Thursday, October 31, 2019
Assignment3-552 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Assignment3-552 - Essay Example The legal reason is the school district faces liability charges against it. 4. When Principal Warren meets with the superintendent he tell him that evaluation of all the teachers was already been done while this is particularly not true. He could have given the correct details to the superintendent. 5. Another thing that he does that can be termed as an error is when he substitutes the sick biology teacher with a parent. He does this without taking into consideration that there is need to be qualified and proper replacement process that is supposed to be followed (Sharma, 2009). 7. The principal does not go through the proper procedure that is supposed to be taken in a case where a teacher is being subbed. He should have made sure that the sub’s credentials are checked and she is briefed on how far the class had gone through syllabus. 8. It is also not allowed to hire any teaching staff without the consultation of the Board of Governors. Principal Warren would have made sure that he did this before seeking a sub for the biology teacher. 10. When he goes to evaluate one of the teachers he only stays for 20 minutes and then leaves never to come again. This period is far below the period that is recommended for the observation of teachers. 11. He approves a trip for a class to go to a factory without waiting for parents to sign the permission forms. The reason that he gives is that the same class had recently visited the zoo. However, these are two different trips and permissions should be sought for every trip. 13. The other thing that he does is suspending a student over the allegations that he had punched the Board President’s daughter (International Conference on Education and Educational Technology & Wang, 2011). 15. Despite knowing that the students are supposed to be in class for the first lesson, he does nothing when he finds Bill
Monday, October 28, 2019
Managaging Organizational Change Essay Example for Free
Managaging Organizational Change Essay With falling vehicles sales and high costs, getting their North American operations profitable may be impossible no matter what the union gives. All the UAW has to push back with is a strike. And, strike it may. If the UAW gives up what the car companies want in this round of negotiations, the union will cease to exist as the bargaining force that it has been for decades. The union may decide that it is better to risk dying while defending its workers that to be overrun without a struggle (McIntyre 2012). This particular union took on the Change Manager as Director Image. According to chapter 2, the director image is based on an image of management as control and of change outcomes as being achievable. It is therefore up to the change manager to direct the organization in particular ways in order to produce the required change. The assumption is that change is a strategic choice that managers make and the survival and general well-being of the organization depends on them. In this particular situation the Managers in charge felt they would fight for what is right, even if that means fighting until the end. The image I feel best facilitates Ford is the Caretaker Image. In the caretaker image, the (ideal) image of management is still one of control, although the ability to exercise control is severely constrained by a variety of forces, both internally and externally driven, that propel change relatively independent of a managers intentions. For example, despite the change managers best intentions to implement activities to encourage entrepreneurial and innovative behavior, they may feel like this is a continually failing exercise as the organization grows, becomes more bureaucratic, and enacts strategic planning cycles, rules, regulations, and centralized practices. In this situation, inexorable growth and the issues associated with it are outside the control of any individual manager of change. In this rather pessimistic image, at best managers are caretakers, shepherding their organizations along as best they can. Ford has conflict, turmoil, and uncertainty but is that necessarily a bad thing? I would be more concerned with a company that was complacent, steady, and overconfident to use just one set of antonyms. A culture that has a presumption of imperfection can be very stressful. That type of stress can be good, and the fear of a cataclysmic industry or market disruption is often what drives the most successful lean manufacturing efforts. Change is hard, you have to really want to change or be scared into doing it. When you possess a caretaker image A lean transformation takes real leadership, and thats where we see a wide disparity between Ford and GM. On the Ford side we have CEO Alan Mulally who came from Boeing, a company with a very strong lean program. We have some problems with Boeings offshoring practices, but much of that is driven by political necessity. Bottom line is that he understands lean, and just recently visited archrival Toyota with VP Mark Fields. At a private dinner on Wednesday, Ford CEO Alan Mulally told journalists that the recent visit he and Mark Fields made to Toyotas headquarters was born out of a desire to understand more about the Japanese automakers manufacturing and product development processes, which Mulally holds in very high esteem.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Anne Stevensons The Marriage: An Analysis
Anne Stevensons The Marriage: An Analysis Anne Stevenson’s poem, â€Å"The Marriage,†is a playful, subtle and profound description of the differences between men and women, and the difficulties inherent in such, specifically in regards to the unification of the sexes, both physically, spiritually and in terms of societal conventions (thus the title). By portraying these difficulties in pure physical terms – as a couple trying to come together to rest comfortably in bed – Stevenson is able to build a vivid and surprisingly comprehensive and universal depiction of marriage. The poem is from the point of view of the wife, perhaps the author herself, who is trying to figure out a way to position her body against her husband’s so the two will be able to rest snugly at night. With both of them facing the same direction, she in front, he in back, they are nearly successful, but only: †¦if her backbone Cuts exactly into his rib cage And only if his knees Dock exactly under her knees And all four Agree on a common angle Thus positioned – provided their bodies willingly correspond – the husband and wife have achieved unification, or, at the very least, a modicum of comfort. But this is a small victory, or even a false one, for as the narrator continues: All would be well If only They could face each other In three lines, Stevenson has perfectly summed up what plagues marriages, old and new alike: that men and women are inherently different. Not that one is superior and the other inferior – she seems to prescribe to the â€Å"separate but equal†doctrine that is the norm in her homeland of American and her adopted country of England – but that they are uniquely separate entities. Men and women think differently, act differently, and are proportioned differently. And any kind of union between the two, any form of coming-together, is marked my problems. The poet is also asserting that in order for this to occur, a compromise must be enacted. And in any kind of compromise, some things are won (the couple â€Å"fit†) and some are lost (they are not facing each other). While the partners have achieved a level of comfort and intimacy, with her backbone nicely fitting into his rib cage, and his knees docking perfectly under hers, they have lost a major component of such, as they cannot look at one another. Stevenson’s vision of compromise is universal, and does not apply to merely physical situations. The implications correspond to any aspect of a relationship, including, for example, where a couple chooses to settle (one likes the city, one likes the country, so they move to the suburbs), to how they raise their kids (one is a fan of television, one isn’t, so the child watches a minimum amount), to how they spend their money (one likes extravagant things, one prefers simple things, so they buy items that are moderately priced). In all of these situations, both parties are content in that they have achieved satisfaction. While neither got everything they were asking for, each partner got enough (presumably, at least) to remain content. This â€Å"partial victory†is the crux of a successful relationship. But Stevenson is not finished. She goes on with her physical description of the pair, who meet: Nose to neck Chest to scapula Groin to rump And yet, even though the situation is still not ideal – they are unable to face each other, after all – in even this there is a silver lining: They look, at least As if they were going In the same direction While this is merely a small caveat – notice her use of the phrase â€Å"they look, at least,†as if this is merely the appearance of agreement – even so, it is something. And this small something, again, this tiny â€Å"victory†is often enough to make all the difference. Stevenson is celebrating the small moments of daily life and the small â€Å"victories†that are won through compromise. Are the couple, or, in fact, are any man and woman perfectly matched? No. Are there differences between the two that will never be breached? Certainly. But does this mean that one cannot work with this other to achieve some form of balance, even if it is not perfect? Of course not. And, at least in the poet’s mind, this transcendence of differences makes it even more special. In Stevenson’s world, a husband and wife half-consciously groping for each other in the middle of the night is as important as any other compromise made between the sexes. A man moves halfway across the world to be with the woman he loves. A woman changes her religion to be with the man she loves. Both are noble and tremendous acts, but are just as heroic as the couple fumbling in bed. Love, marriage, etc., is both gigantic and intimate, and every act of coming together is important. But let us quickly go back to these words: They look, at least As if they were going In the same direction This passage holds another meaning, that of the fact that the couple is actually not going in the same direction, but only appear to be. Stevenson is saying that looks are deceiving, and while the pair seems to be in agreement, they are in reality far from it. This is a reinforcement of her belief that the sexes are different, and even when they don’t seem to be (a husband and wife both like the same television program, for example, but he enjoys it for the action, she for the sexy leading man), in truth their agendas and perceptions are widely divergent, more than ever. To demonstrate her view of marriage, Stevenson adopts a casual, easy, free verse style, one that is relaxed and light. The words are simple and straightforward, and the situation is commonplace and routine. Underneath, of course, it is a different story, as the subject matter – the differences between the sexes, and how these differences can be overcome – is neither easy nor commonplace. And while she uses the couple’s awkward brushing of body parts to personify this subtext, even this is muted. However, her choice of illustration is highly effective, and she doesn’t need to cloud the issue with excessive metaphor or lofty language. In fact, her technique actually apes her point of view. The mundane act of a man and woman trying to sleep comfortably together is profound, as it not only acts as a representation for the larger compromises that couples must make, but is on its own special and meaningful. By keeping it simple, Stevenson demonstrates the comple x and universal. Anne Stevenson, unlike the never-married Emily Dickinson and Elizabeth Bishop (who she is often compared to), has been wed four times. Since 1987 she has been with the Darwin scholar Peter Lucas, and no doubt in those seventeen years she has learned a thing or two about compromise. Her poem â€Å"Marriage†perfectly captures the disparities between men and women, and the contortions that must be performed to unify the two. Marriage, relationships, love, etc., are wondrous, unique things, as are men and women themselves, but they are also universal. Couples must compromise to survive, sometimes in big ways, sometimes in small ones. But all of these compromises are significant, and all of them make us human. Stevenson’s poem, like marriage itself, is both incredibly simple and tremendously complicated. Her basic, straightforward words could not be more profound. Bibliography Hickling, Alfred. â€Å"Border Crossings.†The Guardian Unlimited. 2 Oct. 2004. Stevenson, Anne. Poems 1955-2005. Northumberland: Bloodaxe Books, 2005.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Casella wines ? Export success :: essays research papers
