the practices from other organization in order to considered being best for the organization. This process comprises of five stages such as operation, identification of assess, development of several alternatives, define that alternatives and at the end implementation of that alternatives. Benchmarking is the systematic tool for identifying and implementing best possible practices in the organization so that it can enhance their operations and human assets as per the todays need. In this competitive arena for sustaining in market, it is mandatory to implement benchmarking in the organization (Jumeirah Group, 2008). http://pipdev.com/content/images/wheel/RouteDiag.png Source: http://pipdev.com/content/images/wheel/RouteDiag.png Jumeirah Group has been designed this exercise for enlighten participation of organization in order to achieve outstanding results. Jumeirah Group and other organizations such as Dubai Ports World, Hutchison Whampoa Ltd, are aimed to explore best methods and practices for enhancing Human Resource Management in the view of planning, empowering, training and recognizing human efforts. It is also aimed to identify the gaps between the adopted approaches and the enhancement of improvement plans so that can analyze the effects of adopted approach in the organization. This approach develops new ideas that acts significant role in the formation of future strategic plans (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Five Force Model and Analysis: The Michael Porters five force Model articulates the Competitive position modal which describes the industry analysis and business strategy development for evaluating the competitive strength and position of any business organization or Entity. This model used to analyze the market attractiveness of the industry and competition. Porters develop the five force model to analyze to these five forces to analyze the industrial competition (porters five forces model, 2009). Five force model of Porters- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY8Vswx8zXNxc7b-0dr4-Fdj0POxtmlNkw4BMvaL6_CiMMwIwq8b_rE6W46ngDfsMjuUhrt6xpzyYPmZOCZM1Q2Qql56oy3UMAntIgmv8u3nTSxVsnz_lB6tHEueYab9RMmII-TiOzWw/ Threat of new competition. Threat of substitute products or services. Bargaining power of customers (buyers). Bargaining power of suppliers. Intensity of competitive rivalry. Threat of new competition: This step articulates the competition in the market, new entrants, brand equity, sunk cost, customer loyalty and industrial profitability in the market for the existing industry which can be challenging for the firm. Barriers to new entry- Customer switching cost Distribution channel Government Policies Economies of scales. 2. Threat of substitute products or services- Entry of substitute product in the market may increase the possibilities to the switching towards the new product it can be challenging for the existing product. Barriers of the substitute product or services- Substitute product price and performance over the existing product. Switching cost of buyer. Quality depreciation Product differentiation. 3. Bargaining power of buyers: Bargaining power of the buyer may be challenging factor for the existing industry or firm such as- Purchasing power of the buyer. Byers face new switching costs. Prices sensitivity of buyer. Buyers are concentrated Industrial product diversity. 4. Bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers for any particular firm like supplies of raw material, components and labors can switch the firms due to the bargaining power scubas- Buyers is not the customer to the. Distribution channels. Supplier concentration Supplier switching cost. Supplier completion to the other firms. Intensity of competitive rivalry- Competitive rivalry can be the challenging factor for the existing firm some factors are- Different competitive strategies Promotional tools Competitive advantage to the other industries. From the Porters five force model we analyze the Jumeirah group world class portfolio of resorts and hotels (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). Threat of new competition- As we analyze the competitors of the Jumeirah Group these are the competitors of the Jumeirah Group- Hyatt Hotels Corporation Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc. Four seasons Holdings Inc. Jumeirah Group has the partnership with the UAE government, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in association with Tanmia (The National Human Resource Development and Employment Authority 2) Threat of substitute products or services- Jumeirah Group has a strong product and services portfolio in the luxury hospitality sector including world class hotels and resorts. In the hotels and resorts category the products of Jumeirah- Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Beach Hotels Jumeirah emirates tower Jumeirah Zabeel Sara.y Pera palace Hotel. In the services sectors- Includes of services of Jumeirah Living Jumeirah Restaurants, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Talise and The Emirates Academy of Hospitality management. Jumeirah group is offering the best services and performance over its competitors. They have brand loyalty and offering the qualitative services to its customers and Jumeirah group have different product strategies to compete with the competitors 3) Bargaining power of customers (buyers)- Jumeirah groups customers can be classified on the bases of several categories- hotel guest, clients, bulk room purchaser, customers book room for events and conferences and partner such as tour operators and airlines. Jumeirah Group has strong commitment towards its customer. Customer value feedback for the Jumeirah group is- Personalized products and services delivering high quality. Favorable impact on the community. Group offers the customer health, safety and security services. Customer privacy and information security service. Customer satisfaction result of the Jumeirah group is for the year 2008 is 81.265 which show the customer loyalty to the group over its competitors. 4) Bargaining power of suppliers- As we analyze the supplier chain of the Jumeirah group has strong corporate buying policies with its suppliers provision of high quality and good products and services. The Group follows the principles- Stability in the dealings with the suppliers Provide equal and same opportunities to the all suppliers Consistent delivery of services such as health, safety and legal aspects. Transparency in the system. Best distribution channels such as advertising for its services offering. Intensity of competitive rivalry- Jumeirah Group has the different competitive strategies over its competitors. They promote their products and services by different promotional tools such as by advertising, Sales promotion and by the different occasion. SWOT Analysis: Dubai is the fast emerging player in the worldwide along with the China and South East Asia. Dubai attracts the attention of business and corporations across the world through its infrastructural art and cosmopolitan culture. Along with the real estates and financial sectors, petroleum and tourism, it is also known for its exotic resort and hotels. Jumeirah Group is the main player in the hotel and resort industry (Jumeirah Group, 2008). This group has certain strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats which are as follows: Strength: The art of infrastructure with the surplus of international convention centers added value to the Jumeirah Group. The cosmopolitan culture in UAE gives rise to the Jumeirah Group in the hotel industry