How to Clean the Harman Pf100 Furnace

How to Clean the Harman PF100 Furnace Here are step-by-step instructions for cleaning your Harman PF100 Pellet Furnace. These instructions are to be used in conjunction with the owner’s manual that came with your furnace. If you have any questions about the procedure please don’t hesitate to call your local authorized dealer. In order to maintain top efficiency it is important to clean and vacuum the inside of the furnace 3 or 4 times per burn season. The furnace is designed to be very easy to clean and it should take about an hour to complete. A thorough cleaning is required at the end of each heating season.Keep in mind that cleaning both your insert and venting system is essential. It boosts heat output and keeps the furnace running at maximum efficiency. Many Harman dealers offer annual cleaning services for their customers. Please read through this entire guide before beginning. TOOLS YOU WILL NEED: Dust Mask & Safety Goggles Shop vacuum w/fine dust (HEPA) filter S tandard socket set or nut driver set Tooth brush 3† to 4† paintbrush Small putty knife Hearth glass cleaner Paper towels Rubber gloves (soot really gets into pores) Drop cloth Flashlight or drop light 4 in. lexible brush (for venting pipe) Burn pot scraper (included w/furnace) TIPS BEFORE YOU START: Be sure the furnace is completely out and cool (and unplugged from electrical power! ). The furnace must be completely out before cleaning. Every part must be cool to the touch, including the pellets that are left in the burn pot. Live pellets are a fire hazard – especially if they get sucked into a vacuum cleaner. Every year there are stories of house vacuums catching fire by inadvertently sucking up hot ashes. Worse still this can be the source of a house fire!Hot ashes should be stored in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. When the ashes are completely out they can be used as a soil conditioner for your lawn or garden. Wear a dust mask! This is important! D on’t be foolhardy when it comes to protecting your lungs. Wear a mask and protective goggles. Professional chimney sweeps wear both while performing cleaning tasks. STEP #1: PREPARE THE WORK AREA Start by placing a drop cloth on the floor in front of your furnace. Alternatively you can use newspaper. Keep your tools on the drop cloth so you can wrap them in it and take them outside for cleaning when you are done.STEP #2: CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE BURN POT Open the side access door (Fig. 1) and begin by removing loose soot deposits from within the burn pot. Remove the flame guide and vacuum the ash from the burn pot and above the burn pot (Fig. 2). Fig. 2 Fig. 1 Fig. 3 Clean the burn pot using the scraper provided (Fig. 3). Use the flat end of the scraper to remove the carbon from the burn pot. Alternatively use a hammer and a straight tip screw driver to tap the deposits loose. STEP #3: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE BURN POT You’ll now need to clean ash from inside the bur n pot.Remove the clean out plate under the burn pot by loosening the two wing nuts holding the plate in place (Fig. 4). You many need to use pliers to loosen the wing nuts initially. Vacuum all ash from the burn pot’s interior (Fig. 5). Fig. 6 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Use your finger to brush out any ash that can’t be reached with the nozzle of the vacuum (Fig. 6). After cleaning, be sure the plate is fully closed before hand tightening the wing nuts. (Note: Do not tighten the wing nuts with pliers. ) STEP #4: REMOVE THE UPPER BAFFLE PLATE Remove the upper baffle plate from the firebox on the wall opposite the burn-pot.To accomplish this, lift the cover plate up about 1/2† and it can be removed for cleaning (Fig. 7). Use the pointed end of the scraper and a brush to clean the heat exchanger behind the cover, let the ashes fall into the ash pan. Clean the remainder of the inside of the burn chamber using the scraper, putty knife, brush and vacuum. Fig. 7 Second Baffle Plate: After all the scraping and brushing of ashes is complete you can remove and empty the ash pan. There is a second baffle plate located below the upper baffle plate that becomes accessible when the ash pan is removed.Tip the top of the cover forward and lift up and out of the furnace. Do a final clean-up of the baffle and vacuuming of the inside of the firebox area and the ash pan (ashes noted by lower right arrow on Fig. 7). Replace the baffle plates being sure they are securely latched into position. Also, be sure the flame guide is replaced on the burn pot. Replace the ash pan, close and latch the firebox door and outside cover door. STEP #5: REMOVE THE COMBUSTION MOTOR First, remove the combustion blower cover. The combustion blower housing is held in place with two flip latches (Fig. ). Next, remove the combustion motor by first loosening the three thumb screws (Fig. 9). You can then twist the motor assembly counter-clockwise to remove it. NOTE: The motor wires do not need to be disconnected. Fig. 8 Fig. 9 STEP #6: CLEAN THE COMBUSTION MOTOR & SURROUNDING AREA When the combustion blower is removed, the inside of the combustion blower area (Fig. 10) needs to be brushed and vacuumed. Next, the fins of the combustion blower (Fig. 11) will need detailed cleaning as they will accumulate sooty dust.Although the combustion fan is shown removed in this view for clarity (Fig. 12), you do not need to disconnect the wiring of the motor for this step. The fins of the blower need to be carefully cleaned with a toothbrush. Be extra careful not to bend the fins on the combustion blower as this may cause an imbalance or interference with the inside of the blower housing when it is reassembled. Fig. 10 Fig. 11 Fig. 12 STEP #7: CLEAN THE AUGER DRIVE BOX The next step is to clean the inside of the pellet feed mechanism and a general cleanup â€Å"under the hood† of the furnace.Start by removing the large sheet-metal cover under the pellet hopper (Fig. 13). There are f our screws holding this cover in place; two are located as seen in the image in fig. 13. The other two screws are on the other side of the furnace. You need only to loosen the screws a few turns and slide the cover off. Fig. 13 Under the cover you will find the feeder assembly; you will need to remove the wing nut in the center of the housing cover (Fig. 14) and remove the cover. After removing the cover, clean out the inside of the housing (Fig. 15) with a small brush and a vacuum.Replace the auger assembly cover and wing nut and then the outer sheet metal cover. Tighten the sheet metal cover screws snuggly and you are done cleaning the â€Å"engine housing†. Fig. 14 Fig. 15 STEP #8: CLEAN OR REPLACE THE AIR FILTER You will need to clean or replace the air filter on the filter box (Fig. 16). Follow the air filter manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning or replacement. Filters are widely available at hardware stores and home centers. Fig. 16 STEP #9: SWEEP THE ENTIRE FLUE SYSTEM It is very important that the entire flue system is inspected and cleaned once per year.In order to clean the flue system you will need to sweep it from its exit point using rods and an appropriately sized brush. You may need to take apart sections of pipe in order to do this. Note: Professional installers often design the venting system so that certain joints can be taken apart. These joints will often have either aluminum tape or silicone caulking on the outside. Use a knife to scrape off the silicone caulking on the joints you plan to take apart. If your pellet stove is installed into an existing chimney you will need to clean the chimney as well as the pellet pipe.To do this you will need the appropriate sized chimney brush and rods. (i. e. a six inch diameter chimney will need a 6† diameter brush) Once the flue system has been cleaned, reconnect and recaulk the pellet vent. High temperature RTV silicone caulking will work for this. Note: it is very important t hat each joint of the pipe within the home be airtight. Even small pinhole leaks can leak smoke! If you have any questions regarding any aspect of these cleaning instructions, please refer back to your Owner’s Manual or contact your authorized Harman dealer.

Budget Essay

Here you should describe how you arrived at your sales forecast in section 2. 1. You should also provide any detailed calculations that led you to the sales forecast values. You should also summarize any research or figures that led you to make this sales forecast. Note: your description of assumptions should also include a reference to an authoritative, outside (non-text, etc. ) resource cited in â€Å"Section 6. 0 Works Cited†. Here you should provide a screenshot of your capital expenditure budget, also listing the sources of data and assumptions that led to each line item in table format. Briefly describe the total investment and, if necessary, why major items are necessary to achieve the company’s strategy. Note: on the internet, you can research â€Å"capital expenditures† in the Internal Revenue Code – not on the IRS website – and that will help you identify the types of expenditures that should be distinguished from other expenses. From there, you can research the internet for examples of capital expenditure budgets to get an idea of the formatting or review the examples at http://office. microsoft. com/en-us/excel-help/ Briefly describe the NVP, IRR, accounting rate of return, and payback period for all 5 years of this analysis. Indicate the discount rate you used, and how you arrived at it. Note: your description of assumptions should also include a reference to an authoritative, outside (non-text, etc. ) resource cited in â€Å"Section 6. 0   provides examples of each of the Section items required below, so review those examples and tutorials very carefully to ensure maximum points.

