The Issue Of Mainstream Media Bias Essay - 2115 Words

†The world is not responding to events in this country, but rather to the description of these events by news organizations. The key to understanding the strange nature of the response is thus to be found in the practice of journalism†¦.† (Friedman, 2014) This article considers the concepts in arguing that mainstream media bias exists. Exists and presents, in message and content, an essentially biased product, in direct opposition of their industry standards declaration of impartiality and neutrality. In an effort to establish meaning and prepare the reader this article applies the definition of bias as applied by Grosclose and Milyo, whose paper â€Å"A Measure of Media Bias† which was published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics in November of 2005 and is still relevant today; â€Å"Before proceeding, it is useful to clarify our definition of bias. Most important, the definition has nothing to do with the honesty or accuracy of the news outlet. Instead, our notion is more like a taste or preference† (Groseclose Milyo, 2005). In the context of a quantitative content analysis of media bias, its delivery, its targeted audience and ultimate evaluation will determine the ‘taste’ and establish ‘preference’. Through the intentional and un-intentional portrayal of an established or implied bias the target audience’s opinions, ideals and motivations are necessarily affected. Specifically, the term ‘media’ in the context of this article refers to journalistic news sources that areShow MoreRelatedAll Lives Matter, By Nikita Carney Essay1344 Words   |  6 PagesMedia bias is displayed repeatedly in news coverage of black tragedies and in the persecution of black bodies. From protest following the non indictments of cop killing unarmed black men to the uninformed persecution of the BlackLivesMatter movement, mainstream media is constantly standing in opposition to anything that threatens the status quo. My five articles assessed said media bias, and if that bias whether negative or positive affected the African-American community. Nikita Carney’s â€Å"All LivesRead MoreThe Impact Of Mainstream Media On Today s Audience1212 Words   |  5 Pagesbefore. Mainstream media plays a huge influence on today’s audience and influences choices made when it comes to important decision making such as voting for the next President. Most Americans don’t look up important topics and decide who or what to vote for. They get most of their information from mainstream news networks such as CNN, CBS, NBC, and Vice News. Most of these major news networks that I listed show some form of liberal bias. What is liberal bias? How can we document this liberal bias soRead MoreMedia Bias Of The United States1389 Words   |  6 Pagesthe fact that media in the United States is indeed biased. The mainstream media particularly all seem to have a majority of the same viewpoints with little variation on their beliefs, but I must disagree when you say all journalists and writers are biased because, â€Å"they push thei r agenda in news and entertainment.† Media bias comes from a multitude of factors, who enters careers in writing and journalism, where journalists get information from, and how audiences receive news and media. When lookingRead MoreThe Public s Negligence Toward The Rapid Emergence Of Fake News1443 Words   |  6 Pagesthe successful execution of a democratic government greatly relies on citizens’ valid knowledge on issues that are centered on economic, social, cultural, and most importantly, political development. Evidently, society considerably depends on mainstream media and other news sources to provide the necessary information and updates on such topics. There are six main ways in which the mainstream media and other news sources impact elections and the public’s perceptions of the various past and presentRead MoreThe On The Wall, Who s The Fairest Of Them All?1407 Words   |  6 PagesFOX News? Liberal bias is undoubtably an orthodox notion among consumers of mainstream broadcast journalism. For decades, Republicans have repeated a mantra alleging that the media as a whole are biased against their party and their politicians. However, with the rise of conservative talk radio and TV programming, democrats have somewhat embraced this â€Å"bias† thus, digging a deeper void between politically active audiences. This was my elementary perspective of this contentious issue. As a young collegeRead MoreThe Media s Role Of A Democratic Nation1496 Words   |  6 PagesThe news media is an important aspect of a democratic nation, as one of their roles is to be a voice of the public — to mediate between the public and th e government. Anderson (2007) asserts that the normative roles of the news media in a democratic society are to undertake the role of the fourth estate, act as a watchdog, and when necessary, as a counterbalance to those in society who abuse their power. In other words, the media’s function in society is critical to ensuring a balanced governanceRead MoreAnalysis Of Donald Trump Won The 2016 U.s. President s Election1450 Words   |  6 Pageswere surprised by this outcome since it is totally opposite to the most mainstream media’s predictions. Connecting to another impressive news happened in British few months ago that British citizens vote to exit the European Union successfully, the major news media there foretell this event correctly while opposite claims are still remarkable. For example, according to Fortune’s report, it is unbelievable that most mainstream media got the wrong election’s prediction because they simply couldn’t trustRead More Media Bias on Women’s Issues700 Words   |  3 PagesMedia Bias on Women’s Issues Detecting bias in news media is a challenge that every person who watches, reads, or listens to the news should accept. Subtle changes in the details of a story can change the entire focus of an event and affect all members of the audience. Applying the gender-based critique analysis process to the media coverage of the 2004 March for Women’s Lives in Washington, D.C. provides an excellent exercise in identifying news bias. The article, â€Å"Muting the Women’s March: MediaRead MoreThe And Skeptics : Evaluating The Credibility Of Mainstream And Citizen Journalism1151 Words   |  5 Pagesthe audience gravitates towards mainstream news providers like CNN or The New York Times. These sources, along with many others, have been accepted for their credibility. Recently, however, another source has been capturing the audience’s attention. This source is known as citizen journalism, and its contributions to society have had a huge impact. Whether or not these contrib utions are credible has become an issue that sparks debate among the audience. This issue is researched in an academic journalRead MoreMedia Bias Essay1173 Words   |  5 PagesIs the Media Bias? One problem that plagues us every day without us even realizing is media bias. We see it in the news, our favorite sitcoms and even in the newspapers. Yet, we really dont recognize it when we hear or see it. Media bias is evident in every aspect of the media. The problem is that we dont recognize it when its in our faces. Are the impressions that we form about individuals a product of the media? In my opinion, the media plays an important and powerful part in some of our lives

Essay about Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell

Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell Few supervisors experience lack of respect and denunciation from workers because of their positions in a company. Supervisors take actions to preserve the image of authority before subordinates and from being ridiculed by their workers, even if the supervisors object these types of actions. The essay Shooting an Elephant relates to this situation. The author of this essay is George Orwell. The author talks about his work and personal experience that emphasizes the impact of imperialism at the sociological and psychological stage. This paper shall discuss the Orwells essay, how the artistic choices shape the facts in the essay, how the relationship between facts and artistry contributed to the†¦show more content†¦The referee, a Burman, would look the other way and the crowd would yell with laughter. This happened more than once. The author claims the young Buddhist priests were the worst of the group. All this was perplexed for Orwell, but in his mind he believed imperialism was an evil thing. The author understood how the Burmese felt and was against the Britishs subjugation ways (Orwell, 1996). His form of writing allowed his voice to come right out of the page to the reader. There is one part of Orwells mind that visualize British Raj as an unbreakable tyranny and another part in his mind where the greatest joy in the world would be Orwell driving a bayonet into a Buddhist priests guts (Orwell, 1996). The authors thoughts pull the reader into his mindset and dilemma of his world. Orwell receives a telephone call from a Burmese sub-inspector that an elephant was ravaging the bazaar. He took a .44 Winchester, which too small to kill an elephant, and a pony. The authors intention is to use the gun to make a noise to deter the animal. Orwell explained the description of the quarter and explained to reader the weather conditions of the area, cloudy, stuffy morning at the beginning of the rains (Orwell, 1996, pp. 144). He asked the whereabouts of the el ephant but receives vague answers. He noticed an old woman shooing away a group of naked children. The author mentioned to the reader the children were naked. This imagery help the reader see that the povertyShow MoreRelatedShooting An Elephant By George Orwell1246 Words   |  5 PagesSalma Kingu Professor: Michael English: 1301 Essay 2 Summer: 06/26/2017 â€Å"Shooting an Elephant† by George Orwell In the 1950, George Orwell was a police officer during the British Empire in lower Burma, India who was ill- educated and secretly hated his job due to the dirty works and evil of colonialism; George Orwell wrote the story about shooting an elephant. Shooting an Elephant is a story which describes how the British occupiers were badly treating the Burmese by killing and terrorizedRead MoreShooting An Elephant By George Orwell867 Words   |  4 PagesShooting an Elephant The short story â€Å"Shooting an Elephant† by George Orwell describes Orwell’s experience as a police officer of a town in the British colony of Burma. George Orwell, a military occupier in the Burmese land is much hated by the civilians. The hatred he receives from the locals makes him despise the British Empires mistreatment on the Burmese people. However, he also resents the locals in the village for revolting against him, for he is only a worker of the British Empire. â€Å"ShootingRead MoreShooting an Elephant by George Orwell 884 Words   |  4 Pagesappeared normal as usual. I was only in the kitchen for five minutes when I heard my brothers screaming my name. I rushed over to the screams which led to my room. My brother’s faces were pale with fright while they waited outside my room door. It was as Orwell once mentioned, â€Å"Evidently there was something that the children ought not to have seen† (pg. 231). They pointed towards the birdcage an d I immediately started thinking if I’d forgotten to feed the birds. While I gently removed the towel that I placedRead MoreShooting An Elephant By George Orwell1670 Words   |  7 Pageseventually caused me to comply. In â€Å"Shooting an Elephant,† by George Orwell, Orwell faced a similar dilemma. â€Å"Shooting an Elephant† is an essay that depicts Orwell’s conflictions about shooting a rampaging elephant while he served as an Imperial policeman in Burma during British colonial rule. In his essay, Orwell describes the difficult decision of whether or not to shoot the elephant and why he made his decision. Although he did not initially want to shoot