which becomes strength of this group. Crime rates are low in UAE as compared to the other nations which facilitate economic support and social support to the company. Middle East is the epicenter of trade that comprises of various standard businesses and corporations which gives hike to the hotel and resort industry. In Dubai, government has pro- active authorities that give aid to the company in order to control situations rather than just responding to it. Jumeirah Group has been linked with other nations in the world wide. Special travelling packages are the additional advantages to t he company. It offers several packages according to each living standard so that easily can be reach. Jumeirah Group is strategically placed in Dubai, which is situated between Asia and Europe while it is also closure to the Africa so there is probability that several tourists can rushed here which motivates hotel industry. This group works for the enhancement of their human resource by adopting various techniques in order to update their strategies and tools with the recent time. The Jumeirah Group diversified itself into various sectors such as academics, water parks, spa, residents etc which strengthen the company (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Weakness: In the year of 2010, Dubai is considered as the expensive city that lies at fifty five positions in the list of most costly cities. These days it is becoming extremely expensive in the terms of travelling, hospitality, hotels etc. which may affects the economy as well as businesses. In the recent time Dubai has undergone in the bubble crash of real estates because of the reason that there was a sudden drop in the investment being made in the sector and due to the lack of investments the real estate sector crashed. It affected economy and still it is on recovery mode. In the Middle East, the rate of crime is low in spite of that it had been noticed that there is an increase in sex and drug crimes and which got huge media publicity which influence the hotel industry. In Jumeirah Group, employees are working belongs to various nations that have there own culture sometimes this differences in culture affects the working of company (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Opportunities: Prospective economic development opportunities due to increase in prices of oil, this economic development leads to contribute remarkable benefits to the hospitality business. Further growth prospects in the tourism industry of UAE with 15 million foreign tourist visitors expected up to the year 2015 proves to be very helpful in the tourism business of Jumeirah group. Dubai is considered as the business and tourism hub of UAE and Middle East, it has high business growth prospects including geo political opportunities from the west and emerging authority from the east and ultimately helpful in providing good business opportunities to the Jumeriah group. Initiatives taken by UAE government towards the development of hospitality sector provides ample amount of opportunities to the Jumeirah group. Unique experience offer by the Jumeriah group in the form of ethnic heritage services pertaining to the hospitality leads to enhance the number of potential customers. UAE is the business hub of Middle East and hence various business tourists are prospective customers for the Jumeriah group. Various promotional schemes provided to the customers helps in the boosting of business of Jumeriah hotels. Enhanced brand image and brand equity for the augmented quality service deliverance to the customers helps in the further growth and expansion of the business of Jumeriah group. Jumeriah group provides a wide variety of cuisines including the Arab cuisines, Indo Thai, Chinese, Italian, Mughlai cuisines etc. to its customers which helps in increasing the profitability of the group. The augmented exteriors and interiors of the hotel in comparison to the competitors delight the customers and attract them to take the services of Jumeriah group again and again. Delivering the world class hospitality services at the affordable rate helps in increasing the number of local as well as foreign customers of the Jumeriah group (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Threats: The development of the various other cost effective and stirring competitive locations like Muscat, Kuwait City and Doha puts major barriers in the development of Jumeirah Group. Prague and Istanbul are the cities which offer effective cultural tourism along with the fabulous contemporary services at the best possible price and hence attract most of the business tourists globally. Due to political turbulence the business pertaining to the tourism and hotels affected a lot in some regions of UAE and ultimately affects the Jumeriah group in the region. Lack of proficient training and development to the human resource in the hotel industry act as a major barrier in the quality service deliverance of the group. Customer tastes and preferences and market trends pertaining to the hospitality industry changes dynamically and hence there is difficulty in the implementation of the latest trends frequently due to the limitation of cost and time. Increase in the number of guest houses act as hindrance in the development of hotel business. Various economical range hotels which provide the services at the cheapest rate are the major barriers in the developmental path of Jumeriah group (Jumeirah Group, 2008). Competitiveness of Jumeirahs Pricing Strategy: Jumeriah provides a wide range of services in the hospitality business which encompasses a wide array of activities for the customers inclusive of diving and photography. With respect to the pricing of the hospitality services, Jumeirah ensures that the prices are maintained at competitive levels in keeping with the current market standards for pricing of hospitality services. Then exact pricing of the hotels and resorts have not been disclosed by the organization but from the reports available, it can be deduced that Jumeriah has competitive pricing strategy for its services (Course Pricing). The pricing of the various courses offered by the organization are described as follows: Certification Courses AED e-Scuba Diver 1,450 e-Open Water Diver 1,850 e-Open Water Referral 1,000 e-Rescue Diver 1,850 Emergency First Response 700 Experience Programs AED Discover Scuba Diving Beach 325 Scuba Review (inc two o/w dives) 650 Scuba Review Pool Only 300 Bubble Maker (ages 8+) 275 Seal Team (ages 8+) 1,500 Master Seal Speciality Dives 275 Instructor Development Courses AED Dive master 3,000 Assistant Instructor 3,000 e-Open Water Scuba Instructor 4,000 PADI e-IDC 7,000 IDC Staff Instructor 2,500 Master Scuba Diver Trainer MSDT 2,500 Emergency First Response Instructor** 2,500 Speciality Courses AED Wreck Diver 1,400 e-Enrich Air Nitrox 700 Deep Diver 1,600 Peak Performance Buoyancy 700 Search and Recovery Diver 1,400 National Geographic Diver 1,200 Underwater Navigator 1,200 Digital Photographer 1,200 Oxygen Provider Courses 800 Night Diver 1,200 Musandam Courses AED e-Open Water Courses 2,550 e-Adventure in Diving 2,550 Source: (Course Pricing) These prices are in accordance with the industry standard for the pricing of these services which is indicative of the competitiveness of the pricing strategy of the organization. In terms of the costs incurred by the company in obtaining raw material and resources for their business units, they are able to source the requirements at competitive prices. Moreover they have undertaken efforts to minimize their operational costs