Analysis on how gasoline prices are determined Term Paper

Analysis on how gasoline prices are determined - Term Paper Example The world’s challenges are to keep production going at a constant rate, and try to increase. At the same time, producers, with assistance from OPEC and respective governments have to keep high inventory levels to offset a period of zero production. Furthermore, the governments of various countries should consider allocating a heavier budget to oil exploration. In my opinion, the price of gasoline would increase, at least in the foreseeable future. Although the world is undergoing a severe recession, the prospects for recovery and growth are high, and consumers would be confident of a quick recovery. Furthermore, the proposed changes such as full capacity utilization would take time to accomplish. Also, the political tensions in the Middle-East look to intensify in the near future and that can disrupt supply. Even with the technology that is available, adapting to other forms of energy would be a difficult task for businesses and individuals alike. For instance, if CNG is used, it would take some time before America and other countries have easy access to CNG, since investors won’t take a risk of opening too many retail locations. All in all, I feel that the future can be bright and crude oil can be utilized to the fullest cheaply, but extra effort would have be exerted by governments to regulate the price of gasoline.

Paraphrasing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Paraphrasing - Essay Example Moreover, this lab experiment made it possible to design and create center-tapped transformer and full-wave bridge rectifier circuit and examine their waveforms as well as give explanation for them. It was not easy to realize how to get the waveform of the second circuit, however the task was implemented. In general, this lab experience was done effectively for both circuit designs. This lab experiment goal was achieved, and it became possible to determine the maximum safe operation current for the zener diode. It also became possible to find out how to chose the source voltage and the resistances for the zener circuit. Additionally, it became easier to get to know and examine how the zener diode is working. In general, this lab experience was done effectively for both circuit designs. This lab experiment goal was achieved, and it became possible to determine the maximum safe operation current for the zener diode. It also became possible to find out how to chose the source voltage and the resistances for the zener circuit. Additionally, it became easier to get to know and examine how the zener diode is working. In general, this lab experience was done effectively for both circuit designs. This lab experiment goal was achieved, and it became possible to determine the needed results of the three parts of this experiment. Also it has to observe the behavior of the circuit when there are set and changeable voltage regulators. Overall, this lab experience was done effectively for this lab circuit design. 2. NPN: The meter reading is high when placing the negative lead to the base terminal and the positive lead to either of other two terminals. Also, in the NPN transistor, by placing the positive lead to the base terminal and the negative lead to either of the other two terminals. PNP: The meter reading is low when we put the negative lead to the base terminal and the positive lead to either of other two terminals. Also, in the PNP transistor, by placing the

Open Topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Open Topic - Essay Example Having this picture in mind as one would see fit or relevant, he may likely admit being overwhelmed at trying to rationalize from a political perspective which is mostly responsible on negotiating with this type of crisis. Along this line comes natural inquisition on the availability of feasible solutions and how they can be made capable in the long-term to chiefly target certain causes as high gasoline taxes, , war in the Middle East, civil and political unrests in nations involved, as well as insufficient number of refineries. Nevertheless since the end-users are consistently affected by the price adjustment on gasoline, it essentially matters to bring oneself in the scenario of maneuvering, no matter how implicitly, to effect a favorable balance. At his own rate, an ordinary consumer can for instance think of an alternative way of managing a personal task or operation without having to utilize an engine run by gas.

Violence in the Ancient World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Violence in the Ancient World - Essay Example As the report declares falling back on Homer’s Odyssey once again, it provides good examples of how violence was used for dominance though; it is being carried out in the name of self-protection and preserving the lives of others. The example this research will use to prove the often times, brutal and violent forms of survival will be directly from the book, â€Å"Odyssey XI† and the primary focus on the battle with the Cyclops. According to the report findings the idea on the prevalence of violence in the Ancient world is so vivid in the battle with this monster of mythology. First, the Cyclops presents a form of early control and power over Odysseus and his crew which is clearly evident in the following verse, â€Å"As thus he spoke, our very souls were crushed within us, dismayed by the heavy voice and by the monsters self; nevertheless I answered thus and said†. Violence begets fear and the Cyclops girth alone was enough for the crew to feel already beaten before the battle. Though Odysseus tried to use tricky talk, in an attempt to persuade the Cyclops to spare killing any of his men, it did not work and a violent scene spewed forth from the books pages. Following was one of the more horrid and brutally descriptive violent acts depicted. This passage details how the Cyclops dashed members of the crew to the ground, ripping and tearing their limbs and crushing their skulls, whilst their brains spi lled to the earth and dampened the grass. This actually makes the reader cringe due to such abundant and grotesque violent behavior.