The Church as Forgiving Community: an Initial Model

The Church as Forgiving Community: An Initial Model Liberty University Summary To forgive is not to condone, excuse, forget, or even to reconcile. To forgive is to offer mercy to someone who has acted unjustly (Magnuson; and Enright, 2008). The study of forgiveness in this research article leads us down a path of insightful hopefulness for reconciliation, peace, trust, self-esteem and greater self-actualization. Along with humanistic values this article gives the reader a deeper comfort in the mercies that is given from a greater high power when forgiveness is asserted.The overall premise of â€Å"The Forgiving Community,† as an initial model was a great starting point for greater research. Within the article we see why a basic theory could be important and should be implemented, especially in the case of reaching our children before a culture of unforgiveness and grudges engulf them. The main idea of this article was how to train the church community to instill the forgiving model. One of those ideas of how to instill the forgiving model was for forgivers to learn from their forgiveness and understand one must forgive because they have been forgiven for something themselves.As forgiveness is given and received both recipients, especially the forgiver now see that we all live in a world full of brokenness yet we still yearn to be restored into full fellowship with one another. While the authors were building their case for the forgiving community model they really focused on trying to teach the forgiving model. Looking at forgiveness as a model in the church within the numerous levels of its hierarchy was greatly insightful. Because, this lead to a purpose driven environment that was built on the back of repetition.This shows an effort not to exclude anyone out of the conversation as one is trying to make a lifestyle of living in the atmosphere of forgiveness. Interaction At first glance this article seemed interesting to me simply because of its title. It was one of those things that you look at and say, should not it be that way anyway. As a pastor I have been teaching on forgiveness and confession for a number of weeks in my bible study class. Everything that has been read and the scriptures that have been used in my study time have validated my conclusions of the past few weeks.Not only has my conclusions been validated it has now allowed me to deepen my studies with some empirical materials to allow my class to partake into some knowledge outside of scripture interpretation. This journal piece has challenged me as a pastor to become more psychological in my studies and further deliberate in my method of teaching. There should be a continuum of information that is given out not just from the pastor but from every auxiliary leader so that the message is not just heard but is embedded to all that are receiving the message.This will lead to the sustainability of a message and a life of character change, which will lead one to a li fe of self-gratification, healing, love and respect for self and others. Robert D. Enright is not just noted as an author in this article but a lot of his work is also cited in this article. Because of the dynamic references in this article his books are now on my reading list for future sermons and bible study topics especially on the topic of forgiveness.Along with reading his other works, there is a piece of me that wants to see how he interprets the scriptures of forgiveness through the lens of academics. Is there a more spiritual rational for his belief of forgiveness or is it mere empirical data received through research. Application The counseling session topics that will be used in this scenario are rape and forgiveness. Based on the article we would have to establish a level of comfortability and trust for this conversation even to blossom.Because rape is such a private encounter and the lack of trust that is in the mind of the victim; encouraging one to release their fears and pains is a delicate task. Initially, I would create a series of messages dealing with forgiveness, confidence, love, misconduct, rejection and/or acceptance. This would be done in a group setting and the conventional church service setting. There would then be a time of self-evaluation and reflection so that individuals have time to process the actions of their past lives.Afterward, there will be a time of one-on-one discussion to feed the beast of past pains and allow the clients to see since one is still here God has a continued plan past their hurtful ordeal. The subsequent steps of further sessions will be how to forgive others and how to forgive oneself for the past actions after the rape occurred. Using the church as a forgiveness community we will allow others to discuss their past and how they made it through as in the life of Joseph with his brothers in Genesis the 50th chapter.A beginning and ending of any session would begin like this, â€Å"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done† (Genesis 50:20, New Living Translation). You can accept the past. No one sin, no one exploits, no one choice on your part is too big for God to handle or for God to work out. Just look at Joseph! The same brothers that plotted, sold, and lied about him had to rely on him for their survival. You can embrace the present. There is no place in your life to ride the, what if thrill ride.The past is forgiven and gone, and the future is in God’s hands; so you are free to focus on your present: because you’re present is where God’s love, grace and mercy will stream from. You can look expectantly toward the future. Even if you make mistakes today, God still controls your future. Even when things appear to be terrible, you can trust that God is still working out his divine plan for your life. Reference Magnuson, C. M. , & Enright, R. D. (2008). The church as forgiving community: An initial model. Jo urnal of Psychology and Theology, 36, 114-123.

The Impact of Private Education On Expatriate Teachers In Saudi Arabia Research Proposal

The Impact of Private Education On Expatriate Teachers In Saudi Arabia - Research Proposal Example The main objectives of this study are: to gauge the emotional, social and financial impact on the expatriate teachers of their jobs in private educational institutes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; to explore the difficulties that they may have faced due to the changed educational system; to assess if there has been any change in the teaching methods of the expatriate teachers, and if they intended to adapt the changes when they return to teaching in their native countries. The current study proposes to use a descriptive research method that helps in elaborating upon the existing state of affairs. This study is hoped to be designed so that the data collected is authentic and accurate. In order to ensure this, both the secondary data, via a literature review, and primary data, through a questionnaire are to be used. A rigid research design is to be adopted to reduce bias and improve reliability. For this a sample is to be selected on the basis of convenience sampling, and data collected via interview method using an open ended questionnaire. The data collection is qualitative in nature as the responses are proposed to be recorded by the researcher verbatim and later analyzed, again using a qualitative approach. The sample for the current research will be taken from among the expatriate teachers community living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The teachers who are proposed to be included in the study would be from elementary schools, high schools and coll eges and would have spent between 1 to 5 years in Saudi Arabia.

Determining the Effectiveness of Graphic Organizers Research Paper

Determining the Effectiveness of Graphic Organizers - Research Paper Example Study Justification The graphic organizers do not remain within the bounds of books. Nowadays, almost in every academic institution; they are frequently used. Additionally, expository terms and texts are mostly written in a vogue manner; additionally, many academic authors use sophisticated language that hinders many students to properly understand the exact meaning of the text. In this regard, it becomes highly necessary to understand and determine the effectiveness of graphic organizers. Research Questions 1. What is an academic performance difference that is provided by the graphic organizers? 2. What makes graphic organizers to be more effective? Hypothesis Graphic organizers have been effective in diminishing the impacts of learning disabilities and at the same time upgrade the academic performance of the students. Null Hypothesis Learning disabilities do not remain the same regardless whether semantic mapping or cognitive mapping is utilized. Variables There exist two types of variables-independent and dependent variable. The independent variable is one that does not depend on the function of any other variable, and the opposite is true about the dependent variable. In this research proposal, they are: Independent variable = cognitive mapping or semantic mapping Dependent variable= Learning disabilities Assumptions 1. ... Cognitive Mapping Cognitive mapping facilitates developing significant ideas and relationships by employing arrows, spatial arrangements and lines with an aim of evaluating and understanding a particular text, context structure or a relationship between different concepts (Darch & Eaves, 1986). Semantic Feature Analysis Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) is constructed in a way to enabling students to identify and comprehend relevant but pertinent pieces of information from lecture or text. The shape of matrix is used to present conceptual characteristics; and a matrix relationship uses vocabulary for its development, which represents the coordinate concepts installed at the top of the matrix and the vocabulary provides the subordinate concepts along the side (Bos & Anders, 1990). Semantic Mapping Semantic mapping enables students to highlight significant pieces of information from a lecture of text. In addition, students can pinpoint the isolated parts of information from the lecture o f text after identifying the main ideas supporting the main theme of the concept. In this way, semantic mapping is highly relevant to make better reading sense (Little &Box, 2011, p.27). Syntactic/Semantic Feature Analysis Syntactic/ Semantic Feature Analysis (SSFA) do not much differ from the concept of SFA. However, some difference such as adding the cloze-type sentences, for which matrix provides its base, are included to in the SSFA concept. In this concept, cloze sentences comprise of empty spaces. And, the empty spaces are to be filled up by the students by comprehending the context of the sentence and the SFA matrix. Visual Display Using computational manner, the visual displays are constructed in a way to represent concepts, relationships or facts spatially. In

Proposed Interpretation to a Dilemma Faced Prime Minister Essay

Proposed Interpretation to a Dilemma Faced Prime Minister - Essay Example The Prime Minister may just cause the revocation of the appointment made to her daughter by instructing or influencing the board members who have a final say on the election of her daughter. The Prime Minister must remember that the position upon which appointment was made in favor of her daughter was not a confidential one under him for which the Prime Minister may find exemption under the existing laws of Canada. If the Prime Minister cannot avoid conflict on interest through revoking the appointment by his influence, the Prime Minister could still avail of some mitigation measure. 3.2 Disclosure of Financial and other material interest of the daughter. Under existing regulations conflict of interest could be controlled by disclosing the extent to which decisions could be affected reason of having relatives in the office for which any public official may be involved with. It is a recognized principle in good business practice that disclosing the possible source of conflict of inter est might at least prevent the instance of such public interest as the public is warned that the appointed daughter may not be inclined to enter into any contract that would redound to her personal interest. Thus the practice of requiring high-ranking government officials to disclose financial information on her assets such as stock, debts such as loans, and/or corporate positions held, typically annually or as required by existing rules may be appropriate in the case of the daughter of the Prime Minister.

Should driver's be allowed to use cell phones while driving Essay

Should driver's be allowed to use cell phones while driving - Essay Example NHTSA) survey reports that 44 percent of drivers have a phone with them when they drive, 7 percent have e-mail access, and 3 percent have facsimile capabilities. Those numbers are likely to increase. Other technologies that increase possible distractions will also be added to new vehicles, such as easily accessing the internet, getting directions electronically, and receiving real-time information on traffic patterns. With the growing use of modern mobile telephony among the world population, there has been fear of carelessness among users especially when driving. The fear is further compounded by the fact that the majority of mobile telephone users are the youthful generation. Another worrying aspect is that the growing middle class, whose population is also youthful. The growing middle class is associated with the increase in the number of vehicles on the roads. The youth have been described as relatively careless as compared with their older counterparts. The significant costs of mobile phone usage while driving is the increased risk of vehicle accidents, some leading to serious injury or death. It is estimated that up to 41,000 people die in vehicle accidents each year in the United States, with a bigger percentage being caused by drivers who use their mobile phones while driving. These concerns have led to increased call for a ban on the use of mobile phones while driving. This paper is inte nded to provide a cost-benefit analysis of a ban on mobile phone while driving. According to Cohen & Graham (2003), if there is total compliance to a ban on the use of mobile phones while driving, both the benefits and costs of using mobile phones while driving would be eliminated, therefore resulting to a zero-sum game. They also argue that the proportion of property-damage-only crashes, injuries and fatalities attributed to mobile phone usage are equal. Their study further argues that incremental crash risk is proportional to the time spent on the phone. This third

