Achondroplasia essays

Achondroplasia essays Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant trait, however, it has a very high spontaneous rate of mutation (about 90%). It is the result from a single point mutation in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (FGFR3). In 97% of the patients, there is a Glycine to Arginine substitution at position 380 (also G380R and Gly380Arg) within the FGFR-3 transmembrane domain, resulting from a G to A point mutation at nucleotide 1138. FGFR-3 is a negative regulator of bone growth. Binding of fibroblast growth factors to the FGFR-3 receptor stimulates its tyrosine kinase activity in the cell, which leads to receptor over-activation. This FGF receptor is expressed by chondrocytes (Mature cartilage cells embedded in lacunae within the cartilage matrix) in the growth plate of developing long bones. Tyrosine kinase activates a signal transduction pathway that regulates enchondral ossification (formation of bone from cartilaginous tissue) by both inhibiting cell division and stimulating cell maturatio n and differentiation. Mutations in the FGFR-3 gene give rise to activation of the receptor in the absence of growth factors, thus causing abnormal long bone development. FGFR-3 mutations can be interpreted as gain-of-function mutations that activate the fundamentally negative growth control exerted by the FGFR-3 pathway. Position and type of mutation in the FGFR-3 gene determine the extent of over-activation and thus the severity of the skeletal abnormality. Homozygous achondroplasia, caused by the presence of two mutant alleles at nucleotide 1138 of the FGFR3 gene, is a severe disorder with radiological changes qualitatively different from those of achondroplasia. Early death results from respiratory insufficiency due to the small thoracic cage and neurological deficit from spinal stenosis. The 4.4kb cDNA contains an open reading frame of 2520 nucleotides, encoding a 840 residue protein. The open reading frame was followed by a 3' untranslated ...

The Catcher in the Rye2 essays

The Catcher in the Rye2 essays The Catcher in the Rye is about a man named Holden Caulfield, who is narrating the story. Holden is in a psychiatric hospital in California, where at the given moment he was spending his time. He then had a flashback of when he was a young man at the age of sixteen. The story starts off at Pencey Prep, Holden's present school at which he was flunking out of. Holden had only a few more days before his expulsion from Pencey, so he had been paying his final dues to his admired instructors, such as Mr. Spencer, Holdens elderly History teacher. After spending some bothersome hours with Mr. Spencer, Holden returned to his room in Ossenburger Memorial Hall. There he was visited by Robert Ackley whom he disliked with a great passion, however he still had a conversation with him about school matters. While having an unpleasant discussion with Ackley, the conversation was then soon interrupted by Ward Stradlater, Holdens roommate. Stradlater notified Holden that he was going on a date with Jane Gallagher that night, an Holden had agreed to write a paper for Stradlater while he was on the date. After eating dinner, Holden began to write the paper and while doing so, became immersed in old memories of his brother Allie whom he loved dearly, but sadly had passed away. When Stradlater had arrived back at the dorm, Holden interrogated him about the date he had with Jane hoping that Stradlater and Jane did not have a sexual interlude with each other. Stradlater was upset by Holdens line of questioning and the two boys ended up in a confrontation and physical fight together. Holden lost the altercation trying to protect his old girlfriend. After the fight that Holden had with Stradlater, he attempted, without success, to befriend Ackley, for he didnt want to leave Pency Prep without a friend. However it seemed that Ackley was neither interested nor concerned about the fight that the...

We need more parking space in the campus Assignment

We need more parking space in the campus - Assignment Example It is unfortunate that a student will drive fast from home to college, only to spend about an hour or two finding parking space. The extra fuel consumed while looking for parking could be used to drive back home (Jakle and Keith 218). The improved global economy and dropping fuel prices means more students driving into college in the near future. Whereas the administration may seem to sit on the tradition of conservatism, time has come for channeling more resources towards improving parking infrastructure. It is also worth considering that adequate parking will be one of the primary factors to consider when selecting colleges in the near future. This is because cost of parking is increasingly becoming an additional cost of learning. Present students in college are budgeting up to 300 dollars each month as a parking and associated costs. This implies that a college without adequate parking may receive fewer applicants in the future if parking cost is anything to go by. However, students are highly encouraged to ‘carpool’ to save on fuel and parking costs. For example, five students can use one car and save space for four other vehicles. Ultimately, all the stakeholders involved can only address parking

Bernard Lawrence Bernie Madoff Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Bernard Lawrence Bernie Madoff - Assignment Example Ultimately, Madoff’s sentence of 150 years in prison demonstrates the gravity of the crimes he committed. Madoff is primarily known for his use of the Ponzi scheme, a strategy that takes money from investors and pays them returns from their own money or from money paid by other investors. By avoiding any actual investment of funds, there is no real profit being made by the investments. Because earnings for the Ponzi scheme operator are usually less than the payments made to investors, the scheme is unlikely to be sustained for long periods of time. In Bernie Madoff’s case, by using consistent and somewhat believable returns to investors he was able to maintain his practice for decades. The first charge levied against Madoff was a criminal charge of securities fraud. This is defined by encouraging investors to make investment decisions with false information that results in losses to the investor. This is the case with Ponzi schemes such as the one operated by Madoff, because investment returns are financed by later investors and estimated return information given to potential investors is fraudulent. This behavior is unethical and illegal because the investor doesn’t gain real returns on their investments; and because it cheats subsequent investors out of the money they invest to pay falsified returns to earlier investors. This can cause bankruptcy and financial ruin to common stock holders. Investment adviser fraud is another crime Madoff pleaded guilty to. This type of fraud involves when investment advisers, such as those in Madoff’s firm, give false information to investors. This practice became illegal in 1940, when all investment advisers were required to register themselves with a federal Securities and Exchange Commission. This practice is unethical and illegal because, like securities fraud, it unfairly impacts investors and undermines the security of the stock market