1.Identify its international markets      US and North America identified o     Distribution network – 44 states. o     Size – initially estimated 20-30 thousand cartons to 100 thousand cartons, reality was 20 to 200 thousand. o     Annual sales $3 million.      UK o     Some regional supermarkets hoping to expand to majors.      Mainland Europe o     Some beginning sales. 2.Describe and analyse the reason for its international expansion      Increase sales/find new markets – domestic market oversupplied      Minimise competitive risk      Economies of scale      Cushioning economic cycle      Comparative advantage o     High cost of labour and land in US. 3.Explaing the influences on this business in the global market Political Tensions between free trade and protection      Globalisation seeing removal of barriers      Eg. Quotas, tariffs, subsidies – statistics      Exports of wine have increased from 3% of sales to 52% of sales in 2002. this equals $2.3 billion dollars or 414 million litres      US greatest source of export growth      Australia’s export policy has led to major reforms in the Australian wine industry      ‘Rationalisation of wine production’ leading to overall efficiency giving them cost advantages over their competitors and reshaping of distribution lines.      4th largest wine exported in the world with 5% of global market International organisations and treaties      1994 Uruguay multilateral agreement (WTO)      Agreement to reduce protection on agricultural products (wines/grapes) by 36% by 2000      UK has the largest export market of wine Trade agreements      US and Australia have strong trade relations and trade agreements War in the Middle East Weak economic conditions Social Consumer tastes      Global markets have been increasingly integrated      Growing demand for mass market, high quality wines and a recognisable brand      Marketing of wines ‘other benefits’ has increased consumption globally      Strong economic growth period sees wine viewed as a luxury good, something consumers buy when they feel conditions are good as their incomes are increasing. Also at this particular price range fluctuations do not vary with economic conditions      Strong market for Australian markets taking off in the US Financial      Currency fluctuations      Weak Australian dollar has helped making Yellow Tail a better taste at $7 and a lower price than its Californian counterparts which are hobbled by high cost of land and labour      Currency fluctuations would have to get way about 70 cents for Casella to be unprofitable without a price change Legal      None mentioned 4.Explain the strategies used by the business to achieve its target markets
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
New product marketing plan
In the market analysis, I intend to assess both the future and current market(s), positioning competitive conditions and any regulatory concerns that may exist in United States as Honda Company ventures into introducing bicycles in America. The potential for our product which is bicycles consists of quite a large and wide range of individuals who love outdoor sporting as well as those who have an interest in biking as a sport. This is also applies to the avid riders. In other words, this group constitutes young people especially children who like to bike during their play time, those students who take on biking as their only means of transportation, and competitive riders as well as weekend riders.Targeting may occur in two main phases. The first one concerns the single segment which consists of a single product. This is whereby a single product is targeted by a marketer and this takes place in a market that consists of many segments. On the other hand, the second phase relates to a situation whereby a single product is aimed at the available market segments as a whole by a marketer. In this case, less importance is placed on differentiation as compared to cost. In addition, there is also multi segment system of approach whereby different segments in the market are targeted by a marketer and this also includes various products that are differentiated (Baker, 2003).The overall market for Honda is the United States’ market and company’s target includes young families, children and sports men and women. The current population of people who use bicycles is high in the United States and this size is constantly increasing. This therefore provides a good potential market for Honda bicycles that are about to be introduced. As concerns the socio-cultural characteristics, our target market consists of people who are open as regards their culture, beliefs, values and lifestyles. United States’ citizens once believed that those people who ride bicycles were mostly trouble makers; this belief has drastically changed since the inception of Honda Company. This therefore means that the target market is bound to perceive the introduction of Honda bicycles as a good thing.As concerns, the economic background, the United States market consists of people who have above average earnings hence they are capable of purchasing these bicycles. This is also because they are likely to have disposable income. Moreover; the customer needs and requirements vary a lot. For instance, the primary needs for any children who might want to purchase bicycles concerns their safety, value and sound construction whereas a competitive circler will look for the product’s technological superiority, reliability and light-weight construction.Our target market intends to have young adults who earn $ 35,000 as their annual incomes and the avid riders who have an annual income of $45,000 and above and they should be aged between the ages of 25-44 years. As pe r our surveys, our consumers will be willing to pay $ 410.What will drive the demand for our bicycles are the reasonable prices that we are about offer to our esteemed customers, our brand image and high quality products (bicycles).Industry and Competitor Assessment. The main competitors include Yamaha from Japan, Bajaj Auto, TVs-Suzuki and Harley Division (HD). Harley Division is a strong company that is financially stable besides its constant growth. In addition, HD offers-low cost and high quality goods, they posses a brand image which is strong and adaptable and lastly the company has a strong global marketing and distribution system. As a result of these factors, the competition has managed to satisfy the needs of our proposed targets.The main competitive advantages that these competitors have include lower costs of goods that will enhance competition, mergers between them and this will adversely affect the current market share that Honda possess. These companies have establish ed such a strong global competition because of the high quality and low priced goods that they offer. This also includes the brand images for their products which are also superior. Moreover, these companies offer advanced and high quality bicycles because they are knowledgeable on the greatest and current trends in the bicycle industry hence the ability to attract more customers both the old and the young population in United States.The other competitive advantage concerns the location of the business and also the reputation that they hold for their products among the majority population in United States. For instance, Mountainmart is also threatening competitors in the biking industry since they often apply a huge discount structure and commodity approach for its various product line. However, despite its price advantage, Mountainmart doesn’t offer a high performance service as well as bike lines. In addition, its location is not convenient as it is located far away from st udents who constitute the main target market. As a result, it does not portray as much competition to either of its competitors.However, Honda has also its own advantages that translate to its strengths giving the company a competitive edge over other business competitors. The company will produce and intends to offer a wide range of highly qualified bicycles which include comfort, mountain, children’s bicycles and hybrid. Since lifestyles are constantly changing, Honda Company is bound to offer a unique and healthy lifestyle with the current trend of bicycles that is bound to offer. Moreover, Honda also offers customer service which is excellent such as training, safety tips, instructions, repairs, bike fittings and proper use among others and this will be good aspect in tackling down our customers.Marketing Strategy Customers are the focal point as concerns the purchasing of products that organizations worldwide promote, development, and price and distribute hence this call for proper definition of these products so as to enhance and maximize consumer satisfaction. Positioning as a concept has in the past and even today changed the available nature that relate to advertising. The starting point for positioning relates to a service, an institution or merchandise.Positioning entails making the product to appear in a person’s mind (Ries and Trout, 2001). Positioning is therefore effective when it takes place at the right time. Getting into a person’s mind involves having the right messages fixed into people’s mind as this calls for an appreciation. Therefore our offering will be positioned through advertising so that people can be aware of the bicycles that we intend to introduce in the market. In advertising, enormous advantage is guaranteed for those products that are able to position themselves in the market as the first products hence it is essential to have very good products in the available particular fields in business.The ma rketing strategy of Honda will constitute the four elements of the marketing mix which include product, price, distribution (place) and promotion so as to make effective management decisions in order to attain the stated objectives of the firm. They will be blended in an optimal manner by the firm with an objective of getting a positive response from the consumers of goods and services in the market. This is because these four variables play the vital role in the decision making process by management. Products could either be goods or services that are available for consumer consumption.As concerns product decisions, the decisions that will be made may be based on appearance, service, function, warranty and packaging among others. Therefore the product decision at Honda will include differentiated products and different brands will be available for the bicycles. Honda intends to introduce bicycles that create a great appeal to the general public as well as the younger demographic he nce creating a larger market share for the company (Gorchels, 2006).As regards pricing decisions, the need could occur under a number of specific circumstances for different types of products and services. For an existing brand or product the decision can incorporate increases, reductions and holding price. The major circumstances in which pricing decisions need to be made are: new product introduction, changes in external circumstances e.g. competitive action in raising and lowering of prices, raw material tax or any duty changes in the market structure, as well as other internal changes arising from new products and new processes.It is therefore vital for decisions made on pricing to consider the probable pricing and the profit margins of products. Discounts, financing and other various options such as licensing also constitute pricing decision. At Honda, pricing decisions and strategy, the decisions made will use the method of low-end targeting. This will enhance provision of the se bicycles at lower prices so that everyone can afford to buy them (Gorchels, 2006).Placement decisions are mostly linked to various marketing channels of distribution which often provide the means for transferring these products so that they can get to the specified customers. Decisions that concern distribution include logistics, channel member selection, levels of service and market coverage.Honda plans to have dealers who will be used to distribute the bicycles to various destinations. These networks of dealers will be placed in various destinations so that potential consumers can access these products, merchandise or accessories. The company also hopes to use promotions such as shows, public relations and marketing programs in its distribution decision (Minzburg & Quinn, 1991).On the other hand, decisions that are made relating to selling and communication towards potential consumers are referred to as promotion decisions. These decisions require a breakeven analysis as these costs may be large. The promotion strategy at Honda will be based on brand image, advertisements and commercials that will be available to all.The most effective means of communication for our product (bicycles) is the mass media method of communication. This method enhances the rate at which we can connect with our target customers. Public relations will also be part of our promotion strategy. It is a purposeful form of communication directed towards the publics by the organization with the objective of developing good will (Cooper & Hiebing, 2004). Public relations is also future oriented and proactive hence the objective of maintaining and building an organization’s positive perception.ReferencesBaker, M.J. (2003). The marketing Book. Elsevier.Cooper, W., & Hiebing, R. (2004). The One-Day Marketing Plan. McGraw-HillProfessional.Gorchels, L. (2006). The Product manager’s handbook: Supplemental Worksheetsand templates. McGraw-Hill