by adopting green practices and this has enabled them to maintain their prices at adequate competitive levels (Course Pricing). Competitive Strength and Leverage of Jumeirah Group in comparison to its Rivals: Jumeirah is faced with adequate competition in the hospitality industry from major organizations that have provided competition on a global scale also. The main competitors of Jumeirah group are: Hyatt Hotels Corporation Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc. (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008) Four Seasons Holdings Inc. (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008) Jumeirah is able to manage the competition in the market adequately and this has been made possible due to the continuous adaptation of the company to the environmental changes and the incorporation of the technological advancements to provide a comprehensive set of services aimed completely at achieving consumer satisfaction. Jumeirah Group is credited with having some of the most complex and biggest projects in the hospitality industry which itself speaks about the high quality standards that the organization has assured in these facilities (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). The organization also has its projects in America, Europe and Asia Pacific. In these regions also, the company is able to successfully manage the competition by providing a wide range of consumer oriented services are competitive pricing. One of the main strategies of the organization has been to constantly upgrade themselves in terms of technical infrastructure and the aesthetic ambience in the facilities. It is this feature which has provided Jumeriah with a significant leverage even in the international hospitality market (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). The company has started pondering over the possibility of entering conservative foreign markets such as China as they have highly prospective business opportunities. Moreover their advanced technical infrastructural knowledge has enabled them to compete effectively even in new markets and their portfolio of globally acclaimed projects has enabled the creation of a strong brand image by means of which the organization is able to effectively reach out to the target consumer segments (Corporate Responsibility Report 2008). Strategic Issues and Challenges in the Achievement of Strategic Objectives: The achievement of strategic objectives is a challenging task and is easily affected by the presence of environmental cha

A New Genus of Hominins Found in Kenya :: Anthropology Essays Paleontology Papers

A New Genus of Hominins Found in Kenya Whenever finding new fossils, most people get excited in learning more about the mysterious history of life on earth. No one fossil finding may be more important than another, but when discovering a fossil that adds a new genus name to a species, it gets exciting. This is especially true when the fossil gives more insight to the evolution of humans. In Kenya, a new genus of hominins was found. The new genus was assigned because this hominin had a combination of derived facial and primitive neurocranial features. This hominin is guessed to be about 3.5 million years old. The findings lead the scientists to an early diet-driven adaptive radiation, which gives insight on the craniodental features, or the structure of the skull and mouth. The name of the species is Kentanthropus platyops (the Flat-Faced Man of Kenya). This fossil was found in a rugged desert-like site on the western shore of a lake in northern Kenya. This is by the Topernawi river drainages in Turkana district in northern Kenya. This fossil is known to be twice as old as Lucy, a famous Australopithecus afarensis, which is only about 1.8 million years old itself. The age of this fossil has been established because it was found in between layers of different aged soil. Eight meters below the Tulu Bor Tuff and 12 meters about the Lokochot Tuff is about 3.5 million years old, this is an area called Kataboi Member where the type of specimen is found. The paratype is from lower Lomekwi Member, seventenn meters above the Tulu Bor Tuff, estimating at 3.3 million years old. Kentanthropus platyops is estimated to be about 3.5 million years old itself. The age can also be estimated aroun 3.5 million years because hominin findings from Lomekwi, two mandibles and isolated molars have previously been found, which indicate the time period. The skull was found amongst a temporal bone that was well-preserved, two partial maxillae, some isolated teeth, and an extremely complete, yet distorted, cranium. The most astonishing thing about the skull is that it looks remarkably similar to that of a human skull. Note the platyops, platus coming from the Greek word that means flat, and opsis, meaning face. Thus making the name "Flat-Faced Man." Of course there are many differences than a human skull, but it is extremely similar to that of one.

Samurai in Film :: essays research papers

From Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 film Seven Samurai, to the recent box office sensation, The Last Samurai, the famed Japanese warrior, the samurai, has been the subject of hundreds of films. Classically depicted as carrying two swords and sporting a top knot (chonmage), the samurai has been portrayed not only as a warrior and expert swordsman, but as a man of discipline and principles consistent with the bushido. Samurai films exhibit two basic dramatic styles. The jidai-geki (period drama) which are stories based on characters and how they negotiate a variety of political, personal and romantic situations and the chanbara (sword fighting films) which are action packed with dramatic sword fighting scenes. Films in the samurai genre which deal with ‘ronin’ (masterless samurai), demonstrate strong elements of both styles as exhibited in Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954) and Yojimbo (1961), as well as the many films about the legendary Musashi Miyamoto. In addition to Seven Samurai and Yojimbo, Kurosawa’s samurai classics, The Hidden Fortress (1958) and Sanjuro (1963) all star ‘samurai incarnate,’ actor Toshiro Mifune. While Kurosawa’s later films, Kagemusha (1980) and Ran (1985), are not based on the samurai, they are set in feudal times in which the samurai played a significant role. Kurosawa’s films greatly influenced the film industry in both Japan and the West – however during his career he gained greater notoriety and even support for his motion pictures overseas than he did at home. The Seven Samurai was the basis for American film director John Sturges’ The Magnificent Seven (1960); Yojimbo for A Fist full of Dollars (1964) – the first in a series of 3 ‘spaghetti westerns’ created by Italian film director, Sergio Leone; and The Hidden Fortress which influenced George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977). The parallels between the samurai and cowboy archetypes and the influence one had on the other is as evident in Kurosawa’s Yojimbo as it is in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992). During his career, Toshiro Mifune (1920-1997) starred in 134 films and played either a classic samurai or a common man of ‘samurai principles’ in nearly half of them. Besides his Kurosawa films, Mifune also starred in a number of Hiroshi Inagaki’s samurai films including the classic, Musashi Miyamoto (1954). His reputation worldwide landed him a number of starring roles in Western productions including the award winning television mini-series, Shogun (1980) based on the James Clavell novel.

