Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Dell Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dell Inc - Essay Example The power of the purchaser spins around the relative quality which the purchaser can apply on the business through the course of business exchanges. The Force of the Buyer can likewise be applied to the business regarding thinking about the business as a purchaser from its providers, For each situation, nonetheless, the general quality of the organization, both when feeling the power purchasers apply on it, and as it purchases from providers, is moderately frail. Neither the organization nor the shoppers can apply a significant level of purchasing power on the organization As indicated by Porter, the intensity of the purchaser is solid when the individuals who purchase from the organization, or the organization as a purchaser, exist in a restricted commercial center. As it were, the point at which the organization exists as a purchaser from providers, and the organization is the main purchaser, or one of a predetermined number of purchasers of explicit merchandise and ventures. (Watchman, 1980) A case of this kind of relationship could be the Department of Defense as a purchaser from resistance temporary workers truly is the main purchaser of products and enterprises with the end goal of our nations safeguard. (QuickMBA.com, 2004) For this situation, the purchaser has monopolistic control over the dealers, and can direct what it needs and the amount it is eager to pay. Be that as it may, no such constrained imposing business model exists in the PC commercial center. ... Created as a vital reaction to the web, Dell propelled a plan of action which concentrated on 'work to arrange' PCs. As opposed to think about what its clients needed, and assembling stock which was then put away in stockrooms until requested, Dell built up a coordinated flexibly chain the board framework, and afterward went to the buyer and permitted the end client to drive producing. The organization concentrated on associating with the shopper's prompt wants, and afterward fabricating exactly what was requested. For Dell, this choice cut expenses, and expanded the speed at which the organization could work. As per Bossidy and Charan (2002) Dell turned into the market head with this plan of action. The organization turned its stock 80 times each year, instead of multiple times which is the ordinary stock turnover pace of its rivals. Through this procedure, dell got known as the market chief as far as getting the shopper precisely what the person in question needed, on schedule, precisely, and requiring little to no effort. This situated Dell to encounter the achievement which it is currently battling to cling to. Be that as it may, this doesn't make Dell a solid purchaser as a purchaser of products and ventures when contrasted with its opposition. Dell, HP, IBM, and Sun Microsystems are for the most part buyers of comparable items. While the organizations may have their own characteristics as far as what explicit parts and pieces they buy, they are largely buying similar kinds of items, and thusly all have comparative degrees of intensity in the commercial center as a purchaser. Dell may have a bigger force in the commercial center than its rivals on account of their more significant level of volume it expends. In any case, the organization isn't an elite

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Case summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Case synopsis - Essay Example Likewise a show cause was mentioned to legitimize why more punishments ought not be forced if the Tarkanian was not suspended from the athletic program. Following this Tarkanian was suspended. â€Å"under shading of† state law; therefore, risk connects just to those transgressors â€Å"who convey an identification of power of a State and speak to it in some limit, regardless of whether they act as per their position or abuse it.† Lawful Reasoning: NCCA had no administrative forces during the examination and didn't have the ability to force assents of the representative of the individuals. It was UNLV’s choice to suspend Tarkanian when he had the alternative to hold him. School games has transformed into a billion dollar industry with competitors producing gigantic incomes for the colleges and different partners. In any case, the way that competitors are not paid or monetarily remunerated has offered ascend to a ton of issues. Competitors getting cash under the table has caught the eye of the media and there is expanded weight on the colleges to pay the competitors for their support. Be that as it may, before settling on the choice different components must be investigated, for example, the spending of the income created. Not all games produce a similar income as that created by b-ball and football. Thus, the income produced by these well known games should be utilized in subsidizing other lesser famous games and subsequently balance the entire games programs. This will help in expanding the investment in the quantity of Olympic games. The athlete’s training is supported in kind to their interest in the college sports. Be that as it may, as th ere is expanded strain to address the issue of installment to the competitors so as to diminish defilement, a negligible remuneration to the competitors would be best in light of the current situation. In any case, it must be guaranteed that it is affirmed by NCCA and all the individuals follow the equivalent in

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Double Doctoring for Getting More Prescription Drugs

Double Doctoring for Getting More Prescription Drugs Addiction Drug Use Prescription Medications Print Double Doctoring for Getting More Prescription Drugs By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on October 26, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 07, 2020 Double doctoring is a way of getting more medications prescribed than is medically necessary. Universal Images Group/Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Prescription Medications Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery The phrase double doctoring, which is also known as doctor shopping, has been used more and more in medical circles, but many patients dont know what it means. It refers to the deliberate use of more than one physician in order to obtain prescriptions for a greater amount of medications than would be prescribed by a single physician. How It Happens Usually, a doctor will prescribe their patient a drug in the amount and dosage that is necessary for the legitimate treatment of their current medical condition. Double doctoring happens when some patients actively seek out additional doctors to obtain more of the same medication, or to obtain a different medication which has the same effect as the one they were prescribed originally. Double doctoring is a problem in the medical field because it is a type of dishonesty that makes it difficult for doctors to do their jobs properly. Patients might mislead or even lie to the additional doctors; they might not disclose to the additional doctor or doctors that they already have the medication from the original doctor. They might obtain a stronger drug, in larger dosage and quantities, by faking or exaggerating their symptoms. This can result in doctors distrusting all patients seeking the types of medications often obtained by double doctoring, such as painkillers and tranquilizers, leading to some innocent patients being under-medicated for genuine conditions, or worse, feeling judged or mistreated by their physicians. Double doctoring also leads to large numbers of double-doctoring patients developing addictions to these medications or even dying from overdoses. The risk of addiction and overdose has led many doctors to become increasingly cautious about prescribing these medications. Legal Barriers to Obtaining Prescription Pain Drugs Why It Happens Typically, patients engage in double doctoring for the following reasons: The patient might want to obtain large amounts of medications they have become addicted to, such as opioid (narcotic) pain medications (like Oxycontin, Percocet or Vicodin). This can happen when the patient needs to take more of the drug to get the same effect, but their doctor is giving them a prescription for the medication in the dosage that was effective previously and is unwilling to increase the dosage.The patient might simply want to obtain enough of the medication to maintain their addiction to painkillers. This can happen if a patient has been prescribed a painkiller for a legitimate pain condition for a short period of time, and wants to continue to use the substance, even though the pain relief is no longer required.The patient may want to re-sell medications in order to obtain money to buy other drugs or support another behavioral addiction, or because they need or want money for some other purpose. This is a form of drug dealing or trafficking.The patient may intend to r e-use the drugs in another form, for example, crushing stimulant drugs (like Adderall) prescribed for ADD) to sell as a recreational stimulant, or to mix with or cut street amphetamines. Again, this is a form of drug dealing or trafficking. Doctor shopping is also the act of seeking a doctor who is well-known among the patient population, typically by word of mouth, for being generous with medication types and doses. This technique has become more popular with the rise of electronic patient-tracking, which helps prevent double prescriptions. Why Your Doctor Might Not Want to Prescribe Pain Meds The Dangers of Doctor Shopping Due to the ongoing devastation of the opioid epidemic, with  increasing rates of substance use, addiction, and overdose from prescription painkillers such as fentanyl, and illicit opioids, such as heroin, regulatory authorities have been increasingly aware of and cracking down on the process of doctor shopping. Some U.S. states have even criminalized the practice. At the very least, most U.S. states have created a database that doctors and pharmacists can log in to if they want to check up on a patient who they suspect is a bit too eager for narcotic painkillers. Called prescription drug monitoring programs, these systems are designed to help healthcare providers identify doctor shoppers. Although awareness is growing among physicians, research indicates that only about half of doctors take the time to use these drug monitoring databases. These new systems can also help identify those physicians who doll out dangerous medications too casually. Increasingly, state medical licensing boards are  gaining access to the programs and investigating the heaviest prescribing doctors in their state. In recent years, doctors have also undergone education and training about the dangers of prescribing unneeded medication.   The Possible Downside of Cracking Down Unfortunately, some experts say that the crackdown on doctor shopping has contributed to the current heroin epidemic sweeping our country â€" heroin use has increased 63 percent in 11 years, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As prescription pain meds become more difficult to obtain (and therefore more costly), many addicts have turned to heroin as a more available and less-expensive option.   What You Should Know About Heroin

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Personal Narrative Panic Attack - 1523 Words