the elephant, the social pressure of being surroundedRead MoreAnalysis Of Shooting An Elephant By George Orwell988 Words   |  4 PagesEric Arthur Blair, or commonly known as George Orwell, is the author of many compositions. Blair, the author of two of the most famous novels of the 1920s; Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, was born in Eastern Indian. He joined the Indian Imperial Police in Burma but resigned in 1927 to become a writer (BBC). Orwell’s style of writing can be described as bold and vivid. He puts the truth in his writing. Orwell’s novel, â€Å"Shooting an Elephant,† was published in 1936. In the novel, a colonial policemanRead MoreShooting an Elephant by George Orwell Essay585 Words   |  3 PagesShooting an Elephant by George Orwell In his essay Shooting an Elephant, George Orwell explains how the controlling authorities in a hostile country are not controlling the countrys population but are in fact a mere tool of the populous. Orwells experience with the elephant provided the insight for his essay, and gives a clear example of the control the natives have over the authorities. The authorities in Lower Burma were there to police the state that their government controlled, butRead MoreShooting an Elephant bye George Orwell1019 Words   |  4 Pagesmeans a loss of dignity. George Orwell’s short story, â€Å"Shooting an Elephant†, is an ideal example. In the story, Orwell, the main character, works as a policeman in Burma in the 1930s for the British Empire. One day, an elephant tramples loose, and although Orwell has no intent on shooting the elephant, a mob of native Burmese pressures Orwell to shoot the elephant. He reluctantly acquiesces to prevent being humiliated. After that experience, Orwell writes â€Å"Shooting an Elephant† to demonstrate nativeRead MoreAn Analysis Of Shooting An Elephant By George Orwell1147 Words   |  5 Pageswhere he is hated and pressured by a large number of people. George Orwell had made up his mind that imperialism was an evil thing and the sooner he chucked up his job and got out of it the better. As for his believe, â€Å"he was theoretically and secretly all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British.† In the short story, â€Å"Shooting an Elephant†, George Orwell is face with an incident that leads him to shoot the elephant at the end of the story. Trough out the story he is faced withRead MoreGeorge Orwell s Shooting An Elephant 1114 Words   |  5 PagesShooting an Elephant : George Orwell Since the publication of George Orwell s, Shooting an Elephant in 1936 many philosophers have engaged in conversation about humanity, violence, politics, power, dominance, race, culture and principles. Orwell was in fact a genius plain and simple, though in a very complicated way(Firchow 94). He brings you into the essay with his lucid and vivid details the entire way through from the setting I remember that it was a cloudy, stuffy morning at the beginningRead MoreGeorge Orwell s Shooting An Elephant894 Words   |  4 Pagesdescribed by George Orwell, in his short story, â€Å"Shooting an Elephant†(Orwell). In this story, Orwell delicately explains to his readers how society is influenced by peer pressure. The story was set in Burma in 1936 and begins with a low self-esteemed police officer just trying to get through day- to- day life. His life takes a turn when he is suddenly faced with the decision to shoot an elephant to please a crowd of spectators. Believing that his act ions are wrong he shoots the elephant anyway and

Miles Davis Essay Free Essays

Jon Davis Perspectives in American Jazz Ben Martinson December 10, 2009 Miles Davis: The Last Pioneer in American Jazz Miles Davis represents the pinnacle of modern American Jazz. He was one of the foremost pioneers in the inventions of cool jazz, hard bop, free jazz, fusion and techno. He was, arguably one of the most influential figures in music, pushing the boundaries of what was commonly known as jazz into new directions that most people thought was impossible. We will write a custom essay sample on Miles Davis Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now Davis was born on May 26, 1926 in Alton, Illinois to Dr. Miles Henry Davis, a successful dentist, and Cleota Mae Davis. Davis’ interest in music was sparked at the age of 13 when his father bought him a trumpet, and arranged lessons with accomplished local musician Elwood Buchanan. Oddly enough, Buchanan discouraged Davis from using vibrato in his music, which was a characteristic that Davis carried throughout the entirety of his career. Interestingly, his mother, Cleota Mae Davis, played blues piano but kept this facts hidden from her son. Because of his proficiency with the trumpet, he was accepted into the Julliard School of Music to study classical music. Davis quickly realized that the classical form was not for him, and desired a more non-traditional approach. Davis made the decision to drop out of the Julliard School because they were not accepting of his non-traditional approach. Davis focused on imperfect melodies in order to distract the users away from the composition of the music, and to concentrate more on the deeply rooted meanings in the music. Davis stated in an interview, â€Å"It’s [music] always been a gift with me, hearing music the way I do. I don’t know where it comes from, it’s just there and I don’t question it,† (Miles Davis Properties). After Davis dropped out of Julliard, he got to experience the greatest privilege that any musician of the time could hope for. He received the chance to play with the band of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Davis’ performance was rapidly perfected by the influence of Parker and Gillespie (Miles Davis). He saw his first studio time under Parker and Gillespie with Savoy records in September of 1945. This represented a major change of pace for Davis, because he was now qualified to record as a solo artist. Savoy Records offered to sign him as a band leader, where he soon excelled to the point of starting his own nonet called the â€Å"Miles Davis Nonet. † Davis often came off as arrogant or rude because he demanded absolute perfection in all rehearsals and performances from his band members. These demands may have been rooted in the slaps on the knuckles he received as a child from Buchanan. Davis had rapidly become one of the most famous musicians of the time, and had no intention of slowing down. Davis enjoyed a rapid, lifestyle of fame success, and debauchery. His lifestyle began to catch up with him at the peak of his career when heroine became a severe problem in his life. Heroin addiction was not uncommon for musicians during the 1940s and 1950s. It is speculated that his addiction to heroin may have been influenced by both Parker and Gillespie, the two men that made him into a star (Miles Davis). However, the difference between Davis, Parker, and Gillespie was that Davis rid himself of his addiction to heroin by locking himself into a room until he was completely free of his habit and prepared to perform again. Davis rapidly got back to the world of jazz by performing at the Newport Jazz Festival in July of 1955. This performance was one of his best live shows, and proved to Columbia Records that he was ready to record one of his bestselling albums of all time, Miles Ahead. This album featured legendary collaborations between Gil Evans and Davis. It created the new sound of Miles Davis that moved away from Bebop, and more towards unheard of genres of music. In August of 1959 Davis’ success continued with the release of his most successful album, Kind of Blue. This album went on to earn quadruple-platinum success, and to be the best-selling jazz album of all time. â€Å"It never and entered my mind† is my favorite track by Davis. It is the first track on Davis’ album, Workin’ performed by the Miles Davis Quintet. The track features Davis playing a very cool, relaxed trumpet solo, with a walking scale on bass. The scale is a riff and it repeats the entire song. First and foremost when listen to this piece, I just feel extremely relaxed. The song carries a heavy romantic tone to it that one cannot help but fall in love with. It is very much like most of his early trumpet playing because it lacks vibrato, and is overall an extremely smooth piece. On September 28, 1991, one year after receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Davis died at the young age of sixty-five from a stroke, pneumonia and respiratory failure. Davis’ music has been, and will continue to be popular and one of the most sought after names in American Jazz. His influence on other genres spans wider than most people realize because of the amount of techniques and styles that he experimented with. No audience is out of reach of Davis’ music because of his uses elements of rock, pop, electronic, jazz and so many more genres. His self-discipline, talent, and love for music have earned him 9 Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, stars on the Hollywood and Saint Louis Walks of Fame, and a Knighthood in Paris. These and countless other honors, combined with his record sales are proof of the popularity, influence, and success that Davis will enjoy for years to come in the fields of cool jazz, hard bop, free jazz, fusion and techno. Davis was a stickler for perfection and poured himself into every song he created and performed, and many musicians have him to thank for the success he has brought them. Works Cited Miles Davis Properties, L. â€Å"Miles Davis. † Miles Davis. 9 Nov. 2009 http://www. milesdavis. com/. Miles Davis Quintet. Workin’ Rec. 1956. Prestige, 1987. â€Å"Miles Davis. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 2009. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 9 Nov. 2009 http://www. rockhall. com/inductee/miles-davis. NPR, Ken Burns, and Columbia/legacy . â€Å"Miles Davis. † 9 Nov. 2009 http://www. pbs. org/jazz/biography/artist_id_davis_miles. htm. Ouellette, Dan. â€Å"Miles Ahead. † Billboard119 (2007): 48-49. Academic Search Elite. EBSCO. Pickler Memorial Librar y, Kirksville. 9 Nov. 2009. Keyword: Miles Davis. Paradowski, Robert J. â€Å"It’s About That Time: Miles Davis on and Off Record. † (2005). EBSCOhost. Pickler Memorial Library, Kirksville. 9 Nov. 2009. Keyword: Miles Davis. How to cite Miles Davis Essay, Essays

Debut Albums and Dear Friends free essay sample

Honorable Chief Guest of the day, distinguished guests for the occasion, teachers, parents and all my dear friends, this day 1 5th August of every year is a golden day engraved In the history of the world. We got freedom on this date and it Is a day worth a celebration. When we celebrate It hoisting the flag, playing our National Anthem with enthusiasm, distributing sweets, we need to seal back Into the past to remember and pay homage to the builders of our nation. My dear friends, we were he privileged lot to have been born in free India. We were able to breathe the fresh free air since our birth. If at all we want to know the pangs of agony of being slaves under a foreign rule, we must ask our elders born before 1947. It was indeed a Himalayan task for every Indian those days to fight against those powerful giants the British rulers. We will write a custom essay sample on Debut Albums and Dear Friends or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page We must not allow those hard times and struggles fade away from our memories.Hence it is befitting for us to celebrate such National festivals and call those heroic deeds of our National heroes. We remember them today. Right from Mahatma Gandhi to the local patriotic leaders we owe our gratitude. When we regard those martyrs who laid their precious lives for our sake, we must not Ignore the common people who sacrificed their lot for the good cause. There were farmers, land lords, businessmen, teachers, writers, poets and students who helped the land achieve the long cherished freedom.