Advance Marketing FINAL Revision

With the current high competition being witnessed in all industries, companies are increasingly being faced with new challenges to come up with new marketing strategies that can ensure that they retain or even increase their market share.To achieve this, companies can undertake market research which is a process that involves gathering of information, recording and analysing the data. This process involves gathering information concerning competitors and customers that exist in the market.Market research is very fundamental in monitoring the companies’ sales and product performance. It also helps organisations get vital information that helps in expansion to new markets. This helps in determining or forecasting the customers that will purchase the product. This includes the customer’s income levels, their location and age among othersIndustry overview /CompanyThis paper will examine the Audi Auto Company in UK; Audi Auto Company is an old auto company established way ba ck in 1932, in Germany. The company has an emblem with four rings which is a symbol of amalgamation of four past independent auto companies that amalgamated in1932 to give way to Audi.These companies were, Audi, Horch, DKW and Wanderer. Today Audi Auto Company is a manufacturer of lovely cars which are sophisticated, beatifically machines that exemplify technological perfection. There are plenty of Audi car models some includes, 265PSS3 Quattro, the TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI S Tronic, the A4 2.0 TDI S saloon and many other models which are available on the market. (Audi Auto Company, 2007)Today, Audi Auto Company is an international motor company which its presence in several countries all over the world. It has established branches in many countries including the UK. The company’s UK headquarters is in Yeomans drive, Blake lands, the company is a division of Volkswagen Group United Kingdom limited.Audi motto is â€Å"Vorsprung durch Technik† which means technology progress. T he company success in the auto industry has been based on the company core values of creativeness, enthusiasm and commitment towards its goals.The company also is customer oriented and it strives to incorporate the desires of its customers in everything it does.   Audi Auto Company endeavours to lead the way through continuous innovation and setting new standards that define auto industry technology. (Audi Auto Company, 2007)Project statementThis research report critically examines and analysis marketing and its influences in contemporary business and with particular regard to Audi Auto Company based in the United Kingdom.This will entail thorough analysis of the marketing policies and strategies that have been adopted by the company, analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that Audi Auto Company undergoes in line with the ever increasing ambiguity and uncertainty that may come up due to effects of globalization and ever changing business environment.This st udy will also critically evaluate the effectiveness of this organisation response to competition and the gaps that exist in the marketing strategies of the company. This management report will further outline recommendations for new entrant in to the industry and what he should undertake in order to succeed in this ever very competitive industry.Pricing matrix;Pricing of a product is one of the marketing mix aspects and it is very important as it defines the worth of a product. Audi Auto Company has adopted various pricing matrix to achieve its objective of improving the company sales.Methods of pricingPremium pricingPremium pricing is the use of a high price which indicates uniqueness of the car manufactured and its magnificence.   This approach is applied when marketing luxurious cars from the company. (Cinchona, 2005)Penetration pricingThe company takes up penetrating pricing when introducing it cars to new markets or countries. In this pricing strategy, the price for the cars can be set to be lower than what it is in other countries so as to gain a market share.It includes a   low price strategy enables a penetration price which is necessary to allow more cars to sell at first but when it catches up, other pricing strategies are adopted. (Cinchona, 2005)Economy pricingThe company also offers it cars on economy pricing. In this case, the cost of marketing and manufacturing are kept at a minimum hence becomes a no frills low price for a product such as the cars from this company. (Cinchona, 2005)Other pricing methods are; price skimming, psychological pricing, product line pricing, optional product price, captive product pricing etc.The terms of access of Audi auto company products in the UK market pricing depends on factors such as the current tax rates in UK and the overall demand rate. (Cinchona, 2005)Distribution channel network;Distribution means a network for reaching out to company’s customers. It is important for any company to create well distribution channels that will ensure that the customers are able to get the final product without a lot of hustle.   Audi Auto Company has an elaborate distribution channel of it vehicles that it manufactures in the UK.The company has dealership with various companies and dealers who market its products. The products are market all over the world; the company also have several manufacturing plants in other countries which manufacturers and markets the Audi cars in those countries. Audi Company also has Audi centres, authorized dealers and other group companies which are used as distribution channels. (Audi Auto Company, 2007)Sales networkFor any company to succeed in its marketing it must have a strong sales network which will ensure that the company’s products reach the targeted market. A good sales network allows the company to be more effective and reach it customers with easy and on time.It also allows the company to respond to its customers’ demands and need more effectively as Dr Martin Wintrkorn chairman of the Board of the management of Audi AG underlines