The first time I had a panic attack I thought I was dying. My mind started spinning, my vision got blurry and the lights in my room began to burn my eyes. My breathing was labored, I felt like my lungs were going to collapse, my heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest. My limbs went numb, my mind wouldn’t stop racing, too many thoughts were going through my mind, I couldn’t control myself any longer. I was screaming, but I couldn’t hear myself. Everything was silent except for the steady beating of my heart. I can clearly remember wanting to die. The constant panic attacks, having to leave school because I threw up from the stress, not being able to talk in class pushed me to the edge. My freshman year of highschool I missed†¦show more content†¦I layed in bed all day, every day. I would not leave my room, the pain I felt was debilitating. I ended up making myself sick from laying in bed and stressing all day. I constantly had colds which made me feel even more helpless because I didn’t want to talk to my parents in fear of having to explain why I was awake into such late hours of the night and why my grades were dropping. The final panic attack before I told my parents had to have been the worst. The lights began to burn my eyes, my toes went numb, I could no longer feel any part of my body and I began to crumple to the floor. All I remember was feeling like I was going to collapse from the inside out, my heart hurt in an indescribable way and suddenly everything went black. When I awoke from what felt like a deep slumber it was about two in the morning, my head was throbbing, but I felt calm. I looked around my room, soaking in my surroundings and I began to realize my body stung when I moved, I looked down and my body was covered in small cuts. Although I had harmed myself like this before it was never on this scale, as I repositioned my body to stand up I felt fiery pain in each of the little lines, I could distinctly tell where the cuts began and ended. I told a friend who was having similar struggles, but she realized that I was in dire need of professional help. She told me that if I did not tell my parents sheShow MoreRelatedAspects Of Inadequacies Throughout World War II Essay1053 Words   |  5 Pagesis the case witnessed on many levels at the attack at Pearl Harbor. Sailors rested on Sunday morning, unprepared for the sneak attack; commanders were off ship, enjoying golf or a leisurely breakfast, completely caught off-guard when the bombs fell; and the fleet itself was unprepared, with most of its ships at anchor in the harbor, making relatively easy targets for Japanese bombers. Descriptions of being caught unaware dominate personal narratives of that day and the days that followed, bothRead MoreBattle That Stopped Rome By Professor Wells Essay1352 Words   |  6 Pagesof Teutoburg forest. The book gives account on the greatest battle that the Roman Empire lost at the Battle of Teutburg forest by developing a coherent na rrative to make the subject more interesting for the modern readers. Wells will one, apply narrative to create a story because using only both if the ancient texts and archaeological narrative are not self-explanatory and two, to challenge the professional archaeologists and historian involved in the study of the battle and its background who areRead MoreWilfred Owen s Poem Dulce Et Decorum Est1602 Words   |  7 Pagespoem originates in the Roman poet Horace’s Odes. However, as Owen so painfully illustrates, there is nothing sweet or right about the bitterness of death and devastation that war brings. Beginning as a personal account of life lived on the front lines of war, â€Å"Dulce et Decorum Est† employs a narrative style. Owen uses first-person to give credibility to the keen recollection of a fellow soldier poisoned by a gas shell. He laments, â€Å"I saw him drowning† (14). As if the image of a drowning man is notRead MoreCurrent Diagnostic Criteria For Sarabeth s Disorders1531 Words   |  7 Pagesobsessions about her parents are probably not true. An additional diagnosis was added to better treat SaraBeth and the current Anxiety Disorder due to obsessive-compulsive disorder is explained in the following criterion A – E. Criteria A requires panic attacks or anxiety is predominant in the clinical picture. SaraBeth reports experiencing an increase amount of anxiety about her health that is not being relieved by her checking behavior. Criteria B requires that there is evidence from the history, physicalRead MoreFactors Affecting Students in Terms of Comprehension and Literature1495 Words   |  6 Pages Existential therapy essentially helps deal with the problems of everyday living, such as relationship difficulties (both with Individuals amp; in Couple Therapy), anxiety/fear, food/body-image issues, addictions, mood disorders, social anxiety, panic, trauma, low self-esteem, unresolved childhood issues, sexual issues and others. It is a clear, direct and honest approach helping clients work on their particular, unique, experiences, problems, dilemmas and issues. It is appropriate for both shortRead MoreThe Trojan War : A New History With His Narrative1670 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction: Barry Strauss highlights one of the greatest wars fought in all time in his book The Trojan War: A New History with his narrative skill and swiftness in interpreting a good antiquated tale of indignity and deception. The book re-studies Homer’s well-known work, the Iliad, along with the cycle of epic poems, examining evidence of the Bronze Age from the Mediterranean to the Near East. Homer’s description of the Trojan War truly did take place due to the archeological evidence found inRead MoreA Child of the Jago by Arthur Morrison1665 Words   |  7 Pagesin circumstances which gave them no reasonable chance of living decent lives: where children were born foredamned to a criminal or semi criminal career (Morrison, 1897). Despite, the novel being set in the fictional genre, elements of Morrisons personal life is prevalent throughout the text. Morrison originates from a working class background and collaborated with Reverend Osborne to campaigned for a variety of social reforms and slum clearance in the Old Nichol (Matlz, 2003). Thus, the novel isRead MoreEssay Reservoir Dogs1255 Words   |  6 PagesReservoir Dogs; Reservoir Dogs promoted him. Like Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino does not feel superior to Hollywood’s â€Å"debased† genres, such as crime movies. Quite a contrary; Tarantino has used the convention of B-movies to make personal A-films. Situated in Scorsese’s thematic turf, Reservoir Dogs is serio-comic meditation on manhood, honor, loyalty, and redemption. Like Scorsese’s best, Tarantino’s movie is essentially European art film disguised as American crimeRead More`` The Yellow Wallpaper `` By Charlotte Perkins Gilm Deconstruction Of Gender Roles1200 Words   |  5 Pagesby, but progressively freed from the gender roles and expectations put upon her by society and her spouse. This story is written in an epistolary format. This first-person narrative gives the reader an intimate portrayal of the social attitudes that were common in Victorian era England. From this perspective the story attacks the oppressed role forced onto women in Victorian society. The nameless narrator of the story is symbolic for all women in the late 1800s, a prisoner of a confining, patriarchalRead MoreBrief Description Of An Client Essay3170 Words   |  13 Pagesspiritual man and stated that his mission was to â€Å"help and comfort others through the sharing of his story and his comedy shows.† He and his wife are dedicated to helping others in their community. Client stated that â€Å"the death of my daughter and my personal anguish was in sharp contrast to the celebratory nature that should have taken place in my life at the apex of my career by my appearance on The Tonight Show.† He goes on to say â€Å"that this contrast was what motivated me to want to reach out to others†

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Does God Exist - 668 Words

Every culture has its God. Christianity and Islam have their own god; the Romans and Greeks had their Pantheon. A lot of people believe in god have thought that there is more to life the material world around us. It seems arises naturally the world over by believing in god. Does God exist? I believe in God is exists by the philosophical argument: ontological argument, the first cause argument, the argument form design, and the moral argument. Arguments relate to the existence of God are in different forms: some focus on history, some on personal experience, some on philosophy, and some on science. These arguments are the purported proof of the existence of God. If successfully, each argument supports a specific and certain conception of God. Argument I: The design argument for the existence of God. The argument from design is the teleological argument that focuses on the fact that the universe is ordered. The complex world and order of nature must be designed by some mind. The mind is God. The key theme of design argument is that God must exist though the way things work, and God as an intelligent designer who makes the world be the way it is. God exists from the way things in nature are ordered and their apparent purpose. Everything appears to have a purpose by happened randomly. Therefore, God design and order the world by particular way. Anthropic Principle is one of the main elements for the design argument. This principle considers the universe isShow MoreRelatedDoes God Exist?1074 Words   |  5 PagesDoes God Exist ? 1. What role do arguments play in answering this question? I think arguments have played an important role in analyzing and understanding the depth of this question, for mankind. Although the question itself seems factual (either it does or it doesn t), yet no arguments have been able to answer this question conclusively, despite many debates going on for centuries. One possible reason for that inconclusiveness may lie in our intuition and the way, humans define God and existenceRead MoreDoes God Exist1417 Words   |  6 PagesDoes God exist? Does God exist? This seemingly simple question is in fact loaded with a myriad of twists and turns that scientists and theologians have debated for years without reaching an accepted conclusion. Part of the problem lies in the many definitions of God. Traditionally it is accepted that God is a supreme being, infallible, perfect, and existing outside of the material world of humanity. It is this definition that is generally used when debating Gods existence. There have been severalRead MoreDoes God Exist?1366 Words   |  5 Pagesbetween Jesus and his disciples before Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. The main philosophical question that arose to me when I saw this painting was if God exists. Depicted in the painting there is a higher being or God watching over Jesus and his disciples. 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Although, I wonder where did we come from? Where will we end up after death? Will we rot underneath the soil? There are over twenty different religions with answers; some similar, some different but overall, majority of them are bias. Bias, because none of them are proven. In today’s society, we humans hav e adapted through evolutions by using our surroundings such likeRead MoreDoes God Exist? The Existence Of God?1876 Words   |  8 PagesDoes God Exist? The existence of God is a question that has troubled and plagued mankind since it began to consider logic. Is there a God? How can we be sure that God exists? Can you prove to me that He is real? Does His existence, or lack thereof, make a significant difference? These loaded questions strike at the heart of human existence. But the real question is, can we answer any of them? These questions are answered in the arguments of St. Thomas Aquinas, Blaise Pascal and St. Anselm ofRead More Does God Exist? Essay1145 Words   |  5 Pages Proof Of The Exsistence of God Either God exists or He doesnt. There is no middle ground. Any attempt to remain neutral in relation to Gods existence is automatically synonymous with unbelief. The question for Gods existence is really important. Does God exist? Theology, cosmological, teleological and ontological arguments are all have ways to prove the existence of God. With all of these great arguments how can one deny that there is a God. There is a God and with these reasons I will proveRead MoreDoes God Exist? Essay925 Words   |  4 PagesDoes God exist? The question of Gods existence is a perplexing one, the only evidence we have of God is what we are told from those who worship him, and unknowns can be debated logically if a higher being is in control. It has been written that in the beginning there was man and there was woman, and God put the two together to create a new race of beings. We are to assume then that God gave these beings a soul to distinguish them from other beings, for example, plants. The soul is often arguedRead MoreDoes God Really Exists? Essay1306 Words   |  6 PagesDoes God Really Exists The idea of God has been one of the most debatable issues since the dawn of humanity and with it guided as well as deluded most lives in the pursuit for the truth. The impacts springing from the notion of God has from time memorial changed history, inspired more poetry and music including philosophy more than anything else, imagined or real. Peter Kreft once concluded that â€Å"The idea of God is either a fact, like sand, or a fantasy like Santa† (Lawhead, p. 334). Over the causeRead MoreDoes God Exist? Essay1611 Words   |  7 Pagesmany rational arguments for and against the existence of God. It is based on the views of some of the great philosophers and scientists of our world. I will show that there is no sufficient proof or comprehensive arguments for the existence of God. Some people search for eternal peace through the beliefs in God; but this is an impossible belief because of the chances, the plausibility, and because of science. ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENTS God generally refers to one supreme, holy, personal being,. The