Professional.Minzburg, H., & Quinn, B . (1991). The Strategy Process. Prentice Hall.Ries, A., & Trout, J. (2001).Positioning: The Battle for your mind. McGraw-Hill New product marketing plan New Product Marketing PlanThis paper will focus on the development of a marketing strategy for a new product- Honda bicycle.Market Analysis In the market analysis, I intend to assess both the future and current market(s), positioning competitive conditions and any regulatory concerns that may exist in United States as Honda Company ventures into introducing bicycles in America. The potential for our product which is bicycles consists of quite a large and wide range of individuals who love outdoor sporting as well as those who have an interest in biking as a sport. This is also applies to the avid riders. In other words, this group constitutes young people especially children who like to bike during their play time, those students who take on biking as their only means of transportation, and competitive riders as well as weekend riders.Targeting may occur in two main phases. The first one concerns the single segment which consists of a single product. This is whereby a single product is targeted by a marketer and this takes place in a market that consists of many segments. On the other hand, the second phase relates to a situation whereby a single product is aimed at the available market segments as a whole by a marketer. In this case, less importance is placed on differentiation as compared to cost. In addition, there is also multi segment system of approach whereby different segments in the market are targeted by a marketer and this also includes various products that are differentiated (Baker, 2003).The overall market for Honda is the United States’ market and company’s target includes young families, children and sports men and women. The current population of people who use bicycles is high in the United States and this size is constantly increasing. This therefore provides a good potential market for Honda bicycles that are about to be introduced. As concerns the socio-cultural characteristics, our target market consists of people who are ope n as regards their culture, beliefs, values and lifestyles. United States’ citizens once believed that those people who ride bicycles were mostly trouble makers; this belief has drastically changed since the inception of Honda Company. This therefore means that the target market is bound to perceive the introduction of Honda bicycles as a good thing.As concerns, the economic background, the United States market consists of people who have above average earnings hence they are capable of purchasing these bicycles. This is also because they are likely to have disposable income. Moreover; the customer needs and requirements vary a lot. For instance, the primary needs for any children who might want to purchase bicycles concerns their safety, value and sound construction whereas a competitive circler will look for the product’s technological superiority, reliability and light-weight construction.Our target market intends to have young adults who earn $ 35,000 as their annu al incomes and the avid riders who have an annual income of $45,000 and above and they should be aged between the ages of 25-44 years. As per our surveys, our consumers will be willing to pay $ 410.What will drive the demand for our bicycles are the reasonable prices that we are about offer to our esteemed customers, our brand image and high quality products (bicycles).Industry and Competitor Assessment. The main competitors include Yamaha from Japan, Bajaj Auto, TVs-Suzuki and Harley Division (HD). Harley Division is a strong company that is financially stable besides its constant growth. In addition, HD offers-low cost and high quality goods, they posses a brand image which is strong and adaptable and lastly the company has a strong global marketing and distribution system. As a result of these factors, the competition has managed to satisfy the needs of our proposed targets.The main competitive advantages that these competitors have include lower costs of goods that will enhance competition, mergers between them and this will adversely affect the current market share that Honda possess. These companies have established such a strong global competition because of the high quality and low priced goods that they offer. This also includes the brand images for their products which are also superior. Moreover, these companies offer advanced and high quality bicycles because they are knowledgeable on the greatest and current trends in the bicycle industry hence the ability to attract more customers both the old and the young population in United States.The other competitive advantage concerns the location of the business and also the reputation that they hold for their products among the majority population in United States. For instance, Mountainmart is also threatening competitors in the biking industry since they often apply a huge discount structure and commodity approach for its various product line. However, despite its price advantage, Mountainmart doesnâ⠂¬â„¢t offer a high performance service as well as bike lines. In addition, its location is not convenient as it is located far away from students who constitute the main target market. As a result, it does not portray as much competition to either of its competitors.However, Honda has also its own advantages that translate to its strengths giving the company a competitive edge over other business competitors. The company will produce and intends to offer a wide range of highly qualified bicycles which include comfort, mountain, children’s bicycles and hybrid. Since lifestyles are constantly changing, Honda Company is bound to offer a unique and healthy lifestyle with the current trend of bicycles that is bound to offer. Moreover, Honda also offers customer service which is excellent such as training, safety tips, instructions, repairs, bike fittings and proper use among others and this will be good aspect in tackling down our customers.Marketing Strategy Customers are the fo cal point as concerns the purchasing of products that organizations worldwide promote, development, and price and distribute hence this call for proper definition of these products so as to enhance and maximize consumer satisfaction. Positioning as a concept has in the past and even today changed the available nature that relate to advertising. The starting point for positioning relates to a service, an institution or merchandise. Positioning entails making the product to appear in a person’s mind (Ries and Trout, 2001). Positioning is therefore effective when it takes place at the right time.Getting into a person’s mind involves having the right messages fixed into people’s mind as this calls for an appreciation. Therefore our offering will be positioned through advertising so that people can be aware of the bicycles that we intend to introduce in the market. In advertising, enormous advantage is guaranteed for those products that are able to position themselve s in the market as the first products hence it is essential to have very good products in the available particular fields in business.The marketing strategy of Honda will constitute the four elements of the marketing mix which include product, price, distribution (place) and promotion so as to make effective management decisions in order to attain the stated objectives of the firm. They will be blended in an optimal manner by the firm with an objective of getting a positive response from the consumers of goods and services in the market. This is because these four variables play the vital role in the decision making process by management. Products could either be goods or services that are available for consumer consumption.As concerns product decisions, the decisions that will be made may be based on appearance, service, function, warranty and packaging among others. Therefore the product decision at Honda will include differentiated products and different brands will be available for the bicycles. Honda intends to introduce bicycles that create a great appeal to the general public as well as the younger demographic hence creating a larger market share for the company (Gorchels, 2006).As regards pricing decisions, the need could occur under a number of specific circumstances for different types of products and services. For an existing brand or product the decision can incorporate increases, reductions and holding price. The major circumstances in which pricing decisions need to be made are: new product introduction, changes in external circumstances e.g. competitive action in raising and lowering of prices, raw material tax or any duty changes in the market structure, as well as other internal changes arising from new products and new processes.It is therefore vital for decisions made on pricing to consider the probable pricing and the profit margins of products. Discounts, financing and other various options such as licensing also constitute pricing decisio n. At Honda, pricing decisions and strategy, the decisions made will use the method of low-end targeting. This will enhance provision of these bicycles at lower prices so that everyone can afford to buy them (Gorchels, 2006).Placement decisions are mostly linked to various marketing channels of distribution which often provide the means for transferring these products so that they can get to the specified customers. Decisions that concern distribution include logistics, channel member selection, levels of service and market coverage. Honda plans to have dealers who will be used to distribute the bicycles to various destinations. These networks of dealers will be placed in various destinations so that potential consumers can access these products, merchandise or accessories. The company also hopes to use promotions such as shows, public relations and marketing programs in its distribution decision (Minzburg & Quinn, 1991).On the other hand, decisions that are made relating to selling and communication towards potential consumers are referred to as promotion decisions. These decisions require a breakeven analysis as these costs may be large. The promotion strategy at Honda will be based on brand image, advertisements and commercials that will be available to all. The most effective means of communication for our product (bicycles) is the mass media method of communication. This method enhances the rate at which we can connect with our target customers. Public relations will also be part of our promotion strategy. It is a purposeful form of communication directed towards the publics by the organization with the objective of developing good will (Cooper & Hiebing, 2004). Public relations is also future oriented and proactive hence the objective of maintaining and building an organization’s positive perception.ReferencesBaker, M.J. (2003). The marketing Book. Elsevier.Cooper, W., & Hiebing, R. (2004). The One-Day Marketing Plan. McGraw-HillProfessional.Gorch els, L. (2006). The Product manager’s handbook: Supplemental Worksheetsand templates. McGraw-Hill Professional.Minzburg, H., & Quinn, B. (1991). The Strategy Process. Prentice Hall.Ries, A., & Trout, J. (2001).Positioning: The Battle for your mind. McGraw-Hill           Professional.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Woodchucks essays
Woodchucks essays Woodchucks Maxine Kumins, Woodchucks provides an interesting and creative perspective into the mind state of those influenced by nazi warfare. What begins as a seemingly humorous cat and mouse hunt, reminiscent of such movie classics as Caddyshack, soon develops into an insatiable lust for blood. Kumins descriptive language provides the reader with the insight necessary to understand to the speakers psychology as they are driven beyond the boundaries of pacifism. The poem does indeed have a rhyme scheme, yet doesnt conform to conventional forms of rhyme such as A, B, A, B, etc. Rather, each stanza seems to follow the order of A, B, C, A, C, B, which may not be apparent to the reader at first, but doesnt hinder the poems effectiveness. The first stanza begins with the speaker describing their failed attempt at eliminating the pests. The first attempt was described as merciful: The knockout bomb from the Feed and Grain Exchange was featured as merciful, quick at the bone. However, t he following lines offer a bit of humor to the chase as it seems the woodchuck has outsmarted the speaker as a result of their overconfidence: and the case we had against them was airtight, both exits shoehorned shut with puddingstone, but they had a sub-sub-basement out of range. This first stanza sets the stage for what would appear to be a humorous battle of whits between the speaker and the woodchucks. The following stanza continues in this vein with the cynical statement, Next morning they turned up again, no worse for the cyanide than we for our cigarettes and state-store Scotch, all of us up to scratch. However, those that follow are slowly indicative of the speakers mental deterioration. The statements of the food being eaten by the woodchucks are filled with bitterness as the language begins to resemble that of a killer. They brought down the marigolds as a matter ...