Building and mapping a small area deprivation index for health needs Essay

Building and mapping a small area deprivation index for health needs assessment - Essay Example ... Pg 6 REFERENCES†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Pg 6 INTRODUCTION: Deprivation Indices are produce to estimate the socio-economic crises in small areas which in other terms are affecting, health of the population living in rare areas. It gives a collective detail of the situation of economic environment which ultimately reflects the health environment. It is observed generally that low income families, have high ratio of health or other medical illnesses. It is hard to bring each individual on paper but proper estimation can also serve the purpose well. These indices can clear up the issue, whether deprivation is linked with Coronary Heart Diseases, because it is suspected that low income families cannot afford the an appropriate amount of fruits and vegetable which leads them to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other problems. Smoking can also be a factor but it is also because of the poor economic and health conditions. Carstairs index was first build in 1980 to use it in keeping health records and calculate deprivation in small areas in United Kingdom about material disadvantages, which was somehow affecting people’s health. ... One of such index was build and mapped by carstairs (carstairs and Morris 1991) which was later analyzed by Morgan and Baker. Carstairs index was build accordingly, which was previously used to manipulate different geographical area of deprived majorities. There were certain reasons why carstairs index was selected by Morgan and Baker, though a lot of different indices were introduced like Townsend Index and Indices of Multiple Deprivation(IMD) which covers other aspects like crime, education, income etc. Carstairs index covers four major censuses which are: Low Social Class: A head in household, who is economically active in social class IV and V. Unemployment: Males 16 or above are unemployed Overcrowding: Residents in household with one or more persons in one room. Lack of car ownership: Residents in households with no car. All these censuses were measured as per set proportion and Carstairs index is based on census’s result to achieve an objective result for an entire popu lation. Carstairs index was chosen by Oliver Morgan and Allan Baker to analyze the situation of growing deprivation because Carstairs index was previously used in ONS studies for analysis. Carstairs index is preferred for another good reason that it precisely estimated with conceptual and practical demonstration. Whereas only conceptual study can lead to over estimations and can misguide different functional bodies. ADVANTAGES: There are advantages in covering small areas for censuses includes that it gives a more clear picture of deprivation and can classify issues separately. Carstairs index covers small areas which provide specific figures of material deprivation in relation with health assessment. Large Areas would make

Understanding of the Internets core elements & workings Essay

Understanding of the Internets core elements & workings - Essay Example Understanding of the Internets core elements & workings In client/server architecture, the application and database reside on one host computer, the file server and each server is accessible by all computers on the network. The Internet transmits data from host to client server, and if it finds the receiving computer on a network to which the first computer is directly connected, it sends the message directly. If the receiving computer is not on the same network as the sending computer, the sending computer relays the message to another computer that can forward it. The same way the computers communicate through the network to access Internet. Network that link systems worldwide to access the Internet pass data in form of chunks called Packets, each of which carries the address of its sender and its receiver. The set of conventions used to pass packets from one host to another is known as Internet Protocol (IP). In order to access the Internet one must have an account with the service provider and software that allows a direct link via TCP/IP. LAN/WAN servers are used for communication. Internet is a connection of interconnected networks, which are capable of freely exchanging information while WWW is an Internet service-comprising tens of thousands of independently owned computers that work together as one. These computers are called web servers scattered all over the world and contain every type of data.

Over the next 30 years, what are the risks to National Security posed Essay - 2

Over the next 30 years, what are the risks to National Security posed by increased competition for energy and food resources; and what initiatives might Qatar pursue to reduce these risks - Essay Example Massive reliance on imports poses the risk of biological or chemical attack, or even intentional food contamination by international suppliers1. There is, therefore, a critical concern to national security when a country relies heavily on international supplies. Another key risk relates to price factors in both food and energy. Economic and political disturbances around the world spread shockwaves to the affected states. In such an event, Qatar and other GCC members would be on the receiving end. The influence of global states when it comes to prices could cripple domestic operations designed to enhance national security. In other words, food security that primarily depends on international trade comes with price-based risks2. Finally, the risk of terrorism will heighten as competition for food and energy increases. To reduce these risks, Qatar will need to secure her imports from around the world, as well as enhance food security at the domestic level3. Most importantly, initiatives to dismantle extremist groups and terrorists will play a fundamental role in reducing threats to national

Summarize the legal characteristics of personal property, real Essay - 3

Summarize the legal characteristics of personal property, real property, and bailments - Essay Example In the situation given, the fence may be considered a fixture if Eve and Frank or the previous owners thereof who sold the same in their favor, put up the fence with the intention of placing it there permanently. This may be determined by any or all of the following considerations: (i) materials used in the fence; and (ii) nature of business being conducted in the real property/land. If the materials used were light so that it can be easily destroyed or transferred, the owners thereof may have intended to classify the fence as personal property because the ‘permanent’ character cannot be seen therefrom. However, if the materials used in building the fence were strong such as concrete or steel, it can be easily inferred therefrom that the intention was to treat the fence as real property due to its permanent character. Also, the intention or purpose for building the fence may be gleaned from the nature of business in the area which is warehousing. Apparently, warehouse is supposed to be guarded to keep the contents thereof safe from burglars and robbers. Thus, it is quite logical to conclude that the fence may have been built by Eve and Frank for the sole purpose of giving protection to the warehouse which is within the area. The business of warehousing cannot be conducted if there will be no fence to safeguard it. Sometimes, a thing starts as personal property but by lapse of time and change in needs of the owners or parties involved, the same transforms into a real property. In this case, if the fence was built prior to the warehouse, the fence may have been previously treated as personal property. However, upon construction of the warehouse, the fence may have ripened into a real property because it became a necessary part of the warehousing

Time and Truth Essay Example for Free

Time and Truth Essay The unreal in English is used to talk about things in your imagination, but which are not true. The unreal is often used with if and wish. Present Unreal Conditional The present unreal talks about the present time, life today, right now, but imagining (or wishing) something that is untrue. In a wish sentence, or in an if-clause, you use the past tense to show that the verb is unreal about the present. The main clause (often called the â€Å"result† clause) uses would: If I had a lot of money, I would buy a house. (The truth is that you don’t have a lot of money. ) If I knew Japanese, I would work in Tokyo. (The truth is that you don’t know Japanese. ) I wish I had a better job. If I had a good job, I would be much happier. (The truth is that you don’t have a good job. ) I wish I knew how to type. If I knew how to type, I would be able to get a better job. (The truth is that you don’t know how to type. ) The verb to be is always were in the unreal, no matter who the subject is: He wishes he were the mayor. If he were mayor, he would solve the homeless problem. (The truth is that he is not the mayor. ) If I were taller, I would play basketball. I wish I were six feet tall. (The truth is that you are not tall. ) Exercise 1. She doesn’t speak English, so she doesn’t understand you. If she ____________ English, she ______________________ you. 2. He can’t drive, so he won’t buy a car. If he _________________________, he _____________________ a car. 3. He isn’t rich, so he won’t buy a beach house. If he _____________________ rich, he ___________________ a beach house. 4. He eats too much, so he’s fat. If he ________________________ too much, he ___________________ fat. [Note: You need to use didn’t in this sentence. ] Past Unreal Conditional (Rick Shur, page 2 of 2) A wished or imagined idea about a past event is called the past unreal. The verb in the wish clause or if-clause is put in the past perfect (had + past participle) to show the past unreal. The main clause (the â€Å"result† clause) will use would have + past participle. When I was a child, I hated school. (This is the truth, what really happened. You hated school.) If I had liked school better, I would have studied and [I would have] learned more. I wish I had been a better student as a boy. I wish I had had better teachers, too. I wish my parents had forced me to do my homework. (The truth is that you didn’t like school, you didn’t study, you didn’t learn, you were not a good student, you didn’t have good teachers, and your parents didn’t force you to do your homework. ) If she had reminded me that yesterday was her birthday, I would have bought her a present. At least, I would have sent her a card. (The truth is that she didn’t remind you, so you didn’t buy her a present. ) I wish the Mets had won the game last night! If they had won, I would have made a lot of money. If the Mets had beaten the Yankees, I would have won $200. (The truth is that the Mets didn’t win, and you didn’t win any money. You lost! ) Exercise 1. She didn’t give me her phone number, so I wasn’t able to call her. If she ___________________________ her phone number, I ________________________________able to call her. 2. He didn’t have his wallet with him last night, so he didn’t buy the book. If he ____________________________ his wallet with him, he ________________________________ the book. 3. They didn’t get to the airport in time, so they missed their flight. If they __________________________ to the airport in time, they ________________________________ their flight. [Note: You need to use wouldn’t in this sentence! ] 4. He wasn’t able to open the wine bottle, so they didn’t drink wine. If he ___________________________ able to open the wine bottle, they _______________________________ wine.