Discuss with examples and detail, the responsibilities of the First Term Paper

Discuss with examples and detail, the responsibilities of the First Officer on the scene of a reported crime - Term Paper Example Introduction The primary call to a police officer regarding a crime scene usually comes in different forms: a crime that has already taken place and has just been discovered, a crime in progress, or a crime that just occurred. The way in which the officer responds depends on how he/she receives the call. For instance, he/she can proceed quickly and directly to the scene. When a law-enforcing officer receives a call to respond to a scene of crime, he/she must always follow a logical series of events in order to ascertain everyone’s safety as well as appropriate investigation of the incident. He or she must treat all responses to crime scenes the same way, with expectations that the case under investigation will proceed to trial and be subjected to the criminal justice system’s procedures and policies (Buckles, 2007 and Dale & Becker, 2007). Since a first responder acts in response to all sorts of crimes as well as possible crime scenes, he or she should always act under the assumption that the suspects are still in the crime scene or in its surroundings. Is it therefore critical for him/her to make keen observations on the way to the scene of crime – should be very alert and should constantly make mental notes. With the assumption that suspects may be fleeing from the crime scene, he/she should take note of suspicious vehicles details such as color, make, model and license plates, as well as pedestrians’ descriptions. Better still, he/she can record all these information on a tape, which can be transcribed later to act as leads for law officers as they follow up on a crime after the initial response (Dale & Becker, 2007). Upon arrival, the officer will make use of tactical measures of safely approaching the scene and looking for suspects, victims, and witnesses. Again, depending on the type of crime, the presupposition is that there is a suspect at the crime scene and that there may be victims requiring emergency care. It is therefore worthy emphasizing that the focus of the first officer on the scene of a reported crime is on his own safety as well as that of other individuals at the crime scene, including the victims, other officers taking care of the victims, and those pursuing/ looking for the suspect. It is also worth noting and emphasizing that how to approach a crime scene and what to do are vital as the first responding officer enters and examines the crime scene. What to examine and note include whether or not there is a suspect at the scene, whether or not there is a victim who is being held hostage or who needs emergency care and what safety issues or environmental conditions need to be dealt with (Buckles, 2007). The initial response to a crime is supposed to be expeditious and systematic. On arriving at a crime scene, the first responding officer/the first officer to arrive on the scene of a crime should perform his first responsibility of assessing the scene. It is important for him/her to approach and enter crime scenes as soon as possible, yet carefully, while at the same time exploring any potential events, evidence, vehicles, individuals as well as any environmental conditions that may be linked to the crime. He should keep a record of information such as the location /address of the crime, the exact date and time, the type of call that he/she received, and anything else that might have a bearing on the crime/the scene of crime. He or