Monday, October 21, 2019
How to Address a Stranger
How to Address a Stranger How to Address a Stranger How to Address a Stranger By Maeve Maddox A frequent source of miscommunication is to assume that the people we address attach the same connotation and meaning to words that we do. A case in point is a recent letter-to-the-editor in my local paper. A young man working in a restaurant expressed his frustration at the lack of tipping from the customers he serves. He explained that he is unfailingly polite and still receives few tips. As an example of his courteous behavior, he described the way he greets the people whom he will be serving by saying, â€Å"Hi guys, I’ll be your server tonight.†He made it clear that he never deviates from â€Å"Hi guys†because to him it is a friendly, neutral greeting. Other readers responded to the server’s letter by remarking that he might get more tips if he changed his greeting. The consensus of the responses was that to some people, â€Å"Hi guys†comes across as downright rude. It may be that no neutral greeting for strangers remains in English. â€Å"Dear Sir†as the greeting on a business letter has its opponents: Starting a Business Letter with â€Å"Dear Mr.†â€Å"Ma’am†as a polite form of address for women pleases some, but draws enraged reactions from others: â€Å"Ma’am†and Regional Colonialism NOTE: Nowadays, maam as a courteous term of address for women is regarded as a US Southernism. Objections to it come chiefly from women in other parts of the country. However, dialogue in an old movie I watched recently suggests that this has not always been the case. Set in Boston and produced in the 1940s, the film shows an upper-class character address a young woman as maam in a polite social context. Baby talk and terms of endearment stir passions in eldercare and the marketplace: Hypocorisma Addressing people by their first names because you saw the name on a deposit slip or credit card also has its perils. Most Americans tolerate the practice, but some may resent it enough to take their business elsewhere: A clerk at a store where I used my credit card called me by my first name. I told him that if he wanted me to come back, hed better call me Mr. [surname]. In the United States, food servers and store clerks frequently wear nametags proclaiming their first names. Here are two comments on a forum discussion of the practice of having to wear such a nametag at work: It kind of creeps me out when someone calls my by my first name. Especially when I forget I have a nametag on and a random stranger calls me by name. I would say 95% of the time that a customer ever used my name while I was wearing a name tag, they were using it to demean me and assert their dominance. Even when people are nice about it, its still sort of weird and feels like somebody is sort of invading my space. A reader of the Boston Globe dislikes the telemarketing practice of calling strangers by their first names: I often get calls from telemarketers who begin, â€Å"Is this Alfred?’’ When I respond in the affirmative, they proceed to use my first name. It seems to me that if I were in such urgent need of money that I had to phone total strangers for their help, I would address them as â€Å"Mr.†or â€Å"Mrs.†I might even say, â€Å"Sir.’’ I certainly would not address them as if they were a buddy. Over the years, I’ve found this most annoying. I haven’t been able to find a US poll on the subject, but a poll reported in the Daily Mail indicates that most British speakers dislike the practice: Almost two-thirds of us hate cold callers who address customers by their first name and start conversations with ‘hi’, a study found. Nearly a third of the 1,000 polled said it annoyed them when someone they didn’t know called them by their first name. Not everyone objects to the practice. For example: I only like to be called by my first name. I dont like anyone calling me by my last name. Calling someone by their last name, to me implies some sort of difference in social level. Its not very friendly. As for saluting a stranger with hey or hi, plenty of business prospects will react negatively to marketing emails that begin this way: Hey guys, Hi! Opinions will continue to differ as to what constitutes a courteous manner of addressing a stranger. It’s impossible to please everyone, but a reasonable practice in a business context is to err on the side of formality. Servers and store clerks who cringe when a stranger addresses them by their first names might consider using an alias on their tags. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:35 Synonyms for â€Å"Look†Social vs. SocietalEach vs. Both
Sunday, October 20, 2019
buy custom Nursing Ethical Dilemma in Even Me Book
buy custom Nursing Ethical Dilemma in Even Me Book BSN and Even Me Book Abstract The book by Saint-Vilus (2014), justifies observation, as Micah, a young adult, full of hopes encounters a life-changing experience having lost his sight. Similarly, Danielas life is shattered after finding herself living in an unfriendly family environment. In the end, the two main characters develop unconscious and negligent attitude to life. It is observed that a BSN can help the two characters to overcome insecurity and fear that characterize their lives. The paper also demonstrates that BSN is a wider field than to ADN since the former prepares students to handle many tasks including those of the latter. Furthermore, the three characters (Micah, Daniela and Claudia) are selected for possible assistance from BSNs. Assisting the traumatized characters to overcome cultural and professional concerns presents an ethical dilemma that a nurse must overcome. While reviewing the roles of BSNs, it emerges that, among other functions, they are nurse and community educators on health issues . In conclusion, it is held that nursing profession is diverse since nurses have a duty to care for different communities within varied settings. It becomes apparent that the lack of healthcare poses major problems to victims of social injustices such as Micah and Daniela.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
State of Texas economic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
State of Texas economic - Essay Example Governor Perry regards the focus on these industries as a significant economic strategy (texaswideopenforbusiness). They key industries are advanced technology and manufacturing; aerospace, aviation and defense, biotechnology and life science, information and computer technology; petroleum refining and chemical products; and energy (texaswideopenforbusiness). Economies suffer considerably at the hands of, lacking skilled force (Powell and Lindsay 2). World Bank declared that the factors leading to the high pace of economic growth and development of the ‘tiger economies’ is sustained productivity, technological investment, and human resource investment on continuous basis (Powell and Lindsay 2). Texas has a work force commission known as TWC. TWC is a commission for the employers and helps them in refining and upgrading the skills of their employees and work force (texaswideopenforbusiness). The programs that TWC employs are; skill development, apprenticeship, on job training and literacy education to help employees developing their skills better and further and increase their productivity (texaswideopenforbusiness). Texas has an infrastructure that is considered business friendly. It provides and maintains up to the standard modern transportation facilities and logistical advantages (texaswideopenforbusiness). Texas provides business support by providing state-of-the-art land, air and sea transportation means; such infrastructure lends support to businesses and allows them to access national and international markets in time (texaswideopenforbusiness). Texas also has modern energy provision systems, like wind farms, nuclear power, and coal power, all contributing to the developing businesses and people of Texas
Friday, October 18, 2019
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Research Proposal
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine - Research Proposal Example ell research, this paper proposes a framework for the formulation of guidelines towards the payment for the donation of eggs for embryonic stem cell production and research. Stem cells are naà ¯ve cells that have the capability of differentiating or developing into other types of cells in the body. Currently, many types of stem cells have been identified: embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. Adult stem cells come from adult tissues like adipose, bone marrow, retina, muscle, heart; their main purpose is to repair and replace worn out tissues in which they were found. These cells are called multipotent because they can only differentiate into limited tissue types. Some adult stem cells can be induced to produce all types of tissues; these are called the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). Although the potential of these cells is quite high, studies are still underway to understand how they can be utilized fully (Webb). The most studied and with the most potential are the highly controversial embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells have two extraordinary properties that make them very medically useful. First, they are "pluripotent," with the capacity to become any type of the 200 specialized cells in the body; a heart-muscle cell that pumps blood, a cell in the retina of that sees light, an acid-producing cell in the stomach, or a brain cell that stores memories. Second, embryonic stem cells can keep dividing and making unlimited copies of themselves; an important property, since huge numbers of new cells may be needed to replace cells lost to disease. Embryonic stem cells, because of their ability to regenerate different tissue types, are thought by most scientists and researchers to hold potential cures for Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimers disease, heart disease, hundreds of rare immune system and genetic disorders, and many more. Over 100 million people suffer from diseases that
Perks and Benefits in The Organisations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Perks and Benefits in The Organisations - Essay Example This makes it clear that the branch of fringe benefits has a lot of examples and types under its shelter making it easier for employers to pick the ones feasible for them to motivate their employees. A company offering a high level of fringe benefits is also regarded as one of the best employers and makes a market reputation of itself in the job market ending up in hiring the best of all applicants (Wisteret, 1959). The nature It is seen that everything which gives an appropriate level of advantages is said to have some draw backs of using it as well. Fringe benefits by nature are regarded as employee motivators and factors to approve your desirability as an employer in the market; it can be proved as well by looking at the top most employers of all time who are said to be giving out many fringe benefits to their employees apart from good salaries which has made them create their good image in the employment market (Newstrom, 1977). However, Fringe benefits, like everything else can cause a certain amount of damage to the organization as well if we look at them from the perspective of small employers. To them, fringe benefits can be very costly and can also cause problems in the capital management of the organization. Moreover, not distinguishing employers by their size, it is seen that many employers offering a good level of fringe benefits face trial in the court due to complains by some neglected or incapable employees who fail to show desired performance to become eligible of the benefits. This costs many companies a whole lot of money while also creating a bad image of them in the market. The range Fringe benefits today can include numerous things such as: housing arrangements provided by the employer, free or discounted medical facilities, day care services, insurance plans, retirement and provident fund packages, job security, year-end paid vacations, provision of cars and a lot more Specific packages Provident fund and pension packages Such packages are usually offered from the lower level of staff to the highest level but they tend to differ from one another on the seniority basis Housing facilities Housing packages are generally provided to senior employees in most companies but some might give their lower level employees a hostel type of accommodation as well. Accommodation just like other packages gets bigger and more comfortable as an employee climbs the ladder up in an organization Day care services Such packages are mostly offered to all company employees as this arrangement is offered at the premises of the company itself. New development in packages Day care services and job security packages are the new advancements Conclusion Fringe benefits are the oldest form of compensation apart from salary and wages and will continue to be offered by employers to motivate and retrench its workforce. MATERNITY BENEFITS Introduction Whether a company has given attention to maternity benefits or not an employee is still entitled to ma ternity benefits by law. Law, they differ from country to country but Women who are pregnant, have recently given birth or are caring for a new born are all entitled to maternity benefits, moreover, parents who have recently adopted a child also can apply for them in many countries.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Do you agree that fat is a feminist issue why or why not Essay