Chinese Starbucks Essay Example for Free

Chinese Starbucks Essay Starbucks has found success in the USA because of marketing towards â€Å"20-40 year old men and women who are concerned with social welfare† thus creating the coffee house atmosphere-Heather Karr Employee of Starbucks in Madison, WI. The coffee house in the US includes college students studying, young professionals having casual meetings, â€Å"Soccer Moms† grabbing a cup of Joe after dropping the kids off at school, etc. All-in-all Starbucks is selling not coffee but the idea of a â€Å"coffee break†, a time during the day that one can sit back, relax, and forget about the daily grind. Starbucks had to consider this as part of their main success and research China’s culture to see this same possibility existed for them there. Luckily they found that it did. Due to China’s communistic government implementing a â€Å"One Child Law† the same age demographic surprisingly existed: 20-40 year old men and women who want a place to socialize and take a break from their lives. The Family Planning Law in China was implemented to control the growing population in China, has many exceptions, and began in 1978 (enforced in 1979). Learning about this law in a history class previously, I never considered it in a marketing aspect. These individuals have grown up as single children and may have a sense of entitlement. They are well educated as the US media is always reporting on their countries’ amazing international grade reports. So, this group of â€Å"Little Emperors† are more aware of western culture than generations previous and Starbucks had to of discovered that they could give these people a taste of the western world. Lastly, Starbucks had to consider China’s tea consumption before expanding. While the US likes their coffee, China prefers tea in their social events. How could Starbucks take their signature product of coffee and still be successful? They had to sell the coffee house experience and that’s exactly what they did. 2. Discuss the key political and legal factors Starbucks had to consider in the Chinese marketplace. What are the risks of entering a country with these factors? What changes have occurred in China’s polit- ical and legal structure to the advantage of foreign companies? The standout political/legal factor for Starbucks expanding into China is Communism. Starbucks company originated in a democratic capitalistic country where it became successful. Expanding into China requires a lot of research into not just foreign laws but a very strict and controlling government that frowns on western practices. In 1999 when Starbucks began its expansion they did it with joint ventures meaning they licensed the right for Chinese citizens to sell Starbucks coffee and use their logo. Joint ventures and dictatorship are risky ideas and Starbucks could have easily failed. They made their risk minimal by only receiving royalty fees for the license to use their logo. China became a member of the World Trade Organization in 2001 thus opening the ability for American companies to freely participate in their market. Starbucks took this opportunity buy out is partners and take control over the 60 stores in existence in 2006. From 1999-2006, Starbucks had plenty of time to learn about Chinese culture and educate themselves in Chinese business that allowed them to feel confident about expanding in the future. 3. What demographic factors were important for Starbucks to understand in China? What were the demographics they decided to target? As I stated in my answer to question one, Starbucks had to understand their own target demographic in the successful US market and see if they could replicate that in China. Luckily for them it did. Political factors like the â€Å"One Child Law† gave way to a culture shift among previous generations that allowed for the 20-40 year old demographic to thrive. These citizens are independent, educated, and desire to socialize amongst their peers with no where to feel at home in. Starbucks, by â€Å"tweeking† their menu slightly and adding more dining space than other shops in other countries, adapted to these Chuppy† demands and found success. 4. What was the initial global-market strategy Starbucks employed to enter China? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to this early strategy. How has their strategy changed since then and why? Initially Starbucks implemented a joint venture strategy. Meaning, they licensed their company for use in China believing that Chinese business individuals could have a better chance at success than they could. They also took that opportunity to learn and educate themselves about Chinese culture and business all the while receiving royalties for the licenses. This was a minimal risk for them as China was not a country that allowed a global market place to exist until its membership in the WTO in 2001. Their membership created an opportunity for Starbucks to take control of its licenses and eventually to expand further into the country.