Hospitality And Tourism In Lebanon Tourism Essay

Hospitality And Tourism In Lebanon Tourism Essay Lebanon is a very old nation rich in natural beauty. It provides charming seashores and internal mountainous area with fresh surroundings. Accommodations vary from extravagance establishments to mid-range hotels providing to families. Leisure can be set up in these hotels for both children and parents. Transportations in Lebanon are easy to access; buses and taxis are all over the place. Lebanon is famous for its old and new attractions for example museums, grottos and ski resorts. Cities as well are attractions to tourists; in each city there is something new to learn about and experience. Lebanon is filled with local and international restaurants. Prices differ as you get to choose the location and type of cuisine. Besides that, cruises became popular in Lebanon, different type of games in it has let the tourist to come and experience. Other gaming sectors are also found in Lebanon, for instance skiing, and bungee jumping from the high mountains within the destination. The clubs present plenty of preferences and mixtures of services so guests can experience and have fun. The mixture of entertaining and meetings has aimed to the higher the expansion movement in tourism. Apart from that, most of the facilities marketing departments have adopted a customer segmentation system so as to optimize revenues and reduce on the expenses. This leads to maximized yields. Segmentation gives the clients a sense of belonging and makes them loyal to the clubs. The sales staff is also highly trained so that they can handle ambitious targets and execute them in real time. Lebanon welcomes the guests with its warm hospitality that everyone talks about. Introduction Lebanon, the smallest country in the Middle East, has been an important destination and a spotlight to tourists from around the world for its strategic position next to the Mediterranean Sea. Its tourism industry rate has been increasing each year. Lebanon is popular for its ancient history that had gone from the remains of ancient Roman to well conserved palaces of the medieval times. Looking at its touristic side, Lebanon is the only Arab country that offers skiing activities, and for its breathtaking scenery, it offers a spectacular view of the old and new. As for its night life, Lebanon has the best restaurant club in the Middle East, the Sky Bar, where foreign lives the inspiration of its special events and wild life. Beside the night parties, Lebanon still maintains its high quality food such as Tabouleh, Hommous, Kebbeh, and not forgetting its traditional desserts Knafe and Um Ali. On the other hand, hospitality plays a very important role where traditional Lebanese hotels are highly recommended for their gracious services. Hotels there welcome you with the best hospitality in which they make sure to please their guests. By far, Lebanon is one of the most popular Arab countries that most tourists visit and speak highly about its hospitality. Accessibility The transportation infrastructure in Lebanon is very different as some areas have high quality especially modern primary and secondary roads, bridges, highways and most importantly the Beirut international airports. Whereas some parts of the country still have poor road conditions due to the Lebanese civil war in (1975-1990) and Lebanon War (2006) with Israel that damaged the roads and railed networks massively. The major forms of transport in Lebanon are buses, taxis, and ferries. The most popular mode of transportation is the service taxis, which is easily identifiable from the red number plate. Apart from travelling from the international airport, one can travel through to Lebanon from Cyprus by ferry and Damascus by road. Amenities Tourists would like to improve their experience when traveling; therefore they would like to shop. Lebanon is very well known for its fashion designers, so tourists are able to visit the boutiques that are located in Beirut. Malls are located in Beirut as well. Traditional Lebanese shops can be found on the streets, where tourists can have a look and grab something for a memory. Also, festivals like Baalbek, Byblos and Beiteddine take place each year presenting different themes. Mostly, these events have opportunities toward tourists to find out remarkable sites and cherish some moments. In addition, Lebanon includes best hospitals with experienced doctors that have completed their field in Europe. When it comes to education, universities in Lebanon are widely recognized as the best edification in the Middle East. Attractions Lebanon holds large selection of valleys, old structures, and admired traveler places that must be explored by tourists when visiting. From Beirut to Baalbek, Sidon to Tyre, Tripoli to Byblos, and many more cities in Lebanon are themselves tourists attractions. Beirut National Museum is an example of the historic monuments that was recognized in Lebanon in 1937 and was officially opened in 1942. This museum holds several pieces of antiques and work of art back then from the ancient era. Another museum tourists visits the most is Gibran museum that opened in 1995. Besides that, Jeita Grotto a beautiful limestone cave is positioned in the North of Beirut. Its one of the main attractions and was elected to be one of the 7 wonders of the world. It consists of lower and upper caves. Tourists should take a boat to discover the lower cave, as it controls a belowground river which supplies the Lebanese with fresh water. Accommodations Lebanon is always ready when it comes to accommodations. Other than hotels and chalets, many cities in Lebanon like Batroun and Jounieh offer apartments and villas for rent. One of the trendiest is SAIFI Suites; it is to be found in the center of Beirut. Its next to the Gemmayzeh; the best place for social and entertainment activities at night. This 4-star hotel tends to provide Wi-Fi without charging the customer, and leisure centers for relaxation. For site seen, this accommodation contains a balcony in each suite where you are able to glaze at the beautiful view of the town. The hotels restaurant and wine lounge, serve selections of food and beverages to satisfy the customers needs. There are room types in this hotel; one of them is the deluxe one-bedroom suite that holds a maximum of two people and is for 844 AED per night. Restaurants Lebanon still maintains its reliability when it comes to food. The traditional Lebanese food is highly spoken about and enjoyed by many people around the world. However, tourists can experience not only Lebanese cuisines but also different types of cuisines that are extended throughout the cities and villages restaurants in Lebanon. All restaurants differ in prices depending on the location and the category they fall in. For instance, Al Dente is an Italian restaurant in the Albergo Hotel at Achrafieh. Ità ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s a quiet restaurant, where tourists can listen to Italian music playing in the background while dining. Moreover, downtown Beirut includes many restaurants with reasonable prices that satisfy everyone. Karam Beirut is one of the restaurants there, which targets many tourists who look for the best Lebanese restaurant. Hotels Known for its hospitality, Lebanon offers the tourists 500 different choices of hotels to experience. These hotels are classified from their quality and service depending on the position and price. Most top hotels that provide greatest services are known to be located at the sea-side. For example, The Riviera Hotel, a 5 star rate in Beirut, located opposite to the Mediterranean Sea, was opened in 1956. This hotel is identified as one of the most visited accommodation by tourists. One hundred twenty guest rooms and suites provided are modernized to add a trendy experience to this deluxe atmosphere. Fifty six years and this hotel still maintain its steadiness comparing it to others. Moreover, the prices differ from a season to another; in summer vacation tourists come to visit Lebanon therefore the prices of hotels are set to be high. However, from October till May the prices are flexible and able to be discussed. Clubs and Mice Facilities Being a country located in the Middle East, Lebanon is not widely known to be a tourist destination. This is due to the circumstances facing the region since over the years; war has been the most major situation that prevails. This made it difficult for the country to emerge as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions (MICE). Business events sector is a sector that is among the top sectors in terms of growth in any economy (Baum 2009, p.8). However in recent years, Lebanon has defied these adverse circumstances. There are many incentive rewards that accompany audience to a conference to any country (Weber 2002, p.102). The country has even described the sector as one of the key drivers of the economy in terms of foreign direct investment. Tourists coming into the country always mean an improvement to the domestic economy. Since the country is still gaining ground in the industry, there are not as many MICE facilities and clubs as compared to the western co untries. Regardless, the rate at which the sector is growing is worth noting given all the odds against the country. To attract more tourists, modern facilities have been built for future use. Most of them have contemporary interior designs, with each unit being self-sufficient. Each unit contains a private bar for clients to enjoy their stay in a sophisticated manner. The clubs have interactive television systems that allow tourists on the forum to interact through video conferencing. International satellite channels are also available in these facilities. Internet connectivity is paramount since it is the easiest way to connect and also interact on a real time basis. It is also important for staying in touch with all the stakeholders involved including their families back at home. Apart from the suites, there are also large conferences halls, to improve meetings and conferencing. One of these clubs, Club Rotana, is in Beirut. Most tourists visiting Lebanon for conferencing purposes end up at this modern club. Movenpick Hotel and Resort also located in Beirut is another key MICE facility in Lebano n. This hotel held a dynamic conference on education and networking in the month of October this year. These star hotels attract clients due to their charming look and comfort. Gaming and Cruising Sector The luxurious suites and advanced technology are not the only centers of attraction in these facilities. There are other activities that make these facilities significant tourist attraction sites. This is because the resorts have cruising and gaming spots. The games range from casinos to skiing in the mountains. Most of the facilities are in the capital city Beirut since the city is in a favorable environment for conducting activities such as cruising. Facilities such as Club Rotana have Casinos. This is because most tourists engage in these activities during their leisure time. One company offering cruising services is the Abou Merhi Cruises. This company has several cruise ships that tourists use during their cruising endeavors. Abou Merhi is in Beirut, the heart of Lebanese tourism and MICE facilities. This firm also boasts of over thirty two gaming machines, and also over seven poker games. The hotels will assign each of these games their own tables. Different clients can gather at different tables according to their taste. Casino gambling is illegal in some countries. In Lebanon, it is legal. This attracts clients that come from those countries where it is illegal to gamble at casinos. Abou Merhi is complete with hotel residence suites. This firm owns a cruising boat known as Orient Queen. The tourists are able to gamble in a casino and at the same time cruise during any time of any day. Some clients do not like gambling. They will play Bingo which is easier to do than gambling. This game does not require an individual to have any experience so as to enjoy. One can chat and make friends while enjoying a day long cruise. Gambling is not the only game offered in Lebanon. There are other exciting and fun games such as lottery, dog racing and horse racing. These games not only show excitement but they also add to the experiences of tourists and this will convince them to continue visiting the country. The combination of fun and conferencing concerns in these Lebanese clubs has led to the upward trend in growth, in tourism. Hospitality management, HR Practices, and Marketing Management Companies The development of these sectors has emanated from the management of the facilities and policies set by them. Management is a key driver in the growth of any business. It involves taking into account every aspect of the business and making decisions concerning the business. In order to satisfy their clients from abroad, the managers of these facilities have to make decisions on hospitality and design routines that are secure according to the clients. International hospitality management in Lebanon is capital intensive (Yu 1999, p.99). Some of these clubs such as Club Rotana have lounges facing the Mediterranean Sea giving the tourists a spectacular view of the sea. The tourists are also subject to private reception when they are checking in and also when they are checking out. Most of the clients that visit Lebanon in search of MICE facilities belong to the upper class in the society. They prefer better and luxurious spots. Privacy is paramount for these clients. This is why most clu bs and MICE facilities are situated in magnificent locations to attract these clients. The administration also ensures that their clients have access to daily local newspapers on a daily basis. This keeps the clients at par with what is happening globally. This is an appropriate hospitality decision made by managers of these facilities. This makes the facilities self reliant such that the clients do not have to travel elsewhere searching for informative media such as the newspapers. The Human Resource section only hires qualified staff that is capable. This is done to ensure that the staff upholds professionalism and perform their duties with integrity. Their purpose is to provide the best when it comes to Arab hospitality. They dedicate their energy to raising standards in the hotel and accommodation industry. The clubs know that if standards are low, they will not attract as many clients especially from foreign countries. They must provide services that are hard to find in the clientsà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ countries. The management of these facilities also commits to learning of different cultures of different countries so as to be able to provide the best according to the clientsà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ backgrounds. This is the only way that they will be able to understand what their clients prefer most. With this knowledge, the clubs will be able to satisfy their clients and ensure that they make the club their destination of choice if they ever visit Lebanon again. The marketing departments targets attracting corporate clients and maintaining close contacts with them. Personal relationships between the clubs and the clients create friendship. This friendship translates to formation of loyal customers. The customers will attract their close allies and recommend the clubs to them. This creates an increased market base for the clubs from all around the world. Franchising and ethical Franchising has become a popular interest in Lebanon. Since the tourism sector is still developing, most businesses are resorting to franchising their products in order to appeal to new clients globally. The hotels and clubs use names of already established brands in other countries so as to gain access to these markets. Once foreign clients know about these clubs and hotels, they will earn interest. This will create a new market for the Lebanese clubs and hotels. Lebanon has liberal laws that guarantee the existence of a free market. The laws also encourage foreign investment. The Lebanese Commercial Code governs all the companies in Lebanon, and as a requirement, the companies have to maintain a lawyer. The lawyer ensures that the decision makers understand legal procedures in the event of any decision making. All corporations doing business in Lebanon have to pay a tax rate of not more than ten percent of the net profits. The corporations should also pay a five percent rate on div idends. The Lebanese business entities maintain the integrity and treat their clients with respect. They also treat their employees well to ensure their businesses success. Conclusion Lebanon started to build new facilities to magnetize tourists. Today, Lebanon holds many attractions where visitors can explore via much transportation. It also contains great activities such as skiing, caving, and swimming to entertain tourists. It as well provides bungee jumping and parachuting that occur in the mountains. Hotels and restaurants are always opened to welcome tourists and locals with the best they have. City and country clubs are always there with their facilities to allow you both relax and amuse. In general, visiting this small country that is full of artificial and natural thrills will allow the tourist to experience and gain knowledge about the Lebanese culture.