Do you agree that fat is a feminist issue why or why not - Essay Example Women indulge in food so that they can be taken more serious in their areas of work, especially by their male colleagues. Losing weight leads to them being overlooked by their male counterparts. Other women have different reasons for being fat. While some opt to grow fat to avoid competition from other women, others do go this direction to de-sexualize themselves, yet others do it because of their mothers’ crazy relationship with food. Women who are fat usually think they are in desperate need of weight loss, yet subconsciously they hold on to the desire to stay fat. They seem to enjoy the advantages that come with being fat. They keep overlooking the very activities that lead them to being fat such as compulsive eating. Orbach shares her experience with trying to lose weight as she opens a window into her life with obesity. Although she had suffered dieting, bingeing and selfhatred for ten years, she got renewed within six months after enrolling for a course on compulsive eating (Wilson par. 5). Women do crazy things in the name of growing thin; some vomit food until it even comes out of the nostrils, some do laxatives, others exercise twice a day for two and a half hour sessions per session, while others try diets such as atkins diet, cabbage soup, south beach and the zone and the long list of despair and self hatred continues. Women count calories, measure grams offat, drink very bitter tasting juices for weeks just to look good on the beach. After doing all this, they realize they feel a lot happier being size 16 than trying to be size 8 (Gordon par. 4). Throughout a lot of exaggeration can be see, images have become sexier in an unattainable manner. These are just the consequences of a social system in which those who wield power take advantage both at home and at the workplace. Some, like Duchess Windsor, believe that a woman cannot be too thin, a sentiment echoed by all fashion and beauty magazines, every television commercial, weight loss
Goat Farm Making Chees and Yoghurt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
Goat Farm Making Chees and Yoghurt - Essay Example It also involves taking into consideration the short-term and long-term goals. The visits to various goat dairy firms will also help one to learn various demands of the business and how to build goat milk houses, cheese plants, and yoghurt plants. These visits will also help to understand the challenges they are likely to encounter in the business (Hempler, 2002, p. 1). Individuals should consider location of their business. This will ensure that they are able to plan their marketing strategies and be able to determine the available market for the given products. Physical location of any business is an important aspect in marketing. It also determines the means of accessing markets for the products, which ensures business success. It is important to identify the target markets for the products which are being produced, as well as to assess the available markets. This can be achieved by carrying out a market viability survey. During the analysis, one is able to create good relationshi ps with the customers and gather responses from them regarding the products to be made. This ensures that the farmer is able to gauge and evaluate the returns they are likely to get from the business (Hempler, 2002, p. 1). ... An entrepreneur should identify equipment, materials and resources needed for the business and the potential supplier. This will ensure that the farm gets the necessary requirements at the right time. Ensure that the supplier of equipment and other materials is able to provide the farm with spare parts and repair services before having these equipment and materials installed in the farm. The equipment and items needed for the cheese and yoghurt plants should be approved by the department of agriculture and markets. The farmer should also seek help of an agricultural inspector. During these sessions it is important that one indicates what they intend to accomplish. This will help the inspector to give the farmer the best methods and means to apply in order to attain success (Roberts, 2001, p. 70). Consultations with the veterinary officer would also help the farmer select the suitable breeds for the business and provide more information on their health, vaccinations and feeding. Obtai ning insurance for the business is an important step in the process. Farmers should, therefore, ensure that they have adequate liability coverage and product liability (New Zealand Food Safety Authority, 2009, p. 18). Regulatory Framework The farmer should also consider various rules and restrictions regarding farmland. There are accepted agricultural practices which every farmer should ensure they are observed on their farms. According to Act 250 on the Land Use and Development, farmers should ensure that they obtain a permit allowing them to use the land. The farmer should also obtain a health permit from the ministry of health allowing them to produce cheese and yoghurt. They should obtain a manufacturing license and medical
Resistance to change Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Resistance to change - Research Paper Example ). They usually have three shifts a week and many nurses are pleased with such schedule, because they have much time to have a rest and devote to their families. Nurses have four free days after three working days and are able to get acquainted with all their patients and learn about their problems. However, last time this schedule was widely discussed as there are a lot of doubts appeared around it (Reid, and Dawson, 2000). The question is if a person is biologically capable of working uninterruptedly during 12 hours and if this work can bring positive results (Are 12-hour shifts safe?). The trouble is that 12 consecutive hours of work make a person physically and emotionally exhausted (Reid, and Dawson, 2000). At the end of the working period a nurse inevitably becomes less attentive, slow and loses the ability to take fast decisions that is extremely important in nursing profession. Moreover, some nurses prefer not to waste time even for a break to have some meal. Many nurses cons ider this to be unnecessary. Now many scholars who study this issue call such way of life â€Å"a way to disaster†(Are 12-hour shifts safe?). According to Reid and Dawson, â€Å"Notable reductions in neurobehavioural performance during shift work and particularly night work have long been recognized. These reductions in performance are thought to be the result of both the sleep disruption associated with shift work3 and the circadian rhythm of performance†(Reid, and Dawson, 2000). In order to maintain physical ability to work, nurses often drink coffee. The profession of a nurse is included in top ten professions, which consume coffee excessively (Are 12-hour shifts safe?). However, excessive coffee consumption can lead to very bad consequences such as increased excitability and dream abnormality. If to remember that nurses usually do not have much time to sleep, these abnormalities may result in more serious diseases. Thus, 12 hours shifts schedule is harmful not only for patients but for nurses itself (What are 12-hour shifts good for?). Despite all these factors, many nurses become irritable, when they are told that it would be better to change their schedule from 12 hours shift to 8 hours shift (Are 12-hour shifts safe?). They like their 12 hours shifts schedule and want to have many consecutive free days to devote them to their families. â€Å""I prefer 12-hour shifts because I am forced to be diligent about my sleep. Very early in my career, I worked 8-hour night shifts -- it was way too easy to keep postponing my bedtime." Another nurse believes that "8-hour shifts are harder because you have stay up 5 nights a week rather than just 3 nights." (cited in Stokowski, 2013). 8 hours shift five times a week seems unsuitable for nurses, thus many of them are against such change in their schedule (Are 12-hour shifts safe?). Those nurses who are over 55 years old are not against the change in schedule. It is difficult for them to work for 12 consecutive hours because of their age (Reid, and Dawson, 2000). Thus they want to have fewer working hours a day. Reid and Dawson state: â€Å"The combined effect of 12 hour shifts and age may result in greater reductions in performance of older than younger workers. If this is the case then there may be serious implications for worker productivity and safety. Considering the increase in the number of older shift workers currently employed and the prediction that this will continue to increase in the future,
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Do you agree that fat is a feminist issue why or why not Essay
Do you agree that fat is a feminist issue why or why not - Essay Example Women indulge in food so that they can be taken more serious in their areas of work, especially by their male colleagues. Losing weight leads to them being overlooked by their male counterparts. Other women have different reasons for being fat. While some opt to grow fat to avoid competition from other women, others do go this direction to de-sexualize themselves, yet others do it because of their mothers’ crazy relationship with food. Women who are fat usually think they are in desperate need of weight loss, yet subconsciously they hold on to the desire to stay fat. They seem to enjoy the advantages that come with being fat. They keep overlooking the very activities that lead them to being fat such as compulsive eating. Orbach shares her experience with trying to lose weight as she opens a window into her life with obesity. Although she had suffered dieting, bingeing and selfhatred for ten years, she got renewed within six months after enrolling for a course on compulsive eating (Wilson par. 5). Women do crazy things in the name of growing thin; some vomit food until it even comes out of the nostrils, some do laxatives, others exercise twice a day for two and a half hour sessions per session, while others try diets such as atkins diet, cabbage soup, south beach and the zone and the long list of despair and self hatred continues. Women count calories, measure grams offat, drink very bitter tasting juices for weeks just to look good on the beach. After doing all this, they realize they feel a lot happier being size 16 than trying to be size 8 (Gordon par. 4). Throughout a lot of exaggeration can be see, images have become sexier in an unattainable manner. These are just the consequences of a social system in which those who wield power take advantage both at home and at the workplace. Some, like Duchess Windsor, believe that a woman cannot be too thin, a sentiment echoed by all fashion and beauty magazines, every television commercial, weight loss