The History Of The Transformational Leadership Education Essay

The History Of The Transformational Leadership Education Essay Theories of leadership, over decades have explored a wide variety of concepts. Much research has been undertaken keeping in mind the western society both relating to organizations as well as political and other leaders. There is a dearth of a systematic leadership study in regards to either organizations or political leadership in third world countries especially in Pakistan. Journalistic appraisals are commonly done but theoretical analysis is sorely missing. Also, not much work has been done to explore the concept of transformational leadership among politicians both here and abroad. This paper wishes in some way to minimize this lack. When reading about Bhuttos life, the easiest course of action would have been to view her from the perspective of traits or simply charisma. The paper explores the contemporary concept of transformational leadership with regards to Benazir Bhutto. Her assassination formed the motivational factor to conduct such a research particularly on a personalit y known nationally and internationally as a leader. In addition, quantitative small scale researches are usually conducted from time to time, but very little attention is given to qualitative/descriptive/documentary research. Four aspects of transformational leadership that were studied include idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration. Keywords: Transformational leadership, there are 4 main factors: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration. 1. Introduction Leadership is not easy. It is never meant to be easy. It is born of a passion, and it is a commitment-a commitment to an idea, to principles, to fundamental human values. Benazir Bhutto 2. Transformational leadership: An overview The term though coined by Downton (1973), the concept first emerged with the work of Burns (1978) which linked the role between leadership and followership. This new theory of leadership had intensive interest for two reasons. Western companies, like ATT, IBM, GM, ventured into transformations and in the 1970s and 1980à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ²s the business world became very much dynamic, more competitive and less stable. Fast technological changes, great international competition, commercial deregulation, too much capacity in capital intensive industries, unsteadiness of oil cartels, demographic labour changes etc., are some of the factors which brought to such a state (Stoner and Freeman, 1992). Second, leaderships theoretic base rested on the trait theory, behaviouristic theory of leaders and contingency theory of leadership which did not take into consideration untypical qualities of leaders which required a new leadership concept. Therefore the transformational theory of leadership gave forth a new dimension to leadership studies. Burns (1978) concept distinguished between two types of leadership, namely transactional and transformational. Transactional refers to the exchanges between leaders and followers, where as transformational is when the person engages with others and creates a connection which raises level of motivation in both the leader and the follower. Some of the examples of internationally known transformational leaders include Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King. One question that comes to mind is about leaders like Hitler who also transformed society? Can they also be called Transformational leaders? When people transform society in negative ways and do not raise level of morality in others, they are described as Pseudo transformational leaders. They are self consumed, power oriented and exploitative with warped moral values. There has been some research done on political leadership but the focus of these studies have usually been on just one aspect namely charisma (Bligh, Kohles and Meindl 2004 a&b; Emrich, Brower, Feldman and Garland, 2001; Mio, Riggio Levin and Reese, 2005; Seyranian and Bligh, 2007) and especially keeping in mind high profile leaders such as United States presidents (House, Spangler and Woycke, 1991). Most of such research has a quantitative analysis where the analysis may not overlook creative insights but also due to its frequent usage it is made to be more meaningful and most often words can be taken out of context. (Bligh et al., 2004b; Insch et al., 1997; Morris, 1994) 3. Transformational leadership of Bhutto This research on Bhutto will be assessed on four parameters of idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration which have been summed up as stated earlier. Each quality will first be individually analyzed and then compared to what journalists and others have stated on Bhuttos behalf. 3.1 Idealized influence According to this concept transformational leaders often serve as role models for their followers. The leaders are admired respected and trustedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦having extraordinary capabilities, persistence and determination (Bass and Riggio, 2006). Not only this, but leadership theory should also stress on incidents where a leader has exerted exceptional influence on their followers so as to obtain favourable results (Bass, 1985; Mumford, 2006). This concept of idealized influence is based on leadership that has a future oriented vision and provides meaning and direction to a particular cause (Bass, 1990; Shamir, House and Arthur, 1993). Recent research also gives emphasis on ideological leadership where leaders seek followers who believe in the goals and value systems that give emphasis on the prescriptive mental model being given (Mumford, 2006). A current research which examines three areas of leadership has ideological factor as one of the main components (Mumford, Antes, Caughro n Friedrich, 2008). Thus, keeping all these factors in mind the assessment of Bhutto as having idealized influence on her followers has been undertaken. 3.2 Inspirational motivation According to this concept transformational leaders motivate and inspire those around them by providing meaning and challenge to their followers work. (Bass and Riggio, 2006) Such leaders envisage a future goal, a shared vision which they want their followers to share and achieve with them. Apart from this, such leaders portray great charisma which allows them to bind their followers to themselves and lead them towards social change. This concept of charismatic leadership is also not a new but a much researched one. It is one of the way in which one can understand an aspect of effective leadership (Hughes, Ginnett and Curphy, 2003). As previously stated the concept was initially used by Weber (1947) to understand and describe the characteristics political religious and military leaders. Later the concept was expanded by others to give and different conceptualization of charismatic leadership (House, 1977; Sashkin,1988; Shamir, House and Arthur 1993) and also became a part of transform ational leadership in the theories of Bass and Avolio.