Week Four Assignment Caledonia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Week Four Assignment Caledonia - Essay Example Thus, the yearly cash inflows realized in Project A can be utilized for another investment that will even yield more than $40,000 profit by the end of 4 years. It is through utilizing the IRR formula that reflects the acceptability of Project A because IRR considers all cash flows and time value of money, both crucial and important in the real business world. When analyzing the financial considerations under the lease versus buy decision process, one needs to consider the LCC (Life Cycle Cost) of either leasing or buying and operating and maintaining the hardware. The most meaningful financial comparison is the cost of lease financing versus the cost of debt financing (which are both not mentioned on this given problem). While comparing absolute LCC is important, it is equally critical to take into consideration fiscal budgetary constraints. While the LCC of leasing may be higher over the entire term the hardware is leased, the annual expenditures may fit better with budgetary limitations. However, the lease versus buy decision cannot be based purely on financial data or budgetary considerations. The decision must be made on a best value consideration. A best value selection analysis would introduce intangible benefits that could be benefits of either leasing or

Customer Insight for Competitive Advantage Essay

Customer Insight for Competitive Advantage - Essay Example Apple Inc. is a renowned multinational business corporation which deals with manufacturing, designing along with marketing broad assortment of products related to consumer electronics, personal computers and computer software among others. According to the present day context, the organisation is considerably regarded as one of the major global brands in terms of achieving higher customer value and brand loyalty through its offering of quality products (Apple Inc., 2011). In relation to identify the role of customer insight to an organisation, the paper intends to briefly discuss the major roles and significance of customer service within the organisation of Apple Inc. The paper will also highlight the major contribution of customer service that supports the organisation towards achieving competitive position. Moreover, the paper will further involve the impacts and consequences that could affect on organisational reputation of Apple while adopting poor customer service initiatives. Therefore, appropriate recommendations have also been discussed about how Apple might enhance its customer service for the motive of increasing its productivity as well as profitability, business reputation and most significantly sustainable competitive advantage. Main Findings Role of Customer Service Excellence Revealing insight about the consumers is incessantly becoming one of the major elements for the organisations in order to develop their different products as well as services that deliver superior value to the final customers and generate substantial profit. The idea of customer insight is typically viewed to be the collection as well as the interpretation of valuable information that ultimately facilitates a business to develop and most importantly to retain their valuable customers. It significantly involves certain major features such as gaining comprehensive knowledge about the customers’ requirements along with their behaviours that eventually raises the brand l oyalty and facilitates them to accomplish competitive advantage by a significant level (Michel, 2003). In relation to determine the role of customer service excellence, it has been apparently observed that the excellence related to customer service that adopted by Apple are significantly focused upon delivering superior value oriented services to each of its customer segment. In this regard, the organisation significantly considers the offering of superior quality products as customer service excellence initiatives towards its global standing. The organisation involves effective strategy of offering value-based service with its decent product lines through understanding customers’ requirements. The customer service excellence of the organisation is considered to be one of the prime aspects for the organisation to maintain its dominant position in the global technological business market (Arthur D. Little, 2011). With regard to the customer service excellence of Apple, it has been observed that the organisation took the initiative of AppleCare Service Excellence

Internet Addiction in Adolescents: Literature Review