Theories of Growth, Loss and Stress

Theories of Growth, Loss and Stress Theories are used to explain the characteristics and circumstances of individual. Theories look at human growth and development; managing loss and change; managing stress and behaviour Psychoanalytical Theory This approach looks at the underlying unconscious processes in individuals. Ideas developed by Sigmund Freud. Sigmund Freud he stated the belief that the child is born with basic animal instincts that operate at the unconscious level of thought. These instincts require immediate gratification. Development depends in part on transforming these animal needs into socially acceptable, rational behaviour. The range of potential behaviour is very broad at birth and then becomes increasingly reduced in scope, fixed in form and shaped to conform to social norms (Boundless, 2017). Eriksons Psychosocial Theory Eriksons theory is based on the psychoanalytic approach to human development, founded by Sigmund Freud. Erikson believed that the process of socializing the child into a given culture occurs as the person passes through eight innately determined, sequential stages. Although he recognized the individuals instinctual drives, Erikson emphasized the childs interaction with the environment (Erikson, 1959). For Erikson, the events of later childhood can undo the personality foundations built earlier in life (Boundless, 2017). Behaviourist theory This is used to describe human behaviour. The concept is that all human behaviour can be understood as a result of learning. There are two types of learning; Classical conditioning; inducing a natural reflex response to a stimulus and Operant conditioning: using reward and punishment to modify behaviour (McLeod, 2017).   Behaviourism helps to modify behaviour by using operant conditioning. E.g. if a client does something wrong, they should be told of so that they do not repeat their wrong doings. At the same time we offer some rewards for good behaviour to reinforce those behaviours. Humanistic Theory This theory tries to understand human development according to how the self develops. Sense of self in terms of self-concepts, and self-esteem is developed right from childhood. Self-concept is about how we see ourselves.eg(female, tall, brown-eyed, skills and competences, being kind, shy outgoing, lively, thoughtful, honest etc., fire fighter, doctor, brother sister etc. Self-esteem refers to how we fell about ourselves. How much value we give to ourselves and how lovable and likeable we believe ourselves to be. The self-esteem can be shattered depending on how individuals are treated. If discriminated against, ridiculed, neglected criticised, individuals will develop a low self-esteem (AQA,2017). Nature This account of behaviour and personality development focuses on what we are born with. This include characteristics like Left-handedness, intelligence, susceptibility to certain illnesses, temperament (shy, withdrawn, or outgoing and confident). Nurture Refers to all that happens within the environment. It involves the way someone is brought up and the way they are treated by parents, teachers and peers. All these influence behaviour and development and goes towards building a personality.Piagets Cognitive-Developmental Theory Cognitive theory: is involved with aspects on an individuals cognitive processes that are involved with learning, thinking, knowing about, reflecting on, and understanding the world. It involves the study of our thinking, memory, intelligence, perception, problem solving and reasoning. Piaget described that in different stages of a person life they would develop skills in reasoning and comprehension. The stages he compiled are as follows (Learning-theories, 2017); a. Sensorimotor development (0-2 years). As an infant the person exercises rudimentary sensory (seeing touch, hearing, tasting, smelling) and motor (kicking, punching, moving around, hitting objects) awareness and functions almost exclusively by means of reflexive responses. The child cannot think abstractly. b. Preoperational thought (2-7 years). The person is now a child and demonstrates an increase in language abilities and concepts become more elaborate. However, the child can only view the world from its own perspective. Their intellectual state is immature. c. Concrete operations (7-11 years). As an older child the ability to consider the viewpoints of others and understand relational concepts is evident. However, the child cannot will struggle to solve problems of an abstract nature (Learning-theories.com, 2017). d. Formal operations (11-15). Now an adolescent the person is able to demonstrate abstract thinking and scientific problem-solving strategies emerge. This theory informs health and social care professionals to understand the level of thinking of individuals with learning difficulties who may have a lower mental age   in relation to their physical aid. Appropriate communication techniques are required to reach out to them. Managing loss and change Change management is a basic skill in which most leaders and managers need to be competent. This theory looks at the basic principles of change management, and how to apply them People react differently to change when it occurs because of differences in our personality and our inner conflicts as proposed by Erikson in his theory of psychosocial development. Change often involves a loss, and people go through the loss curve. Expectations need to be managed realistically. Fears have to be dealt with by giving people honest information and also to be opened about the facts (North West NHS Academy, 2017). Avoid speculation and meet their unrealistic expectations. Major changes in our lives may have a positive impact depending on the ways of coping. On the other hand, major change in our lives can lead to stress and loss of self-confidence depending on our abilities to cope with them. Managing stress and behaviour From the biological point of view, stress causes the release of adrenalin and noradrenalin and cortisol (hormones). Adrenalin and noradrenalin make us feel agitated and uncomfortable, while prolonged secretion of cortisol is associated with depression. However 2 people can be exposed to the same stressful event and react differently. This can be explained by the cognitive approach. For example if a negative event happens, the stress response if mild for someone whose thoughts are along the lines of positive thinking. For example if they think it is an opportunity or a challenge, rather than a threat. The stress response will be severe for someone who thinks that this is the end of the line (Schneiderman et Al, 2017). Choice and Interaction This focus on the belief that people can take control of their own lives base on the choices they make. Nonetheless, others believe that everything in life is fixed by nature and nurture. In most cases, people believe that human life course involves an interaction of nature, nurture and the decisions and choices we make. For instance, if performing prayers (5) times daily is part of your environment, your genes may make you urge to do your prayers. However your choice and interaction depends on your reaction (Pearson Education, 2017). Health care professionals need to know these theories in order to understand different personalities and understanding of how individuals may react differently to life situations. References   AQA. (2017). The Humanistic Approach | AQA B Psychology. [online] Available at: http://aqabpsychology.co.uk/2010/07/the-humanistic-approach/ [Accessed 4 Feb. 2017]. Boundless. (2017). Freudian Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality. [online] Available at: https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychology-textbook/personality-16/psychodynamic-perspectives-on-personality-77/freudian-psychoanalytic-theory-of-personality-304-12839/ [Accessed 4 Feb. 2017]. Development through the life stages. (2017). 1st ed. [ebook] London: Pearson Education. Available at: http://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/AssetsLibrary/SECTORS/Trade/Sample%20pages%20(for%20Ed%20Supplier%20sites)/Newsamplecontentfor2010/BTECNationalHealthandSocialCare-SampleStudentBookMaterial.pdf [Accessed 4 Feb. 2017]. Erikson, E. H. (1959) Identity and the Life Cycle. New York: International Universities Press. Learning-theories.com. (2017). STAGE THEORY OF COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT (PIAGET). [online] Available at: https://www.learning-theories.com/piagets-stage-theory-of-cognitive-development.html [Accessed 4 Feb. 2017]. Managing Change Five Basic Principles. (2017). 1st ed. [ebook] NHS North West Leadership Academy. Available at: http://www.nwacademy.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/0f_1722011_managing_change_5_basic_principles.pdf [Accessed 4 Feb. 2017]. McLeod, S. (2017). Behaviorism | Simply Psychology. [online] Simplypsychology.org. Available at: http://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html [Accessed 4 Feb. 2017]. Schneiderman, N., Ironson, G. and D. Siegel, S. (2017). STRESS AND HEALTH: Psychological, Behavioral, and Biological Determinants. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, pp.607-628.