in his speech in the 2004. The company has a strong sales network in Britain that which has ensured the company’s sales remains at the top.He further notes that due to this strong sales network, the company has managed to steady growth rate over 7% in UK. The sales network of the company includes company auto shop that are located in major town and places in the country, and mobile units that serve to deliver cars directly to the customer.Cycle lifeThe company takes almost six months to be able to produce a new model on the market, the design department and the engineering departments are involved in creating new models. A new model is normal based on technology improvement in terms of safety, fuel efficiency.For example, in 1980 Audi manufactured a four wheel car named â€Å"Quattro† which was turbocharged coupe. It took them six months to advance it from the first ge neration of S4 to the new generation of S6. General this period mat also vary according to the technological improvement that the company will undertake.Advertising practicesAdvertising is an important marketing tool which is commonly used to market new and existing products. Advertisement process requires huge investments. There are various forms of advertisements; media such as television, radio and newspapers, posters and road shows. The company utilizes all the forms mentions above, to improve its sales.Advertisement is important as it creates awareness of the company’s products and well as keeping the customers informed. Advertisement is on form of market promotion that the company undertakes to promote its new model on the market. Promotion of new models can be carried out in different forms and the most common one is through product life cycle. (Michael, 1985)Audi has undertaken different promotional activities to ensure that its products are marketed to wide areas. Th e company has a sponsorship deal with Manchester United a foot club in UK as part of its promotion activities. Audi Company also is the official car dealer of the club, and some players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferninard and many more drive around in Audi cars.This highly markets the company’s cars. Apart from football the company also is involved in various other sports, giving its support to motor sports and polo game.The company has continued to concentrate on the markets in the UK, as the chairman of Audi Auto Company in UK, Dr. Martin Winterkon pointed out UK market is the biggest for Audi outside Germany and Audi will continue to strive to improve its sales as shown in the last six years. (Audi Auto Company, 2007)The diagram below explains the cycle which products can behave in the global market when it is introduced to the market. It starts from the introduction, growth, maturity and finally the decline when the consumers are fully aware of the products and services and there is no need for further promotions.

Effect Of Forced Swim Stress Health And Social Care Essay

Introduction: Stress is an of import factor of depression that causes the alterations in assorted organic structure systems. The forced swim trial is a normally used stressor trial where rats are forced to swim in specially constructed armored combat vehicles for a peculiar period where there is behavioural activation characterized by vigorous swimming and diving to seek for alternate paths of flight. Animal wellness including homo has been shown to be affected by the nerve-racking events of life bring oning state of affairs which alters knowledge, larning memory and emotional responses, doing mental upsets like depression and anxiousness and emphasis in rats. Methods: The experiment was carried out with 12 healthy albino Wistar female rats weighing about 150-180gms. The animate beings were indiscriminately divided into two groups of six animate beings each. Group – I ( control ) , Group – II ( Stressed Group ) . Group -II rats are placed in fictile armored combat vehicles for 45minutes ( between 9.00 AM – 11.00AM for15 yearss / L-100cm, W-40cm, D-60cm ) deepness of H2O in the armored combat vehicle is -30cm. Temperature of H2O was maintained at 20EsC. During stress stage, the animate beings will be trained for forced swim trial, behavioural alterations observed by unfastened field setup for emotions, and eight arm labyrinth for memory & A ; propensity, elevated plus labyrinth for anxiousness. Consequences: Forced swim emphasis causes to a important alteration ( P & lt ; 0.05 ) on cognitive maps: motive, larning and memory. Forced swim emphasis is the factor damaging the hippocampus causes repeated immobilisation and bring forth wasting of dendrites of pyramidic nerve cells and neuroendocrinological perturbations, controlled by the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis ( HPA ) . Repeated emphasis in the signifier of forced swimming activates the free extremist procedures taking to an addition in lipid peroxidation in many tissues. Decision: This survey reveals the consequence of repeated forced swim emphasis causes broad scope of adaptative alterations in the cardinal nervous system including the lift of 5-hydroxytryptamine ( 5-HT ) metamorphosis and an increased susceptibleness to affectional upsets. The earlier findings have reported that chronic and acute emphasis processs weaken working memory maps in rats. There are really few surveies on bomber ague forced swim emphasis on working memory position of the animate being. The survey was undertaken to measure the assorted behavioural alterations by using sub ague forced swim. Cardinal Wordss: Forced swim emphasis, knowledge, behavioural alterations and unfastened field setup.IntroductionNerve-racking state of affairss induce physiological and behavioural alterations in an being to keep the homeostasis. Exposure to nerve-racking state of affairss is among the most common human experiences. In response to stressors, a series of behavioural, neurochemical, and immunological alterations occur that ought to function in an adaptative capacity [ 1 ] . Swiming in little research