Sony Company Limited

Sony Company Limited Business Environment Analysis 1.0 Introduction Sony Company Limited is a manufacturer and distributor of digital cameras and other electronic devices in the region. The company has been established in 2005 by its owner The primary competitive advantages of Sony is its OEM capability, broad experienced in its research and development department, reliability, large product line and good reputation. The brand name of the company is known as ECA and it is currently exported in major countries like North America, Mid-East/Africa, Asia, Central/South America, and Western Europe. Sony Company Limited is an ODM and OEM manufacturer to produce different ranges of electronic devices like digital cameras, MP4 and mp3 player, mobile phone, GPS car navigator and digital camcorder. The main objective of this company is to provide quality products and services to the global market. 2.0 Strategic Analysis The description of the industry above suggests its strength in the Malaysia setting. However, a more detailed analysis is necessary in order to determine the real strengths and possible problems that surround the industry. For this purpose, various tools will be used to analyze the electronic industry of Malaysia. 2.1 PESTLE PESTLE analysis is in effect an audit of an organizations environmental influences with the purpose of using this information to guide strategic decision-making. The assumption is that if the organization is able to audit its current environment and assess potential changes, it will be better placed than its competitors to respond to changes.To help make decisions and to plan for future events, organizations need to understand the wider ‘meso-economic and ‘macro-economic environments in which they operate. (The meso-economic environment is the one in which we operate and have limited influence or impact, the macro-environment includes all factors that influence an organization but are out of its direct control). An organization on its own cannot affect these factors, nor can these factors directly affect the profitability of an organization. But by understanding these environments, it is possible to take the advantage to maximize the opportunities and minimize the threats to the organization. Conducting a strategic analysis entails scanning these economic environments to detect and understand the broad, long term trends. A PESTLE analysis is a useful tool for understanding the ‘big picture of the environment in which an organization is operating. Specifically a PESTLE analysis is a useful tool for understanding risks associated with market (the need for a product or service) growth or decline, and as such the position, potential and direction for an individual business or organization. A PESTLE analysis is often used as a generic orientation tool, finding out where an organization or product is in the context of what is happening outside that will at some point affect what is happening inside an organization. The six elements form a framework for reviewing a situation, and can also be used to review a strategy or position, direction of a company, a marketing proposition, or idea. 2.1.1 Political The political aspect of the country has less impact to its business sector, or more specifically, to the electronics industry. The Basic Law of the country actually protects it from major transitions in law in spite of its transfer to Thailand. Through this basic law, the way of life as well as the capitalist system of the country will remain the same for fifty years since the transfer. Thus, political factors have minimal effects on the electronics industry. The production, export and import of materials for digital cameras will not be affected for the next ten years due to this political agreement. Hence, the production facilities for digital products situated in Thailand will not be forced to relocate back to Malaysia due to regulative measures. Hence, Malaysia enterprises in the industry can continue to benefit from low cost production in Thailand. 2.1.2 Economic The economy of Malaysia is highlighted by the status of its international trade. The country is one of the leading trading nations worldwide; hence, it is one of the important aspects of the countrys economy. Malaysia market has been favorable to trade and has been efficient in balancing its exports and imports. The significance of trade in the country suggests the richness of its other related fields such as the electronics industry. This has been evidenced by the high contribution of digitalized products to individual company sales and overall economic development. The important role of the electronics industry in Malaysia suggests that there are several similar businesses that exist in the country. Due to high levels of competition, the companies operating in this industry are placed under much stress of offering the very best. This also implies the significance of strategic management among these companies not only to contribute to the economy, but most importantly to maintain strong business foundation as well as combat competition. Assuming that the prosperity of the economy in Malaysia improves for the next ten years, the electronics/AV equipment industry will then continue to improve and acquire various developments. But then of course, economic status is among the most unpredictable aspects of a country; hence, the industry must be prepared for future challenges that may arise. These future challenges include economic crisis, price fluctuations and problems on international trade. 2.1.3 Social The societal and cultural background of the country is mainly influenced by the Eastern and Western influences. This perhaps, is partly due to the status of the country as a major center for business and trade. Although the country is greatly influenced by a number of different cultures, the country still has its old features intact. While keeping old traditions and cultural practices, the country is also open to changes brought about by international influences. This in turn makes the nations culture rich and varied. The prosperity of Malaysias economy is significantly reflected in its citizens lifestyle. Compared to other Asian countries, the people in Malaysia are among those who live with the highest standards. This implies that the people of Malaysia have access to some of the finer things in life, including technology. 2.1.4 Technological Malaysia is a melting pot of both Western and Eastern backgrounds. The Western and Eastern influences that make up the countrys socio-cultural background play a significant role to its current technological status. Considering that Malaysia has direct access to technological developments from different countries worldwide, these can be adapted in the country quite easily. Moreover, the high standards of living among the countrys citizens imply the ability of the people to support technology as well as their ability to apply or implement them. The exposure to technology of both local and international market makes digital products, like camera, a marketable product. 2.1.5 Legal Locally, the political aspect mentioned previously does not seem to affect the electronic industry in Malaysia. In international trade, the laws on open trade and free port allow the industry to exports its digital products to foreign markets. Though the Malaysian industry can distribute its digital products freely abroad, the openness of trade as well as the globalization aspect further worsens the competition among similar companies under the same industry. If competition will affect businesses in the industry, it is likely for other nations to implement legislations that will control the entry of imported products. This will greatly affect the status of the Malaysia industry if this will occur. 2.1.6 Environmental One of the major issues under the environmental aspect that directly affects the industry is probably its location of production building and facilities in Thailand. The cost of labor and land in Thailand, particularly in the province of Bangkok, is significantly cheaper than in Malaysia. Thus, it is more practical to conduct the core activities of the electronics industry in Thailand. However, products produced by the AV industry require skills among its work force. Thus, cheaper labor cost may no longer be possible as companies would have to pay larger salaries for skilled and highly educated employees. Moreover, a number of manufacturing companies are also relocating to Thailand, thus land costs tend to be higher as compared before. 3.0 Competitors Analysis The production of digitalized products falls under the electronics company, specifically under the audio-visual equipment category. In Malaysia, the competition in electronics industry is considered as one of the most vigorous and tough. The manufacturing companies of digital cameras and other electronic devices in Malaysia are made up of SMEs or small and medium sized enterprises. The production facilities however of most companies are located in mainland Thailand. Thus, offices in Malaysia concentrate more on product development, quality assurance and marketing. One of the competitors of Sony Company Limited in Malaysia market is the Canon industry and other industries that offer digital cameras and electronic products all over the world such as JVC, Panasonic and others. According to the NSTP (2007), digitalization trends paved the way for the industrys significant development which makes it digital camera and electronic industry more competent. In addition, the company has many rivals since there are many other competitors which provide a wide range of digital and electronic devices to meet the increasing demands of these products. Players have increased considerably. This business trend led to the increased profit derived from high sales of digital products, suggesting the strong chances of success in the industry. Moreover, profits from exported digitalized products are high in Hong Kong as well. This then implies that international market strongly supports the industry. 4.0 Porters 5 Forces Model Michael Porter (Harvard, Competitive Strategy 1980) developed the so called 5 Five Forces Analysis model to better identify factors that shape the character of competition, to assess the structural attractiveness and business value of any industry and to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in a company. In addition to and in combination with the SWOT analysis, the Five Forces model by Michael Porter provides another analysis tool to identify opportunities and risks when entering untapped territory in any industry or market. Porters Five Forces model, other than a SWOT analysis, provides clear action and thus does not rely solely on subjective judgment. If the actions that derived from the Five Forces model are synchronized with business requirements and goals it can become a substantial business driver in the competitive environment. Porters Five Forces Model is used for analysis of an industry or pure competition within a market. It is likely the best model to be used in decisions of entry or change within a market, and should always be considered during the business planning stage in a company life cycle. The Porters Five Forces model proposes that an industry is influenced by five forces. An executive can use the model to understand the industry competitive landscape, to determine how and where the firm should operate. The model is also used to analyze the attractiveness of an industry structure. Porters Five Forces Model is also known as Porters Competitive Forces model, probably one of the most often used business strategy tools. It has proven its usefulness on numerous occasions. Porters model is particularly strong in thinking in a competitive mindset from external forces to inside the company. 4.1 Methodology The strength of each of the five forces affecting competition in the chosen industry is to be assessed. The companys position compared to the underlying causes of each force is also assessed. A plan of action is devised that may includes of positioning the organization to provide the best defense against competitive forces, influencing the balance of the forces through strategic moves and other pro-active measures and anticipating shifts in the forces and positioning the organization and its goals and actions accordingly. Exhibit 4.1 Michael Porters Five Forces Model Sources from: Supplier Risk Management and the Automotive Supply Chain From the Exhibit 4.1, Porter explains that there are five forces that determine industry attractiveness and long-run industry profitability. These five competitive forces includes the threat of entry of new competitors (new entrants), the threat of substitutes, the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers and the degree of rivalry between existing competitors. While the Porters Five Forces model in regards to decision making, is to collect, analyze and present data for the decision maker, Porter identifies three generic strategies to address industry rivalry. Strategies can be formed on three levels such as corporate, business unit and functional or department level. The Strategies are cost leadership, differentiation and competitive advantage. The best decision will position the firm to leverage strengths and defend against adverse effects of the five forces. 