A Look into House Music :: House Music Disco Essays

A Look into House Music House music was first and foremost, the direct descendant of "Disco". Many older and wiser Chicago, New York and New Jersey House dj's will agree with me on this. They will acknowledged that fact that it was due to New York's, huge Disco club and music scene that helped to create the music of House and Garage and its culture within Chicago, Usa. Frankie Knuckles, the acknowledged "godfather" of Chicago house, got his start as a Dj via Manhattan, New York, Usa. Whilst there he was spinning Disco, Philly Soul records during the early 1970s with another legendary deejay figure, the late, great Larry Levan, New York. Disco, the music that everyone loves to "joke" about or "snigger" about had already been going on for 10 years when the first electronic drum tracks began to appear out of Chicago, Usa. A great Description of Disco can be explain to us like this. "The first days of Disco were filled with hope, and joy. The last days of Disco might seem very similar the fall of the Roman Empire". Disco music presided over a era of social change, such as War in Vietnam, the Oil Criss in the early 1970's, Economic recession, and also Improved social conditions with regards to the Black and Gay population within the Usa. Also Disco was the one music's that was to carry forward the ideas of the late 1960's "Hippy Philosophy" of "Making love not war". But with Disco music and culture it went onto carried on the Hippy philosophy of making love and not war - in more fun and acceptable way for one and all. If I do say so myself on a more grander and a more sophisticated level. On a musical tip, Disco, revoluntionise music as we used to view it. It also changed how we viewed club culture today around the world. Disco music and culture helped change how radio programing was to be done in the future, and lastly it had a important effect on how the balance of power in the music industry had between the small independent labels and the major labels records. By the end of its regin (*Disco music) was also responsible for the commericial creation of the 12 inch single to be made available for the general public and Dj's alike. The "remix"that has become standard practice within dance music, and a new set of studio techniques were available for imaginative dance music producers that heralded from the Disco Craze.