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Twilight Saga 4 Breaking Dawn 3. BIG DAY Free Essays

My own eyes flew open. I lay shivering and gasping in my warm bed for several minutes, trying to break free of the dream. The sky outside my window turned gray and then pale pink while I waited for my heart to slow. We will write a custom essay sample on The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 3. BIG DAY or any similar topic only for you Order Now When I was fully back to the reality of my messy, familiar room, I was a little annoyed with myself. What a dream to have the night before my wedding! That’s what I got for obsessing over disturbing stories in the middle of the night. Eager to shake off the nightmare, I got dressed and headed down to the kitchen long before I needed to. First I cleaned the already tidy rooms, and then when Charlie was up I made him pancakes. I was much too keyed up to have any interest in eating breakfast myself – I sat bouncing in my seat while he ate. â€Å"You’re picking up Mr. Weber at three o’clock,† I reminded him. â€Å"I don’t have that much to do today besides bring the minister, Bells. I’m not likely to forget my only job.† Charlie had taken the entire day off for the wedding, and he was definitely at loose ends. Now and then, his eyes flickered furtively to the closet under the stairs, where he kept his fishing gear. â€Å"That’s not your only job. You also have to be dressed and presentable.† He scowled into his cereal bowl and muttered the words â€Å"monkey suit† under his breath. There was a brisk tapping on the front door. â€Å"You think you have it bad,† I said, grimacing as I rose. â€Å"Alice will be working on me all day long.† Charlie nodded thoughtfully, conceding that he did have the lesser ordeal. I ducked in to kiss the top of his head as I passed – he blushed and harrumphed – and then continued on to get the door for my best girlfriend and soon-to-be sister. Alice’s short black hair was not in its usual spiky do – it was smoothed into sleek pin curls around her pixie face, which wore a contrastingly businesslike expression. She dragged me from the house with barely a â€Å"Hey, Charlie† called over her shoulder. Alice appraised me as I got into her Porsche. â€Å"Oh, hell, look at your eyes!† She tsked in reproach. â€Å"What did you do? Stay up all night?† â€Å"Almost.† She glowered. â€Å"I’ve only allotted so much time to make you stunning, Bella – you might have taken better care of my raw material.† â€Å"No one expects me to be stunning. I think the bigger problem is that I might fall asleep during the ceremony and not be able to say 1 do’ at the right part, and then Edward will make his escape.† She laughed. â€Å"I’ll throw my bouquet at you when it gets close.† â€Å"Thanks.† â€Å"At least you’ll have plenty of time to sleep on the plane tomorrow.† I raised one eyebrow. Tomorrow, I mused. If we were heading out tonight after the reception, and we would still be on a plane tomorrow†¦ well, we weren’t going to Boise, Idaho. Edward hadn’t dropped a single hint. I wasn’t too stressed about the mystery, but it was strange not knowing where I would be sleeping tomorrow night. Or hopefully not sleeping †¦ Alice realized that she’d given something away, and she frowned. â€Å"You’re all packed and ready,† she said to distract me. It worked. â€Å"Alice, I wish you would let me pack my own things!† â€Å"It would have given too much away.† â€Å"And denied you an opportunity to shop.† â€Å"You’ll be my sister officially in ten short hours†¦ it’s about time to get over this aversion to new clothes.† I glowered groggily out the windshield until we were almost to the house. â€Å"Is he back yet?† I asked. â€Å"Don’t worry, he’ll be there before the music starts. But you don’t get to see him, no matter when he gets back. We’re doing this the traditional way.† I snorted. â€Å"Traditional!† â€Å"Okay, aside from the bride and groom.† â€Å"You know he’s already peeked.† â€Å"Oh no – that’s why I’m the only one who’s seen you in the dress. I’ve been very careful to not think about it when he’s around.† â€Å"Well,† I said as we turned into the drive, â€Å"I see you got to reuse your graduation decorations.† Three miles of drive were once again wrapped in hundreds of thousands of twinkle lights. This time, she’d added white satin bows. â€Å"Waste not, want not. Enjoy this, because you don’t get to see the inside decorations until it’s time.† She pulled into the cavernous garage north of the main house; Emmett’s big Jeep was still gone. â€Å"Since when is the bride not allowed to see the decorations?† I protested. â€Å"Since she put me in charge. I want you to get the full impact coming down the stairs.† She clapped her hand over my eyes before she let me inside the kitchen. I was immediately assailed by the scent. â€Å"What is that?† I wondered as she guided me into the house. â€Å"Is it too much?† Alice’s voice was abruptly worried. â€Å"You’re the first human in here; I hope I got it right.† â€Å"it smells wonderful!† I assured her – almost intoxicating, but not at all overwhelming, the balance of the different fragrances was subtle and flawless. â€Å"Orange blossoms†¦ lilac†¦ and something else – am I right?† â€Å"Very good, Bella. You only missed the freesia and the roses.† She didn’t uncover my eyes until we were in her oversized bathroom. I stared at the long counter, covered in all the paraphernalia of a beauty salon, and began to feel my sleepless night. â€Å"Is this really necessary? I’m going to look plain next to him no matter what.† She pushed me down into a low pink chair. â€Å"No one will dare to call you plain when I’m through with you.† â€Å"Only because they’re afraid you’ll suck their blood,† I muttered. I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes, hoping I’d be able to nap through it. I did drift in and out a little bit while she masked, buffed, and polished every surface of my body. It was after lunchtime when Rosalie glided past the bathroom door in a shimmery silver gown with her golden hair piled up in a soft crown on top of her head. She was so beautiful it made me want to cry. What was even the point of dressing up with Rosalie around? â€Å"They’re back,† Rosalie said, and immediately my childish fit of despair passed. Edward was home. â€Å"Keep him out of here!† â€Å"He won’t cross you today,† Rosalie reassured her. â€Å"He values his life too much. Esme’s got them finishing things up out back. Do you want some help? I could do her hair.† My jaw fell open. I floundered around in my head, trying to remember how to close it. I had never been Rosalie’s favorite person in the world. Then, making things even more strained between us, she was personally offended by the choice I was making now. Though she had her impossible beauty, her loving family, and her soul mate in Emmett, she would have traded it all to be human. And here I was, callously throwing away everything she wanted in life like it was garbage. It didn’t exactly warm her to me. â€Å"Sure,† Alice said easily. â€Å"You can start braiding. I want it intricate. The veil goes here, underneath.† Her hands started combing through my hair, hefting it, twisting it, illustrating in detail what she wanted. When she was done, Rosalie’s hands replaced hers, shaping my hair with a feather-light touch. Alice moved back to my face. Once Rosalie received Alice’s commendation on my hair, she was sent off to retrieve my dress and then to locate Jasper, who had been dispatched to pick up my mother and her husband, Phil, from their hotel. Downstairs, I could faintly hear the door opening and closing over and over. Voices began to float up to us. Alice made me stand so that she could ease the dress over my hair and makeup. My knees shook so badly as she fastened the long line of pearl buttons up my back that the satin quivered in little wavelets down to the floor. â€Å"Deep breaths, Bella/7Alice said. â€Å"And try to lower your heart rate. You’re going to sweat off your new face.† I gave her the best sarcastic expression I could manage. â€Å"I’ll get right on that.† â€Å"I have to get dressed now. Can you hold yourself together for two minutes?† â€Å"Urn†¦ maybe?† She rolled her eyes and darted out the door. I concentrated on my breathing, counting each movement of my lungs, and stared at the patterns that the bathroom light made on the shiny fabric of my skirt. I was afraid to look in the mirror – afraid the image of myself in the wedding dress would send me over the edge into a full-scale panic attack. Alice was back before I had taken two hundred breaths, in a dress that flowed down her slender body like a silvery waterfall. â€Å"Alice – wow.† â€Å"It’s nothing. No one will be looking at me today. Not while you’re in the room.† â€Å"Har har.† â€Å"Now, are you in control of yourself, or do I have to bring Jasper up here?† â€Å"They’re back? Is my mom here?† â€Å"She just walked in the door. She’s on her way up.† Renee had flown in two days ago, and I’d spent every minute I could with her – every minute that I could pry her away from Esme and the decorations, in other words. As far as I could tell, she was having more fun with this than a kid locked inside Disneyland overnight. In a way, I felt almost as cheated as Charlie. All that wasted terror over her reaction†¦ â€Å"Oh, Bella!† she squealed now, gushing before she was all the way through the door. â€Å"Oh, honey, you’re so beautiful! Oh, I’m going to cry! Alice, you’re amazing! You and Esme should go into business as wedding planners. Where did you find this dress? It’s gorgeous! So graceful, so elegant. Bella, you look like you just stepped out of an Austen movie.† My mother’s voice sounded a little distance away, and everything in the room was slightly blurry. â€Å"Such a creative idea, designing the theme around Bella’s ring. So romantic! To think it’s been in Edward’s family since the eighteen hundreds!† Alice and I exchanged a brief conspiratorial look. My mom was off on the dress style by more than a hundred years. The wedding wasn’t actually centered around the ring, but around Edward himself. There was a loud, gruff throat-clearing in the doorway. â€Å"Renee, Esme said it’s time you got settled down there,† Charlie said. â€Å"Well, Charlie, don’t you look dashing!† Renee said in a tone that was almost shocked. That might have explained the crustiness of Charlie’s answer. â€Å"Alice got to me.† â€Å"Is it really time already?† Renee said to herself, sounding almost as nervous as I felt. â€Å"This has all gone so fast. I feel dizzy.† That made two of us. â€Å"Give me a hug before I go down/7Renee insisted. â€Å"Carefully now, don’t tear anything.† My mother squeezed me gently around the waist, then wheeled for the door, only to complete the spin and face me again. â€Å"Oh goodness, I almost forgot! Charlie, Where’s the box?† My dad rummaged in his pockets for a minute and then produced a small white box, which he handed to Renee. Renee lifted the lid and held it out to me. â€Å"Something blue,† she said. â€Å"Something old, too. They were your Grandma Swan’s,† Charlie added. â€Å"We had a jeweler replace the paste stones with sapphires.† Inside the box were two heavy silver hair combs. Dark blue sapphires were clustered into intricate floral shapes atop the teeth. My throat got all thick. â€Å"Mom, Dad†¦ you shouldn’t have.† â€Å"Alice wouldn’t let us do anything else,† Renee said. â€Å"Every time we tried, she all but ripped our throats out.† A hysterical giggle burst through my lips. Alice stepped up and quickly slid both combs into my hair under the edge of the thick braids. â€Å"That’s something old and something blue,† Alice mused, taking a few steps back to admire me. â€Å"And your dress is new†¦ so here – â€Å" She flicked something at me. I held my hands out automatically, and the filmy white garter landed in my palms. â€Å"That’s mine and I want it back,† Alice told me. I blushed. â€Å"There,† Alice said with satisfaction. â€Å"A little color – that’s all you needed. You are officially perfect.† With a little self-congratulatory smile, she turned to my parents. â€Å"Renee, you need to get downstairs.† â€Å"Yes, ma’am.† Renee blew me a kiss and hurried out the door. â€Å"Charlie, would you grab the flowers, please?† While Charlie was out of the room, Alice hooked the garter out of my hands and then ducked under my skirt. I gasped and tottered as her cold hand caught my ankle; she yanked the garter into place. She was back on her feet before Charlie returned with the two frothy white bouquets. The scent of roses and orange blossom and freesia enveloped me in a soft mist. Rosalie – the best musician in the family next to Edward – began playing the piano downstairs. Pachelbel’s Canon. I began hyperventilating. â€Å"Easy, Bells,† Charlie said. He turned to Alice nervously. â€Å"She looks a little sick. Do you think she’s going to make it?† His voice sounded far away. I couldn’t feel my legs. â€Å"She’d better.† Alice stood right in front of me, on her tiptoes to better stare me in the eye, and gripped my wrists in her hard hands. â€Å"Focus, Bella. Edward is waiting for you down there.† 1 took a deep breath, willing myself into composure. The music slowly morphed into a new song. Charlie nudged me. â€Å"Bells, we’re up to bat.† â€Å"Bella?† Alice asked, still holding my gaze. â€Å"Yes,† I squeaked. â€Å"Edward. Okay.† I let her pull me from the room, with Charlie tagging along at my elbow. The music was louder in the hall. It floated up the stairs along with the fragrance of a million flowers. I concentrated on the idea of Edward waiting below to get my feet to shuffle forward. The music was familiar, Wagner’s traditional march surrounded by a flood of embellishments. â€Å"It’s my turn,† Alice chimed. â€Å"Count to five and follow me.† She began a slow, graceful dance down the staircase. I should have realized that having Alice as my only bridesmaid was a mistake. I would look that much more uncoordinated coming behind her. A sudden fanfare trilled through the soaring music. I recognized my cue. â€Å"Don’t let me fall, Dad,† I whispered. Charlie pulled my hand through his arm and then grasped it tightly. One step ata time, I told myself as we began to descend to the slow tempo of the march. I didn’t lift my eyes until my feet were safely on the flat ground, though I could hear the murmurs and rustling of the audience as I came into view. Blood flooded my cheeks at the sound; of course I could be counted on to be the blushing bride. As soon as my feet were past the treacherous stairs, I was looking for him. For a brief second, I was distracted by the profusion of white blossoms that hung in garlands from everything in the room that wasn’t alive, dripping with long lines of white gossamer ribbons. But I tore my eyes from the bowery canopy and searched across the rows of satin-draped chairs – blushing more deeply as I took in the crowd of faces all focused on me – until I found him at last, standing before an arch overflowing with more flowers, more gossamer. I was barely conscious that Carlisle stood by his side, and Angela’s father behind them both. I didn’t see my mother where she must have been sitting in the front row, or my new family, or any of the guests – they would have to wait till later. All I really saw was Edward’s face; it filled my vision and overwhelmed my mind. His eyes were a buttery, burning gold; his perfect face was almost severe with the depth of his emotion. And then, as he met my awed gaze, he broke into a breathtaking smile of exultation. Suddenly, it was only the pressure of Charlie’s hand on mine that kept me from sprinting headlong down the aisle. The march was too slow as I struggled to pace my steps to its rhythm. Mercifully, the aisle was very short. And then, at last, at last, I was there. Edward held out his hand. Charlie took my hand and, in a symbol as old as the world, placed it in Edward’s. I touched the cool miracle of his skin, and I was home. Our vows were the simple, traditional words that had been spoken a million times, though never by a couple quite like us. We’d asked Mr. Weber to make only one small change. He obligingly traded the line â€Å"till death do us part† for the more appropriate â€Å"as long as we both shall live.† In that moment, as the minister said his part, my world, which had been upside down for so long now, seemed to settle into its proper position. I saw just how silly I’d been for fearing this – as if it were an unwanted birthday gift or an embarrassing exhibition, like the prom. I looked into Edward’s shining, triumphant eyes and knew that I was winning, too. Because nothing else mattered but that I could stay withhim. I didn’t realize I was crying until it was time to say the binding words. â€Å"I do,† I managed to choke out in a nearly unintelligible whisper, blinking my eyes clear so I could see his face. When it was his turn to speak, the words rang clear and victorious. â€Å"I do,† he vowed. Mr. Weber declared us husband and wife, and then Edward’s hands reached up to cradle my face, carefully, as if it were as delicate as the white petals swaying above our heads. I tried to comprehend, through the film of tears blinding me, the surreal fact that this amazing person was mine. His golden eyes looked as if they would have tears, too, if such a thing were not impossible. He bent his head toward mine, and I stretched up on the tips of my toes, throwing my arms – bouquet and all – around his neck. He kissed me tenderly, adoringly; I forgot the crowd, the place, the time, the reason†¦ only remembering that he loved me, that he wanted me, that I was his. He began the kiss, and he had to end it; I clung to him, ignoring the titters and the throat-clearing in the audience. Finally, his hands restrained my face and he pulled back – too soon – to look at me. On the surface his sudden smile was amused, almost a smirk. But underneath his momentary entertainment at my public exhibition was a deep joy that echoed my own. The crowd erupted into applause, and he turned our bodies to face our friends and family. I couldn’t look away from his face to see them. My mother’s arms were the first to find me, her tear-streaked face the first thing I saw when I finally tore my eyes unwillingly from Edward. And then I was handed through the crowd, passed from embrace to embrace, only vaguely aware of who held me, my attention centered on Edward’s hand clutched tightly in my own. I did recognize the difference between the soft, warm hugs of my human friends and the gentle, cool embraces of my new family. One scorching hug stood out from all the others – Seth Clearwater had braved the throng of vampires to stand in for my lost werewolf friend. How to cite The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 3. BIG DAY, Essay examples