Storage of Combustible and Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids ignite easily. They are bound to catch fire when exposed to the slightest form of an igniting agent. A liquid is considered flammable if its flashpoint is above 100.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Storage of Combustible and Flammable Liquids specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Although combustible liquids have an estimated flash point of 40, they are capable of catching fire. The ignition of a flammable or combustible fluid could cause a catastrophic fire. It is significantly important to prevent such fluids in tanks from catching fire. The solution to protecting these fluids from igniting is designing appropriate storage facilities. The major storage facilities for flammable liquids are tanks (Long 55). The design and installation of flammable fluids storage tanks is specifically meant to avert the fluids’ possibility of catching fire. In the US, the flammable and combustible liquids act w as passed in 1988. There exists two major forms of storage. These are the underground storage tanks and floating roof tanks. It has been noted that during incidences such as spills and overfills, a lot of unwanted and sometimes harmful content is released into the environment. In the past, many USTs were made of corrosive metals. Because of corrosion over time, several incidences of leakage occurred. Consequently, the government found it necessary to establish laws that would mitigate these challenges especially regarding underground spillage. The law mandated underground storage tanks’ owners to upgrade their storage tanks. In this regard, owners were required to replace their faulty corrosive tanks with non-corrosive tanks. The other form of flammable liquids storage is the floating roof tanks. These tanks satisfactorily handle the volatile and less dense liquids. In this regard, such tanks’ owners and operators must handle combustible and flammable liquids safely to prevent environmental hazards. The observance of these measures helps to prevent the dire consequences of such liquids’ ignition.Advertising Looking for essay on engineering? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The floating roof tank is one of the main designs used for storage of flammable liquids. A specific floating roof tank has a special design and special installation procedures that cater for the safety of the stored liquids. For a tank to store a certain flammable liquid safely, the liquid is pressurized to the rating of the tank and as per the nature of the fluid. Furthermore, some special tanks are needed to store cryogenic liquids. A floating roof tank has a covering that is not fixed. In addition, since the tank cannot withstand much pressure, it has a conical or flat roof. The tank has a vent on top of the lid. The vent functions as an air outlet when the tank is filling to prevent the increasing pressure from lifting the lid off. Moreover, the vent is used for emergency purposes to keep the pressure constant in case of a rapid increase, which could damage the tank. A rapid increase in pressure may occur due the rise in temperature as in the case of an accidental fire. The liquids stored in a floating roof tank should have low volatile tendency to prevent gradual loss (Myers 104). Floating roof tanks do not have an airtight design that can hold back vapour in case of rapid evaporation. The vent used to release pressure during the filling process acts as a fireguard. It arrests the flame before it is sucked into the tank. The vent should be designed in such a way that it is not obstructed in times of an emergency. The vapour pressure in a floating roof tank is measured at the top of the tank where there is vapour space. This measure helps to avoid the inclusion of the liquid pressure when the measurement is taken at the bottom. Floating roof tanks are used to store liquids with high flash points to minimise their chances of igniting when there is an igniting agent in close proximity. Once ignited, the liquids could provide a lethal incendiary for a fire. Lubricating oil, among other petroleum products, is an example of the liquids that could be stored in a floating roof tank.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Storage of Combustible and Flammable Liquids specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More If the roof of the tank is rigid, the liquid stored should have a significantly high flash point. Furthermore, the liquid should have low volatility so that the vapour concentration remains below the ignition level. If the tank is exposed to extremely high temperatures, the liquid vaporises quickly and the pressure inside the tank rises rapidly. In case the vent designed for releasing the pressure fails, the resulting tension in the tank may cause an explosion. Such an explosion will damage the tank and spill out the stored liquid, which may accelerate the fire further. In some other instances, an improperly fixed lid may expose the stored fluid to the danger of catching fire. In addition, the stored liquid could spill out and ignite a fire in close proximity. If a flame manages to ignite the fluid in the tank with the lid still in place, the tank may explode. Another precautionary measure observed when manufacturing tanks with fixed roofs is the deliberate alteration of the tanks roofs’ strength (Myers 254). A tank is constructed with a roof of medium strength and a seam that can be easily broken between the roof and vertical walls. This loosely bonded seam will unfold with the application of a sudden immense pressure such as the one that occurs on heating of the tank by a fire. In this regard, when the roof’s seam breaks during a fire, the pressure inside the tank cannot increase beyond the atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the content of the tank remains intact and free form i gnition if the heating effect acts from below. Since the contents of the tank do not splash during an explosion, the chances of extensive fire damage are minimised. The design of floating roof tanks does not involve any kind of a float chamber to cut out the liquid supply during the tank’s filling. In this regard, the tank has a plastic or rubber rim around the roof, which acts as a washer to prevent the liquid from overflowing through the rim onto the upper side of the tank’s lid.Advertising Looking for essay on engineering? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The most common fire accident in a floating roof tank is the lighting up of the roof rim, which is often smeared with the overflowing content of the tank. Vertical tanks are used to store less inflammable liquids such as naphtha while horizontal tanks are used for the storage of highly flammable liquids such as motor gas. These tanks are designed to hold liquids at low pressure. Thus, they are used for highly volatile gases. The design of a tank without a weak roof that can be blown away to release pressure makes the bottom of the tank vulnerable to pressure. The failure of the bottom seam may lead to a reaction that can cause the tank to be tossed away from the fire scene and cause fire elsewhere. Tanks situated above the ground are vulnerable to collapse since an intense fire may compromise the integrity of their stilts, which are made of steel. In this regard, the most appropriate measure is to install the tanks in an underground vault and covering it. For a tank installed in an underground location, corrosion of the tank’s material is inevitable. The tank can be protected through electrical means by attaching a charged cathode for deionisation purposes. In addition, a tank installed in an underground location is vulnerable to the accumulation of vapours. In this regard, some form of aeration is necessary in order to contain the contamination of the stored liquid by condensed water. Asphalt can be used for the construction of tanks because its flash point is above the ignition point of most of flammable materials. However, some asphalt tanks are reported to have ignited at temperatures significantly below asphalt’s flash point. This has been attributed to the combined effects of the asphalt material and the flammable liquid in the tank. In addition, the fireproof design of a floating roof tank may fail when an electrostatic charge triggers the ignition of the liquids stored in the tank. The electrostatic charge is generated during the tankâ₠¬â„¢s cleaning or when the process of filing the tank is not executed in an appropriate manner. Therefore, to avoid the electrostatic charges, proper installation is critical so that the charges do not cause an ignition. Nevertheless, the flashpoint could be analysed to determine the compatibility with the tank used for storage. The adoption of appropriate measures ensures that the storage of combustible and flammable liquids is handled properly with regard to the floating tank facilities. On this note, environmental hazards that result from spillage or ignition can be avoided. Another significant method of storage of combustible and flammable liquid is the use of Underground storage tanks (USTs). USTs have a combination of connected pipes and are occasionally designed to occupy 10% of their size. Contrary to the common notion, USTs do not include other small volume tanks used in the farms for fuel storage. USTs are utilized by numerous businesses. These tanks are usually used for t he storage of petroleum related products and other flammable substances like oxygen and hydrogen. Due to the explosive nature of the substances stored in these tanks, it is significantly important to observe their proper and standardized ways of installation and maintenance. Similarly, when transferring the content stored in these tanks, the appropriate precautionary mechanism should be employed to limit spillage. This ensures the safety of the operations (Long 224). In this regard, safety rules and storage tanks regulations have been developed to enhance secure storage and usage practices leading to economical and environmental benefits. During installation, several measures should be observed because the effective use of USTs relies heavily on their installation procedures. There are two methods of installation. These are existing new installation and new installation. An existing new installation entails the upgrading of earlier installations to ensure that the existing container s are in safe conditions and easy to monitor. Through these practices, tanks are upgraded enhancing corrosion protection, leak prevention and overfill detection. During the upgrading process, the internal section of the tank is inspected to ensure that it is mechanically sound and free of leak holes. If a period of ten years has passed since the tank’s initial installation, the tank should be monitored on a monthly basis. The presence of leakage holes in the tank can be established by using two procedures. The initial test is done before the lining of cathode elements while the second test is done five months afterwards. After the tests, the tank may be upgraded by combining two installation procedures of internal lining and cathode guarding. For a new installation, the owner should inform the local authorities 30 days prior the date of the installation. This enables the review of the owner’s installation plans to ascertain their validity and counterchecked if they com ply with the standards of the installation procedure. In the proposal, the owner should provide details regarding the sites electricity or telecommunication lines, security, neighbouring buildings and water bodies such as wells in the vicinity. Afterwards an approval may be offered to the owner if he or she complies with the regulation standards. USTs experts are then sent to the installation site for inspection purposes before the certificate of approval is awarded (Metelski 256). During installation, the owner is expected to obtain an insurance cover. Similarly, well-trained technicians should be employed to perform the installation. All the tanks and pipes should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. In several countries, the standards of removal and disposal of USTs have been developed. Usually, the law requires all USTs owners to replace the tanks within a period of 10 years. In this undertaking, they are encouraged to use fibreglass tanks due to their ability to withstand corrosion. Similarly, modern tanks have been reinforced with double fibreglass walls significantly reducing the issue of leaks in tanks. The tank replacement process demands the replacement of old pipes with new