lab animate beings has been widely used for analyzing the physiological alterations and the capacity of the being in response to emphasize [ 2 ] . Swimming is non ever a simple exercising emphasis, because emotional factors are hard to be eliminated [ 3 ] . The forced swimming emphasis developed by Porsolt et Al. ( 1977 ) has now become widely recognized theoretical account for analyzing physical emphasis in animate beings. Water temperature is another of import factor in forced swimming trial. By changing the H2O temperature, Richter ( 1957 ) found that rats could last every bit long as 80 hours in tepid H2O ( 36AÂ ° C ) . Increasing or diminishing the H2O temperature above or below this point influences the overall behaviour of the animate being and changes the engagement of glucocorticoids [ 4 ] . The transition of O during normal metamorphosis to the by-products, H peroxide, Super oxide and hydroxyl extremist occurs by consecutive negatron add-ons to oxygen [ 5 ] . Toxic free groups have been implicated as of import pathological factors in cardiovascular diseases, pneumonic upsets, autoimmune diseases, malignant neoplastic disease, metabolic upsets, and aging [ 6 ] . However, swimming has besides been used to arouse emphasis responses in rats [ 7 ] . This emphasis is normally elicited by an ague forced swim session of between a few proceedingss to half an hr [ 8 ] . Psychological emphasis ( e.g. pes daze, forced swim trial ) raises degrees of corticosterone in the rat [ 9 ] . Which in bend leads to physiological alterations that include increased myocardial infarct size [ 10 ] Increased memory loss and knowledge [ 11, 12 ] . Therefore we set out to find whether forced swim preparation had an consequence on corticosterone degrees or elicited a alteration in behaviour of rats in the unfastened field. Materials and Methods: Animal theoretical account: Adult female Wistar rats weighing between 150-250 g were divided into two groups as Control ( n =12 ) and Stress ( n =12 ) . All the rats were given standard rat Zhou and tap H2O adlibitum and were housed at 25 AÂ ± 2 o C on a 12-hour dark/light rhythm. All the experimental processs were approved by the IAEC ( Institutional Animal Ethics Committee ) adequate steps were taken to minimise hurting or uncomfortableness. Stress processs: Rats were exposed to forced swimming stress day-to-day for continuance of 45 proceedingss between 09.00AM to11.00AM until 21 yearss. They were forced to swim in fictile armored combat vehicles ( length 100cm, width 40 centimeter, depth 60 centimeter ) incorporating tap H2O maintained at a temperature of 20AÂ ° C. The deepness of H2O in the armored combat vehicle was 30 centimeter. A upper limit of two rats were allowed to swim together during emphasis session. The control rats were housed under the same conditions and they were handled every bit frequently the stressed group.Behavioral surveies: Open-field setup ( OFT )The unfastened field trial is a common step of exploratory behaviour both qualitatively and quantitatively. Each rat was placed in the unfastened field for 5 proceedingss to prove for differences in anxious-like behavior and activity. This was done 24 hours after the last turn of swimming exercising. The unfastened field trial is designed to mensurate behavioral responses such as locomotor activity, hyperactivity, and explorative behavior. The unfastened field is besides used as a step of anxiousness. Rats tend to avoid brilliantly illuminated, fresh, unfastened infinites. The setup for the unfastened field trial is a square enclosure ( 1 m by 1 m ) made of black Perspex. To analyse exploratory and locomotor activities as an indicant of emphasis in the rat, animate beings were placed in the left rear quarter-circle of an unfastened field. The figure of line crossings and the entire distance covered by the rat were measured over 5 proceedingss. These are classical steps of locomotor and explorative activities. The more clip the rat spends in the interior zone of the unfastened field, and the more explorative the rat is, the less stressed it is perceived to be. Procedure: Each rat was placed separately in a corner of the field and its behavior recorded for 5 proceedingss. All activity was recorded utilizing a picture camera mounted above the unfastened field and scored subsequently by an advanced motion-recognition package bundle ( Noldus Ethovision version 3.1 package ) that detects and analyzes the motions of the rat. The video image of the unfastened field sphere was partitioned into 36 equal-size squares ; 24 boundary line squares and 12 Centre zone squares. Entire distance, mean velocity, and clip spent in assorted parts of the field ( e.g. the boundary line countries vs. the unfastened, in-between country ) were measured and analyzed. Testing was carried out in a temperature, noise and visible radiation controlled room. During the trial process silence was maintained in the trial room. The behavioral trials were performed from 1-1:30 pm day-to-day to guarantee that normal day-to-day fluctuations in corticosterone, circadian beat and activity did non impact the consequences. The rats were placed in a coop in the testing room an hr before the trial in order for them to acclimatise to the new environment. The unfastened field was cleaned with 70 % ethyl alcohol after each rat had been tested. Each rat was tested separately and in a separate trial room. Throughout the full testing-session, the sequence of events and processs was ever the same and the trial fortunes ( managing, room-features, equipment used ) were as standardised and controlled as possible. The full trial process lasted approx. 