4.1.1 Competitive Threat of New Entry The percentage contribution of the industry to the Malaysian economy suggests the huge number of businesses manufacturing digital products. This then suggests that barriers of entry for new business entrants are low. New business could easily operate locally; moreover, the Malaysian industry offers multiple product lines under different brand names. Hence, competition is rather strict. Moreover, most of the business in the electronics industry is considered SMEs, implying that the levels of small businesses or new entrants are high. With the high availability of digital production facilities, new entrants could easily start manufacturing and marketing digital products. 4.1.2 Competition from Substitute Products With the rise of technology, alternative options for gadget and similar products are very much available. Digital cameras and other products are no exception. At present, cellular phones are manufactured with camera features, allowing consumers to use the phone not only for calling or sending text messages, but also in capturing and storing images. Other video camcorders have camera features as well; thus, some consumers would prefer to but an item where all features are already integrated. Web cameras are also alternative products for digital cameras. In addition, some of these alternative products are less expensive and more practical as compared to buying a digital camera alone. 4.1.3 Bargaining Power of Customers Buyers are the people or organizations who create demand in an industry. Buyers are also the people who compete with the supplying industry by bargaining down prices and forces higher quality. Customers have access to multiple alternatives for AV equipment and products, thus, the customers have greater control over which item to purchase. The high competitiveness within the industry allowed consumers to have access to a number of options, from brands to types and prices of products. Thus, consumers have a high bargaining power over the electronics industry. In this case, the smaller enterprises are greatly affected. Although consumers have different purchasing behaviors, in most cases brand names greatly influences the preferences of buyers. If there will be other options, consumers is likely to buy known brands even if they will have to pay extra. Additionally, online shopping through this company website has also increased the bargaining power of buyers and buyers are more price sensitive and demand for high quality. 4.1.4 Bargaining Power of Suppliers Suppliers are the businesses that supply materials other products into the industry. The cost of items bought from suppliers (e.g. raw materials, components) can have a significant impact on a companys profitability. If suppliers have high bargaining power over a company, then in theory the companys industry is less attractive. For this electronic industry, suppliers actually exert power in the industry by threatening to rise in prices or to reduce its quality and furthermore powerful suppliers can squeeze industry profitability if the company is unable to recover the cost increases. In the case of the Malaysian electronics industry, the bargaining power of the suppliers is high. Most of the materials used for producing AV equipment are imported from suppliers, thus they have greater control over the prices of supplies as well as the delivery. 4.1.5 Rivalry The rivalry within the electronics industry comes in two categories. Locally, the main competition is between the small and large enterprises. Major companies in the electronics industry have stronger brand names and have greater capabilities of reaching the international market. This is a significant factor as brand names in digital products represent the overall quality of the item which consumers are after. Major companies also have more resources to promote the product through more expensive forms of media advertisement. Thus, smaller companies are directly affected. In the international level, the rivalry exists between the Hong Kong companies and the major AV equipment companies of other countries. 5.0 Evaluation Based from the environmental and competitive analysis done for the electronics industry, the findings will then be evaluated. In this section, the possible developments of the industry for the next ten years will be considered. Factors that could affect this progress, both positively and negatively, will be cited. 5.1 Optimistic Based on the analysis done, the Sony Company Limited is likely to succeed and progress in ten years time due to two important factors. One of these factors is the market of the industry. At the local level, the consumers are very much aware and exposed to highly technological gadgets such as the digital camera. In other foreign markets of the Malaysian industry, such trend is also evident. In ten years time, technology will continue to grow and introduce high-tech gadgets and products that people will patronize. Thus, the future development of digitalized products made by Sony Company Limited will be supported by the market due to their openness to technology. Moreover, this market patronage will naturally result to continuous profit generation and market growth. Another factor that will contribute to the success of the Sony Company Limited ten years from now is the continuous rise and development of globalization and open trade. Through these aspects, Malaysia will have greater market access abroad, leading to better market and business outcomes. Furthermore, free port will allow the Sony Company Limited access to more modern technologies that can be useful for manufacturing and marketing digitalized products. This in turn will make the Sony Company Limited more competitive against foreign brands. 5.2 Pessimistic While there are great opportunities that the Sony Company Limited can use for future progress, certain obstacles could hinder it from development. For instance, the use of technology is highly accessible to all potential business operators in the industry, increasing the problems on competition, less distinct products and brands. In addition, technological gadgets like digital cameras lose value at a fast rate; thus, it is likely that such innovations would lose their worth to the market, or worse, this product could be phased out totally form the industry and be replaced with better substitutes. Problems in the economy are also a challenge. Crisis in the economic aspect is omnipresent and difficult to predict; hence, it is always a problem for all industries and business sectors. Due to these problems, prices for labor, land, production and other business activities could increase, making it difficult for the industry to succeed. 5.3 Prediction Based on business outcomes in the past, the pessimistic scenario is the one that is likely to occur in the future. Old electronic products like mobile phones, cameras and computers for instance, had been easily replaced by digital ones due to fast-phased development in technology. At present, several companies in the electronics industry are still conducting researches in order to introduce new technologies that the market demands. In addition, economic crisis is a natural occurrence, though an unpredictable one. Thus, even without predicting when this will happen in the future, businesses attempt to overcome the effects of economic challenges by preparing themselves in advance. Although it is likely for the optimistic scenario to occur as well, businesses in this industry must focus themselves on overcoming the worst scenarios. By preparing in advance, the businesses can prevent further problems in the future as well as maintain the progress of the industry. 6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS In my opinion, this electronic industry is still able to make some improvements in order to achieve better profit margins or great success in future. Those improvements includes the following, 1) Diversification This electronic industry (Sony Company Limited) can actually possible to concentrate more on electronic knows how in the non-consumer business and todays, this industry is very competitive as the competitors are able to copy the product in a very short time. Therefore, in order to create larger profit margins, Sony should focus more on the business sector and industries and also more advanced equipment as well as the parts. Besides, it would create the strongest advantage if the Research and Development (RD) department in this company able to cut down the price in technology adaptation to fit the demands of nowadays market. 2) Cost Cutting Sony Company Limited should take cost cutting into consideration as it is the only way to improve the profit margins. Research and Development (RD) plays an important role in this as its part in success of this company and it cannot be cut even though it gobbles up to ten percent of the sales. The products in this company should be refined instead of reinvented in order to have less in set up cost and also helps in achieving the greater automation. 3) Combination of Production, Design and Marketing There are many ways of separating the designing and developing of a product from the production and marketing even though there is job rotation which the design stage backed up by experience rather than research and analysis in nowadays market. Often, this kind of concept does not help much in improving the business as it does not meet the consumer needs. Todays, RD should focus more on the consumer needs and innovate based on the needs of the market and not creating new markets all the while. Besides, the designing team should make the product to fit the current production pattern and marketing aims as the designing team is the one who responsible to the profit and loss of certain product. Therefore, empowering these groups can create conflict but it does bring the efficient groups together in achieving the synergy. 7.0 Conclusion In spite of the apparent success of the Sony Company Limited in Malaysia, certain factors in its environment can cause its possible failure in the years to come. Economic challenges, competition and varying consumer trends are just some of the external factors that the industry must overcome in order to ensure future progress. Although these matters may appear inevitable, certain actions could help the industry to succeed, locally and internationally. Continuous product enhancement and development for instance, can help in countering fast-paced technology. Conducting consumer studies on the other hand can facilitate the challenge on changing consumer behaviors. These actions in turn can help in combating business competition and globalization issues. 8.0 References Internet References 1. http://technu.nst.com.my/Current_News/techNu/Monday/CoverStory/20081102144739/Article/print_article 2. http://logisticsviewpoints.com/2009/07/31/supplier-risk-management-and-the-automotive-supply-chain/ Books Aguilar, Francis (2006), Scanning the Business Environment, New York: Macmillan. 2. Armstrong. M. (2006). A handbook of Human Resource Management Practice (10th ed.). London: Kogan Page. ISBN 0-7494-4631-5. PIERCE, C. (2001), The Effective Director: The Essential Guide to Director and Board Development, London: Kogan Page. Cheverton, Peter. (2004), Key Marketing Skills Strategies, Tools Techniques for Marketing Success, Kogan Page, Limited. Formisano, Roger. (2003), Managers Guide to Strategy. McGraw-Hill Trade SIM337 Contemporary Developments in Business and Management, Version 5.0, University of Sunderland, United Kingdom Jones, G.R. George, J.M. (2003), Contemporary Management, McGraw Hill (Third edition) Worthington, I. and Britton, C. (2003), The Business Environment, FT Prentice Hall (4th Edition) Journal Articles GRUNDY, T. (2006) Rethinking and reinventing Michael Porters five forces model. Strategic Change. Vol 15, No 5, August. Pg 213-229. Prepared by : Ting Wan Ping (Jenny)

Finding Hope in Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay examples -- Their E