Case Study: Michelin’s supply chain strategy Essay

Michelin is the forefront of the radial tire as well as a leader on the world tire market; they occupied almost 20% market share in the world. It’s  realized that the trend towards globalization as more intense competitions that obtain to lower cost and improve the efficient operations. Meanwhile, Michelin have its strong vision, because they have already established a global mission since 1900s, and built 35 factories around the world between 1960 and 1975. Michelin can be gain the competitive edge in the global market through various manufacturing strategies, refer to (2000, Geoff Buxey) indicates that it’s generally classify into a several evolve levels, _Domestic, Market access, Low cost and Global ._Furthermore, in order to cope with the challenges under several competitions such as Goodyear and Bridgestone, they have setting a position as successful in the †Quality assurance.† Also there are comparison and contrast the global operations between Michelin and Bridgestone in the latter sector. Q1. _THE MANUFACTURING STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY MICHELIN IN ORDER TO GAIN COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN GLOBAL MARKET._ Michelin have 69 production sites in19 countries and their commercially available in 170 countries. This successful is not only base on the ability to coordinate the whole entities in the global supply chain network, but also depends on their manufacturing strategies to obtain Michael Porter (1985) a sustainable Competitive advantage. GLOBAL In 1906, Michelin built its first plant outside of France in Turin, Italy and United States, that’s implicated that they begin to develop and access to the international market. More recently, Michelin have dispersion to six target markets: Europe, North America, South America, Asia Pacific, China, Africa and the Middle-East. MICHELIN’S MANUFACTURING STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES Michelin’s Tire manufacturing is consist the nature of labor-intensive and capital-intensive, therefore they need to adopting different strategies between advanced countries and emerging countries, mix of _low cos_t and _market access_ strategies to enter into the global market, as (2000, Geoff Buxey) points out that the _global manufacturing strategy_ is consist of low cost and market access strategy. DOMESTIC Europe is the industrial base of Michelin, their products are provides to two main markets to the world: Original Equipment Market and Replacement market. In Europe, they keen to keep its competitive advantage in providing high technical products and offer a high-quality and innovative products and services; also a R&D department act as a major role in providing a continuous support to their manufacturing strategy. Besides, Increase the productivity can be directly reduce their operation cost, as the case mentioned, Michelin tend to be through reduced the production size to increase the productivity in Europe. FOCUS ON HIGH QUALITY & TECHNICAL PRODUCTS PRODUCED IN EUROPE. This is no doubt that, Michelin is leadership in advanced technologies, not only in _Safety_, _Energy efficiency_, but also in _Environmental friendliness_. For instance, develop a low rolling resistance tires for the purpose of reducing vehicle fuel consumption as the public is more consider about environmental friendliness. The powerful evidence to prove that the quality of Michelin’s products are recognized, World trade Magazine to award of †Manufacturer of Honor† to Michelin in 2007, because they provide vehicle tires to U.S. military throughout the world. ACCESS INTO THE EMERGING MARKET AND DIFFERENTIATION Meanwhile, the increases in the demand of emerging market and the y realized that the transportation cost is involves a large percentage of their net sales, therefore, establishing a plants in the oversea market and let the production close to the marketplace, it can not only reduce the inventory and transportation cost, but also able to fulfill the customer needs immediately and response to the market change. From the annual report in 2006, there are 3 fields of strategies need to be implement, that including †_Differentiation through innovation and expansion in emerging countries to stimulate growth_.† Martin Christopher (2005) discusses that, in today’s marketplace where customers seek individuality and where segments are getting smaller, a major source of competitive advantage can be gained by linking production flexibility to customer need for variety. It’s agreed that provides a diversity of products might grab the market share in the emerging market. Moreover, Michelin establishes more plants in different areas can be fulfilling the sharp increases in demand. SPECIALIZED /FOCUSED FACTORIES To achieve the major strategic productivity gains, Michelin concentration on industrial capacity and specialization of plants. Michelin expect to through †_The Michelin Manufacturing Way_ (MMW) † to increase their productivity, which is a management tool shared by all Group plants and able to reduce their purchasing costs Besides, owing to cater for specific and unique local demands, Michelin adopted specialized/focused factories strategy as so to fulfill various  customer needs and achieve local customization . Martin Christopher (2005) points out that, Focus Factories means † limiting the range and mix of products manufactured in a single location the company can achieve considerable economies of scale.† It allows Michelin to enjoy lower operation cost because the significant scale economics can be achieved in manufacturing if greater volumes are produced on fewer sites and it allow each factory on a specific product range. As a global company, Michelin adopting a different strategy in various markets and fulfill the customer needs at full steam. Through achieve a products differentiation to capture the new customer in the emerging market; also, they have its strong local presence to adapt to the specific features of the world markets. In addition, further develop the technical products which depend on their ability to offer a high-quality and innovative products and services can be maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage in the global market. Q.2 EVALUATE MICHELIN’S GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (GSCM), ANY ISSUES THEY NEED TO COPING WITH AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. With increased globalization, GSCM strategy is becoming an important issue for Michelin, the flow between and among all firms engaged in offering a good or service to the final customer. FROM UPSTREAM TO THE DOWNSTREAM OF THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN GLOBAL SOURCING The GSCM in Michelin is very complicated, because different markets also have its own characteristics in the customer needs and the sales network is covering over 170 countries. From the upstream supply chain, Michelin adopted a _Global sourcing_ as a strategic approach to reduce the raw-material cost and mix of the  manufacturing inputs available anywhere in the world and gain access to the oversea markets, which supported by †The Factor-Input Strategy† and †The Market-Access Strategy† OEMS AND REPLACEMENT From the downstream supply chain, Michelin have established 11 specialized business units to monitor and co-ordinate the operation among entities into the GSCM. Besides, they have two different business models, OEMs and Replacement market. But it’s interrelated, because the original equipment sector sales will make a direct contribution by boosting demand for replacement tires. The tire dealers obtain the inventory of new replacement tires through Michelin’s Distribution Centres and the demand is come from different customers and it’s less certainty than OEMs market. Therefore, the Lead time in the OEMs can be reduced, because the orders are placed by the major vehicle manufacturers in a short period of time. For instance, Michelin was also OEMs supplier to _General Motor’s_ and _Honda’s_ vehicles Bob Ulrich (2007) until recently. Therefore, these two types of market segments have to using different strategy to control the downstream supply chain. EFFICIENT SUPPLY CHAIN AND RESPONSIVE SUPPLY CHAIN Fisher (1997) suggested two distinctive strategies, Efficient supply chain (ESC) and Responsive supply chain (RSC), and presented a model which links supply chains to products. There are two distinctive supply chain approaches; Replacement products represent an ESC and the lead time is longer, the OEMs products represent a RSC because it’s able to flexible in handling variance in customer demand.  Huang, Uppal et al. (2002) presented a _hybrid supply chain_, demonstrate that some automobile components may contain innovative features, and the hybrid supply chain may therefore be appropriated in Michelin. Nonetheless, Michelin also tend to integration of the global supply chain network to maximum their profitability and the core factors to determine their global supply chain strategy is depending on the market and product’s characteristics. POTENTIAL ISSUES FACING BY MICHELIN The increases in the cost of raw-materials and which are resulting in a negative overall impact on operating income. The OEMs market is growing show in advanced market, however, there are growing rapid in emerging market in both OEMs and Replacement, and it has increased 15% tire sales from 60% in 2005 to 75% in 2006 in Replacement market. As the sharply increase the demand in Replacement market, Vollmann(2005) states that †the Customer order decoupling point† which position in the †Finished stages† of the supply chain in replacement market, therefore, achieve an optimize inventory and avoid stock out is very difficult, meanwhile, product life cycle become shorter and the product variety continuous increase will force the demand more difficult to forecast. Michelin need to face several potential issues, Increases in the cost of Raw-Material( rubber), OEMs market growing slow, Increases in lead time, Increases in the inventory related- cost, It takes a high cost in transportation because of shipping across boundaries, The supporting activity to develop in the emerging country, especially in technological aspects. Replacement products require a forecast driven supply chain, the demand is variety and the inventory will be increase continuously, because the lead time is very long, dealers have to make a buffering stock to reduce the risk in stock out, also, a increasing in distribution cost is a considerable issue as well. RECOMMENDATION FOR THE FUTURE VENDOR MANAGED INVENTORY (VMI) PRACTICES AND VERTICAL INTEGRATION Working closely with key supplier can be reduce the in-bound lead times, that’s allow the upstream supplier planning and monitoring the inventory control systems for the downstream parities. There are allow information sharing between both parties, inventory could be replaced by information, the more accurate information you obtain, the less the inventory you hold. Meanwhile, it ensures the raw-material supply certainty and the reduction of the procurement cost to offset the increased in the price of raw-material. The major benefits will be gained from a great deal of reduction in inventory and the reduction of lead time, not only in the ordering processing stages but also in the distribution stages. In addition, although Michelin have its own natural rubber plantations, and there are only supplies a part of the raw-materials, moreover, a dual supplier to reduce the risk in disruption of supplies is necessary. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES WITH THE THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS PROVIDERS (3PLS) To cope with the increases in the distribution cost, the global tire company decided that outsourcing its distribution network was the right way to leveraging new capabilities for competitive advantage, because Manufacturing firms and 3PLs can specialize on there area of competences, Thomas A. Foster  (2004) points out that, Michelin decided to transform its North America business to TNT in 2004 based on their well local experience. It’s suggested that, Michelin can be take the same action in the emerging market to directly reduce their operations costs, transportation costs as well as handling costs, additionally, Michelin can increase the cash flow because running a DC will tied up a million of dollar. RE-ENGINEERING OPERATIONS Actually, OEMs is a best approach to reduce the total lead time and reduce the inventory as well, therefore, they should more concentrate on this market. Charles J. asserts that †manufacturers can obtain the largest decreases in lead times through _re-engineering operations.†_ Many new terms describe the re-engineered production methods that companies are adopting, for instance Just-In-Time manufacturing, lean/agility manufacturing. And there are two major benefits gain from re-engineering operation, Company can use the short lead times to drive down its costs as well as generate increased sales. Nevertheless, before implement this approach, it’s very important to synchronize and standardize the technological standard so as to transfer the high technical product line to the emerging market. Q 3. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST THE GLOBAL OPERATIONS BETWEEN MICHELIN AND BRIDGESTONE Michelin is a French company and Bridgestone is a Japanese company, both of them also got award in the Fortune global 500 in 2006, former ranked in 335, and latter ranked in 245. Nonetheless, if based on the market share, Bridgestone is currently ranked as the second company in the global tire market, Michelin is the first. GLOBAL STRATEGY The global strategy in both companies is very similar; they also serving two major markets in the worldwide: Original Equipment Market (OEMs) and  Replacement market. In the previous stage, they strengthen their operation in domestic market (France and Japan) and gradually access into the different countries and the production belt shifting from host countries to new areas. Owing to penetrate the advanced-market such as United-state, Michelin acquires a U.S. tire manufacturers B.F. Goodrich in 1988 and Uniroyal Company in 1990. Meanwhile, Bridgestone acquires the second largest tire manufacturer in United States in 1988 and acquires a US-based Bandag, Inc., in recently. They can directly grab a part of market share in U.S. market, and achieved a synergy effect. To allow an effective to implementation of the global operation, Michelin have establish 11 specialized group services to make sure that they are consistent on a global scale, meanwhile, Bridgestone also have 8 strategic business units (SBUs) to support their global operation, Each SBU has substantial autonomy to focus on satisfying customer needs within the policy framework. GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN Michelin is adopts a global sourcing strategy in the upstream of the supply chain, in contrary, Bridgestone adopts vertical integration with the raw-materials suppliers and maintain the sources steadily. In the sales networks, there are totally different; Michelin through dealer to sale the products, and Bridgestone combines dealer operations together with company-owned facilities, and acquires Bandag, inc., to capture the global network of about 850 franchised dealers in over 86 countries. However, in the distribution network, Michelin have outsourced the U.S. distribution operation to TNT and layoff the own-DCs in 2004, it can reduce the cost directly. LOCATION OF PRODUCTION AND THE TARGET MARKETS The global distribution network is very sophisticated in both companies, and  there are the comparisons between two companies. The target markets also focus on six geographic areas; however, there is little bit difference. Because Bridgestone is a Japanese company, therefore, the domestic market (Japan) capture a great deal of percentage of their total sales, in contrary, the total sales of Michelin have 49% is account for Europe’s business. Generally, their geographic coverage is almost similar, it covering Europe, Japan, North America, South America, Asia Pacific, China, Africa and the Middle-East. In Michelin, the Group’s growth in Asia will be significant, and along with the increase volume in demand and they have ability to enhance industrial performance at their plants to achieve cost reduction. But in the Bridgestone, they increase the capital investment in Europe and increase the production capacity in strategic product line while keen to develop in the emerging markets. PRODUCTS DIFFERENCE Michelin represents a leader of advanced technologies in safety, energy efficiency, as well as environmental friendliness. Also, they have offering a tour guide books and online mapping services. In contrary, Bridgestone is emphasis on high-value added products and it’s divided into two types of products, Tires and Diversified Product. Tires account for 80 % of sales in 2006 and the rest is the others. _CONCLUSION_ Michelin based on persistent strong brands, quality and services, to pursuing a targeted growth strategy that is worldwide, until now, the global footprints has been significant increased, as a leader in an advanced technological and providing high quality products, Michelin need to balance and co-ordination their operation between industrial base countries and the emerging countries for the purposes to maintain a sustainable competitive advantages. In the emerging market, with the sharply increase growth in the replacement sector, Michelin need to concentrate on this sector as well as increase the productivity to fulfill the large volume in demand, meanwhile, the supply chain performance always is a critical element to achieve the cost reduction as the main objectives in Michelin in recent years is focus on raising their productivity and implementing the cost reduction programs, it enable sufficient to compensate for any sharp increases in raw material costs. Last but not least, it’s recognized that that, Michelin is a very successful tire manufacturer in providing a high quality products and which are beyond to its value. _REFERENCES_ Martin Christopher (2005), 3rd Ed † Logistics and Supply chain management creating Value-adding Networks† Great Britain: Person Education Limited 2005, p194,p212-213,p235 Geoff Buxey, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (2000) † Strategic in an era of global competition† International Journal of Operaions & Production Management, Vol. 20 NO. 9 2000, pp. 997,1003 Vollmann/Berry/Whybark/Jacobs( 2005), 5th Edition † Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management† McGraw-Hill/Irwin: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., p.20-21 Porter, M. (1985) _Competitive Advantage_, Free Press, New York, 1985. Steermann, H (2003) â€Å"A practical look at CPFR: the Sears – Michelin experience.† _Supply Chain Management Review_, July/ august 2003, pp. 46-53. Fisher, M. L. (1997). â€Å"What is the right supply chain for your product?† _Harvard Business Review_ (March-April 1997), p.105-116. Donald F. Wood Anthony P. Barone, Paul R. Murphy, Daniel L. Wardlow (2002) International Logistics 2nd Edition. AMACOM: American Management Association p.368-371 Huang, S.H., M. Uppal, (2002), â€Å"A product driven approach to manufacturing supply chain selection† _Supply Chain_ 11 _Management: An International Journal_, Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 189-200. The Michelin group, Annual Report of Michelin in 2006, pP.4,5,8,16,20,22,25,26, 31-36,43, 49,61 The Bridgestone Group, Annual Report of Bridgestone in 2006, pp. 1, 2-7, 10, 13-15, 18-20 Fortune Global 500, 2006. From the July 24, 2006 issue [online] Available at: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2006/full_list/ [Accessed 5th November 2007] Charles J. Murgiano (no date) Short Lead Times = Tall Profits [online] Available at: http://www.waterloo-software.com/leadtime.html [Accessed 7th November 2007] Thomas A. Foster (2004) The Trends Changing the Face of Logistics Outsourcing Worldwide [online] Available at: http://www.supplychainbrain.com/archives/06.04.3pl.htm?adcode=90 [Accessed in 8th November 2007] Neil Shister (2007) Manufacturer of the Year for Global Supply Chain Excellence [online] Available at: http://www.worldtrademag.com/CDA/Articles/Cover_Story/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000095846 [Accessed in 11th November 2007] _Koo, Sunglim(2005) Tire industry strategy [online] Available at:_ _http://www.kumhotire.com/download/TireIndustryStrategy_Aug05.pd f_ [Accessed in 20th October 2007] Bob Ulrich (2007) What vehicles? O_E tires stole the show in Cleveland_ [online] Available at:http://www.moderntiredealer.com/t_pop_pdf.cfm?link=research/April%20OE.pdf [Accessed in 18h November 2007] Africa, the Middle-East, South America and Asia Pacific 16% Europe 49% North America 35% Donald F. Wood Anthony P. Barone, Paul R. Murphy, Daniel L. Wardlow (2002) †International Logistics †2nd Edition. AMACOM: American Management Association p.368-371 US-based Bandag, Inc., a leading manufacturer of tire retreading materials and equipment.