Internet Addiction in Adolescents: Literature Review My topic is on social media usage and adolescents; I have found 3 researched based articles in excessive internet usage with treatments provided. First I will be explaining an article about compulsive internet use among adolescents-parent-child relationships since little is known of about the role parents can play to prevent their children from developing Compulsive Internet Use (CIU). The second article, explains excessive Internet use is considered by excessive, poorly controlled urges or behaviours regarding computer use and Internet access that leads to impairment or distress. The types of treatment that are more commonly used include CBT and self-help books however there needs to be more evidence based treatment provided. The third article explains how writing a personal diary and/or online-blogging is a therapeutic means for relieving emotional stress and promotes well-being, helping in coping with developmental challenges and used as a self-help treatment. The first article I have found discusses about compulsive internet use among adolescents- parent-child relationships. It is mentioned that parents are constantly concerned about their children using the internet excessively, and little is known about the role parents can play to prevent their children from developing Compulsive Internet Use (CIU) (Van, p.77). Two studies have been conducted to address associations between internet specific parenting practices and CIU among adolescents’. The first study is a cross-sectional study using a sample of 4,483 Dutch students and the second study was a longitudinal study using self-selected sample of 510 Dutch adolescents. Results have suggested that qualitatively good communication regarding internet use is a promising tool for parents to prevent their teenage children from developing CIU. Additionally, parental reactions to excessive internet use and parental rules regarding the content of internet use may also help prevent CIU (Van, p.77). In my opinion I feel parents need to monitor and limit the time children spend on the internet in order to prevent their children from developing CIU. I believe parents need to be firmer about the time of internet is being used with their children, therefore endorsing habitual tendencies and behaviours. Research has it indicated that parents are an important influence, and their parenting promotes and prevents Internet-related problems. Studies indicate, parents-child relationships was negatively associated with level of Internet usage among students, and parent-adolescent conflict, and lower satisfaction with family functioning, were related to adolescent Internet addiction (Van, p.78). This may indicate that parents have little to no control over how much time their children spend on the internet and are not controlling usage. This may also indicate some parents are powerless to control their own children for being too attached to the Internet and are unable to be in comma nd of their online attraction. It is evident that there are not many treatments available for excessive internet use in children and adolescence. The second article is called Internet addiction or excessive internet use. Weinstein illustrates that excessive Internet use is considered by poorly controlled urges or behaviours regarding computer use and Internet access that leads to impairment or distress. The objective was to review literature on internet addiction and excessive internet uses are topics of diagnosis, phenomenology and treatment. Researches have indicated that internet usage for individuals have difficulty suppressing their extreme online behaviours’ in real life, little is known about patho-physiological and cognitive mechanisms responsible for too much internet usage and internet addiction. This is due to lack of methodologically adequate research available, it is currently impossible to recommend any evidence-based treatment of internet addiction and internet use (p.277). Researchers indicated that excessive internet use is associated with a loss sense of time, or neglect of basic drives, feelings of an ger, tension, or depression when the computer is inaccessible, tolerance, including the need for a better computer, or more hours of use, poor school or vocational achievement, and social isolation are involved (Weinstein, p.278). As for treatment, internet use is based on intervention and strategies used in dealing with substance used disorders. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) indicates that most clients are able to manage their complaints by the 8th session. CBT and psychosocial support may be helpful, along with online self-help books and tapes. A self-imposed ban on computer use and internet access may be necessary in some cases (Weinstein, p.281). In terms of treatment, working with a professional therapist is recommended, even though not all professionals may believe that excessive internet use may be a serious issue. However, looking at self-help books may be beneficial to some, though you may want to make sure that the author is a qualified psychologist professional, since there are many unqualified people writing books. The third article indicates that writing personal diary and online-blogging is a therapeutic means for relieving emotional stress and promotes well-being, and diary writing during adolescence helps in coping with developmental challenges. Current technologies and cultural trends make it possible to publish personal diaries on the internet through blogs, online forms etc. Researchers examined a therapeutic value of blogging for adolescents that experience social emotional difficulties. The experiment includes adolescence having social-emotional difficulties, having 6 groups (26-28) participants in each. Four groups were assigned to blogging (Writing about their difficulties, open or closed), 2 groups assigned to writing a diary on personal