Finding Hope in Their Eyes Were Watching God   Ã‚  Ã‚   Their Eyes Were Watching God recognizes that there are problems to the human condition, such as the need to possess, the fear of the unknown and resulting stagnation. But Hurston does not leave us with the hopelessness of Fitzgerald or Hemingway, rather, she extends a recognition and understanding of humanity's need to escape emptiness. "Dem meatskins is got tuh rattle tuh make out they's alive (183)" Her solution is simple: "Yuh got tuh go there tuh know there." Janie, like characters in earlier novels, sets out on a quest to make sense of her inner questionings--a void she knew she possessed from the moment she sat under the pear tree. "She found an answer seeking her, but where?...where were the shining bees for her (11)?" Though tragedy invades her life, it does not cripple her, but strengthens her. Alone at novel's end, having loved and lost, Janie sits in her home, banished of the "feeling of absence and nothingness (183)." Her road to discover led to herself, and she gains a better understanding of the world she lives in and how small a thing happiness is comprised of: "If you kin see de light at daybreak, you don't keer if you die at dusk. It's so many people never seen de light at all. (151)" Instead of Hurston portraying racial unwholeness, she portrays the African American as being racially healthy. She was discarded by the black writing movement of the 30's and 40's for picturing the African-American as whole instead of downtrodden, oppressed people. Hurston was no militant, out to prove no theory. Capturing the essence of Black womanhood was more important to her than social criticism.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Comparison of Hurston's life and work is ironic. Though Janie, having... ...ttp: 11 www. à ± hsc. usc.edu/ ~ gallaher/ hurston/ hurston. html>. Johnson, Barbara. "Metaphor, Metonymy and Voice in Their Eyes Were Watching God." Modern Critical Interpretations: Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. Kubitschek, Missy Dehn. " ‘Tuh de Horizon and Back': The Female Quest in Their Eyes Were Watching God.† Modern Critical Interpretations: Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. Pondrom, Cyrena N. "The Role of Myth in Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God." American Literature 58.2 (May 1986): 181-202.    Wright, Richard. "Review of Their Eyes Were Watching God." Zora Neale Hurston - Critical Perspectives Past and Present. Eds. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and K. A. Appiah. New York: Amistad, 1993 Finding Hope in Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay examples -- Their E Finding Hope in Their Eyes Were Watching God   Ã‚  Ã‚   Their Eyes Were Watching God recognizes that there are problems to the human condition, such as the need to possess, the fear of the unknown and resulting stagnation. But Hurston does not leave us with the hopelessness of Fitzgerald or Hemingway, rather, she extends a recognition and understanding of humanity's need to escape emptiness. "Dem meatskins is got tuh rattle tuh make out they's alive (183)" Her solution is simple: "Yuh got tuh go there tuh know there." Janie, like characters in earlier novels, sets out on a quest to make sense of her inner questionings--a void she knew she possessed from the moment she sat under the pear tree. "She found an answer seeking her, but where?...where were the shining bees for her (11)?" Though tragedy invades her life, it does not cripple her, but strengthens her. Alone at novel's end, having loved and lost, Janie sits in her home, banished of the "feeling of absence and nothingness (183)." Her road to discover led to herself, and she gains a better understanding of the world she lives in and how small a thing happiness is comprised of: "If you kin see de light at daybreak, you don't keer if you die at dusk. It's so many people never seen de light at all. (151)" Instead of Hurston portraying racial unwholeness, she portrays the African American as being racially healthy. She was discarded by the black writing movement of the 30's and 40's for picturing the African-American as whole instead of downtrodden, oppressed people. Hurston was no militant, out to prove no theory. Capturing the essence of Black womanhood was more important to her than social criticism.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Comparison of Hurston's life and work is ironic. Though Janie, having... ...ttp: 11 www. à ± hsc. usc.edu/ ~ gallaher/ hurston/ hurston. html>. Johnson, Barbara. "Metaphor, Metonymy and Voice in Their Eyes Were Watching God." Modern Critical Interpretations: Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. Kubitschek, Missy Dehn. " ‘Tuh de Horizon and Back': The Female Quest in Their Eyes Were Watching God.† Modern Critical Interpretations: Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. Pondrom, Cyrena N. "The Role of Myth in Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God." American Literature 58.2 (May 1986): 181-202.    Wright, Richard. "Review of Their Eyes Were Watching God." Zora Neale Hurston - Critical Perspectives Past and Present. Eds. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and K. A. Appiah. New York: Amistad, 1993

What Should Be the Relationship Between Teachers and Students? :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

What Should Be the Relationship Between Teachers and Students? Classroom by definition is a place where students meet to study the same subject. A teacher, who took a leadership role in leading discussions and getting students to be involved in learning the subject taught, controlled this environment at one time. Now a days, the role of a teacher in a classroom environment has been reversed. Students are allowed to take the leadership role in creating and leading discussions. Just as roles of the teacher and a student have changed in a classroom over the years, so have the relationships between a student and a teacher. Many years ago, as we have read and heard, student teacher relationships have been very formal, distant, and the teacher's judgement was accepted. With almost 21 years of experience as a student, I have come to learn the relationship between student and teacher can vary depending on many characteristics. Since everyone has a different background and a different character, it is almost difficult to say how a teacher should relate t o a student or vice versa. I do believe that student teacher relationship should be professional, yet not so professional that students fear to approach. Teacher, student relationship should be formal, yet inviting. Teacher student relationship should definitely not be judgmental, and it should allow the teacher on her or his part to take time to get to know the student. At one time, about six years ago I took an economics course, which was a lower division course, it was apparently taught by one of the professors who had a very reputable standing in the department of economics. I would never forget how this professor always came to work looking very professional, wearing attire that did not seem to suit the environment. He was overly professional looking compared to other professors on campus, so it made him stand out. This look apparently had students talking about how unapproachable this professor was. No one dared to approach and ask him a question because it would only make anyone appear foolish if they did. His attitude at the beginning of the year had also thrown off many students. The fact that he would say to a student just coming into the classroom wearing his hat backwards, "Those who wear their hats backwards, their brain is backwards!" I personally did not get to know this professor because it was obvious that his intent was to just lect ure and leave.

Mikume

TITANIUM EXTRACTION ASSIGNMENT 1 1. TiO2+Cl2—————–TiCl4+O2 2. Why is an atmosphere of argon used for this reaction ? The titanium (iv) chloride is added to a reactor in which very pure sodium has been heated to about 5500c -everything being under an innert argon atmosphere. During this reaction the temperature increases to about 10000 c . The reaction is carried out in an argon atmosphere to prevent magnessium and sodium from reacting with oxygen in the air. 3. Another gas used instead of argon. ny of the elements in group O of the periodic table including helium ,neon,krypton,xenon,and radon which are monoatomic and with limited excemptions chemically innert. 4. Why titanium is an expensive metal Titanium is very expensive because it is akward to extract from ore -for example rutile,TiO2 . You cannot use carbon reduction Titanium can not be extracted by reducing the ore using carbon as a cheap reducing agent. The problem is that titanium for ms a carbide TiC,if it is heated with carbon,so you dont get the pure metal that you need. The presence of the carbide makes the metal very brittle.That means that you have to use an alternative reducing agent. In the case of titanium,the reducing agent is either sodium or magnessium. Both of these would ofcoarse first have to be extracted from their ores by expensive processes. 5. The atom economy of the process used to extract titanium. Total mass of reactants =212g Total mass of desired product=22g Atom economy=mass of desired product *100% total mass of reactants 22*100 =10. 774 212 The total economy of the Kroll process is 10. 3774 . 6. The atom economy will be lower since it was carried out in an ideal situationwhere all factors are constant and there is no external interference but in real situation extal forces like heat loss,temparature,impurities will affect the system hence a lower value Mikume TITANIUM EXTRACTION ASSIGNMENT 1 1. TiO2+Cl2—————–TiCl4+O2 2. Why is an atmosphere of argon used for this reaction ? The titanium (iv) chloride is added to a reactor in which very pure sodium has been heated to about 5500c -everything being under an innert argon atmosphere. During this reaction the temperature increases to about 10000 c . The reaction is carried out in an argon atmosphere to prevent magnessium and sodium from reacting with oxygen in the air. 3. Another gas used instead of argon. ny of the elements in group O of the periodic table including helium ,neon,krypton,xenon,and radon which are monoatomic and with limited excemptions chemically innert. 4. Why titanium is an expensive metal Titanium is very expensive because it is akward to extract from ore -for example rutile,TiO2 . You cannot use carbon reduction Titanium can not be extracted by reducing the ore using carbon as a cheap reducing agent. The problem is that titanium for ms a carbide TiC,if it is heated with carbon,so you dont get the pure metal that you need. The presence of the carbide makes the metal very brittle.That means that you have to use an alternative reducing agent. In the case of titanium,the reducing agent is either sodium or magnessium. Both of these would ofcoarse first have to be extracted from their ores by expensive processes. 5. The atom economy of the process used to extract titanium. Total mass of reactants =212g Total mass of desired product=22g Atom economy=mass of desired product *100% total mass of reactants 22*100 =10. 774 212 The total economy of the Kroll process is 10. 3774 . 6. The atom economy will be lower since it was carried out in an ideal situationwhere all factors are constant and there is no external interference but in real situation extal forces like heat loss,temparature,impurities will affect the system hence a lower value

What Is Software Defined Radio?