ones, which are stronger. The new pipes have been reinforced with an additional double wall from a mixture of glass and plastic materials. During installation, tanks’ control systems are included to monitor and sense leaks. These measures are meant to observe and automatically report any leakages. Due to the numerous demands from regulators and environmentalist, many owners of USTs have resorted to other methods of storage like above-the-ground tanks to reduce costs and for monitoring purposes. However, some states do not permit this form of storage. In the U.S the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) policies regarding USTs have been very strict. As a result, numerous achievements have been realized. More than half of the tanks ’ owners have complied with the policies of upgrading their tanks and some have replaced theirs completely. Despite these dramatic changes, some leakage incidences from fuel tanks are still being reported. To countercheck such occurrences, the US government through the EPA has provided resources for cleanup and prevention programs. These resources are provided to tribes, territories and local authorities to aid them in implementing their clean up and prevention programs. Since the inception of the use of USTs, preventing leaks and spillages into the environment have always been a challenge. However, the EPA and other environmental organisations have significantly progressed in their bid to minimise and eventually halt the release of these substances into the environment. Nevertheless, there have been major setbacks encountered by these organisations concerning the operation and maintenance of these tanks. When leakage of USTs occurs, the owners and the operators are required by law to report the matter to the relevant authorities. Thereafter, clean up of the spillage is done before 24 hours elapse. In case of an underground leakage, operators should try as much as possible to minimise the contact between the tank’s contents and the air. This can be achieved by use of sorbents to limit the flow of the chemicals. In addition, an immediate excavation should be done. In some cases, the law mandates a secondary containment in cases of emergencies. The secondary containment is supposed to be used at all times whenever humans’ health is at risk. This containment should be well fabricated to prevent the stored substance from seeping down the water table. Furthermore, consideration of the volume of the containment is necessary. It must be stable enough to hold different pressures from different fluids. However, containments’ specifications vary from state to state and from one local authority to another. To avoid incidences of leaks, owners and operators are required by law to monitor the volume of the stored substances regularly. The volume capacity of the tank should always be greater than the transferring tank’s capacity. In this regard, owners should ensure that their operators comply with the required USTs protocols. All operations on corrosive substances should be maintained to sustain the corrosion caused by the metal components. Similarly, the USTs facilities should be protected by the use of cathode elements. Frequent monitoring by qualified experts in cathode protection is vital. Checkups and test should be carried out in a period of 5 months after installation and every 3 years thereafter. The criterion used by the cathode experts should be appropriate and up to date as per the regulations (Metelski 384). Thereafter, the USTs’ data regarding cathode protection should be stored in records for future reference. Moreover, the owners are supposed to ensure that their UST lining material is appropri ately matched with the storage substance hence avoiding cases of incompatibility (Long 384). In this regard, the repairs and maintenance practices should comply with the USTs protocols. Despite the numerous regulations in place, the minimization of UST leakages still poses a great challenge due to the dangers exposed to the environment. Therefore, we should contribute significantly towards the mitigation of such challenges. In the event of a spillage, the environment should be protected to reduce spillage hazards as stipulated by the law. In this regard, one is expected to put away all the flammable materials like cigarettes. The impacts of a fire outbreak are detrimental and sometimes fatal. For any form of combustible and flammable liquids storage facility chosen, the safety of the stored liquid is a vital consideration. Knowing that the liquids stored are highly flammable, any material capable of causing an ignition should be kept away. Nevertheless, these storage facilities shou ld be continuously upgraded to improve their performance in handling the liquid. The realization of the appropriate storage system is very significant towards the safe handling of the liquid. Moreover, the owners or operators should consider the advantages and risks that they face in handling the liquid. The location and the surrounding condition of the storage facility determine the choice of the storage facility. In this regard, underground storage tanks are viewed as less vulnerable to rampant fire risks than floating roof tanks. Although these storage facilities are the most commonly used, there exist others such as the above-the-ground storage tanks. Each storage tank therefore suits each specific flammable liquid depending on its characteristics. Lastly, any flammable liquid should be kept safely for its utilisation and protection of biodiversity. Works Cited Long, Bob, and Bob Garner. Guide to storage tanks equipment: the practical  reference book and guide to storage tank s and ancillary equipment with a  comprehensive buyers’ guide to worldwide manufacturers and suppliers. Bury St. Edmunds, U.K.: Professional Engineering, 2004. Print. Metelski, John J., and Myra R. Anderson. Managing underground storage tanks. New York, N.Y.: Executive Enterprises Publications Co., 1989. Print. Myers, Philip E.. Aboveground storage tank inspection guide. London: McGraw-Hill, 1999. Print. This essay on Storage of Combustible and Flammable Liquids was written and submitted by user Valeria Tanner to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

buy custom Multivariate Data Analysis essay

buy custom Multivariate Data Analysis essay Strategy is a term that originates from the Greek word stratigiki. It concerns the deployment of an armys resources in a unique manner in order to avoid the combination of threats and weaknesses and try to match opportunities with strengths (Thompson Gamble J., 2007). There is a history of battles where stronger armies (in terms of resources) lost in the battlefield when confronted a weaker army with charismatic leadership and strategy (Sanders Carpenter, 2007). Similarly, in the business world strategy aims to achieve better effectiveness and performance of resources by examining ways of matching strengths with opportunities and simultaneously avoiding the combination of weaknesses and threats (Hitt et al., 2008). As a result in the business there is a need both to know the firm and the business environment better. In this dissertation, the generic strategy of cost leadership will be analysed the Retail Supermarket business in regard to customer service quality, a second objective will be to compare the perceptions of quality across customers in different cultures. 2.1 Cost leadership strategy and customer service in Retail Industry There are three levels of strategy; Corporate, Business (or generic) and Functional level strategy (Lumpkin et al., 2009). Corporate strategy refers to the arenas and the staging in which companies compete with certain products / services (SBUs) on specific markets (Hitt et al., 2008). For example, SW (Southwest) Airlines begun to compete at the late seventies as both a parcel and passenger carrier (selection of certain SBUs) in small trips between the southwestern states of America (Arenas or markets). Business strategy refers to the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage for a certain Strategic Business Unit (Sanders Carpenter, 2007). Walmart for instance was the first international retailer to provide the best prices of its product categories by cutting off every unnecessary frill with slogan: Save money. Live better.. In contrast, Mercedes Benz manufactures luxury cars of high quality at the highest standards and status at premium prices. As for functional strategy, it deals with the alignment of a certain business function (HR, Finance, Operations, and Marketing) with the business strategy strengths (Thompson Gamble J., 2007). In this dissertation the focus will be on the alignment of aspects of marketing strategy with a generic business strategy. If the key factor of a company's productivity is the magnetism of the business in which it functions, an essential minor factor, is its status within that business. Although a business might have low rate prosperity, a company that is perfectly situated can produce bigger returns. A company situates itself by controlling its strong points. Michael Porter has coversed that a companys strong points eventually drop into one of two captions: cost advantage and differentiation. By implementing these strong points in either a wide or narrow range, three generic strategies are shaped: cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. These strategies are implemented at the business entity level (Gonzalez Suarez). They are termed generic strategies since they are not company or business reliant. The next table exemplifies Porter's generic stratagems: These three models are instances of "generic strategies", as they can be implemented to goods or services within all businesses, and to companies of all dimensions. They were initially established by Michael Porter in 1985 in his book Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Porter termed the generic strategies, "Cost Leadership", "Differentiation" (creating exclusively attractive goods and services) and "Focus" (supplying a particular service in a niche marketplace). He later sub-segregated the Focus plan into two fractions: "Cost Focus" and "Differentiation Focus" (Porter, 1980). In general, cost leadership is on the subject of being the lowly cost creator in the business. For an association to achieve competitive lead, it should attain general cost leadership in a business it is contending in.For firms contending in a price-responsive market,cost leadershipis the strategic significance of the whole group. It is crucially vital for these firms to have a careful understanding of their costs and cost factors to chase a cost leadership strategy. They as well are required to completely recognize their aimed client groups meaning of quality, generally indicated in terms ofdesign requirements, contractual specifications, delivery and services at the acceptable likely cost. Achieving a cost level that is low in relation to its rivals, is deemed as a specific significance for the firm. For firms not contending on price,a cost leadership strategy is yet critically central. Companies competing in the business via good and service differentiation, will be necessitated to concentrate on cost efficiency and quality, to uphold or improve the worth viewed by their goal customers. Customers will choose products and providers that offer value which compares or surpasses the real and perceived price, both at the time of acquisition and over the products span.Price stays a variable of value, though not to the same level as for an undistinguished market. Consequently, cost control have to be a purpose of each firm, apart from their detailed market point of reference. Companies that acquire a cost leadership strategy, allow them to support market share, protect supply, build access walls, deteriorate threat of surrogates, defend market share against competitors, add to market share, venture new markets, and cut the cost of principal. As the industry setting become yet more vibrant, a strong cost leadership strategy inside the structure of corporate strategy, is fundamental to guarantee the accomplishment of the business. It must offer the course that the entire organization is able to chase in order to protect the firms future endurance and achievement (Porter, 1980). Differentiation strategy consists of a firms intention to achieve profitably by providing superior value to its customers. Thus, the basic implication is that the perceived value should by far exceed the cost (Hitt et al., 2008). Added value chain aims at providing the highest value and customer service without neglecting any cost