computers. Participants in the groups were instructed to post messages at least twice a week over 10 weeks. The outcome measures were of social-emotional difficulties, self-esteem, and textual posts. Results showed participants who maintained a blog improved on all measures. Participants writing about their difficulties in blogs open to responses gained the most as a self-help treatment (Boniel-Nissim, p.333). Researchers have found that teens writing frequently online brought up topics that bothered them; social isolation and loneliness were common topics. The appearance of internet-based communication has brought about flourishing writing opportunities. The sense of anonymity and invisibility experienced by internet users promotes their confidence to express thoughts and feelings (Boniel-Nissim, p.333). Studies indicate that they can release their pressures and vent emotions without facing anyone. Online writing enables free expression and easy reading, online therapy has emerged as a possible treatment procedure. It can act as a legal complementary procedure to traditional face-to-face approaches (Boniel-Nissim, p.334). It is indicated that blogging online provides adolescents with a safe area for self-exposure that contrib utes to happiness, beneficial environment, promotes sharing and reciprocal feedback. An adolescent that feels socially rejected in their school physical environment can exploit the space he/ or she manages as an equal, doing so, the internet use can create a new, improve self-image and increase confidence as a way for treatment (Boniel-Nissim, p.338). As a whole, all three articles share a relation in certain areas. The first article explains that excessive internet usage needs to be the centre of attention and treatment is of need to control this chaos for adolescence. The adolescence do not see any harm with spending vast amount of time on the web, they are oblivious to see it as an issue. Parents are unable to provide treatment, though parental control could possibly be a ‘treatment’ if the parents were able to put more effort and time with being stricter with their children, then there would be a decrease in excessive internet users. Looking at the second article, internet use is considered by urges which leads to impairment or distress. Internet users are unable to suppress their real life problems in the real world. Different researchers use their own language to explain this condition, such as internet addiction, compulsive internet users, pathological internet use and etc. I think that too much of internet use is recognized as a disorder, it should not be considered as an illness. However, it should be taken as a concerning issue around adolescence capability to control their online usage, and as a result harmful consequences may effect from their chaos. There needs to be more treatments available for excessive users rather then the typical CBT and self-help books. The third article stated that writing personal diary and online-blogging is a therapeutic means for relieving emotional stress and promotes well-being, and diary writing during adolescence helps in coping with developmental challenges (Boniel-Nissim, p.333). This demonstrates that authors of both articles Boniel-Nissim and Weinstein indicate a similarity that adolescence and internet usage appears to benefit them from the outside world. Overusing the internet helps adolescence become self-confident, learns how to socialize online in turn helping them socialize outside, and helps them find their self-image and personality. This appears to be a self-help treatment since there is possibly no other treatment available for them, besides CBT treatment which is meant for internet addictions’ that are in need of professional assistance. Looking at the first article, parents are unable to control their children over the amount of hours spent online, however parents may feel it is an ‘addiction’ and it may be that their children are unable to express and relate to their parents of reasons why they use the internet as a coping mechanism, it may be due to social and cultural factors. Van’s article illustrates there is a problem with excessive use of internet being used by adolescence, meanwhile Boniel-Nissim and Weinstein’s article illustrate that excessive use of internet by adolescence is therapeutic and helps them suppress their personal issues by expressing freely online and venting out their stress, rather than face-to-face. This also benefits them to increase with their social skills and provides them the confidence needed; therefore it is a self-help treatment that is being used. References Boniel-Nissim, M., Barak, A. (2013). The therapeutic value of adolescents’ blogging  about social–emotional difficulties. Psychological Services, 10(3), 333-341.doi:10.1037/a0026664 Van Eijnden, R. M., Spijkerman, R., Vermulst, A. A., van Rooij, T. J., Engels, R. E.  (2010). Compulsive internet use among adolescents: Bidirectional parent–child relationships. Journal Of Abnormal Child Psychology, 38(1), 77-89. doi:10.1007/s10802-009-9347-8 Weinstein, A., Lejoyeux, M. (2010). Internet addiction or excessive Internet use. The  American Journal Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse, 36(5), 277-283.  