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Resistance to change Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Resistance to change - Research Paper Example ). They usually have three shifts a week and many nurses are pleased with such schedule, because they have much time to have a rest and devote to their families. Nurses have four free days after three working days and are able to get acquainted with all their patients and learn about their problems. However, last time this schedule was widely discussed as there are a lot of doubts appeared around it (Reid, and Dawson, 2000). The question is if a person is biologically capable of working uninterruptedly during 12 hours and if this work can bring positive results (Are 12-hour shifts safe?). The trouble is that 12 consecutive hours of work make a person physically and emotionally exhausted (Reid, and Dawson, 2000). At the end of the working period a nurse inevitably becomes less attentive, slow and loses the ability to take fast decisions that is extremely important in nursing profession. Moreover, some nurses prefer not to waste time even for a break to have some meal. Many nurses cons ider this to be unnecessary. Now many scholars who study this issue call such way of life â€Å"a way to disaster†(Are 12-hour shifts safe?). According to Reid and Dawson, â€Å"Notable reductions in neurobehavioural performance during shift work and particularly night work have long been recognized. These reductions in performance are thought to be the result of both the sleep disruption associated with shift work3 and the circadian rhythm of performance†(Reid, and Dawson, 2000). In order to maintain physical ability to work, nurses often drink coffee. The profession of a nurse is included in top ten professions, which consume coffee excessively (Are 12-hour shifts safe?). However, excessive coffee consumption can lead to very bad consequences such as increased excitability and dream abnormality. If to remember that nurses usually do not have much time to sleep, these abnormalities may result in more serious diseases. Thus, 12 hours shifts schedule is harmful not only for patients but for nurses itself (What are 12-hour shifts good for?). Despite all these factors, many nurses become irritable, when they are told that it would be better to change their schedule from 12 hours shift to 8 hours shift (Are 12-hour shifts safe?). They like their 12 hours shifts schedule and want to have many consecutive free days to devote them to their families. â€Å""I prefer 12-hour shifts because I am forced to be diligent about my sleep. Very early in my career, I worked 8-hour night shifts -- it was way too easy to keep postponing my bedtime." Another nurse believes that "8-hour shifts are harder because you have stay up 5 nights a week rather than just 3 nights." (cited in Stokowski, 2013). 8 hours shift five times a week seems unsuitable for nurses, thus many of them are against such change in their schedule (Are 12-hour shifts safe?). Those nurses who are over 55 years old are not against the change in schedule. It is difficult for them to work for 12 consecutive hours because of their age (Reid, and Dawson, 2000). Thus they want to have fewer working hours a day. Reid and Dawson state: â€Å"The combined effect of 12 hour shifts and age may result in greater reductions in performance of older than younger workers. If this is the case then there may be serious implications for worker productivity and safety. Considering the increase in the number of older shift workers currently employed and the prediction that this will continue to increase in the future,
Elder Abuse and Living Arrangements in Late Adulthood Essay Example for Free
Elder Abuse and Living Arrangements in Late Adulthood Essay Late adulthood is a period of various biological changes which can impact on an individual’s health and ability to function as easily in society. The stereotypical changes of this stage are paler less elastic skin resulting in wrinkles, thinning hair gradually turning from grey to white, weaker bones, muscle loss, and vision and hearing impairments e. g. cataracts and difficulty with word discrimination. There are changes to the brain also, such as the loss of dendrites which causes a reduction in brain weight and volume and slower synaptic speeds resulting in slower reaction times (Bee 1998, p. 53). Their immune system slows down as well, becoming less effective, and making them more prone to illness (Fernandez 2010, p. 794). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and is a change in the brain structure due to the tangling of dendritic fibres in the brain causing severe memory loss and personality changes (Bee 1998, p. 459). Overall, the elderly are more likely to have a chronic illness and disabilities which may impact upon their ability to bathe, walk, feed themselves, prepare meals, shop, dress themselves, and even live independently (Bee 1998, p. 56). This stage of life is characterised by a number of stresses and is a time of reflection. An individual’s changing work status, in particular when they retire, can be a source of stress as work is a major component of adult life and they now have to find other activities to fill their day. There is also the uncertainty of their financial future and whether they will have enough to live comfor tably off (Fernandez 2010, pp. 853-855). Their health or partner’s health may be another source of stress for them, especially if it results in a caring role being required to complete everyday tasks; and the knowledge that their life is coming to an end (Fernandez 2010, pp. 867-868). Fernandez (2010, p. 851) states that late adulthood is a â€Å" time of looking back and taking stock of where we’ve been, what we’ve accomplished, and whom we have touched. †This results in a process called ‘Life Review’ which is gradually looking back at past experiences analysing and evaluating them to develop more secure and complex self concepts (Bee 1998, p. 02). Social interaction is an important part of life, continuing on in late adulthood and is associated with good health and life satisfaction. The elderly have frequent contact with family, finding strong emotional and practical support through them, especially adult children, and tend to have lower levels of institutionalisation with couple s and relatives providing a high level of care and assistance to each other (Bee 1998, pp. 484-490). Friendships play an important role in late adulthood, with many enjoying time with friends more than with family (Fernandez 2010, p. 43). They provide companionship, intimacy, acceptance, opportunities for laughter, sharing of activities, links to a larger community, and protection from the psychological consequences of loss (Berk 1998, p. 609). In late adulthood where and with whom individuals are going to live is an issue they face. There are a number of options available to the elderly such as mobile homes, age segregated villages/communities, institutions, with family, or in their own home (Kalish 1975, pp. 97-99). Deciding which option is the most suitable for an individual can be influenced by a variety of things, such as health, disability, socio-economic status (SES) and culture. Mobile homes such as caravans suit those looking for a low cost and informal arrangement, however, those that have a mobility affecting disability or very poor health may not be suited to this option as they are usually small and on outskirts of towns (Kalish 1975, p. 98). Age segregated villages/communities include retirement homes that provide independent living arrangements or some support depending on the individual’s needs (Johnson 1960, p. 7). They tend to be in semi-isolated areas (making it hard for those with serious health issues to access medical attention), and are quite expensive (only those of high SES tend to be able to afford them) (Kalish 1975, pp. 98-99). The most common institution for the elderly is a nursing home, which cares for those who need considerable attention due to severe physic al or mental disabilities (approximately 5% of the aged population) (Kalish 1975, p. 99). Some residents are unable to feed, dress or bathe themselves, are incontinent or unaware of where or even who they are (Kalish 1975, p. 9). Medicare subsidises some of the costs, but not enough, meaning some individuals are still unable to cover the costs (Kalish 1975, p. 99). Family members provide the most long term care, whether that is a spouse, partner or adult children (Berk 1998, p. 575). It is more common for an elder of an eastern culture to live with their children and extended family, even if healthy, than for an elder from a western culture. Most individuals, even with a moderate disease or health problem, don’t live with relatives, but in their own house (Bee 1998, pp. 82-483). Living in their own home provides the greatest personal control, but those living alone are often poverty stricken and have unmet needs (Berk 1998, p. 601). This is where the Government and charity or ganisations help; they both provide small homes at low costs in suitable areas, as well as providing services such as home help (cleaning mainly), home visiting, and Meals on Wheels (Johnson 1960, p. 48). Elder abuse is a very real and serious issue that occurs during the late adulthood stage of life. There are many different types of elder abuse, including physical abuse (use of physical force resulting in injury, pain or impairment), sexual (non-consensual sexual contact), emotional/psychological (inflicting anguish, emotional pain or distress), neglect (failure to fulfil obligations or duties to an elder), financial exploitation (improper use of an elder’s funds, property or assets), and medical abuse (failing to provide adequate medical treatment or misusing medications) (Biggs 1995, pp. 6-37). It can also be intentional (conscious and deliberate attempt to inflict harm) or unintentional (inadvertent action resulting in harm, usually due to ignorance, inexperience, lack of desire or inability to provide proper car) (CSAP’s Prevention Pathways 2004). Stereotypically, it is nursing home residents that are more likely to be abused, as they are believed to be â€Å"vegetables†, and Kalish (1975, p. 9) states that health care professionals sometimes describe fe eding the resident using the expression, â€Å"watering the vegetables†which highlights this view and often leads to elder abuse as a way of degrading the elder and punishing them for needing attention and help. Unfortunately many nursing staff receive little or no in-service training and receive a very poor wage, so they feel out of their depths and do not enjoy the tasks required of them, which increases the risk of elder abuse as they feel frustrated, especially if the elder’s abilities are declining and need more care (Kalish 1975, p. 00). This leads to very few long term facilities providing intellectual or sensory stimulation. The more staff fail to stimulate the residents, the more they have to do for them, and the more the residents sink into despondency, creating more stress and frustration for the carers; becoming a viscous cycle (Kalish 1975, p. 100). The lack of stimulation itself, could be a form of unintentional neglect, as their intellectual needs are n ot being met. Despite the stereotypical view of nursing homes, it is in fact those who live in their own homes or with family who are abused the most, and it is the family that are usually the abusers, especially sons (Biggs 1995, p. 41). Victims of psychological or physical abuse tend to be physically well but have emotional problems while the abusers tend to have issues with alcohol and/or mental illness and live with the victim and are usually dependent on them (Biggs 1995, p. 43). Victims of neglect are usually very old and mentally or physically impaired with very little social support, and the abuser suffers chronic and continuing stress (Biggs 1995, p. 43). Those who are unmarried with limited support are at more risk of being financial exploited, with the abuser having financial problems or dependent on the victim for finances and accommodation (Biggs 1995, p. 43). In 1993 the Commonwealth Government established the Working Party on the Protection of Frail Older People in the Community to protect the rights of residents in nursing homes (Biggs 1995, p. 53). Interestingly, mandatory reporting legislation that America has was rejected by most states in Australia at first and it wasn’t until July 2007 that compulsory reporting of unlawful sexual contact or unreasonable use of force was brought in, but this still doesn’t cover all elder abuse and only applies to residents of an Australian Government subsidised aged care facility (Aged Rights Advocacy Service 2012). Erik Erikson was a German psychoanalyst who