Searching For Dark Matter, With Both Eyes Closed. Essays

Searching For Dark Matter, With Both Eyes Closed. Essays Searching For Dark Matter, With Both Eyes Closed. NYTimes Article Category #2. Ciara Jamie Connolly 05.02.00 Submitted 05.04.00 Searching For Dark Matter, With Both Eyes Closed. In a deficit-reduction measure in 1993, the Congress killed plans already underway for building the superconducting super collider. This proved that the US was ill prepared to join their European colleagues in studying subatomic particles in the nucleus. This $10 billion machine designed to speed protons around a 54-mile track and collide them, so scientists could examine the quarks, elementary particles said to be at the heart of the nucleus. This machine is the utmost in technological advancement this century. European physicists are leading the way with their laboratory, unchallenged in a prestigious field the United States had pioneered. Without particle smashers, scientists are in the dark, Michael Riordan states. This article fits into Category #2 because it shows the importance of the particle accelerators in helping ascertain scientific theories. If the theories hold true then billions of tiny particles may be the explanation of the dark matter that surrounds the Milky Way galaxy in a halo. These particles are thought to have a gravitational force. The United States do not have a dismal record of international co-operation on scientific megaprojects, and without this they will be unable to finance the project. Until now American scientists have had to travel to the sites of particle accelerators, in the technological domain of the machine they had thrived to build. However, this method will not work if the United States want to remain equal partners. Without the technology it is obvious that particle physicists face a difficult future. The technology that needs to be at their fingertips is proving too expensive. If they had constant access to a superconductor collider then the scientists could further their conclusions on the dark matter of the universe.