doi:10.3109/00952990.2010.491880 Growing Crystals: Solubility and Entropy Growing Crystals: Solubility and Entropy Growing Crystals Chemistry is a key element in science. Man needs science to survive. Science gives us medicines and technology that help with our everyday life. Science is the understanding of nature. Chemistry is a base for science. Chemistry is a tool we use for understanding more and more things. Chemistry is the study of matter. Matter is in everything and forms space. Matter makes molecules and atoms. It forms all living things on earth, and the whole universe. The number one rule when understanding matter is that it occupies space. God created the earth and made matter, but He made matter have entropy. Entropy is the chaos and unbalance in the world. So if there is entropy, there is change. Entropy can cause chemical reactions. A chemical reaction is a change that takes place when more than one chemical have a reaction and undergo some sort of change. For example, when you mix vinegar and baking soda, it turns into tiny bubbles and expands. This chemical reaction happens when the molecules from the vinegar combine with the baking soda. The two different types of molecules reform into one and release carbon dioxide atoms into the air, which causes the bubbles. There are all different kinds of chemical reactions in the world today though. Crystallization is one of these kinds of reactions. Crystals are formed when the same molecules attach to each other repeatedly in a certainty order. Although, in order for this process to work, the molecules must repeat in the same order, or else it will not be successful. This order is what gives a crystal its unique shape and size. Crystals have a huge history. We use crystals today to help with many things. Some crystals have healing properties, and others just look pretty. In ancient times, the Romans and the Egyptians used crystals for accessories, and fates. Different crystals for the two cultures could mean different things, like good luck and bad health. All crystals grow in different patters all over the world. Solubility is a key factor in growing crystals. Solubility is the ability of a solid to be able to dissolve in liquids. For example, Alka-Seltzer has a fast solubility rate. Although the solubility rate is fast, there are factors affecting the solubility rate in all solids, (these rules do not apply with gasses). Temperature is one of the biggest factors with solubility. For instance, when dissolving Alka-Seltzer, it takes almost twice as long in colder water. You will find that most solubility rates are much faster when the object is in warm water instead of cold. Solubility is a key factor in crystallization. Pressure is another factor in solubility. Pressure can change according to the temperature, or altitude. For example, when you are in the mountains and you try and boil water, it will take you about five minutes instead of three. This is because the heat the flame is giving off is not being forced in the water, due to the low pressure. When dealing with solubility, another factor comes into play. It is the nature of the object, which can be difficult to deal with. You must have a good understanding of the material before you try and just dissolve it. For example, if you took one gram of sugar and one gram of salt, then poured them into two separate glasses, you will see a slight difference in the rate of solubility. Although, when you try this same experiment with one gram of flour and one gram of salt, it could be totally different. When testing the nature of the object, it also depends on the surface area; surface area is the amount an object that is showing openly. Applying our surface area rule, when you do the experiment again and add ten grams of sugar and one gram of salt, the sugar will take much longer to dissolve. The reactions are at different times because there are more molecules to deal with. There are many different mixtures in the world. Two of them are called solutions and colloids. A solution is when you have a mixture that is completely mixed, when there are no partials or chunks in the liquid. A colloid is the opposite; there are tiny chunks or partials suspended in the liquid. For example, when you go get a fruit smoothie, you may notice that there are seeds suspended in your drink, which would be a colloid. A solution could be soda, even though there is a plethora amount of sugar, it is all completely mix so you can not see any of it. You can make a solution out of a colloid. Sometimes if change the variables in solubility there may be a difference. Crystals are formed by colloid mixtures. Over time the molecules stick onto the partials and start there routine. Then they start to look like crystals over time. When conducting this experiment, all of these topics and factors come into play. Forming or growing crystals can take some time, but if done rite, they can c ome out beautiful. Although you can grow crystals, you can not grow them out of nothing. You need specific materials that God put before you. This project can show how amazing God is, in the fact that He created molecules, atoms, and all matter. God made everything, so when you conduct this experiment remember to do it, and then thank God for placing these things before you.