developed an eight stage psychosocial development theory; this essay will focus on his last stage, ego integrity versus despair (Fernandez 2010, p. 21). The basic concept of this stage is the question ‘Was my life meaningful? ’ and involves looking back on one’s life to determine this. The hope is that the individual will come to terms with and accept who they are and have been, the choices they have made, and the opportunities they have gained and lost, and their impending death and thus achieve the vi rtue of wisdom (Bee 1998, p. 501). If they don’t come to terms with their life they develop despair, where they feel dissatisfied with their life and feel it is too late to change it (Berk 1998, p. 88). For example, someone who has very poor health and is reliant on others to help care for them may feel like a burden and have a sense of hopelessness resulting in them continuing to live alone as they do not wish to put others out. While someone else may view it as they’ve lived a long healthy life up until now and they have a loving family who is willing to help them in their old age, leaving them with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction, and will happily move in with relatives. Another example might be living in a retirement home, some elderly may come to resent the age segregation and feel like society has pushed them to the outskirts to die, while others may feel stronger social connections, higher morale and a general higher life satisfaction due to the close proximity of others of similar age. Erikson’s theory is valuable in providing a guideline by which to understand this stage, but is it as clear cut as having integrity or despairing? Maxine Walaskay classified elderly into one of four categories, integrity achieved (aware of their ageing and accept the life lived); despairing (negative evaluation of life); foreclosed (content with their current life but resist self exploration); and dissonant (just beginning to evaluate their life) (Bee 1998, p. 501). Walaskay’s classification seems to say that not all individuals in this life stage look back on their life and evaluate it, that those in the foreclosed category base it on where their life is at now, so it would seem that Erikson’s theory does not apply to everyone in this life stage. Stress as a transaction theory looks at a stimulus only becoming a stressor when it is perceived that way by the individual, and whether they believe they have the resources to cope. In terms of elder abuse it would focus on the increasing dependency of the elder and a burden of care giving as the cause of stress thus increasing the risk of abuse (CSAP’s Prevention Pathways 2004). It proposes that there are factors influencing the risk of elder abuse in terms of elder related (physical or emotional dependency, poor health, impaired mental status and a ‘difficult’ personality), structural related (emotional strain, social isolation and environmental problems) and carer related factors (life crisis and burn out or exhaustion) (Biggs 1995, p. 25). For example an institutionalised resident’s dementia worsens making them more reliant on the carer, leading to more stress as the carer may not feel they have the capabilities to handle increased roles and this may cause them to abuse the resident. Another example could be an only child suffering extreme financial distress due to gambling debts, who lives with their mentally impaired mother and feels they cannot pay their own debs so they fraudulently use their mother’s funds. This theory looks at the relationship between the dependency of the elder and the stress this creates resulting in abusive behaviour, which research has been unable to prove (Biggs 1995, p. 30). According to this theory, by reducing the level of care giving stress, the likelihood of elder abuse would decrease as well, but this doesn’t take into account other factors that may be attributing to the abuse such as power roles (being physically and mentally more powerful and degrading and abusing the elder as a way to exert and maintain that power), and even a history of violence (if the elder was abusive earlier in their life and the abused becomes their carer, such as a wife or child, then the carer may have learnt that behaviour and carry it on by abusing the elder). There are many biological, psychological and social factors that impact individuals in the late adulthood stage of life, which can contribute to issues they face such as the influence of an individual’s health, ability to function effectively in society and social networks on where and with whom to live and the occurrence of elder abuse. The two theories, Erikson’s ego integrity versus despair and the stress as a transaction theory help provide some guidelines to examine the issues of living arrangements and elder abuse faced by individuals in this stage of life. Reference List Aged Rights Advocacy Service 2012, Mandatory Reporting: Elder Abuse and the Law, Aged Rights Advocacy Service Inc. , accessed 23 September 2012, lt;http://www. sa. agedrights. asn. au/residential_care/preventing_elder_abuse/elder_abuse_and_the_law/mandatory_reportinggt; Bee, H 1998, Lifespan Development, 2nd edn, Longman, Sydney Berk, L 1998, Development through the Lifespan, Allyn amp; Bacon, Needham Heights Biggs, S, Kingston, P amp; Phillipson, C 1995, Elder Abuse in Perspective, Open University Press, Buckingham CSAP’s Prevention Pathways: Online Courses 2004, Out of the Shadows: Uncovering substance use and elder abuse, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, accessed 23 September 2012, lt;http://pathwayscourses. samhsa. gov/elab/elab_1_pg1. htmgt; Fernandez, E 2010, SOCW1003: Human Behaviour 1: Life stress and the life span, McGraw Hill, North Ryde Johnson, E 1960, ‘Social Provisions for the Aged: With special reference to accommodation, clubs and foster homes’, in A Stoller (ed), Growing Old: Problems of Old Age in the Australian Community, Halstead Press, Sydney pp. 46-53 Kalish, R 1975, Late Adulthood: Perspectives on Human Development, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, California
Monday, October 14, 2019
Solar energy
Solar energy INTRODUCTION Solar energy is an inexhaustible resource. The sun produces vast amounts of renewable solar energy that can be collected and converted into heat and electricity. Texas, due to its large size and abundant sunshine, has the largest solar energy resources among the states. Several other states, however, lead the nation in terms of using solar energy, mostly due to state policies and incentives that encourage the installation of solar energy systems. California is the nations largest solar energy market by far, and has effective state initiatives promoting the industry. Other states with notable markets for solar energy include New Jersey, Arizona,Colorado and New York. Solar energy Solar energy means using the energy of sunlight to provide electricity, to heat water, and to heat or cool homes, business or industry. Sunlight is a clean, renewable source of energy. It is a sustainable resource, meaning it doesnt run out, the supplied can be maintained. Coal or gases are not sustainable. Once they are gone, there is none left. Solar, wind, geometrical steam, hydro-electricity and others. It is sometimes called ‘Green Power. How does solar work? Photovoltaic solar cells dirtectly convert sun light in to electricity. The simplest cells are used to operate wristwatches and calculater, an d more complicated systems are used to light houses. PV cells are combined into molecules called arrays, and the number of arrays used determines the amount of electricity produced. For example, a large number of arrays would be needed to generated electricity for a power plant. A power plant can also use a concentrating solar power system where sunlight is focused with mirror to create a intensity heat source to produce steam or mechanical power to run a generator to creates electricity. Solar water heating systemshave two main parts: a solar collector and a storage tank. Generally, the collector is a thin, flat, rectangular box with a transparent cover mounted on the roof, facing the sun. The sun heats anabsorber platein the collector, and this heats the water running through tubes inside the collector. The heated water is pumped or moved by gravity into the storage tank. Solar water heaters can use about two thirds less energy than those of other methods. The Process Sun shining on solar panels produces direct current electricity, or DC, the only kind of power stored in batteries. Often this is 12 volt DC, the standard used in cars and RVs. Larger systems may be designed for 24 volt DC, or sometimes 48 volt DC. This just means combining the same solar panels in pairs for 24 volt, or groups of four to get 48 volt. Windmills and micro-hydro generators in this catalog also produce DC for charging batteries. This DC power is stored in deep cycle lead-acid batteries, which give back the electricity as needed, even when no power is being produced. Like a bank account, power put into batteries over a period of time can be taken out more quickly if a lot is needed. Like a bank account you cannot take out more than you put in, or the account will be depleted. Moreover, lead-acid batteries need to be frequently 100% fully charged to remain in good condition. They should never be drawn completely down to empty. Because of these needs, to get the most years from your batteries requires some supervision by the owner. The inverter is a major component that converts the 12, 24, or 48 volt DC current from the battery into 120 volt AC current, the same as utility power for standard household lights, outlets, and appliances. Most solar homes use primarily 120 volt AC produced by the inverter. A few DC circuits are usually added where using DC can save a lot of energy. If there are a number of consecutive days without sunshine, the owner, being aware of the weather, checks his batteries. If the charge level is low, an engine driven generator may be started to recharge the batteries in order to keep the whole system working. A battery charger plugs into 120 volt AC from the generator producing low voltage DC to charge the battery. The generator is shut down after the batteries have been recharged. This process is automated in some power systems. Battery chargers in Recreational Vehicles are called converters). History Humans have harnessed the power of the sun for millennia. In the fifth century B.C., the Greeks took advantage of passive solar energy by designing their homes to capture the suns heat during the winter. Later, the Romans improved on solar architecture by covering south-facing windows with clear materials such as mica or glass, preventing the escape of solar heat captured during the day. In the late 19th century, inventors and entrepreneurs in Europe and the U.S. developed solar energy technology that would form the basis of modern designs. Among the best known of these inventors are August Mouchet and William Adams. Mouchet constructed the fi rst solar-powered steam engine.7 William Adams used mirrors and the sun to power a steam engine, a technology now used in solar power towers. He also discovered that the element selenium produces electricity when exposed to light. In the last 20 years, solar energy has made further inroads and now is used extensively in off -grid and remote power applications such as data monitoring and communications, well pumping and rural power supply, and in small-scale applications such as calculators and wristwatches. But solar energy has not yet achieved its potential to become a major contributor to world electrical grids. Passive solar heating Some buildings are designed forpassive solar heating, and do not need a solar collector. Basically, passive solar heating is when opportunities are made for the sun to shine into the building to warm it up. The walls and floors are made with materials that absorb and store the suns heat, and they heat up during the day and release the heat at night. This is called direct gain. In cold places in the northern hemisphere big windows are put in the south side of the building, letting in much sunlight. The inside of the buildings are therefore well lit, further reducing use of electricity. Heating bills can be half the size of those for a building requiring electrical or other heating. Building designs make sure that the longest walls run east