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Human Resource Development and Deployment †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Human Resource Development and Deployment. Answer: Introduction The business has to face numerous challenges to maintain the sustainability of the business by competing with others companies. The essay is about the Inpex and Cross Cultural Management and the organizational structure of Inpex will be represented to make the better understanding about the organization. The business of Inpex can be influenced by internal and external forces and these forces will be described in the context of Inpex Company. Inpex Australia is active in the Timor Sea and the Carnarvon. The portfolio on Inpex Australia includes flagship Ichthys LNG Project. It is ranked in the top 100 global energy companies. Cross cultural management is the contextual factor that refers managing work teams in different ways that evaluates the kinds in cultures, preferences and practices of customers in an international business context (Thomas Peterson, 2017). The business practice decision will be defined in order to increase the performance of the organization. The most vital func tions within the business organization will be described that will help it to attain its strategy. The vision of Inpex is to become a high level of international Oil and Gas Exploration Company by sustainable growth in the business of oil and gas development. It has been found that approximately 30,000 employees are working on one project of Ichthys LNG Project worldwide and 2000 employees in Australia. The organizational structure of Inpex is well structured where general meeting of shareholders are head of the company and for managing the work in effective manner, the department are distinguished appropriately. Each department has different capabilities to handle the each project in which the task is delegated as per the performance and skills of the employee. There are many projects such as Van Gogh, Coniston, Prelude, Kitan, Coniston, Ravensworth and Ichthys LNG Project which is huge project and numbers of employees are working on them. External and internal environment forces External and internal forces can impact the entire activities of the organization. Internal forces are considered human resource, physical resource, corporation management and financial resources. Inpex provide facilities of training program to its employee to amplify the overall skills levels of employees so that they can contribute in the growth of the business. The human resource play an integral role in providing the training session to new employees and make them aware about the values of Inpex Australia which is safety, integrity, diversity, ingenuity and collaboration (Drucker, 2012). The internal environment of Inpex is full of diverse people where employees come from different cultures. Inpex hires employee without discriminating on the basis of color, race, gender and sex. It has been evaluated that in January 2015, Inpex instituted the Global Human Resource/ Diversity Inclusion group for the purpose of promote diversity from a global perspective (Inpex Corporation, 2015). Inpex give preference to the work life balance where it conducts a campaign to motivate individual employees to handle their work so that they can understand the way of managing the work and leave the office at right time at least four days every month. External forces are political, technological, social and environmental which may influence the entire organization and its efficiency. Low trade restrictions are major cause of political term that has influenced Inpex. The government provided huge support to Inpex which is the positive aspect of political term for Inpex. The income level of the employee at organization is increased as per the performance of the employee annually. Various programs are being introduced to promote the cultural diversity within the organization which increases the workforce from different cultures. The social structure of this organization is stable as it makes as per the project of the company which run for a long time. In the context of social force, Inpex has appointed employee from all over the world that create the cultural diversity at workplace. Technology has huge impact on the business and Inpex has adopted latest technology to accomplish the projects such as Air products wins technology is bein g used by Inpex in Ichthys LNG Project in Australia (Air Products, 2012). There are various engineers are appointed by company to resolve the issues regarding technology which assist to reduce the adverse impact on company due to technical problem. Air products are the major leader which provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology to the world which has increased its presence in Australias increasingly developing LNG production. Analyse the risks that currently confront the business organisation The major risk that currently confronts the business organization is rapidly and drastically fluctuations the prices in oil and gas. The rate of oil and gas is different in every country due to currency changes of different country. Global warming issues are the biggest risk for the business as it has been found that in the recent development in the policies of international towards a low carbon society has transferred into upper gear. These kinds of situations are encouraged of movements to improve the efficiency of energy (Inpex, 2009). The improvement in the organizational performance is vital for the company to enhance the productivity of the employees. It has been found that INPEX developed the cross-cultural awareness program which aim is on creating personalized and practical cultural competency across the business. There are number of individual initiatives that provide explicit support to INPEX personnel for managing the array of complex cultural situations (Ahri, 2016). On the other hand many individual initiatives focus on developing the intercultural relationship skills and reducing the gap in the cross cultural communication within the organization (Turban, Sharda Delen, 2011). The effective business practice decisions are being taken by Inpex which develop the integrity in among employees. It has been analyzed that noteworthy improvements to cultural understandings in the business, involving team safety and ownership of personal by employee has been attained (Lau Tsui, 2009). Their personnel have becom e effective and appreciate the advantages of cross cultural collaboration. Inpex uses course assessment, peer-review discussions and surveys to measure the impact of cross cultural program. Along with that it is vital for the organization to keep focus on the high performance work practice because it can increase the productivity of the employee and make them ensure that they are the valuable assets of the company that will be facilitated them to connect with employee engagement. The employee engagement is essential component to get success as it assist employee to know each other and about organization which increase the productivity of the employee. It is comprised major three aspects in it such as behavioural, cognitive and emotional aspects. The cognitive aspects define the belief of the employee on the company. The attitude of the employee towards the company keeps the huge importance and it covers under emotional aspect. The value added part for the company is behavioural aspect as it defines the behaviour of the employee with other employees and towards organization. Most important functions within the business organisation that will assist it to achieve its strategy There are various functions of management that assist to attain the target of the company within time frame. These functions are Human resource, marketing, finance and operation that aids in the growth of the company. Inpex Australia should focus on the operation department to enhance the productivity of the employees in accomplishing the project. As it has been discussed, Inpex has huge project of oil and gas which requires huge investment to invest. The role of finance function in such projects plays a major role because it ensures the company that invested amount is utilized for the benefits of the company (Cummings, 2009). There are various segments in this company that is why it is required for it to provide latest technology to the employees of financial department. The human resource department of this company is more active as it provides the training to the new employees for making them understand about the rules and policy of the organization. Inpex is endeavoured to make a n employee evaluation system that evaluates the performance of the employee and reward them fairly. These functions are keeping huge importance in the organization and help to attain the target. Inpex aids to maintain the work life balance that is why it conducts the campaigns in which individual employee get better understanding about how to manage the work in working hours so that they can leave the organization on time and can give time to their family. It helps to reduce the employee attrition and increase the employees faith towards the organization (Wooldridge, Schmid Floyd, 2008). Conclusion In the limelight of above discussion, it has been concluded that the role of management in every organization is huge as it assist to increase the productivity of the employees. The organizational structure of Inpex Company has been described which shows that it runs its business in effective manner and allocates the responsibility as per the project of the company. The discussion has been made on internal and external forces of Inpex. Inpex has initiated to develop the cross-cultural awareness program which aim is on creating personalized and practical cultural competency across the business. References Ahri. (2016). Fons Trompenaars Award For Cross Cultural Management. Retrieved from: https://www.ahri.com.au/awards/ahri-awards/hall-of-fame/2016-winners/2016-organisational-winners/fons-trompenaars-award-for-cross-cultural-management. Air Products. (2012). Air Products Wins Technology Selection for Ichthys LNG Project in Australia. Retrieved from: https://www.airproducts.com/Company/news-center/2012/04/0423-air-products-wins-technology-selection-for-ichthys-lng-project-in-australia.aspx. Cummings, T. (2009).Organization development and change(pp. 25-42). John Wiley Sons Ltd. Drucker, P. (2012).Managing for results. Routledge. Inpex Corporation. (2015). Human Resource Development and Deployment. Retrieved from: https://www.inpex.co.jp/english/csr/pdf/sustainability2015-e14.pdf. Inpex Corporation. (2018). Organizational Chart. Retrieved from: https://www.inpex.co.jp/english/company/organization.html. Inpex. (2009). Mid-to-Long Term Business Challenges. Retrieved from: https://www.inpex.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/presentation/e-Presentation20090703-b.pdf. Lau, A., Tsui, E. (2009). Knowledge management perspective on e-learning effectiveness.Knowledge-Based Systems,22(4), 324-325. Thomas, D. C., Peterson, M. F. (2017).Cross-cultural management: Essential concepts. Sage Publications. Turban, E., Sharda, R., Delen, D. (2011).Decision support and business intelligence systems. Pearson Education India. Wooldridge, B., Schmid, T., Floyd, S. W. (2008). The middle management perspective on strategy process: Contributions, synthesis, and future research.Journal of management,34(6), 1190-1221.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