control. Focus strategy deals with the adoption of either a cost leadership or a differentiation strategy for a specific target group. Porter (1985) was the first to suggest the need of firms to follow a single generic strategy and avoid any combination. Companies are capable of providing extended value to their customers either through differentiation or through low price comparing to the competitors. This study focuses on culture-related perceptions of customers about Retail Service Quality and the implications for applying the generic strategy of cost leadership. As a result the basic generic strategies will be analysed in view of Retailers. Differentiated retailers in specific, try to succeed higher profit margins at higher price by offering a product / service of the highest value (Sanders Carpenter, 2007). This also means that customers can offset superior value for premium prices. On the other flip of the coin, low cost retailers sell their products at the lowest possible prices and customer access costs, on a satisfactory product and service quality (Hitt et al., 2008). This is also reflected on the Customer Value Equation (see figure 2.1 below), developed by Walker et al. (2006). A higher value for money ratio may occur in both strategies; low cost leadership and differentiation as it was presented by Walker et al. (2006). Retailers that minimise customer access costs and provide the best results at the best customer service are able to develop their competitiveness. Alternatively, retailers should provide the best outcome (Results plus Process Quality) comparing to customer costs (Price plus Customer Access Costs) and proceed on benchmarking their ratio with their rivals (Sanders Carpenter, 2007). Porter (1985) revealed that firms cannot combine low cost and differentiation strategy and be competitive at the same time. He also named these firms as Stuck-In-The-Middle, because they were vulnerable to competitors that adopted either a Low cost or a differentiated strategy. IKEA and ALDI for instance have followed this advice, by selling at the lowest prices and minimising their customer services in order to be able to squeeze their prices (Uusitalo Rkman, 2007) (Johansson Thelander A, 2009). However, a research indicated that forty-five percent of customers stated they were completely dissatisfied to neutral and they wouldnt suggest these retailers because they dont offer basic services needed for a satisfactory product (Arnold, 2002). IKEA until 2009 didnt offer assembling of their furniture that was highly valued by a lot of customers (Johansson Thelander A, 2009). ALDI on the other hand has a very dissatisfactory complaints handling policy (mean average of 3.5 on a seven-p oint Likert scale) that makes customers dissatisfied and to develop brand switching behaviours (Uusitalo Rkman, 2007). As a result, the impact of customer service is very important even when retailers adopting the cost leadership strategy. Retailers consider that the best way to reduce costs is to avoid processes that entail customer service. The basic retailing services concern information, advice, order taking, hospitality, security, exceptions (customer care, complaints handling etc), billing and the provision of various means of payments (Yeap and Ramayah, 2011). The most frequent Retail Service complaints concern ineffective complaints handling, lack of information, poor customer care and billing services (long queues etc). The customers that complained declared that their experience was so poor that they wouldnt prefer the store in the future, despite the very competitive prices (Uusitalo Rkman, 2007). On the other hand, Hitt et al. (2008) considered price as a customer satisfaction indicator. Thus, despite the fact that customer satisfaction is impacted by price, retailers need to meet some minimum standards of quality to bolster customer satisfaction. Indeed, todays environment and technology has made customers even more demanding and they require augmented products at a very low cost (Lumpkin et al., 2009). When Porter developed generic strategy theory, the technology didnt offer the opportunity to firms to develop EPR and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS). In addition, no internet and New Information and Communication Technologies were available (Sanders Carpenter, 2007). Firms today have the opportunity to squeeze their costs, for instance Amazon.com offers the best retailing services at a very low cost (Lumpkin et al., 2009). The notion of service quality is further analysed at the next section. Retail involves all activities that openly refer to the sale of products and services to the customer for individual, non-industry exploitation (Retail Glossary, 2005). The retail sector deeply and remarkably accentuates profit margin, and as the global rivalry is rising, prices are being reduced, economies of scale provide a hopeful competitive lead. This might be one of the essential factors for trends toward lesser and wider scope retailers. Three factors that contribute toward such trend, are augmented car possession, augmented rate of households with freezers and refrigerators, and the expansion in the number of working wives. (Jeannet and Hennessey, 1988). Meaning that the augmented vehicle ownership, rising buying power, and time limitations, guides customer from area and small stores, straight into the model of once-per-week shopping at big merchants. The chief strategic marketing judgment residing before a world retails competitor, is whether to implement normalized marketing campaigns throughout the intended countries, or whether it must be tailored to a specific market. This choice has to be supported by considerable comprehension in both the markets fiscal and cultural features. This noticeably holds true for Tesco in our present times. Tesco has attained 25% market share, nearly market diffusion in U.K. Food retailing. Tesco ventured abroad, since it was obliged to. The firm transferred into further regions, such as clothing business and online-shopping. However, that is improbable to provide it the type of development investors aspired for (Griffith, 2002). A retailer fabricates customer constancy through expanding a plain and characteristic representation of its retail offering and constantly strengthening that picture through its products and service. Positioning is the creation and execution of a retail blend to produce an image of the merchant in the consumer's intellect, proportionate to its rivals. A perceptual map is commonly employed to reveal the customer's reflection and fondness for retailers. Tesco and Asda have found their market share drop as the downturn has provoked an alteration in consumer performance, in accordance with numbers from research firm Kantar Worldpanel. When certified statistics revealed RPI price increases at 5pc, Kantar's figures set yearly sales growth amongst British grocers at merely 3.8pc during the 12 weeks into the 7th of August. According to the research group, grocery price increases were in succession at 5.2pc above the period. "It is obvious that consumers are attempting to direct their private inflation, by trading down. This can be executed via looking for cost-effective channels and less costly substitute goods," Kantar said. Sales enlargement of 24.4pc at Aldi provided the trader a 3.6pc market share, up 0.6% and a new high for the firm. In the interim, Lidl witnessed sales surge 13.8pc, as its market share soared 0.2 of a point to 2.6pc. "It's predictable that the markdowns have been remarkably driven forward this month," Kantar said. Therefore, The economic recession and British customers concern for a good buy, has urged record figures of consumers to price cut grocers Aldi and Lidl, to the detriment of the UK's prime superstores. The grocery market persists on generating firm expansion aided by prices increase. These transformations are at the edge, however demonstrate how consumers are rushing to deal with the augmenting pressures on their domestic funds. Shoppers are coping with their budget, by producing more shopping outings, yet purchasing smaller quantities of items. The Customer Satisfaction Model is a universal stage structure the associates the 2 comprehensive Ps (people and performance), and represents the influence of the traditional Ps (product, price, place, promotion). (a) Create customer contentment by meeting, or moreover, surpassing, customers' requirements and prospects, i.e. providing better-quality comparative perceived worth. (b) Accumulate contended (and profitable) consumers into a considerable share of the pertinent supplied market. (c) Influence the market allocations into superior productivity through scale economies (i.e. dispersion of fixed costs over a wide capacity foundation), experience outcomes (i.e. learning curve efficiencies), and market power (e.g. attaining higher contracts from dealers). Firms are encountering more concentrated customer service tensions than ever before. Whenever a service breakdown comes into light, the companys reaction has the prospective either to reinstate customer contentment and strengthen allegiance, or to worsen the situation and force the customer to a contending company. Service recuperation relates to the deeds an organization exert in return to a service breakdown (Gronroos 1988). Recovery organization is believed to have a major significance on customer assessments, because clients are habitually more expressively occupied in and perceptive of recovery service, than in custom or unparalleled service, and are frequently more displeased by an organizations unsuccessful recovery, than by the service breakdown itself (Berry and Parasuraman 1991; Bitner, Booms, and Tetreault 1990). 2.2 Service Quality Determinants and Implications for Managers Service comprises of a providers promise about an experience offering that is guided through interaction between customers and the firm. As a matter of fact, experience is provided to customers through facilities (buildings, vehicles, machinery etc), employees (front-stage and back-office personnel) and processes (Zeithaml, et al., 2008). Since facilities could be easily copied, sustainable competitive advantage in services is relied on HR practices (recruitment, reward schemes, development, job-appraisal, and training) organizational culture, and processes adopted to meet customers needs (Armistead Kiely, 2003). Besides, service providers should adopt practices and strategies that are connected with the unique features of services. The most important special service properties concern intangibility, inseparability and heterogeneity (Svensson, 2006). In modern economy, rarely one finds a service offering of only goods or only services. Instead, most of the offerings concern a mix of goods and services referred in bibliography as products (Wong Sohal, 2003). However, in terms of intangibility there are offerings incorporating more goods and some others are based on services. As a result, there are products characterised by 1) strong search quality, 2) strong experience quality and 3) strong credence quality (Rushton Carson, 1989). Strong search quality is the ability of customers to assess product quality prior to consumption based on obvious attributes (Walker et al., 2006). Clothing, furniture, houses and cars belong to this category, since customers find it easier to assess quality prior to consumption based on such features. On the other hand, products with a great deal of experience quality are the ones that customers are capable of assessing quality only after consumption occurs (Restaurant meals, vacations, haircuts, baby sitting services and telecommunications) (Douglas Connor, 2003). Last but not least, there are products based mostly on services rather than on goods (TV repairs, Legal services, car repair, medical services). These services are strong in credence quality, since customers are based on the providers credibility as well as on the quality of interaction (Gabbie ONeill, 1996). The basic strategy of retailers is to augment their offering using services and for service providers to increase their physical evidences (Armistead Kiely, 2003). As for inseparability, service delivery neither can be separated from the provider nor can be stored in a warehouse (Zeithaml et al., 2008). As a result, quality control cannot easily applied prior to service delivery and as a result, complaints are more easily occur in service-based offerings than in tangible offerings (Armistead Kiely, 2003). This implication suggests that managers should adopt flexible service failure procedures (McCollough