What is Software Defined Radio? With the exponential growth in the ways and means by which people need to communicate – data communications, voice communications, video communications, broadcast messaging, command and control communications, emergency response communications, etc. – modifying radio devices easily and cost-effectively has become business critical. Software defined radio (SDR) technology brings the flexibility, cost efficiency and power to drive communications forward, with wide-reaching benefits realized by service providers and product developers through to end users.Defination of SDR Simply put Software Defined Radio is defined as : â€Å"Radio in which some or all of the physical layer functions are software defined† A radio is any kind of device that wirelessly transmits or receives signals in the radio frequency (RF) part of the electromagnetic spectrum to facilitate the transfer of information. In today's world, radios exist in a multitude o f items such as cell phones, computers, car door openers, vehicles, and televisions.SDR defines a collection of hardware and software technologies where some or all of the radio’s operating functions (also referred to as physical layer processing) are implemented through modifiable software or firmware operating on programmable processing technologies. Benefits of SDR For Radio Equipment Manufacturers and System Integrators, SDR Enables: 1. A family of radio â€Å"products† to be implemented using a common platform architecture, allowing new products to be more quickly introduced into the market. 2. Software to be reused across radio â€Å"products†, reducing development costs dramatically. . Over-the-air or other remote reprogramming, allowing â€Å"bug fixes† to occur while a radio is in service, thus reducing the time and costs associated with operation and maintenance. For End Users – from business travelers to soldiers on the battlefield, SDR technology aims to: 1. Reduce costs in providing end-users with access to ubiquitous wireless communications – enabling them to communicate with whomever they need, whenever they need to and in whatever manner is appropriate. National Defence University Of Malaysia SOFTWARE DEFINED RADIO Name : Hasseler anak Tumas Matriks no : 2120339

Holly Farms

Holly farms strategy Introduction In order to revive profits and save themselves from bearing heavy losses, Fred and Gillian Giles had opened a two purposed farm for the general public in 1993. Their ambitious goals had let them to put in all their savings to establish facilities on the farm which would entertain the tourists. This side of the business was apart from the usual farming being carried out which included the distribution of ice cream which was manufactured behind the farm in a small factory, a milking parlor to see the latest technology being used to milk the cows and an additional guided tour of the farm.Even though the business is currently running reasonably well, the owners are facing some serious issues related capacity constraints and competition. Answers Answer 1: There is a no. of issues which Gillian Gales is facing in her side of the business. These issues include the fact that in order to grow the Holly Farm's business, it is not possible for the owners to add additional capital. They have already invested a lot of money and any additional capital available to them will be in terms of a loan.However, the interest rate on the loan is expected to be above ten percent which would not make it feasible since the owners are not expecting to earn that high a return on their investment in order to pay the interest and the principal amount. Other issues which Gillian needs to take notice of include the fact that the ice-cream factory is not operating at full capacity, the freezer which has a capacity to hold 10,000 units is operated at 7000 units' storage to allow for stick rotation.The lack of preservatives used in the ice-cream would also be a factor in this regard where the inventory needs to move out of the factory within 6-12 weeks. This factor would be driving down retail sales to shops and hotels which might be interested in stockpiling the ice-cream for their peak periods (since Gillian is not in a position to increase production for them at that time). Gillian also needs to decide whether to promote coach firms or market to families and schools for trips to their farm.Gillian mentions that on average one out of two coach customers' buys one liter box of ice-cream while a four occupant car buys the same amount. This data, though a good starting point, would not allow for proper decision making since data on how many a coach normally holds. Also the use of averaged data is not advisable when making decisions as to who the target market would be for the coming year.There is also a need for extra staff by the farm, currently the ice-cream manufacturing employs farm workers' wives (three) and a maximum of four flavor can be produced given the time constraints and the set up time (to change flavors). Since capital investment is not possible at this time, Gillian would need to hire more staff for ice-cream manufacturing if she plans to increase the number of flavors to ten, analysis and accurate forecasting of what quanti ties of flavors to produce would also be required if the number of flavors is to be increased.Market researches as to which flavors are being demanded by the customers would also be required and could help eliminate the need to expand to ten flavors outright, but this is currently not being undertaken by Gillian. The lack of promotional activities by Gillian has seen the number of arrivals to the farm cap at 15000 a year; this situation is being ignored as Gillian is concentrating more on expanding the manufacturing side, now she needs to take a more active approach to increasing the traffic at the farm.The issue of farm timings not being conducive to picnics and factory visits (20% of the customers leave before the milking process) and this very fact that many visitors are unable to see the milking process is also one which would be driving lower ice-cream sales and needs to be looked into by Gillian. Answer 2: To increase the number of farm visitors by 50% in a single year is a al most unachievable goal that Gillian has set for herself. Although it is possible that the number be increased, but going from 15000 visitors to 22500 visitors is not a small task which can be achieved in the duration of a single year.This is due to a number of factors which, for Gillian, would be constraints in achieving this growth target. These factors include: 1. The fact that the farm is open to visitors for 7 months in a year, during the remaining months the animals are kept inside and the rides etc available to customers are not safe due to the weather situation. This is a limit which Gillian would be unable to surmount in a single years time without capital investment into building sheds and indoor facilities etc at the Holly Farm. 2.Another time constraint is the fact that Gillian and Fred found that keeping the farm open for more than the four days it is already open (Friday to Monday) is not feasible due to the low traffic during the remaining days. Also the farm workers w ould not be free during the three days of the week (they would be involved in the â€Å"real† farm work), so the only way to keep the farm open the entire week is through hiring extra staff which could only be justified and feasible if Gillian were able to confirm attendance/traffic at the farm during these days via school trips etc.The weekend is the peak period for Holly Farm and it is unlikely that working individuals would be willing to take farm trips during work days. The sales forecast for 1999 shows that Gillian has prepared is highly presumptuous given that she has yet to decide how she would be increasing the number of customers on the farm. Whether she wishes to bring in more customers through coach firms or target the family and recreational travelers (who come by car).With coach firms Gillian would most likely have to offer discounts on the farm visits to the coaching firms to plan trips or revert to her old marketing tactics of giving lectures at schools and ins titutes and market her farm herself. The decision on whether or not to engage with coaching firms is not possible at this time because the number of passengers on each coach has not been identified, thus one cannot calculate the profits to be had from the sales of ice-cream and other produce along with the admission fees (with or without the discounts).Even if the averaged figure of one-liter ice-cream sale per two coach passengers is taken to be reliably accurate without the number of potential customers coming through the coach trips, and via cars for that matter (one liter per four passengers), choice between the options would be more moot point than proper decision making on the part of Gillian. If we were to assume that half the customers come by car and half come via coach trips than promoting coach trips would yield more benefits in terms of ice-cream sales as * 7400 coach trips/2 = 3700 liters of sales & * 7400 car travelers/4 = 1850 liters of salesGiven that 13500 liters we re sold through the retail shop ($27000/$2(selling price)) this would mean that close to 41% of the sales comes through the customers on the farm. A 50% increase in the number of customers on the farm would lead to sales of $40,000 only if the number of customers at the farm window also increased by 50% which is a market not being targeted by Gillian, thus the following calculation leading to a figure of $40,000 would be incorrect as the sales would be lower (higher from the customers on the farm but when including the trend based sales through the farm window the total sales would be lower). 148001. 5=22200 customers * 11100 coach trips/2$2=$11100 * 11100 car travelers/4$2= $5550 * $16650/0. 41 = $40,610 in sales. School parties and trips could be a good tactic on the part of Gillian as they would ensure higher number of visitors and a larger sale of ice-cream and other products which could be made on the farm. Charging a lower admission fees for parties and retaining the catering of the party would be a good source of income for the farm and has the potential of increasing the traffic at the farm by opening a whole new target market for Holly Farms i. e. party venue.Gillian should invest some time and effort into undertaking market research into how many schools would be willing to have parties or field trips on the farm (before offering party packages), also information on the customer tolerance for queuing (to watch the milking process) would be beneficial to Gillian in analyzing how to increase the number of customers on the farm because if the customers are not able to watch the milking process and view this as a deal breaker, they might seek out other sources of recreation and by increasing customers in the short run, Gillian might lose customers in the long run.Information on the actual number of car visitors vs. those coming through coach trips should be sought before Gillian decides on a course of action. Answer 3: Before undertaking a decision to in crease the number of ice-cream flavors from 4 to 10 Gillian should weight the advantages and the disadvantages of this venture. The first factor which Gillian needs to consider is whether a market exists for ten flavors of ice-cream or not, and whether it is feasible for the farm to be producing ten flavors.The fact that capital investment is not possible for Holly Farms means that the additional production would be through an increase in the labor force but the overall quantity of the ice-cream produced would still be limited to an inventory level of 7000 liters (which can be held by the freezer). This would mean that the new flavors would be introduced at the expense of the old flavors. This can be an advantage if the customers of Holly Farm are seeking one or two flavors other than those eing offered (market research would be required to confirm this) and that the quantity demanded would allow for greater turnover through either farm or retail sales. Alternatively this venture co uld lead to unsatisfied customers in cases where the farm could experience stock outs of certain flavors due to the fact that many flavors would be under production. A move to directly offering ten flavors would also create logistical problems as the machines available for production and storing are limited.The fact that more staff would have to be hired would also increase the cost of production of all ice-creams and that would affect the profits of the ice-cream venture and Gillian would be forced to make another key decision on whether to pass on the increased cost to the customers in the form of higher prices, and risk losing some business, or decrease the profit margins of the same.Since an increase in volume is only possible if the inventory turnover is greatly enhanced by the introduction of new flavors (which is not certain) the profits for the farm would be on a downward trend if all other factors remain constant and flavors are added to the product offerings.Since there is no research to suggest that there would be a greater uptake of ice-cream (at retail or farm level) with more flavors, a jump to 10 flavors would be rash and create more problems for Gillian in terms of resource management, forecasting the demand for individual products and overlooking the manufacturing of the same, rather than the advantages Gillian seeks.Undertaking some degree of market research and exploring one or two additional flavors (based on research findings) whilst maintaining the same level of staff could be more beneficial for Holly Farms and they could expand their flavor offerings over the long run when they have the capacity to increase production or maintain higher levels of inventory. ConclusionThe case under review explores the capacity and resource constraints being faced by a small business which was able to attract customers and diversify into other forms of complementary businesses i. e. tours and ice-cream retailing. What we find in this case is that Gillian , the partner in charge of the complementary businesses is facing two critical decisions (a) how to increase the number of customers visiting the farm and (b) how to increase the retail sales of the ice-cream.Since capital investment is not a viable option for the business the means of increasing customer traffic are limited to promotional activities and attracting the right customers for both tours and ice-cream sales. We find that such decisions are not possible with the data available to Gillian at the present time and that the option to increase the number of ice-cream flavors to ten (from four) is also not viable given the manufacturing and storage constraints.Gillian should therefore seek additional data on the target audience for promotional activities and if she plans to increase the number of ice-cream flavors she should start on a smaller scale after conducting proper market demand research. References [Author of Book] (1999), â€Å"Case Study: Holly Farms†, [Name o f Book], Pp 244-248 Read more:  http://www. ukessays. com/essays/business-strategy/holly-farms-strategy. php#ixzz2DakGnUSm