The End Of The Diem Regime Essay free essay sample

, Research Paper The Kennedy disposal was responsible for the overthrow of the Diem government and Diem? s assasination.The U.S. did non hold a job with Diem, the existent job was with Diem? s brother Nhu.Nhu was responsible for many protests by Bhuddist monastics where Mrs. Nhu would name the monastics who set themselves on fire in protest? barbecues. ? The Kennedy disposal had a batch to make with the overthrow of the government although they did non hold much to make with Diem? s assasination. The Kennedy disposal was the chief influence in subverting the Diem regime.The State Department wanted to give Diem a opportunity to free himself of Nhu and replace him with the best military and political personalities available. Ambassador Lodge said that the possibility of Diem meeting are demands are virtually nil. The lone manner to acquire rid of Nhu is to acquire rid of the full Diem government. In a overseas telegram from Ambassador Lodge to Secretary Rusk, Lodge said ; ? We are launched on a class from which there is no turning back: the overthrow of the Diem government. ? Lodge besides stated that there is no turning back because the U.S. is saloon licly committed to the terminal of the Diem government. In a overseas telegram transmitted from President Kennedy to Ambassador Lodge, Kennedy said that the U.S. should non actively assist the putsch, but be ready to do good dealingss with the group that overthrows the Diem government. In a ulterior overseas telegram from the whitehouse they said that the U.S. does non want to go forth an feeling that they are opposed to a new government. When the U.S. says this they are fundamentally stating the putsch that they are endorsing them. Because of the Kennedy disposals duty in the overthrow of the Diem government it besides leads to the eventual assasination of Diem.The U.S. was non as involved with his assasination as they were with the overthrow of Diem? s government. Diem was told by Ambassador Lodge that if he resigned, him and his brother would be allowed to go forth the state safely. Diem, nevertheless, was non told by the U.S. that they sided with the putsch. Diem believed he was making the right thing and the U.S. was non opposed to him. If he had known that the U.S was against him he would hold likely resigned, but he was denied that information from embassador Lodge.