(1994) Concept of charismatic leadership which becomes a part of the motivational factor has been studied. The concept of visionary charismatic leadership is very important especially in times of crises as indicated in the study of Hunt, Boal and Dodge (1999). Two further aspects came to the forefront with on the one hand followers prefer leaders who portray charisma in conditions of crises (Pillai and Meindl, 1998) and followers attributing self sacrificial behaviour of the leader under crisis conditions who were more likely to portray charisma (Halverson, Holladay, Kazama,and Quinoes (2004). Such studies portray the fact that stressful conditions do affect both the leader and the follower in how they are inspired and view charisma. Another aspect of inspirational motivation is to deal with how such leader appeal to their followers. Emotions of people are appealed to and self worth is enhanced (Emrich, Brower, Feldman and Garland, 2001; House, Spangler and Woyke, 1991) Bhuttos inspirational motivation can be analyzed into two areas, namely to motivate and empower others on a shared vision and her charisma. On the count of motivating others, many authors have given glowing tributes. Gordon Brown (2008) calls it a part of her legacy that women are empoweredà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ and would use her for future role models; Miliband (2008) and Schofield (2008) describe her commitment towards democracy as a motivating factor; Lamb (2008) recalls her spouse Zardari calling his wife the queen bee whose workers needed her alive to continue their struggle; Gopal (2008) realizes that Bhutto did inspire a generation both in life and in death to struggle for democracy; Prasannarajan (2008) states that despite threats she never shrank from her responsibility, took up challenges and made personal sacrifices for her vision and that such motivation is rarely seen; Baker (2008) sees the signing of the charter of democracy between two political opponents namely Bhutto and Sh arif as a factor to restore decent politics and cjoining hands on a common denominator; Chua-Eoan (2008) despite critical comments concedes that Bhutto both in life and death drew millions. remember her party official Babar Awan calling her beautiful that day, in all the ways that a woman like her -bright energetic bursting with ideas and hope-could look beautiful. Such charisma denotes why Bhutto had many staunch supporters. 3.3 Intellectual stimulation Such transformational leaders stimulate their followers efforts to be innovative and creative. Followers are encouraged to try out new ideas and such ideas are viewed in the light that a better solution to the problem may be realized. Followers are not criticized if their ideas are in any way different from the ideas of the leader (Bass and Riggio, 2006). This concept has been explained differently and in various contexts. Some call it as a quality of a pragmatic leader. Such a leader does require their workers to unite and work for common goals (Mumford and Van Doorn, 2001). In a recent study Mumford et al (2008) realized that for the emergence of pragmatic leaders there has to be a minimum level of group cohesion. Apart from this, the same study also indicated that pragmatic leaders may seek to minimize political conflict due to the detrimental effects of intense conflict on the effective application of complex problem solving skills. This factor is an important aspect of intellect ual stimulation as such a quality can harness together differing viewpoints and opinions even from the opposition. Emotionally intelligent leadership is also an attribute of great leadership (Goleman, 1995) Practical intelligence and the need to modify any environment to suit the situation is also what transformational leaders need to do. Another aspect of intellectual stimulation can be accessed through the lens of aesthetic perception. This recent qualitative study by Ladkin (2008), embodies and focuses on leading beautifully and will lead to a different direction for leadership studies in the future. Followers can get stimulated in a wide variety of ways. The power to arouse ones followers intellectually can have lasting effects. An example of it would be Obamas books being published before the election campaigns. 3.4 Individualized Consideration Once again transformational leaders pay attention to followers needs for achievement and growth by acting as a coach and mentor. New ways and opportunities of learning are evolved and individual desires and needs are seen to. The individual is regarded as a whole person rather than just an employee, and the task of the leader is to develop the followers. (Bass and Riggio, 2006) This aspect is seen under two areas. The first one is her immense kindness to others and her concern for them. Schofield (2008) speaks of her 33 year association with Bhutto and states that as a friend, she was kind and generous. Barak (2008) recalls his own incident of injury and her kindness to him which must have endeared her to people the world over. In a similar manner, Thapar (2008) too remembers Bhutto giving regular calls when his own wife was seriously ill. Lamb (2008) too speaks of Bhuttos hand written will which she had written prior to her death as how to dispose of her belongings with details of how even her shoes and clothes should be distributed among her employees.

Sense and Sensibility Essay -- Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility was the first novel written by Jane Austen and it reflects the views and ideas of a young girl of twenty-two. It includes autobiographical elements, as do other novels written by her. Jane Austen had only one sister, Cassandra, and the two were very attached. The connection that existed between Jane and Cassandra is to be found between Elinor and Marianne. The two women of the novel also resemble their real- life counterparts in their nature and attitude. Elinor possesses the good sense of Cassandra and the cordiality of Jane. Marianne displays Jane's love for reading, music and dance. The setting of the novel is also based on actual locations. The Dashwoods' cottage at Barton in Devonshire resembles Jane Austen's house at Steventon in Hampshi...