to west, to allow more sunlight to enter in winter than in summer, with shades and overhangs to reduce summer heat. Solar Cookers Solar cookers can cook just about any food that a conventional oven can. A basic cooker is an insulated box with a glass top. Heat from concentrated sunlight gets trapped in the box and can be used to heat food placed in the box. What is solar energy? Solar is a radiant that is produced by the sun. Every day the sun radiates or sends out, an enormous amount of energy. The sun radiates more energy in one second then people have used since the beginning of time! During nucleus fusion the sun is extremely high pressure and temperature cause hydrogen atoms to come apart and their nuclei (the central cores of the atoms) to fuse or combine. For hydrogen nucleus fuse to become one helium atom contains less mass than four hydrogen atoms that fused. Some matter is loosed during nuclear fusion. The lost matter is emitted into space as radiant energy. It takes million of years of the energy in the suns core to make its way to the solar surface and then just a little over eight minutes to travel the 93 million miles to earth. The solar energy travels to the earth at a speed of 186,000 miles per second, the speed of light. Solar Electricity Solar energy technology is used on both small and large scales to produce electricity. A unique advantage of small-scale solar energy systems is that, if they include storage devices, They may eliminate the need to connect to the electric grid. PV systems power road maintenance And railroad warning signs, flashing school zone lights, area lighting and other devices without expensive power lines or batteries. Off shore oil rigs, navigational aids, water pumps, telecommunication equipment, remote weather stations and data logging equipment also benefit from PV power.16 In 2005, small-scale, off -grid PV-powered devices accounted for about 15 percent of PV capacity installed worldwide.17 In the same year, most installed PV systems  59 percent  provided electricity to homes and buildings connected to the electrical grid.18 The remaining PV systems were installed for use in remote off -grid homes and buildings in industrialized countries and the developing world. Solar Heating Solar systems that heat water for homes and businesses, and passive solar design for buildings of all sizes, both have the same effect on the electric grid as conservation. They do not generate electricity per sec, but reduce the demand for electricity and natural gas. Uses Solar energy has many uses. It can be used to provide heat, light or to generate electricity. Passive solar energy refers to the collection of heat and light; passive solar design, for instance, uses the suns energy to make homes and buildings more energy-effi cient by eliminating the need for daytime lighting and reducing the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling. Active solar energy refers to storing and converting this energy for other uses, either as photovoltaic (PV) electricity or thermal energy. Economic Impact In 2006, global solar industry revenues were $10.6 billion.21 Texas specific data for solar industry revenues are not available. The IC2 Institute expects the solar industry to create more jobs and contribute billions of dollars in investment and income to the U.S. economy over the next decade, if long term incentives are offered to encourage the solar industry.22 An IC2 study noted that: †¦since high-tech manufacturing employment in Texas has yet to return to pre-recession levels, the PV manufacturing industry creates an opportunity to generate employment for semiconductor and electric component workers statewide whose jobs have been outsourced offshore. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates that â€Å"every megawatt of solar power currently supports 32 jobs, with 8 of these jobs in system design, distribution, installation and service created where the systems are installed. As utilities begin to charge higher rates for peak load periods, PV systems that generate the most electricity during the hottest time of the day can produce substantial savings on energy costs. Production Sunlight can be converted into heat and electricity in a number of ways. A variety of solar technologies are in production, and many companies and researchers are pursuing efforts to develop devices that convert the suns energy more efficiently. Photovoltaic Energy Photovoltaic cells (PV) are used worldwide to convert sunlight into electricity. The PV cell contains two layers of semiconducting material, one with a positive charge and the other with a negative charge. When sunlight strikes the cell, some photons are absorbed by semiconductor atoms, freeing electrons that travel from the negative layer of the cell back to the positive layer, in the process creating a voltage. The flow of electrons through an external circuit produces electricity. Since individual photovoltaic cells produce little power and voltage  they generate only about one to two watts per cellâ€â€they are connected together electrically in series in a weatherproof module. To generate even more power and voltage, modules can be connected to one another to form a solar panel; solar panels are grouped to form an array. The ability to add additional modules as needed is a significant advantage of PV systems. Solar Thermal Energy Solar thermal energy refers to technologies that use the suns energy to heat water and other heat transfer fluids for a variety of residential, industrial and utility applications. Simple and widely used applications of solar thermal energy include solar water heating, swimming pool heating and agricultural drying. In the U.S., solar pool, water and space heating are currently the major applications of thermal energy. Flat-plate collectors  large, insulated metal boxes with glass or plastic covers and dark heat absorbing plates  are the most common collectors used for home solar water and space heating. Other common varieties are evacuated-tube collectors and integral collector storage systems. All three types gather the suns energy, transform it to heat and then transfer that heat to water, a heat-transfer fluid or air. Flat plate collectors typically are mounted on the roof. Evacuated-tube collectors are sometimes used to heat water, but also have useful commercial and Industrial applications where higher temperatures are required. The most powerful large-scale solar thermal technology, however, is concentrating solar power (CSP). While CSP can be PV-based, it generally refers to three solar thermal systemsâ€â€parabolic troughs, solar dish/engines and power towers each of which is in use or under development today. These systems use mirrors or reflectors to focus sunlight to heat a fluid and make steam, which then is used to generate electricity. At present, only parabolic troughCSP systems are in commercial use in the U.S., with three installations in three states capable of generating 419 MW of electricity in all.45 Trough systems consist of a linear, parabolic-shaped reflector that focuses the suns energy on a receiver pipe, heating a transfer fluid flowing through the pipe; the transfer fluid then generates superheated steam which is fed to a turbine and electric generator to produce electricity. The troughs track the sun from East to West during the day so that the sun is continuously focused on the receiver pipes.[3] Transmission Solar energy diff ers from most energy technologies in that it can be generated on site, reducing or eliminating fuel transportation and electricity transmission and distribution costs. Solar water heating and space heating devices are â€Å"stand-alone†systems that are not connected tothe electric grid. A PV system provides electric power directly to a user and can be used either as a â€Å"stand-alone†power source or connected to the electricity grid. Systems offering this flexibility sometimes are called distributed power generators. By contrast, utility-scale concentrating solar power plants use centralized power plants and transmission lines to distribute electricity to customers. In 2005, off -grid PV systems accounted for about 18 percent of all PV installed worldwide.50 Homes in remote areas can use PV systems for lighting, home appliances and other electrical needs, saving the cost of extending power lines to a remote location. These systems require a storage device to store power generated during the day for nighttime use; typically, this is a lead-acid battery bank. Unlike gasoline-powered generators, PV systems do not require fuel deliveries and are clean and quiet to operate. Net Metering Net metering standards allow owners of qualifying solar energy systems to be compensated for the value of electric energy they produce; they have been proven to promote solar energy systems. The IC2 Institute report that examined opportunities for the development of the Texas PV industry recommended the adoption of retail net metering in the state. Retail net metering credits customers at the utilitys full retail rate for each kWh generated rather than at the utilitys avoided-cost rate, which is lower. COSTS AND BENEFITS Both thermal and PV solar systems can produce electricity at significantly lower costs today than In the U.S., 2006 retail electricity prices for all sectors averaged more than eight cents per kWh, and for residential electricity, the price averaged about 10 cents per kWh.76 By contrast, parabolic troughstyle CSP systems generated electricity at a cost of 12 cents per kWh in 2006, while PV systems generated electricity for about 18 to 23 cents per kWh.77 The retail price of electricity during peak hours, however, can rise to between 25 and 40 cents per kWh in some parts of the U.S., making PV systems more competitive during peak periods.78 PV systems usually generate more electricity during the hottest time of the day, and thus can help to offset the need to add expensive electric generating capacity to satisfy peak demand in warm areas of the country. PV costs per kWh declined significantly over the last 16 years (from more than 45 cents per kWh in 1990 to about 23 cents per kWh in 2006), due primarily to manufacturing economies of scale as well as improved solar cell efficiency .79 The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) notes that â€Å"each doubling in cumulative manufacturing has brought prices down by about 18 percent.†80 In the past five years alone, the world PV industry has grown by an average of 30 percent or more each year. In 2006, the U.S. PV industry expanded by 33 percent, compared to 19 percent for the world.81 The expansion of federal income tax credits for commercial and residential solar energy projects, and state and utility incentives, particularly in California, fueled the U.S. industrys impressive growth in 2006. These federal tax credits, however, are set to expire at the end of 2008, and were not extended by Congress in 2007. A shortage of silicon and growing global demand for solar PV modules led to some cost increases in 2006 and 2007.82 About 90 percent of PV modules today still are made of crystalline silicon (polysilicon), which has been in short supply globally, constraining production and temporarily increasing t he cost of solar cells.83 Polysilicon supplies are expected to remain tight and prices high until new plants under construction are completed.84 Solarbuzz, an international solar energy consulting fi rm, predicts rapid growth in polysilicon capacity through 2011, and a resumption of faster rates of growth for the PV market.85 Unprecedented investment in manufacturing capacity is expected to result in lower PV costs over the long term. The cost of solar modules accounts for 50 to 60 percent of the total installed cost of a PV system, with other system parts, materials, assembly and installation accounting for the remainder.86 PV module costs have declined by about 80 percent over the last decade, but the installation costs have not dropped appreciably in recent years.87 Installation costs vary depending on available sunlight, the typical energy usage of the home and the availability of experienced installers in the area. Unlike other energy sources, however, 90 percent of the cost of a PV system is incurred up front.88 once the system is installed, there are no fuel costs and the system requires little maintenance.
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