20 proceedingss per animate being, and was recorded on videotape to let analysis at a ulterior clip. Elevated plus-maze setup ( EPM ) : Elevated plus-maze is the simplest setup to analyze anxiolytic response of about all type of anti anxiousness agents. Exposure of the animate beings to novel maze back street evokes an attack turning away struggle which is stronger in unfastened arm as compared to enclosed arm. Rodents ( rats and mice ) have antipathy for high and unfastened infinite and prefer enclosed arm and, hence, spend greater sum of clip in enclosed arm. When animate beings enter unfastened arm, they freeze, become immobile, defecate and demo fear-like motions. The plasma hydrocortisone degree is besides reported to be increased, as a true contemplation of anxiousness ( Kulkarni et al. , 2009 ) . The elevated plus-maze was somewhat modified from that used by Lister ( Lister et al. , 1987 ) . Briefly, it consisted of two unfastened weaponries ( 30 cmA-5cmA-0.25 centimeter ) and two enclosed weaponries ( 30 cmA- 5cmA- 15 centimeter ) , widening from a cardinal platform ( 5 cmA- 5 centimeter ) and raised 50 centimeters above floor degree. The maze floor was constructed from black Plexiglas and the walls from clear Plexiglas. The conventional spatial-temporal steps recorded were the figure of entries ( all four paws on unfastened or enclosed weaponries and expressed as per centum of entire entries ) , the clip spent on unfastened weaponries ( expressed as per centum of clip spent on closed plus unfastened weaponries ) , figure of entries on enclosed weaponries and the clip on the cardinal platform. Ethologically derived steps were preparing, rise uping, as an emotionally related parametric quantity. A selective addition in the parametric quantities of geographic expedition of the unfastened weaponries of the labyrinth reveals an anxiolytic consequence ( Rodgers et al. , 1992 ; Pellow et al. , 1985 ) .Consequences:Table 1: Open field setup Parameters MEANAÂ ±SD P VALVUE Control Study Group Peripheral ambulation 74.5AÂ ±15.9 92AÂ ±117 & lt ; 0.05* Cardinal ambulation 13.8AÂ ±3.6 4.33AÂ ±1.86 & lt ; 0.001** Rearing 44.17AÂ ±10.5 24.5AÂ ±7.61 & lt ; 0.005** Preparing 31.5AÂ ±5.58 40AÂ ±9.05 & lt ; 0.005** Immobilization 28.6AÂ ±5.82 40.6AÂ ±5.2 & lt ; 0.004** Defecation 0.83AÂ ±0.41 1.83AÂ ±0.98 & lt ; 0.05* Micturition 0.50AÂ ±0.55 2.17AÂ ±1.47 & lt ; 0.03** *significant ** extremely important Fig-1: Consequence of emphasis on assorted Behavioral Parameters in unfastened filed setup Table 2: Elevated plus maize Parameter MEANAÂ ±SD P value Control Study Group Time spent in unfastened arm 38.3AÂ ±5.72 31.5AÂ ±3.89 & lt ; 0.03** Number of Open arm entries 1.67AÂ ±0.52 0.83AÂ ±0.75 & lt ; 0.05* Number of Closed arm entries 2.67AÂ ±1.03 1.5AÂ ±0.84 & lt ; 0.05* Fig 2: Consequence of emphasis on assorted Behavioral Parameters in Elevated plus maizeDiscussion:Forced swimming has been used to arouse stress response in rats [ 13 ] . Psychological emphasis like pes daze, forced swim trial raises degrees of corticosterone in the rats [ 14 ] . Corticosterone- let go ofing endocrine is normally released during emphasis and might be a factor that suppressed nutrient appetency in the forced swimming emphasis. The importance of our survey is apparent that the nerve cells in the encephalon are exposed to pulsatile form of free corticosterone [ 15 ] . The forced swim trial is used as a theoretical account of stress depression in neurological surveies [ 16 ] . In emphasis linked neuropsychiatric upsets like recurrent depressive unwellness, there is grounds of structural alterations in the hippocampus, a encephalon part extensively studied with respect to emphasize [ 17 ] . The present informations indicate that forced swimming emphasis a period of 21 yea rss, 6 hr decreased the whole organic structure weight and nutrient consumption and increased weights of liver, kidney and adrenal secretory organs and explorative behavior. This experiment indicate that 21 yearss of day-to-day emphasis is associated with impaired acquisition and public presentation of a spacial memory undertaking, the behavioral theoretical accounts suggest that the hippocampal wasting nowadays after the emphasis [ 18 ] . The present findings suggest a possible function for endoge-nous opiates in behavioural rousing [ 19 ] . Immobility clip in the emphasis group was 6 hours/ twenty-four hours for 21 yearss significantly reduced the stationariness clip. These consequences indicate that the swimming emphasis caused a down province in the stressed group. Refering neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus part, 5- HIAA/5-HT ratio significantly decreased in the stressed group due to increased 5-HT degrees and decreased 5-HIAA degrees compared to the rats without FST, propos ing that the lessening of the ratio perchance reflects the diminution of 5-HT metabolic activity due to swimming emphasis. These phenomena may be included in cardinal mechanisms of the development of depression. Forced swim emphasis causes to a important alteration ( P & lt ; 0.05 ) on cognitive maps: Forced swim emphasis causes Peripheral Ambulation P & lt ; 0.05, Central Ambulation P & lt ; 0.001, Rearing P & lt ; 0.005, Grooming P & lt ; 0.005, repeated Immobilization P & lt ; 0.004, Defecation P & lt ; 0.05, Urination P & lt ; 0.03, Time spent in unfastened arm P & lt ; 0.03, No. of unfastened arm entries P & lt ; 0.05 and No. of closed arm entries P & lt ; 0.05 and factor damaging the hippocampus causes produce wasting of dendrites of pyramidic nerve cells and neuro endocrinological perturbations, controlled by the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis ( HPA ) . Repeated emphasis in the signifier of forced swimming activates the free extremist procedures taking to an addition in l ipid peroxidation in many tissues [ 20 ] . Decision: This survey reveals the consequence of repeated forced swim emphasis causes broad scope of adaptative alterations in the cardinal nervous system including the lift of 5-hydroxytryptamine ( 5-HT ) metamorphosis and an increased susceptibleness to affectional upsets. The earlier findings have reported that chronic and acute emphasis processs weaken working memory maps in rats. There are really few surveies on bomber ague forced swim emphasis on working memory position of the animate being. The survey was undertaken to measure the assorted behavioural alterations by using sub ague forced swim.