et al., 2000). With regards to service heterogeneity, every actual service delivery performance may significantly differ to the standard one. This is attributed to the fact that either customers perceive performance differently or because contact personnel interacts differently with customers during the day (Zeithaml et al., 2008). As a result, employees should know how to react to customers response and requests during the moments of truth (Svensson, 2006). As already mentioned, HR practices are very important to minimise service heterogeneit y (recruitment, customer-centric training, development and effective job appraisal) (Walker et al., 2006). In order to measure service quality as it is perceived by customers, Parasuraman et al. (1988) revealed five dimensions of Service Quality (SERVQUAL MODEL), 1) Reliability, 2) Responsiveness, 3) Assurance, 4) Empathy and 5) Tangible aspects. Reliability is related to the aforementioned heterogeneity that providers should eliminate as possible as they can. Customers need a reliable and consistent service delivery comparing to their expectations, which are formulated by marketing communications (Kotler Keller, 2007). In case service delivery performance fails to meet customer expectations, customer satisfaction and experience become very poor and vise versa (Douglas Connor, 2003). Responsiveness is referred to the speed of problem solving processes as soon as customers make obvious requests (Zeithaml et al., 2008). As far as assurance is concerned, this dimension deals with the customers confidence that the providers service delivery system is capable of safely fulfilling companys pr omises (Benkenstein et al., 2004). Empathy is the emotional alignment of contact personnel to customers problems or requests (Holtz et al, 2008). Finally, the dimension of tangible aspects involves facilities, employees appearance etc. The SERVQUAL model is widely used in banking sector, hospitality and tourism sector as well as in telecommunications (Zeithaml et al., 2008). However, in retail settings this model does not fit properly. Services are also provided to customers in retailing business. The basic retailing services concern information, advice, order taking, hospitality, security, exceptions (customer care, complaints handling etc), billing and the provision of various means of payments (Yeap and Ramayah, 2011). At the next section an adjusted model for Retail Service Quality is developed. LIDL Cost Quality Lidl was established in Germany in the 1930s, but attained its current business as a discounter in the 1970s. Lidle is one of the biggest and well-know low-cost retail store in Germany and in the world. Lidl ventured the UK market in 1994, and now has about 450 UK stores. Nevertheless, the nation is not as absorbed in discounters as Germany, fairly as a result of the effective and efficient marketing of the big four retailers (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons) in persuding customers they supply rewarding retail experiences. Thus the control of large supermarket, chains in the UK, and Lidl's market share of just about 1.5% in 2007 (weighed against the market leader Tesco's 27.6% market share). Due to its diminished advertising expenditures, a central store presentation, and a narrow product selection involving namely private label goods, supported by operational effectiveness, Lidl has altered grocery retailing in Germany, where roughly 90% of the German consumers habitually shop at this low-cost retail outlet. Its achievement was an immense factor in Germany, reflecting amongst the lowest grocery prices in entire Europe. The headline retailers encounter in attaining low prices whilst preserving margins, is specifically applicable for Lidl, as it operates under a low-scope culture. Nonetheless, as Lidl is not a publicly-scheduled firm, and reveals trivial financial information, it is not exposed to the probably disturbing shareholder criticism at each and every quarter of the fiscal year results, and is not required to share dividends; therefore attaining a wider range to venture in development to ensure a long-term expansion. Quality is big and prices are small at Lidl, says Karl-Heinz Holland, CEO of Lidl. The keystone of Lidls values is simplicity: pure retail the firm just procures and vends entirely focused on one target to provide the customers, a daily superior quality goods at the greatest feasible prices. Within the supermarket stores, there is a fee for delivery service bags - at Lidl, the shoppers just pay for what they acquire. There are no unknown fees at Lidl, and all the prices are mainly competitive, day after day. They dont tender shopping baskets - at Lidl, they merely give trolleys. The shoppers are required to insert a pound coin as a deposit - that sets aside costs for the firm, where these reductions are allocated to the shoppers. Inside the stores, a number of goods are sold openly from containers or from pallets - at Lidl, they maintain the whole thing as simply as possible, and that is why customers save more money. Lidl has as well been able to set up strong UK development by repositioning the business to emphasize more on prime consumer trends of health and quality. These are significant traits for UK grocery retailers, not simply because they are rising consumer trends, however also as the primary four retailers have launched a model over what is anticipated of grocery stores in the nation. The shopping practice at Lidl is founded on straightforwardness for the consumer. They preserve company costs along, so that the reductions that Lidl apply on operational costs, can be passed on back to the shopper in cut-rate prices. A single factor for Lidl's lesser operational costs, is their narrow assortment of products. Lidl amasses stock around 1,800 lines, judged against roughly 30,000 amassed by the other huge stores. By maintaining their selection small, they have the opportunity to gain smaller-sized stores. Thus sparing on illumination, heating and repairs invoices. Some perceive this philosophy as a bright notion, regarding that study reveals that the majority of customers are likely to purchase only 400 or 500 distinct foodstuffs. Lidl maintains reduced fixed cost via using nominal numbers of store personnel and guiding them on all facets of the store level. Therefore, you will probably view only one affiliate on the till, and another piling the fruit and vegetables. Li ke numerous superstore, headquartered in Germany, Lidl charges shoppers for plastic bags, the rationale behind this is dual: to maintain operating costs to a bare minimum, and to be environment-friendly by urging shoppers to exploit their plastic bags multiple times. With LIDL, goods are chiefly sold from pallets and normalized shelves, resulting in cost savings and logistical benefits, while other huge retail store, such as Tesco, offer their markets an assortment of various shelves and arrangements of products. In brief, LIDL offers a limited selection, in addition to the basic advantage for their consumers the product. However, although LIDL comprises only profits vended per sold item, the firm is able to bring about high number of sales, and high returns, because of its high fixed proceeds of products for each day, calculated against their small variety of goods (Lidl, 2008). Low-cost retailers are discounter shops that are influenced by the discount-strategy, hence offering lower prices, however having a narrow product selection. The size of the shop does not control the approach and strategy of the retailer. Furthermore, a low-cost retailer is a discounter that provides a wide variety of products, limited service, and cut-rate prices. Discount stores offer both private labels, and state brands; however, these trade names are commonly less fashion-focused than brands in department stores. Although Lidl has been known for its low-cost merchandise, the company offers good quality too. Lidl is not overlooking quality, as it is sort of creating a balance between cost and quality, hence following an efficient and effective approach within its course of production. Lidl has been recently focused on generating higher quality that accompanies its low-priced goods. The entire group operates more than 80,000 workers. LIDL is tremendously hierarchically structured, and functions without much communication and publicity about their industry, thus concentrating on the common market strategy of all price-cut retailers. As illustrated above, with their product scope of more than 2000 products, they are supplying everyday goods and further exceptional goods every week on unique offers. Question: How do perceived quality/cost aspects, integrated into a nations distinct dimensions, whether demographic or financial, bring about the desired outcomes and possibilities? 2.3 Retail Service Quality Model Dabholkar et al. (1996) developed proposed a new adjusted model, known as Retail Service Quality Model, to suit to the retailing environments. They also validate it using Confirmatory Factor Analysis to reveal five possible determinants; Stores Physical Aspects, Stores Reliability, Personal Interaction with Stores Personnel, Stores Problem Solving and Stores Policy (for more information please refer to the methodological frameworks chapter). This model is very important for this project, since service is a promise of experience (Zeithaml et al., 2008). Retailers manage customer experience by augmenting their product assortment with retail services, policies and physical evidence (Kim and Jin, 2002). As a result, by measuring Retail Quality, author is able to measure customer experience for LIDL in three different cultures; Irish, German and Greek. The final objective is to make associations with cultural dimensions in order to propose cultural related experience management tactics. B esides, as Yeap and Ramayah (2011) indicated the significance of each retail experience indicator is country and market driven. The aforementioned authors developed different multiple regression models to prove that the importance of each experience dimension varies according to the expectations and preferences persist in each country. As Hair et al. (2006) reinforced, the importance of each independent variable could be examined by assessing both their significance and beta coefficient in a multiple regression model. 2.3.1 Physical Aspects Physical aspects are expected to be very important in retail sector, since they contribute over the decrease of customer risks (Bitner, 1992). A physically nice looking retail environment makes customers to feel safer and entices customers to stay for longer and positively influence their mood, which in turn moderates buying behaviour (frequency of visit, quantities, amount to be spent etc) (Zeithaml et al., 2008). Physical aspects incorporate a series of tangible enhancements like modern-looking equipment and features, physical facilities and shopping materials (handbags, catalogs etc) of high aesthetical value (Yeap Ramayah, 2011). In addition, convenient and clean areas influence both mood and customer satisfaction (Bitner, 1992). Physical aspects are also considered as a hygiene factor as Herzberg originally mentioned (Thompson Gamble, 2007). Convenient and clean facilities contribute to an environment that does not harm overall customer experience. However, dirty and messed ar eas dissatisfy customers, negatively affecting their behaviour and motivation both to buy in the future as well as to recommend the store to friends and colleagues (Theodoridis et al., 2009). The layout of the supermarket is also imperative to enhance customers experience, since it deals with the search effort and costs of customers. A layout that facilitates customers buying decisions significantly reduces physical and psychological risks associated to the time needed to find products (Zotos et al., 2010). It also makes it easier for consumers to move around in the store. 2.3.2 Reliability Reliability is the ability of a retailer to provide homogenous, consistent and error-free services and transactions comparing to the promises that are communicated by the Integrated Marketing Communications (Kotler Keller, 2007). Marketing communications deal with the delivery of messages and expectations from the retailer to customers connected to the positioning strategy and Unique Experience Proposition of a certain retailer (Theodoridis et al., 2009). For instance a message You find everything you want at the best price transfers a message that merchandise is available at the best price. As soon as retailers fail to meet the communicated experience, they simply dissatisfy customers due to their unreliability (Mehta et al., 2000). 