The Sports Card And Memorabilia Market Essays - Trading Cards

The Sports Card And Memorabilia Market Essays - Trading Cards The sports card and memorabilia market The sports card and memorabilia market is as lucrative as ever in our culture today. The number of sports card and memorabilia stores, however, has never recovered since the backlash of the late 1980?s and early 1990?s. My business plan is to open ED?S SPORTS CARD The store-front will cost $400 per month. The sports card market has a year-round appeal but also has fluctuations by month. The height of business is found in November and December (holiday time) as well as in March and April (when the baseball season gets underway). An advantage to this business is the extremely low amount of advertising money needed. By accessing the Internet (through a $2500 computer and $20 per month America OnLine service), a card and memorabilia store can have virtually all the advertising they can put on-line at no extra cost. A webpage (through a provider like GeoCities or Angelfire) is free and posting in Usenet groups or on AOL?s "Card Collector?s Corner" is also free. All you have to pay is the monthly service charge. An advantage of using the Internet for this business is the profit margin. It is not uncommon to find cards on the Internet selling for 10% to 40% of it?s actual value (i.e. a $100 card can be found for $10 to $40), or "pre-order" buys on upcoming products to be way below the market price (i.e. a $67 pre-order on a box that will sell for $110 wholesale). This enables the business owner to turn over inventory at a price that the consumer finds reasonable (under it?s "value") and the businessman finds profitable. Start-up costs are pretty low for this business also. I figured that I can start a business for under $8,000 and maintain it for about $1,500 a month. This includes showcases, the previously mentioned computer, inventory, rent, advertising, supplies, and utilities. The average daily expense for maintaining the store is under $50 a day. What I have not figured into the amount to start-up this business is a sign outside the store. Many baseball card shop owners have told me that their sign was free! This was done by contacting one of the major card companies (Topps, Fleer, Upper Deck, or Pinnacle) and placing their corporate logo on the sign. I have been ivolved in this industry as a collector since 1985. I have been a part-time dealer since 1995. An average month as a part-time dealer (8 card shows and on-line transactions throughout the month), results in about $2,000 worth of sales and $420 worth of expenses (8 card shows times $50 per show, plus $20 for America OnLine). If my store doubled this pace (which would be still be slow for a full-time card store), it would take a little over four months to break even and it would make over $23,000 in profit in it?s first year. The chart attached shows how this was figured. This business may not seem very profitable according to the figures I have provided, but these are low-end estimates. Many companies like L.J. Sands, Co. provide baseball card portfolios (like stock portfolios) for high-dollar investors. This involves finding cards of Hall of Fame caliber players that are undervalued and waiting for them to rise in value. A good example of this today is Ken Griffey Jr of the Seattle Mariners. His rookie card (1989 Upper Deck, card number 1) is valued at $70.00, in the past four years it has never been valued under $65.00, but as of April 25th he has 13 homeruns and is on pace to break Roger Maris? single-season record (61 in 1961). If this happens, the Griffey Jr card will soar to a new value. This will not be unprecedented. When Jose Canseco became the first player to hit 40 homeruns and steal 40 stolen bases in one season, his 1986 Donruss rookie card soared from $7 to $150, currently the card is available at $12. Two years ago, whe! n Cal Ripken Jr broke Lou Gehrig?s "Ironman" streak of 2,130 consecutive games his rookie card (1982 Topps Traded) went from $150 to $300.

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Analysis of Griffith's Movies - Essay Example This paper is about the movie directed by D.W Griffith and actress included Mary Pickford which was made in 1912. This movie was made in their early movie careers. The story of the movie starts with a Dying Mom’s wish and how this wish affects everybody’s life. In the beginning, it looks like that the movie is not coming up to the standard of the story line of the movie. Pickford is portrayed as a charming young lady. This short movie is a very good example of the human nature and it seems like the director has observed human nature very closely and efficiently. Mary Pickford is shown in the early movie as a girl that belongs to wear a New York hat. Other than its historical importance, this movie proves to be a very good source of entertaining the audience. While watching this movie the Modern audience should keep in mind that â€Å"The New York Hat† was made according to the norms and the general practices that were being observed at the time when it was made. At the beginning of the movie Mary is successful in gaining the sympathies of the audience. Because she is a young girl whose loving mother dies leaving her all alone, all that is left in this world for her is her father who is not only miser but also fails to prove himself as the protector of the girl. When in this situation she receives a hat as a gift from her pastor it means a lot to her and she develops a special place in her heart for that gift. It also shows that she is so lonely that such a small gesture makes her feel important and wanted. This captivates the minds of the audience as the story unfolds. The girl who is already frustrated by the behavior of her selfish father gets further annoyed when the whole town starts talking nonsense about the words that were exchanged between the pastor & the girl. Upon hearing these rumors the father becomes angry and tears the innocent gift given to her by the pastor. At this point of the movie this incident provokes the audience and they are so appalled by her father’s behavior that all they want is the justice for the innocent and badly hurt young girl. The modern audience especially feels that such a selfish father should be brought to justice and punished for this unnecessary and unprovoked act. At this point the steps taken by the pastor to protect the young girl appear to be very naive and appropriate according to the situation. The question is that whether or not the people of the town will understand his friendly behavior towards the young girl as nothing more than an innocent friendship. Despite the fact that the mother, knowing the nature of her husband, has written a letter to the pastor to take care of her young daughter, the town does not approve of this relationship. It must also be kept in mind that the age of the young girl is not clear at this point although at some points she looks like a 16 year old but in some other scenes she appears younger than 16. The general opinion of the people is that girl being so young is supposed to be naive, however, the pastor being the elder party should have been more careful while communicating with the girl. The movie fails to answer the question that whether the pastor was romantically involved in the girl or was he just trying to help her. So the questions raised in the mind of the audience are not satisfied when the movie ends they go back home wondering about the intentions of

Marine Ship Yard Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

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