Friday, March 6, 2020

The End of Social Security Paper Checks

The End of Social Security Paper Checks The U.S. Department of Treasury began phasing out paper Social Security checks and other federal benefit checks on May 1, 2011. It required anyone applying for Social Security checks and other federal benefits on and after that date to receive their payments electronically. Those who began receiving Social Security checks before May of 2011 have until March 1, 2013, to sign up for electronic payments, the Treasury Department announced. Those who dont sign up to have their Social Security checks direct-deposited by that date would receive their benefits through the Direct Express card program. Getting your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payment by direct deposit or Direct Express is safer and more reliable, Michael J. Astrue, the commissioner of Social Security, said in announcing the change. Whos Impacted by End of Paper Checks The change applied to Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Affairs benefits, and anyone who receives benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management and Department of Labor (Black Lung). You dont have to worry about your check being lost or stolen and your money is available immediately on your payment date, Astrue said. There is no need to wait for the mail to arrive. In 2010, more than 540,000 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income paper checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be replaced, the Treasury Department said. Savings from End of Paper Checks Phasing out paper Social Security checks entirely is expected to save taxpayers about $120 million every year, or more than $1 billion over 10 years. Government officials also pointed out that eliminating paper Social Security checks will provide positive benefits to the environment, saving 12 million pounds of paper in the first five years alone. More than 18 million baby boomers are expected to reach retirement age during the next five years, with 10,000 people a day becoming eligible for Social Security benefits, said Treasurer Rosie Rios. It costs 92 cents more to issue a payment by paper check than by direct deposit. We are retiring the Social Security paper check option in favor of electronic payments because it is the right thing to do for benefit recipients and American taxpayers alike. What You Need to Do Now If you are applying for new benefits, you are now required to choose an electronic payment method, whether its a direct deposit of your Social Security check or other federal benefits into a bank or credit union account. When you apply for your Social Security check or other federal benefits, you will need: Your financial institutions routing transit number often found on a personal check;The account type, checking or savings;And the account number often found on a personal check. You can also choose to receive your Social Security check on a prepaid debit card or Direct Express Debit MasterCard card. What You Need to Do By 2013 If you currently get your Social Security check or other federal benefit payment on paper, you must switch to electronic payments before March 1, 2013. You can switch from paper checks to direct deposit at www.GoDirect.org, by calling the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Centers toll-free helpline at (800) 333-1795, or by speaking with a bank or credit union representative. Anyone already receiving federal benefit payments electronically will continue to receive their money as usual on their payment day. No action is required. About Paper Social Security Checks The first monthly Social Security check was received by Ida Mae Fuller on Jan. 31, 1940, according to the Treasury Department. Since then about 165 million people have received Social Security benefits. The movement toward electronic payments has been steadily increasing, the Treasury Department said. By May of 2011, electronic payments made up more than three-quarters of all noncash payments nationwide. There were 5.7 billion fewer checks written in 2009 than in 2006, a decline of 6.1 percent per year - while electronic payments grew 9.3 percent during that same period. Among federal benefit recipients, about eight in 10 receive their Social Security check or other federal benefit payment electronically, according to the Treasury Department. What About Social Security Statements?   On January 9, 2017, the Social Security Administration also stopped mailing annual Social Security Statements to all workers under age 60. The Social Security Statement shows the worker’s expected monthly Social Security benefits based on their current and potential future income. Paper statements are still mailed only to workers age 60 and older three months before their birthday if they don’t receive Social Security benefits and don’t yet have a â€Å"my Social Security† account. Workers over age 60 will stop receiving their statements by mail once they set up their â€Å"my Social Security† account. Workers under age 60 can now view their personal Social Security Statement online only by using their â€Å"my Social Security† account. Using a â€Å"my Social Security† account, workers of all ages can view their Social Security Statement online at any time. With a free and very secure â€Å"my Social Security† account, workers of all ages, retired or not, can view online their personalized estimates of future benefits based on their real earnings, see their latest Statement, and review their earnings history. In addition, â€Å"my Social Security† can be used to request a replacement Social Security Card or check the status of an application, anytime. A â€Å"my Social Security† is free, secure, and easy to create at: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Term paper for economics Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Term for economics - Research Paper Example Nonetheless, despite the established consideration in the distribution of the economic pie that guide public discourse, there are new and emerging scientific and economic approaches that are proving to be popular in shaping and guiding the approaches to distribution of the national cake. Greek philosophers were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the distribution of nation’s wealth, which was long before the birth of the discipline of economics as currently known. In line with this, it is common knowledge that philosophers such as Plato and Plutarch defined the level of differences that should result from the rich and the poor and the consequences of these differences. Conversely, the revolution age was responsible for the establishment of government’s policies that redistributed wealth (Acemoglu and Robinson 190). Closer to contemporary economic society, the economic scientists who developed economics perspectives that advocated for various approaches of sharing and distributing the national wealth in a way that ensured equitable and equity in distribution of wealth. This expose elucidates on different ways that a nation’s distribution of wealth affects the economic growth. Stiglitz identified two approaches towards the distribution of a nation’s wealth with each approach differing in perspective and consequences, which are in terms of the growth of a nation’s economy (387). In the first approach, Stiglitz identifies that nations can adopt an approach that focuses on a high ratio of capital and labor. In this approach, Stiglitz noted the ability of a nation to enhance stability in its economic growth while focusing on equitable distribution of resources in the country in the long-term. Conversely, the other approach proposed by Stiglitz identified a small capital-labor ratio, which he defined as developing an economy that was unstable in the end. Besides, this approach was responsible for the

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Hospitality Industry in the UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Hospitality Industry in the UK - Essay Example Moreover, this sector contributes greatly towards the country's Gross Domestic Product. With the current trend of globalization, the UK has come to the full realization of the importance of international trade to its expenditure. The importance of the traded goods sector is slowly but steadily diminishing. The service sector is quickly replacing the traded goods sector in terms of contribution to the UK economy. The UK's economy is the fifth largest in the world as far as purchasing power parity is concerned and sixth largest in terms of the market exchange rates. In Europe, the economy of the United Kingdom is the third largest after that of Germany and France. This presents the hospitality industry with numerous opportunities for growth. The UK was among the first countries in the world to adopt industrialization. It played a very big role in the world economy especially in the 19th century. The United States started coming into the picture in the late 19th century, posing a great challenge to the UK. This also means it was among the very first countries in the world to embrace the service sector. The UK is among the most globalised nations in the world, with its capital London being a main financial centre in the world together with other cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and New York City. The UK economy comprises numerous economies including England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, and is a member of the European Union. The UK privatized most of its state-owned companies in the services and industrial sectors in the 1980s. The UK Government currently owns just a few businesses and industries such as the Royal Mail. After suffering a slow economic growth after the Second World War through to the 1980s, the UK economy experienced an economic boom in the from the 1980s to 2008 when it entered a an economic recession due to the global economic crunch. Just like many of the developed countries, the UK manufacturing sector has been on the decline over the years in relation to its services sector. Currently, the services sector accounts for about 67 per cent of its GDP, with manufacturing accounting for less than 20 per cent of the national output. That means the service sector, which includes the hospitality industry, holds a good portion of the UK economy (Allin, 1999). The fall of manufacturing has been more pronounced in the UK than the rest of the industrialized countries, probably because it is the country where industrial revolution began. Sixty per cent of the food needs in the UK is produced by just one per cent of labour force, a strong indication that its agriculture is efficient, highly mechanized and intensive. The UK financial business services sector and the financial services sector generally account for more than 70 per cent of the country's GDP. This strongly indicates how strong economically London City is, and how rapid the business services sector has grown in the last decade or so. The UK communications sector has also experienced a rapid growth, even though its prices have been falling due to the rapid growth in productivity (Worthington and Britton, 2006). The country's construction sector went into recession in the 1990s as a result of reduced government spending and quick falls in the prices of houses, recovering only in 1997. With the