2.3.3 Personal Interaction with Personnel Services are provided when customers and front-stage personnel interact (Zeithaml et al., 2008). This is also mentioned as service encounter and the time of interaction as the moment of truth (Walker et al., 2006). First line employees in super markets provide services, since they interact with customers. The basic services in retail concern information, advice, order taking, hospitality, security, exceptions (customer care, complaints handling etc), billing and the provision of various means of payments (Yeap and Ramayah, 2011). Mayer et al. (2003) proved that the interaction itself explains a great deal of performance variability in services. The most crucial constituents of personal interaction in retail involve employees ambience, effort, empathy and courtesy (Mayer et al., 2003). The ideal personal interaction of customers with employees include personnels knowledge and behaviour for responding accordingly to customers requests, honesty and safety in transactions, punctuality of services and individual attention (Walker et al., 2006). 2.3.4 Problem Solving Problem solving in Retail settings entails every process for responding to customers problems in order for the retailer to recover errors occurring in the service or product delivery (McCollough et al., 2000). Three are the most vital issues in supermarkets problem solving; 1) The successful handling of returns and exchanges, 2) The emphatic interest of the contact person to solve the problem and 3) The ability of the employee to handle customer complaints directly and immediately (Dabholkar et al., 1996). These strategies show a sincere interest to customers needs that consumers highly appreciate. A problem or a service error usually hampers customer satisfaction. However, a successful handling of customers complaint is a critical success factor of experience management, since customer experience and satisfaction gets better comparing to the prior-complaint time (service recovery paradox) (McCollough et al., 2000). This does not mean that retailers should repeat such errors. In case customers experience more than once there is no any effect of the service recovery paradox (Zeithaml et al., 2008). 2.3.5 Policy Companies policies influence customer experience (Yeap and Ramayah, 2011). The ideal store for the customer is the one that adopts flexible and customer oriented policies (Zeithaml et al., 2008). Product assortment and quality is the first policy that retailers should make their decisions upon (Theodoridis et al., 2009). Business strategy is a key question. Low cost retailers often adopt a merchandise of high value for money, which usually reflects an assortment of private labels (PLs) (Kim Jin, 2002). On the other hand Differentiated retail-chains usually follow a product assortment policy of less Private Labels and more SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) that actually increases stock keeping costs and other overhead costs (Dabholkar et al., 1996). The second policy deals with the stores ease of access that seriously affects physical and psychological effort (Mehta et al., 2000). Both the parking and the operating hours influence ease of access that retailers should influence (Mehta et al. , 2000). Last but not least, experience is also affected by the companys flexibility in terms of payment methods (Dabholkar et al., 1996). As a result, it is vital for retailers to accept most major cards. 3. METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK 3.1 Introduction Methodological framework concerns the structure as well as the planning of a research project (Saunders Thornhill, 2003; pp 56). Methodological framework ensures the use of the best case to case data collection method (see section 3.2), providing researchers with the most reliable and proper data for both an efficient and an effective research (Parasuraman et al., 2007; pp 63). Furthermore, the methodological framework puts the research on the rail to collect a representative sample with regards to the total population (see paragraph 3.3) in order to minimise the sampling error (Malhotra, 2008; pp 85). Last but not least, the research framework represents every possible interaction between two or more variables by simultaneously helping readers to understand the hypotheses building. 3.2 Data Collection Method In general, there are two basic methods to collect primary data; Qualitative and Quantitative method (Parasuraman et al., 2007; pp 76). The former concerns the data collection through evoking emotions from persons of a certain population through questions / discussion axis in focus groups or in-depth interviews. In addition, the Delphi method is useful to collect data from experts about new product development (Malhotra, 2008; pp 91). Qualitative method requires a great deal of interpersonal skills and knowledge about psychology as well as various facilities to isolate participants from various types of noise (Saunders Thornhill, 2003; pp 79). One further barrier of using a qualitative method is that the researcher should carefully pick a small number of participants out of the population to represent the research. As a result, there is a peril to collect unreliable data (Parasuraman et al., 2007; pp 78). In addition, because of the interaction between researchers and participants, researchers should reassure objectivity and not to influence participants answers (Saunders Thornhill, 2003; pp 84). On the other hand, Quantitative method in social sciences is conducted through a SURVEY. The latter is based on a strict data collection tool that regards a QUESTIONNAIRE. The quantitative method is characterised by strong discipline and reliability using various statistical methods of inference (and significance) as long as the sample of the survey ensures normal distribution (Malhotra, 2008; pp 127). One further advantage of this method is that researchers can explore relationships between two or more variables or scales, without directly asking for obvious or sensitive answers (Parasuraman et al., 2007; pp 102). Besides, the research tool or construct is based on research of other authors that further ensures the validity and reliability of the research. In addition, attitudes, perceptions and behavioural aspects, could be further collected using quantitative scales (e.g. Likert) (Malhotra, 2008; pp 165). Since the purpose of this research entails the measurement of attitudes like customer satisfaction, perceptions (perceived quality) and behavioural aspects such as customer loyalty, the use of a SURVEY matched the needs of this research. 3.3 Data Collection Scale Goods incorporate services to enhance customers experience. Especially in retailing, where goods are sold, services are mandatory for the customer experience management. Besides, service augmentation is a basic tool of differentiation along with product assortment in the super market retailing business. A service consists of an experience promise about service quality. Parasuraman Zeithaml and Berry (1988) first referred to perceived quality and developed a respective construct named SERVQUAL model for collecting service quality data. Dabholkar et al. (1996) further developed a construct to measure the post-purchase perceived quality with regards to the service encounter. Parasuraman et al (1998) proposed four basic precursors of service quality that are Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance and Empathy to be measured on a Likert scale. Dabholkar et al. (1996) first developed an instrument, known as Retail Service Quality Scale (RSQS), to suit to the retailing setting making adjustments to the SERVQUAL measure. They also validate it using Confirmatory Factor Analysis to reveal five precursors; Stores Physical Aspects, Stores Reliability, Personal Interaction with Stores Personnel, Stores Problem Solving and Stores Policy. The aforementioned construct incorporated twenty items on a five points Likert scale (1= I Strongly Disagree, 5= I Strongly Agree) that is presented in Questionnaires parts one to five (see appendix). Mehta et al. (2000) further proposed a construct validated using Reliability and factor analysis adjusted for Supermarkets and electronic goods retailers focusing on customer satisfaction, overall quality and customer Loyalty using a seven-point Likert scale (see Questionnaires part six in appendix). 3.4 Sampling Procedure and Sampling Plan The sampling procedures as well as the plan further ensure the reliability of the research in terms of sampling error and structure. Third parties also develop relationship of trust as long as they know the exact reasons of the projects decision making. In general there are five major decisions that have been made (Parasuraman et al., 2007; pp 111-132); 1) the definition of the population, 2) the definition of the sampling frame, 3) the definition of the sampling method, 4) the definition of the samples size and 5) the implementation of the sampling plan. The last process refers to 6) data coding and entry. As for the first decision it concerns adult customers of the retailing chain of Lidl in the capitals of 3 different countries; In Dublin (Ireland), Berlin (Germany) and Athens (Greece). Adult persons were selected, because of the fact they are the main decision makers. The countries were selected to represent different cultures and the capitals were decided, since they represent a high percentage of their total population. As far as the definition of the sampling frame is concerned, it deals with the access of data in various sampling units where sampling elements are reached. In this research, the sampling frame was the internet itself, in which two central stores of Lidl (sampling units) were chosen to receive fifty valid questionnaires from its customers (sampling elements). The third decision deals the way a sample is acquired that impacts the sampling error. The latter is minimised by using a Simple Random Sampling method. This method is both time and cost efficient per unit of sampling error and it also guaranties the existence of normal distribution necessary for statistical inference (Malhotra, 2008; pp 183). With regards to the samples size, as Parasuraman et al. stated (2007; pp 151) one rule of thumb to decrease the sampling error is to receive data out from three-hundred and twenty sampling elements in Business to Consumer research. As for the implementation of the sampling plan, it took place outside the LIDL stores from 18.00 to 21.00, local time, to ensure employees presence. In order to ensure simple random sampling there was a simple process designed. A number was chosen from one to five, in this case number three and as a result the third, the eighth, the thirteenth etc customers were requested to participate. As far as the last stage is concerned, answers were coded in SPSS application to execute descriptive and inferential analysis. 3.5 Research Framework This research was based on the following research questions: 1) What impacts customer experience in Ireland, Germany and Greece? The first research question entailed the exploration of the most influential factors of customer experience in Ireland, Germany and Greece. Using multiple regression analysis, the researcher revealed significant factors possibly connected to cultural differences. 2) Do different precursors related to cultural differences? Using Bivariate analysis and Pearsons significance tests, any such different experience precursors were examined in order to check the impact of cultural dimensions. Using the findings of GLOBE research project, the author crosschecked possible relationships between experience factors and cultural dimensions as mentioned in the Literature Review. The results indicate managers how marketing strategy should be adjusted according to cultural differences. 