What a Main Idea Is and How to Find It

Questions about the main idea of a passage are popular on reading comprehension tests, but sometimes, those questions are pretty difficult to answer, especially for students who are not completely sure they understand what the main idea really is.  Finding the main idea of a paragraph or longer passage of text is one of the most important reading skills to master, along with concepts like making an inference, finding the authors purpose, or understanding vocabulary words in context. Here are a few techniques to help understand what, exactly, is a main idea and how to identify it accurately in a passage. How to Define the Main Idea The main idea of a paragraph is the primary point or concept that the author wants to communicate to the readers about the topic. Hence, in a paragraph, when the main idea is stated directly, it is expressed in what is called the topic sentence. It gives the overarching idea of what the paragraph is about and is supported by the details in subsequent sentences in the paragraph. In a multi-paragraph article, the main idea is expressed in the thesis statement, which is then supported by individual smaller points. Think of the main idea as a brief but all-encompassing summary. It covers everything the paragraph talks about in a general way, but does not include the specifics. Those details will come in later sentences or paragraphs and add nuance and context; the main idea will need those details to support its argument. For example, imagine a paper discussing the causes of World War I. One paragraph might be dedicated to the role that imperialism played in the conflict. The main idea of this paragraph might be something like: Constant competition for massive empires led to increasing tensions in Europe that eventually erupted into World War I. The rest of the paragraph might explore what those specific tensions were, who was involved, and why the countries were seeking empires, but the main idea just introduces the overarching argument of the section. When an author does not state the main idea directly,  it should still be implied, and is called an implied main idea. This requires that the reader look closely at the content—at specific words, sentences, images that are used and repeated—to deduce what the author is communicating. How to Find the Main Idea Finding the main idea is critical to understanding what you are reading. It helps the details make sense and have relevance, and provides a framework for remembering the content. Try these specific tips to pinpoint the main idea of a passage. 1) Identify the Topic Read the passage through completely, then try to identify the topic. Who or what is the paragraph about? This part is just figuring out a topic like cause of World War I or new hearing devices; dont worry yet about deciding what argument the passage is making about this topic. 2) Summarize the Passage After reading the passage thoroughly, summarize it in your own words in one sentence. Pretend you have just ten to twelve words to tell someone what the passage is about—what would you say? 3) Look at the First and Last Sentences of the Passage Authors often put the main idea in or near either the first or last sentence of the paragraph or article, so isolate those sentences to see if they make sense as the overarching theme of the passage. Be careful: sometimes the author will use words like but, however,  in contrast, nevertheless, etc. that indicate that the second sentence is actually the main idea. If you see one of these words that negate or qualify the first sentence, that is a clue that the second sentence is the main idea. 4) Look for Repetition of Ideas If you read through a paragraph and you have no idea how to summarize it because there is so much information, start looking for repeated words, phrases, or related ideas. Read this example paragraph: A new hearing device uses a magnet to hold the detachable sound-processing portion in place. Like other aids, it converts sound into vibrations, but it is unique in that it can transmit the vibrations directly to the magnet and then to the inner ear. This produces a clearer sound. The new device will not help all hearing-impaired people—only those with a hearing loss caused by infection or some other problem in the middle ear. It will probably help no more than 20 percent of all people with hearing problems. Those people who have persistent ear infections, however, should find relief and restored hearing with the new device. What does this paragraph consistently talk about? A new hearing device. What is it trying to convey? A new hearing device is now available for some, but not all, hearing-impaired people. Thats the main idea! Avoid Main Idea Mistakes Choosing a main idea from a set of answer choices is different than composing a main idea on your own. Writers of multiple choice tests  are often tricky and will give you distractor questions that sound much like the real answer. By reading the passage thoroughly, using your skills, and identifying the main idea on your own, though, you can avoid making these 3 common mistakes: selecting an answer that is too narrow in scope; selecting an answer that is too broad; or selecting an answer that is complex but contrary to the main idea.   Resources and Further Reading How to Find a Stated Main IdeaHow to Find an Implied  Main IdeaFinding the Main Idea PracticeFinding Main Ideas In Paragraphs,  http://english.glendale.cc.ca.us/topic.htmlFinding the Main Idea, Columbia College Updated by Amanda Prahl

Ratio and Financial Statement Analysis Essay - 2539 Words

Executive Summary This paper examines financial ratio analysis by defining, the three groups of stakeholders that use financial ratios, the five different kinds of ratios used and their applications, the analytical tools used in analysis, and finally financial ratio analysis limitations and benefits. The paper illustrates that financial ratio analysis is an important tool for firm’s to evaluate their financial health in order to identify areas of weakness so as to institute corrective measures. While financial ratio analysis does contain limitations that include little theory to guide them as well as the use of accounting data based on historical costs that may not reflect a firm’s true economic conditions, it is an excellent tool†¦show more content†¦One is Working capital to total assets ratio that measures a firm’s ability to pay off its short-term liabilities and is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets divided by total assets. The retained earnings to total assets ratio that measures a firm’s use of its total asset base to generate earnings is also used. It is important to note that retained earnings can be easily manipulated distorting the final calculation. The third financial ratio used by the Z score formula is the market value of equity to book value of debt. This is the inverse of the debt to equity ratio, and it shows the amount a firm’s assets can decline in value before liabilities exceed assets. For closely held firms, stockholders’ equity or total assets less total liabilities can be used but this amount has not been statistically verified for purposes of the formula. The sale to total assets ratio that measures a firm’s ability to generate sales with its asset base is also used. The fifth financial ratio is the operating income to total assets. This ratio is the most important factor in the formula because its profit that eventually makes or breaks a firm. In calculating the Z score, each of these ratios is given a weight factor that is used within the formula. (IOMA’s report, 2003). See appendix I for the Z score formula and how to interpret the results obtained. The Z score is used by firms when running regular financial data and firms use it to spotShow MoreRelatedFinancial Statement Analysis And Ratios909 Words   |  4 Pages17 covers the financial statement analysis and ratios. Financial statement analysis is the process of examining financia l statements that will depict the financial position of the company allowing them to make better financial decisions. A typical financial statement consist of a balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement and notes to account. The most common being the balance sheet and the income statement. 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