Pollution and Environment Essay - Modest Proposal for Methanol and Etha

A Modest Proposal for Methanol and Ethanol Powered Cars      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "We need more stringent regulations on car emissions... Let's add MTBE to the fuel- that will reduce pollution... If people would just stop driving so much, pollution wouldn't be so bad..." People have long recognized the problems with the gasoline we used now.   We have tried everything from putting regulations on emissions, to putting additives in the gasoline (only to discover later that MTBE got into the groundwater), to campaigns to get people off the road.   However, more and more cars are on the roads as the population increases, and people are not going to stop driving.   Additives are as likely to cause problems as they are to prevent them.   Just changing the regulations is not going to fix the environment.    The United States can decrease its dependence on oil-producing nations and improve the environment without robbing every citizen's pocketbook. The gasoline used in most cars today produces pollution, endangers people's health, forces us to be dependent on OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Companies) or other oil production organizations, and contributes to global warming.   The main reason people have not converted to cleaner, healthier fuel is that hybrid and electric cars are more expensive than the cars and gasoline we are using now.   However, we could implement a program for selling cleaner fuel at a lower cost than it is now offered.   If this program were   organized correctly, the increased costs would be minimal in the long run and the benefits would be enormous.   After considering several possibilities, I concluded that alcohol-burning cars are more practical than other environmentally friendly options because electric and h... .... 8 Nov 2001 <http://www.californialung.org/spotlight/cleanair01_alt.html>. Swim, David W. "Alcohol-fueled Cars Lose Their Fizz in Brazil." Online posting.   3 April 1998.   Latin American Trade Council of Oregon Discussion List. 8 Nov 2001 <http://solstice.crest.org/renewables/bioconversion-arc/msg00125.html>. "Spirits low as Brazil alcohol car in trouble anew." 22 Nov 1999. Climate Ark. 8 Nov 2001. <http://www.climateark.org/articles/1999/alcocaro.htm>. "Hydrogen: The Petroleum of the Future?" 12 Oct 2001. ECOWorld. 13 Nov 2001. <http://www.ecoworld.com/Home/articles2.cfm?TID=317> Pictures:   Art Today. 2001. 1 Nov 2001. <http://www.arttoday.com/Main/tour/search_results?q=cars&s=61&a=c>. Background: AAA Backgrounds. 2000. 1 Nov 2001. <http://www.aaa-backgrounds.com/cgi-bin/texdisplay.cgi?marble,1>.   

Touching the Void: Moitivational Theories

Touching the Void is an inspiring story about the power of the human will. To my surprise, the film left me emotionally spent as it touched on the issues of friendship, mortality and survival. I am sure many of my classmates will agree that it is an amazing story. But, for me, the thing that makes it truly inspirational is the way that Joe never gave up. In this brief paper I intend to show how Self Determination and Goal Setting theory influenced Joe’s inspiring story of survival. Self Determination Theory Self-Determination Theory draws from the research that people are inherently active organisms that strive for positive interactions with the environment (Class Lecture, February 3rd 2011). The theory suggests that people have three psychological needs that must be satisfied to initiate and regulate everyday behaviour. In addition, the theory also specifies that satisfaction of these needs also enhances intrinsic motivation (Deci & Ryan, 1985b, as cited in Reeve 2008). Intrinsic motivation is self-directed process which leads to more interest based behaviour rather than behaviour based on external rewards (Deci & Ryan, 1985b, as cited in Reeve 2008). The first psychological need is to feel a sense of autonomy in performing an activity. Autonomous behaviour involves having an internal locus of control and freedom to determine own behaviour. Autonomy is increased by having a choice, flexibility and opportunities for self direction (Reeve & Jang, 2006, as cited in Reeve 2008). The second need is having a sense of relatedness. This can be achieved by having close relationships with people who care about you (Baumeister & Leary, 1995, as cited in Reeve 2008). The third fundamental need is to perceive competence in relation to an activity. Competence is increased by engaging in activities that facilate optimal challenge and provides effective feedback (Deci & Ryan, 1985b, as cited in Reeve 2008). Self Determination theory provides us with a very applicable framework to understand Joe’s behaviour during his fight to stay alive. As noted by Professor Nisbet in class, intrinsic motivation is generally inherent in people and, can flourish out of people’s need for autonomy, relatedness and competence. There are many benefits an individual can attain by embracing intrinsic motivation. One of these benefits is the importance of persistence on a challenging task (Deci & Ryan, 1985b, as cited in Reeve 2008). There are numerous occasions during the film which persistence on a task is evident. Immediately after Joe breaks his leg, it obvious the