Monday, January 27, 2020

Ford motors and counterfeiting in the chinese automotive industry

Ford motors and counterfeiting in the chinese automotive industry Ford Motor Company (Ford) is an auto company that manufactures and sells autos and parts globally. Similar to many other corporations, Ford has invested manufacturing efforts in China, because China is now the worlds largest auto manufacturer and auto market. Given this huge opportunity, there are numerous companies looking to reap financial profits by producing counterfeit parts. The global counterfeit auto parts market was estimated at $16 billion in 2008  [i]  . For Ford, counterfeiting not only represents lost financial sales but also brand degradation and product liability risks. While robust growth in auto sales may be fueling the fake components market, the battle against manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit auto parts, specifically Ford auto parts is not new. Ford has been waging an ongoing aggressive campaign against counterfeiters since the early 1980s. Despite its efforts, there continues to be a battle as according to the automaker, counterfeit and pirated auto parts remains a problem that is putting the publics safety at risk and costing about $1 billion US annually. Since joining the WTO, the Chinese government has been placing increasing emphasis on intellectual property rights (IPR) to help encourage foreign investment in the country. However the strength of these IP laws and enforcement has not been robust as penalties are weak and do not deter counterfeiters. As Ford continues to invest and grow within China, we propose the following recommendations to address the counterfeiting issue. First, Ford should refine its internal firm strategies through security packaging innovations and a certification process, increasing education to consumers, aligning employee incentives through benefits and penalties, and continuing with the inspections. Next, Ford needs to pursue external political and legal strategies with key stakeholders, such as the industry coalition, insurance partners, the Chinese government, and the WTO. These strategies should focus on aligning incentives to develop more robust policies around counterfeiting penalties and enforcement. 2 Overview of the Counterfeit Automotive Industry in China For decades, piracy and counterfeiting problems have affected the economy. The global market for counterfeit car parts is estimated to be worth approximately $16 billion USD in 2008 (which accounts for roughly 3.2% of the global counterfeit market) and is growing roughly 9-11% per year.  [ii]  As the counterfeiting and piracy market is becoming more and more attractive to organized crime (it offers similar profits with a significantly lower probability of prosecution and penalties), criminals are making significant investments in counterfeiting. Counterfeiting and piracy activities have flourished in developing economies and gradually diminish as emerging markets achieve higher levels of prosperity and global integration. Today, industrial counterfeiting and piracy run rampant throughout emerging markets such as China. It is in fact, the worlds largest offender of IP theft and industrial piracy. According to MEMA, China is responsible for the exportation of 80% of the counterfeit goods seized at U.S. borders.  [iii]  The E.U. also estimates that 5-10% of all replacement auto parts in circulation are counterfeit.  [iv]  Furthermore, a recent study by the Commercial Times found that 56% of auto users in China have found counterfeit parts on their vehicles. Several unique characteristics make the Chinese market distinct from other counterfeiting regions. With Chinas sheer size and growing integration into the global supply chain, counterfeiting and piracy issues originating from this region have become a global problem (affecting not only local Chinese companies but also multi-nationals). Given significant socioeconomic disparities among different regions within China, the progression and convergence towards a middle income will likely be slower, fostering an environment in which counterfeiting and piracy will thrive for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, Chinas customs and traditions have historically accepted industrial piracy further stimulating growth. As the counterfeit market in China grows, increased investment has allowed counterfeiters to strengthen the sophistication of their operation. Counterfeiters now have inside information on new vehicles and specification changes before the new car is even on the market. Counterfeiters can produce exact copies of products, packaging and documentation and sell it under a competing brand name. In 2004, General Motors (GM) filed a lawsuit against Chinas Chery Automobile Company for the alleged piracy of its Spark vehicle to create a replica branded Cherys QQ. GM showed that the two vehicles were nearly identical with respect to exterior body, interior design and key components. (See Exhibit 1). In a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition against Counterfeiting and Piracy, counterfeit part sales are costing Ford about $1 billion per year. However, it is the physical dangers and risks associated with using or installing counterfeit parts that may be the most costly. Counterfeit auto parts are a huge consumer safety problem with serious potential to injure auto technicians and end-consumers. In addition to severe financial and safety implications, counterfeiting destroys the brand reputation of legitimate companies. Legitimate companies are often blamed or brought to court to take responsibility for the negative repercussions of counterfeit products. With China surpassing the U.S. to become the worlds largest auto market (achieving sales growth of 46% to 13.6 million), it will be difficult for auto original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to ignore the Chinese market particularly since by entering the Chinese market, significant advantages may be leveraged (e.g. inexpensive labor, rapidly growing emerging market).  [v]  Currently, roughly 800 foreign auto parts suppliers operate in China, including most of the top 50 multi-nationals. And as the Chinese auto market continues to grow, instances of IP theft are likely to increase as well. It will become even more important for large multi-nationals such as Ford to take action and to protect itself from IP risks. 3 Impact of Counterfeiting and Piracy on Ford Motor Company in China A Background on Ford Motor Company in China Ford began manufacturing autos in the early 20th century. With $146.3 billion in revenues in 2008, Ford is now one of the worlds largest makers of cars and trucks. Its brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury and Ford receives more than half of its sales outside of North America.  [vi]   In the Asia-Pacific region, Ford operates under several investment holding companies including Ford Motor (China) Co., Ltd., Ford Motor Research Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., Ford Automotive Finance (China) Co., Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co., Company and Jiangling Motor (Stock) Co., Ltd. Roughly 9% of 2008 global sales may be attributed to the Asia-Pacific region which includes China. Ford sold slightly more than 300,000 units in China in 2008 and 2009 sales exceeded 440,000 vehicles (annual growth of 32%).  [vii]  In China, Ford has several joint ventures including joint ventures with Jiangling Motors Corp and Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co. These joint ventures provide it with three shared production platforms in China and also share factories in Nanjing and Chongqing. With China overtaking the U.S. as the worlds largest auto market last year, Chinese auto factories are running at full capacity. According to Ford, the two facilities it has with Changan Automobile Co. will not be able to accommodate expected future demand based on current growth expectations. Accordingly, it plans to open a $490 million factory in Chongqing in 2012, producing up to 150,000 vehicles per year and increasing total capacity to 600,000.  [viii]   B Detailed Assessment of the Political and Legal Issues Relating to the Counterfeit Auto Industry I Overview of the Political Landscape in China Although China has moved from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one, the Communist Party of China (CPC) still maintains political power. Having a one-party system makes the CPC susceptible to civil unrest that could threaten its power and, as a result, the CPC has been hesitant to take action that threatens local economies for fear of unrest. But as an emerging country with the worlds third largest economy on the frontier, China is struggling to balance the need to support local economies with a growing need to protect IP rights for both multinationals and domestic firms. Yet despite a reputation for considerable corruption, demonstrated by its 2009 corruption perception index score of 3.6, and a ruling CPC that often ignores counterfeiting since it supports many local economies, China still manages to attract multinationals such as Ford due to its potential for new customers and windfall profits.  [ix]   China and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Admitted to the WTO in 2001, China agreed to implement various measures that would liberalize its trade regime. Among these measures was the WTOs Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (the TRIPS Agreement). This agreement guards against counterfeit products by addressing minimum standards of IPRs protection, domestic procedures and remedies for enforcement of these rights, and dispute settlement procedures among WTO members.  [x]  However, despite these IPR protections, counterfeiting still represents about 8% of Chinas $10 trillion economy.  [xi]   To address this growing problem, in 2007 the U.S. asked the WTO to intervene, claiming that Chinas enforcement of IPR laws was so weak that it failed to limit the production of counterfeit products. Specifically, the U.S. argued that weak penalties for infringers and Chinas practice of allowing counterfeiters to sell goods seized by Chinese customs officials, provided that the fake labels were removed, provided little financial incentive for counterfeiters to cease production.  [xii]  In 2009 the WTO ruled that China breached trade rules by ignoring piracy and counterfeiting, yet it upheld Chinas criminal law on IPR; without strengthening Chinas criminal law and enforcement of IPR, it is likely that counterfeiting will continue to be problematic.  [xiii]   Conflicting Incentives for the Chinese Government Despite Chinas laws that aim to protect IPR, the Chinese government faces opposing incentives in cracking down on counterfeiters. Specifically, China must balance the economic benefits local economies enjoy from counterfeit products with the growing need to protect the IPR of foreign and domestic companies.  [xiv]  Because counterfeiting supports many local economies and millions of people, any crackdown on counterfeiting could result in serious economic losses. As this action would not be well-received, Chinese politicians are even less apt to prosecute counterfeiters or focus on strengthening enforcement of IPR laws. On the other hand, China must strengthen these laws and enforcement mechanisms if it hopes to continue attracting multinationals.  [xv]  However, many multinationals are so intent on entering the Chinese market, given its sheer size and potential profitability, that they are willing to operate in an environment with little IPR protection. As a result, the Chine se government has very little incentive to crack down on counterfeiters or greatly strengthen enforcement of IPR laws. Fords Risks in China and its Current Strategies Given this political landscape, Ford faces considerable risk in China. With three assembly plants in China, Ford has already encountered problems with counterfeit parts, claiming that counterfeiting costs the company $2 billion a year in sales.  [xvi]  Exhibit 2 Despite some multinationals willingness to live with Chinas lax IP protection, Ford has taken steps to protect against the growing problem of counterfeit auto parts and vehicles. Specifically, Ford has been using undercover intelligence to identify counterfeit producers and raid Chinese factories.  [xvii]  While these raids have prevented thousands of counterfeit products from entering the market, penalties still remain weak; the few offenders sentenced to prison can reduce their terms for $30 a day.  [xviii]  Despite Fords efforts and commitment to protecting its brand, this weak enforcement discourages any meaningful lawsuits and provides little deterrence to counterfeiters. Ford must develop strategies to work with the U.S. and Chinese governments to better protect against counterfeit products. II Overview of Intellectual Property Rights in China Chinas Current IP Environment Since joining the WTO, the Chinese government has been placing increasing emphasis on IPR to help encourage foreign investment in the country. Most recently, the Chinese State Council established a task force known as the Intellectual Property Executive Conference to look into IP-related issues. Chinas new auto policy released this year stresses the need to protect the intellectual rights of auto companies and bans the sale of auto products that violate these protections. China is also a party to many international agreements to protect IP (including the World Intellectual Property Organization and Paris Convention, among others). For example, China joined the Madrid Protocol in 1995, which requires reciprocal trademark registration for member countries, which now include the United States.  [xix]   The Chinese government has also established special IP courts to handle cases of IPR infringement more efficiently. In addition to having these specialized courts in some cities and provinces, Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin have also established IP courts within the Intermediate Peoples Court. In 1992, the Supreme Peoples Court established an IP division as well. This increase in the legal systems capacity to handle alleged IP theft has been used to facilitate highly publicized campaigns, including activities such as raids and educational programs. Enforceability of IP Laws China has made significant progress on the legal and regulatory front, but despite stronger statutory protections, IP theft remains a major problem, as evidenced by the widespread existence of counterfeit products.  [xx]  In reality, IP laws are rarely enforced, and it is even rarer that those who are caught stealing, cheating, counterfeiting and pirating go to jail. Because China is a large country with some political decentralization, enforcing IP laws and regulations in China is a major challenge.  [xxi]   Several institutional factors undermine the enforcement of IP laws, including Chinas reliance on administrative instead of criminal measures to combat IPR violations, corruption, local protectionism, limited resources and training available to enforcement officials, and lack of public education regarding the economic and social impact of counterfeiting and piracy. At the most basic level, without adequate education with regard to IPR, there is little awareness that infringement is a crime. Furthermore, the fragmented nature of political authority in China and, more specifically, decentralized corruption exacerbates the lack of enforcement. For example, when counterfeiters have connections with local government or law enforcement officials, this may provide an easy cover for their counterfeiting activity. Local officials may create obstacles during investigations and assist local counterfeiters by letting them hide their production lines in safe places. Chinas fragmented legal system contributes to the problem as well. Protection of IP in China follows a two-track system. The first and most prevalent is the administrative track, whereby an IPR holder files a complaint at the local administrative office. The second is the judicial track, whereby complaints are filed through the court system. However, determining which IP agency has jurisdiction over an act of infringement can be confusing. Jurisdiction of IP protection is diffused throughout a number of government agencies and offices, with each typically responsible for the protection afforded by one statute or one specific area of IP-related law. There may be geographical limits or conflicts posed by one administrative agency taking a case, involving piracy or counterfeiting that also occurs in another region. Chinas courts also have rules regarding the scope of potential orders. In most cases, administrative agencies cannot award compensation to a rights holder. They can, however, fine the infringer, seize goods or equipment used in manufacturing products, and/or obtain information about the source of goods being distributed. China was also required to provide IP remedies through criminal enforcement for commercial scale piracy and counterfeiting, under the enforcement provisions of TRIPs. Chinas laws and regulations stipulate that IP administrative authorities and Customs may transfer egregious IP infringement cases to police and prosecutors for initiating criminal investigation. However, despite these criminal provisions, most IP cases continued to be handled through the administrative system. Foreign rights holders have considerably less success in encouraging criminal prosecution of IPR violations. When jail sentences are handed down, Ford officials in Taiwan say that those few offenders sentenced to prison can reduce their terms for $30 per day. Lawsuits are also often a waste of time, due to local protectionism. In 2003, Toyota lost a closely watched case in China against the countrys biggest private carmaker whose brand logo was nearly identical to Toyotas.  [xxii]  In the end, although interna tional pressure may have succeeded in getting Beijing to establish IPR laws and regulations, the enforcement of IP, as with most policy in China, falls within the domain of Chinas complex bureaucracies and local government officials. Outsourcing vs. Ford manufacturing To operate in China, Ford had to form a joint venture with a quasi-governmental partner: Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co. in China.  [xxiii]  Fords other partner in China, Jiangling Motors Corp., makes commercial vehicles, including the popular Ford Transit van.  [xxiv]  These joint ventures are one of the biggest risks automakers face as they expand in China due to the danger of IPRs violations. The Chinese made no secret that part of their strategy in forming joint ventures was to begin to learn about the auto industry and how they can produce cars. Ford produces all of their vehicles in their own three plants in the country. However, they now source many of their component parts, which increases the risk of counterfeiting since the company has transferred production of certain parts from their own plants to third-party operations in China and India.  [xxv]  There are other issues that come with operating in a rapidly developing country. In China, factories are at risk of unscheduled shutdowns because of power shortages. Ford also faces political risk. Although the danger of nationalization or outright confiscation of Fords assets may not be high, China may not always have the best interests of foreign multinationals at heart. Despite these concerns, Ford is not shying away from the fast-growing Chinese auto market. Ford currently operates two plants in China, and it broke ground for a $490 million plant in September of 2009. The factory will make the next-generation Focus compact car, which Ford plans to sell globally. Its current plant in Chongqing makes the Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo and Ford S-MAX. Its plant in Nanjing, in eastern China, makes the Ford Fiesta.  [xxvi]   In order to set up operations in China, Ford was also required to establish research and development facilities alongside its manufacturing operations to help build the countrys technical know-how. Ford has taken steps to boost their Chinese design capabilities, which also benefits domestic Chinese companies. For example, Fords China design team is putting its own spin on the upcoming Ford Fiesta (tailored for the Chinese market). Fords Current Strategies Fighting counterfeiters is a key priority at Ford, and it has stepped up countermeasures worldwide. Ford, GM, and DaimlerChrysler formed a global industry network in 2001 to work with law enforcement agencies and governments to strengthen patent and trademark protection laws and impose criminal penalties to prevent counterfeiting.  [xxvii]  The problem is especially acute in the Middle East, where many counterfeit Ford parts made in China are shipped and sold alongside genuine parts.  [xxviii]   Ford admits it was late in its efforts to protect its IPR abroad. However, the company is now very active and has even established its own brand protection team. The unit has led a number of raids, which have led to prosecutions. Ford recently raided a Chinese factory and turned up 7,000 sets of counterfeit brake pads destined for Egypt, each stamped with a replica of Fords blue oval. A legitimate set of pads would cost the equivalent of $47 in Egypt; the phony ones might cost $30.  [xxix]   Furthermore, as a brand Ford is trying to make everything as sophisticated as possible. It has security features in the parts packaging itself and spends time on brand awareness and training exercises so people can better identify fakes. The company says this is critical to long term public awareness and stopping sales of counterfeit products.  [xxx]   III Overview of Product Liability Product Liability All auto manufacturers, including Ford, are exposed to product liability lawsuits related to the sale of autos or parts to the public, especially in litigious countries. Ford has the most exposure in the U.S. given the extremely litigious environment and its large sales. According to the Restatement (Third) of Torts: Products Liability a user or bystander in the U.S. can sue for injuries related to a defect or malfunction of the product, and, in some instances, a defective design or a failure to warn. Even though Ford does not manufacture and sell the counterfeit Ford parts it increases its exposure if the parts are believed to be manufactured by Ford and then cause accidents and injuries. Ford could be sued and incur substantial attorneys fees and possibly even settlement costs. Ford would then have to prove that the product was not manufactured or sold by them, and even if Ford is successful it will still face attorneys fees, damage to its brand, and wasted corporate resources. Product Liability History and Severity Product liability lawsuits can take years to defend, result in millions of dollars of fees and settlements, and severely damage a brand. Ford has faced product liability lawsuits in the past such as the Ford Pinto case in the 1970s that cost it millions and the Ford Explorer rollover related lawsuits in the 2000s. Ford manufactured the Pinto throughout the 70s and due to a faulty gas tank the cars often caught fire during rear-end collisions. The most notable Ford Pinto case (versus Grimshaw) cost Ford $6.5 million in 1981.  [xxxi]  Ford has faced many other product liability lawsuits throughout its history. Fords Current Strategies Ford recognizes its exposure to insurable risks including product liability related to the manufacture and sale of autos and parts. Given the critical nature of risk management Ford maintains a Global Risk Management Committee (GRMC) that makes risk related decisions and is headed by the Chief Financial Officer. Ford chooses to manage and protect against product liability risks through a combination of self-insurance and product liability insurance.  [xxxii]  The self-insurance is typically in the form of a calculated monetary fund setup to may attorneys and claims. The product liability insurance would provide Ford with attorney support and claims/settlement payments in the event of an insurable claim. Ford also has a Sustainability, Environment Safety Engineering (SESE) Team that works to prevent faulty products from being sold and to ensure Ford complies with safety and environmental regulations. They also provide technical analysis to corporate counsel on product liability lawsuits when needed.  [xxxiii]   Finally, Ford has created a Global Brand Protection group to protect consumers from counterfeit products threatening user safety. This group is tasked with: preventing the distribution of and removing counterfeit parts from the marketplace, ensuring that the companys trademarks are used appropriately, and maintaining the integrity of the sale and distribution of original equipment parts.  [xxxiv]   4 Recommendations China has quickly become the worlds largest auto maker, surpassing the US in 2009  [xxxv]  . Due to its immense scale and rapid growth rates, China is an important strategic market for Ford from a production and sales perspective. Despite the political and legal issues and risks Ford faces in China, the company cannot simply withdraw its operations from China. Ford must engage in market and non-market strategies to help manage the counterfeit problem in this market. Recommendation 1: Refine Internal Firm Strategies As mentioned previously Ford has started to invest in internal strategies, such as raids and setting up the Brand Protection Group, to help address counterfeiting. We recommend that Ford continue to refine these strategies as well as incorporate additional internal firm tactics. From a product perspective, Ford has noted that there are security features in the packaging of the auto parts and that consumers should use reputable dealers and repairers, inspect parts and packaging closely in case they spot something and if they are concerned to ask that only original parts are used or call the auto maker.  [xxxvi]  We recommend that Ford continue to invest in its packaging to help dealers, repair shops, and consumers detect fake products. The company could consider implementing a certification program where only legitimate Ford plants and OEMs are able to put a Pre-Approved by Ford label on its products. Additionally Ford needs to employ efforts to minimize spare factory capacity in these production facilities and to increase monitoring from U.S. Ford managers. In conjunction with product-related tactics, Ford needs to educate its customers (e.g. dealers, auto-body shops) and end-consumers and bring this issue to light. Because counterfeiting auto and auto parts drastically affects consumer safety, Fords customers and consumers should have a strong commitment to help prevent counterfeiting once they are aware of the issue. These educational efforts can be spearheaded by the Global Branding Team and be implemented in various public relations and marketing efforts. Most consumers may not be aware that counterfeit autos and auto parts exist and are responsible for associated safety risks. One campaign can highlight how counterfeit auto parts can lead to injuries and fatalities. The campaign can then empower consumers to ask for Ford parts only when having their autos repaired. This will encourage customers to seek out Fords legitimate replacement parts and be wary of counterfeit products. Ford also should implement tactics to educate and incent their employees, critical stakeholders. In conjunction with educating consumers, the Global Branding Team can utilize the same resources to educate its employees. This knowledge can help increase employees commitment to prevent counterfeiting and can also create a culture of pride related to high quality production and safety. Ford ca