4. FINDINGS 4.1 Samples Statistics As far as the samples demographics it concerned, 55.83 percent were men and 44.17 percent women (see Figure 4.1 and Table 4.1). This reflects the reality. For instance in Greece, women are used to live with their parents until their marriage. As a result households with a single persons concern men mostly. One further reason for this in mmany western countries is because of the fact that women are more likely to be unemployed and thus they cannot afford to live alone. Table 4.1 Sample's Demographics - Gender Frequency Valid Percent Male 201 55.83 Female 159 44.17 Total 360 100.00 As for the composition of the participants age, 15 percent of them were up to forty-five years old. 28.61 percent of them were between forty-one and fifty-two, whereas a 22.22 percent of the sample aged between fifty-three and sixty five. Approximately one fifth of the total sample was between sixty-six and seventy-five years old. Finally, a 13.89 percent of the participants aged more than seventy-five years old. This fact indicates the ageing of the Europes population, especially in these three countries. For more information, please refer to Figure 4.2 and Table 4.2. Table 4.2 Sample's Demographics - Age Frequency Valid Percent 18-25 14 3.89 26-33 22 6.11 34-40 18 5.00 41-46 30 8.33 47-52 73 20.28 53-65 80 22.22 66-75 73 20.28 75+ 50 13.89 Total 360 100.00 With regards to the samples composition by its annual income, the majority (60.56%) of them earn up to twenty-two thousand Euros, indicating that Lidl targets on the poorest customers. However, a 14.72 percent earns between twenty-two and twenty-six thousand Euros, whereas 11.67 percent, between twenty-six and thirty thousand Euros. Lastly, only a 13.06 percent of the total sample earns more than thirty-thousand Euros (See Figure 4.3 and Table 4.3 below). Table 4.3 Sample's Demographics - Income Frequency Valid Percent Between 6 and 12.000 78 21.67 Between 12 and 18.000 71 19.72 Between 18 and 22.000 69 19.17 Between 22 and 26.000 53 14.72 Between 26 and 30.000 42 11.67 30.000 47 13.06 Total 360 100.00 As far as the samples educational status is concerned, a 10.28 and a 10.56 percent graduated Primary and Secondary School respectively. The majority of the respondents declared they graduated High school (55.83%). A 13.06 percent graduated a Technical School and only a 6.94% was in possess of a university degree. Finally, a small part of the sample replied they had a Masters Degree (2.22%) or a PhD/ Doctorate Degree. For more information please refer to the following Figure 4.4 and Table 4.4. Table 4.4 Sample's Demographics - Education Frequency Valid Percent Primary School 37 10.28 Secondary School 38 10.56 High School 201 55.83 Technical School graduate 47 13.06 University Graduate 25 6.94 Masters Degree 8 2.22 PhD - Doctorate 4 1.11 Total 360 100.00 Last but not least, the sample was equally distributed to include three distinct Nationalities (see Figure 4.5 and Table 4.5); the Irish (33.33%), the German (33.33%) and the Greek one (33.33%). Table 4.5 Sample's Demographics Country of Origin Frequency Valid Percent IRELAND 120 33.33 GERMANY 120 33.33 GREECE 120 33.33 Total 360 100.00 4.2 Retail Service Quality Scale Statistics Factor Analysis Approach Using factor analysis, the Author confirmed the existence of five different Service Quality precursors (1) Stores Physical Aspects, (2) Stores Reliability, (3) Personal Interaction with Stores Personnel, (4) Stores Problem Solving and (5)Stores Policy, as mentioned in the chapter of the methodological framework. Tables 4.6 to 4.10 present the factor analysis result from SPSS application. Table 4.6: The Physical Aspects' Scale(a) ITEMS Component (Raw) Component (Rescaled) This store has modern-looking equipment and fixtures 1.559 0.976 The physical facilities at this store are visually appealing 1.602 0.960 Materials associated with this store's service (such as shopping 1.577 0.977 This store has clean, attractive and convenient public areas 1.491 0.950 The store layout at this store makes it easy for customers to find 1.584 0.979 The store layout at this store makes it easy for customers to move around in the store 1.561 0.983 Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis. (a) 1 component extracted. Table 4.7: The Reliability Scale(a) ITEMS Component (Raw) Component (Rescaled) When this store promises to do something by a certain time, it will do so 1.353 &n Buy custom Multivariate Data Analysis essay

Classical Theories of Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Classical Theories of Management - Essay Example The classical management theory comprises of three schools of thought: scientific management, bureaucratic management, and administrative management. Although some organizations apply one or more of these theories in managing their employees, most people consider them outdated and inapplicable in managing the 21st-century workplace that needs more visionary leadership styles. Frederick Taylor advanced scientific management in his quest to increase organizational productivity (Taylor, 2003). Frederick emphasized on the efficiency of production processes that could be achieved through empirical research. Availability of skilled labor became a major problem among the 19th-century industrialists (Cameron & Green, 2009). Only a few people were educated at the time, and the few available were in high demand due to the increased number of industries hiring them. Managers thought that the best way to increase the efficiency of the available labor was to draw strict lines between tasks. This decision might have been arrived at because managers believed that they were more intellectual than the workers were, and their duty was to supervise workers as they perform their work. Taylor’s emphasis on high target is desirable since business organizations desire to grow and expand. However, this principle concentrates on selecting the highest standard possible for employees. Taylor did not accurately define the highest standards; this can cause exploitation of employees especially those who are hired on hourly rates. Although Taylor encouraged managers to use the piece-rate basis of payment, some companies may stress employees to work harder than their capacity as these companies strive to achieve their target standards (Hersey, Blanchard & Johnson, 2001). This can cause stress and poor welfare among employees. Standard conditions proposed by Taylor encourage rigidity of organizations.  

Bioinformatics and gestational diseases Lab Report

Bioinformatics and gestational diseases - Lab Report Example Further research is indicated. Introduction Preeclampsia is a gestational disease of fairly common occurrence. It has effects of varying severity, and may in its worst forms cause a risk to the survival of both mother and fetus [1]. It is primarily linked to high blood pressure during pregnancy, and the risk of suffering from the condition is greatly increased with chronic hypertension in the mother [2]. However, it may also be linked to genetic factors in the fetus and the mother that affect the growth of the placenta, especially the vascular layout of the placenta [3]. Despite the potential severity of the condition and the amount of research conducted, the ultimate cause of preeclampsia is still unknown [4]. Genetic analysis methods have been used in an attempt to determine what genes and proteins associated with those genes are linked to preeclampsia. Coding these genes could allow a statistical determination of risk as well as a codification of the risk factors [5]. Therefore, t his paper will look at the current accepted statistical determinants surrounding preeclampsia and what is currently known regarding the genetic risk factors. Materials and Methods A search was done on Google Scholar for the keywords â€Å"preeclampsia† and the alternative spelling â€Å"pre-eclampsia† and the phrase â€Å"preeclampsia risk†, also with the alternative spelling. Precedence was given to those results that were located in journals with the words â€Å"bioinformatics†, â€Å"statistics†, or â€Å"molecular† in the titles, though this was not completely exclusive. This was done in order to obtain studies in the field of bioinformatics that were related to the gestational disease preeclampsia. An additional search restriction was added to that the articles had to be published after 2005, to ensure that only recent results that are currently considered to be accurate are used. An additional search was done on ScienceDirect and PubMe d for relevant articles. However, the parameters above returned no results within the ScienceDirect database and very few on PubMed, so the search was re-done with slightly different terms. The search was designed to restrict only to journals generally in the subject areas of molecular genetics or bioinformatics, but may not have had those keywords in the journal name. The same set of keywords was used, with the additional keywords of â€Å"molecular genetics† and â€Å"bioinformatics† in separate searches added to the phrases. Relevance was determined if the article had certain key factors in the abstract when first viewed. These included the words â€Å"risk factors†, â€Å"gene†, â€Å"allele†, or other keywords relating to genetic sequencing and its use in determining risk for preeclampsia. Therefore, the article was determined to be relevant if it appeared to be related to statistically quantifying or codifying the genetic risk factors for pre eclampsia Results One suggested genetic risk factor for preeclampsia was the rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinase 2, or the ROCK2 gene. The ROCK2 gene is located on chromosome 2p25, which previous research has suggested has a link to preeclampsia. However, the gene itself appears to be unrelated to preeclampsia, as when a group of patients were sequenced, there was no correlation between those who had preeclampsia, those who did not suffer from the condition, and the presence or absence of the gene

Ottoman history Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ottoman history - Research Paper Example Occupying this important chokepoint, the Ottomans were able to derive a great deal of riches based upon control and management of the trade that forever flowed between East and West. Much like the Byzantines before them, the Ottoman Empire served as a link between Europe and Asia in greatly benefited from the profits of the exchange that was perennially flowing over these geographic boundaries. Although there can be many identifications and definitions for the means by which the Ottoman Empire was able to exert such powerful degree of influence, military might, and cultural dynamism, it will be the purpose of this analysis to discuss and analyze the means by which a pervasive in nearly continual process of centralisation can ultimately be understood as the most powerful dynamic that allowed the Ottoman Empire to survive and thrive for such a very long period of time. As such the following analysis will trace this trend through three different secondary sources: The Great Ottoman-Turk ish Civilization, The Ottoman Empire, and The Ottoman Empire and the World around It. Whereas other, lesser powers, have grown powerful, wealthy, and then almost mysteriously vanished into the annals of history, the Ottoman Empire, through this process of centralisation, was able to oversee and ensure that the continued strength and wealth that such a process had previously been able to integrate was furthered into the future. This process was referenced specifically by the book The Great Ottoman Turkish Civilization.... Rather, the only one dimensional aspect of centralisation refers to the level to which a central figure in power structure oversaw, directed, analyzed, and guided nearly every decision that was made within the state/Empire. Accordingly, the multidimensional aspects of what centralisation necessarily implies will be discussed and analyzed as a means of integrating the reader with an understanding of how centralisation was ultimately affected within the Ottoman Empire (Cicek 47). Moreover, by identifying the level and extent to which centralisation played with regards to ensuring that the Ottoman Empire remained resilient and strong, the author will further be able to detail particular practices and unique approaches that the Ottoman Empire utilized with regards to dealing with its large, multi-religious, and multiethnic population. The second text under consideration within this analysis, The Ottoman Empire, argues that centralization played an important role within the administration and direction of any empire; so much so that it helped to define and constrain the way in which the entire process of imperial power was directed. By the very nature of Empire, it is a system in which territories and peoples that are otherwise not necessarily similar to the conquering power are incorporated into the governing structure (Kia 82). As a function of this incorporation, the Empire is usually made relatively wealthier, more populous, and more secure due to the fact that it has been able to extend its boundaries beyond the regions to which it previously laid claim to. Yet, the fundamental drawback that has been seen by a host of imperial powers within the past is the fact that the