persistence level of both climbers begins to escalate. Although both men know that a broken leg during a mountain ascent is likely fatal, they still persistent and work toward the goals of reaching the bottom. Joe is in excruciating pain but he continues on simply because there are no other options. There comes a point in the film where Joe is alone, and he continues to fight even though his hope of survival is slipping. Joe describes a constant â€Å"voice† in his head that urges him to â€Å"keep going†. I believe that Joe’s inner voice represents his continued persistence and determination to survive. It is clear that Joe’s high level of persistence allowed him to push him forward when he felt like giving up. Goal Setting Theory Goal setting theory is based on the idea that specific, difficult goals lead to higher task performance than do easy goals (Locke & Latham, 1990; Mento, Steel & Karren, 1987; Tubbs, 1986, as cited in Reeve 2008). Before difficult and specific goals can raise performance, the concept of goal acceptance must take place within an individual. In general, the individual must decide either to accept or reject the goal. If the goal is both accepted, it will enhance performance and facilitate goal commitment (Erez & Kanfer, 1983, as cited in Reeve 2008). In addition, Because goals refer to a future ideal state, setting goals may uncover discrepancy between a present and ideal state. This mismatch between present and ideal state will motivate an individual to achieve an ideal state and modify an ineffective plan if necessary. (Campion & Lord, 1982, as cited in Reeve 2008). Joe’s survival story is a testament to how to effective goal setting can be. With no food, no water frostbitten fingers, and a shattered leg Joe comes to the conclusion that if he wants to survive he must â€Å"set definite targets† for himself. Faced with an enormous task, Joe consistently sets small specific, attainable goals to increase the chances of his survival. For example, Joe would challenge himself to crawl to a particular rock within twenty minutes. When he got there, he set himself another goal, and then another. This is how Joes managed to mentally deal with the seemingly impossible task of getting to the bottom of the mountain. In summary, Touching the Void is an astonishing story of determination and persistence and it probably says more to me about goal-setting than anything else I have ever watched. By focusing on Joe’s 3 psychological needs and goal setting motives, we have learned much about the reasons why Joe never gave up. Although it may seem unrealistic to compare how Joe survived a life and death ordeal to our ordinary lives, extreme stories like this help us understand what drives motivational behaviours in everyday situations.

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution & Natural Selection Essay

Charles Robert Darwin was born on 12 February 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire into a wealthy family. Darwin himself initially planned to follow a medical career, and studied at Edinburgh University but later switched to divinity at Cambridge. In 1831, he joined a five year scientific expedition on the survey ship HMS Beagle. This is where he came up with his theory of evolution. During his voyage on the Beagle, Darwin found evidence that challenged traditional belief that species are unchanging. During this, he read Charles Lyell’s book Principles of Geology. As Darwin began visiting many places, he began to see things that he thought could be explained only by a process of gradual change. He realized the plants and animals on the Galapagos Islands resembled those in South America. He later suggested that the animals migrated to the Islands from South America and changed after they arrived. He later called this change evolution. When he returned from his voyage he continued his studies, but did not report his ideas of evolution until many years later. The key to Darwin’s thinking about how evolution takes place was an essay written in 1798 by Thomas Malthus. Malthus suggested that human populations do not grow unchecked because death caused by disease, war, and famine slows population growth. Darwin realized that his hypothesis can apply to all species. Considering Malthus’s view and his own observations and experience in breeding domestic animals, Darwin made a key association. A process in nature in which organisms possessing certain genotypic characteristics that make them better adjusted to an environment tend to survive, reproduce, increase in number or frequency, and therefore, are able to transmit and perpetuate their essential genotypic qualities to succeeding generations. He call this natural selection. In 1844, Darwin finally wrote down all these ideas about evolution and natural selection in and early outline that he showed to few scientists. He decided to publish it after being contacted by Alfred Russel Wallace. His book On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection appeared in November of 1859. Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection were based on four major points. 1) Inherited variation exists within the genes of every population or species. 2) In a particular environment, some individuals are better suited to survive and have more offspring.