Portable X-ray fluorescence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Portable X-ray fluorescence - Research Paper Example ng solutions in the presence of several additive ions by portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) revealing an optimum potassium gold cyanide concentration of 2 - 3 g/L for maximum cathode efficiency. Further, there is exploration of utility of XRF to determine the thickness of gold plated on copper substrates up to 6 microns. For the second experiment, the objectives were to determine the detection limits, accuracy, repeatability and efficiency of a X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (Niton XRF analyzer) in comparison with the traditional analytical methods, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Further, the experiment also involved applying inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-MS) in screening of major and trace elements of environmental samples including estuary soils and sediments, contaminated soils, and biological samples. For the third experiment the major objective was to compare lead concentrations in surface peat samples from the South Pennines (UK) derived using (a) X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is a core aspect in analysis especially in the field of science and industry application. The concept of XRF lies on the principle that individual atoms, wherever excited as a result of contact with an external energy source, ends up emitting X-ray photons characterized by a a wavelength or energy. In which case, on this basis one can define the identity and quantification of an element present therein by simply counting the number of photons contained in energy from the given sample. Henry Moseley coined the technique, after being led by a discovery of X-ray tube that he applied in bombarding samples containing high energy electrons. Intuitively, Henry ended up with a mathematical relationship that could related the atomic number to the element’s emitted X-ray frequency. The years were followed by eventual development of the instrument leading to a modern XRF instrument that is reliable for analysis

Observing Bacteria Essay Example for Free

Observing Bacteria Essay Abstract: Microscopes are fragile instruments that must be handle with extreme caution as they can produce high quality results when observing the smallest specimens on earth. A microscope must be properly cleaned before use and storage. The different objectives allow for a range of observations. At the highest objectives, the resolution can easily be lost which is why the oil immersion lens is used to minimize refraction. While observing specimens, both dead and active, their shapes and arrangements can be observed. For example, the oil immersion lens can be used to observe the active Streptobacillus bacteria in yogurt. Purpose: The purpose of this lab was to display knowledge of the use of a compound microscope with and without an oil immersion lens while observing and identifying various bacterial shapes and arrangements, including a self prepared yogurt culture. Procedure: Exercise 1: Viewing Prepared Slides 1. After setting up and cleaning all lenses, place the prepared e slide properly on the stage. 2. View the slide under the10x objective by moving it around with the X and Y stage travel knobs then focus it by first using the coarse adjustment followed by the fine adjustment until the view is clear. 3. Adjust the diaphragm to allow enough light for good resolution. 4. After a micrograph is taken, rotate the 10x objective away from the specimen and the 40x over it. Use the fine adjustment knob to bring the specimen back into focus. 5. Repeat the above steps for 6 more specimens. Those viewed and micrographed in this lab are: Amoeba Anabaena Ascaris eggs Paramecium Yeast Penicillium Part 2 of Exercise 1: 1. View 6 more prepared slides by using the oil immersion lens. Follow steps 1-5 above to locate, center, and focus each slide at 10x and 40x. 2. Then swing the 40x objective to its half way position with the 100x objective nearing the slide. 3. Add a drop of provided oil to the slide cover’s surface and slowly swing the 100x objective over. 4. Using the fine adjustment knob bring the specimen into focus and take a micrograph. 5. Repeat this process for 5 more specimens. Those that were micrograph in this lab were: Bacillus Coccus Spirillium Prepared Yogurt Exercise 2: Observing Bacteria Cultures in Yogurt 1. Using a clean sealable glass jar, place a teaspoon of yogurt in the container. 2. Cover the jar and place in a dark, relatively warm areas fro 12-24 hours. 3. Place a sample of the yogurt specimen in a clean slide using a toothpick and cover with a cover slip. 4. Repeat the above steps for viewing the slide at the 10x, 40x, and 100x oil immersion with the microscope. Keep the diaphragm low, as the bacteria will be transparent. 5. Repeat the viewing process with the prepared yogurt slide from the lab kit. Compare the two specimens. 6. Clean all items used in this lab: specimen vials, slides, and microscope. Carefully cover and store microscope. Data/Observation: Specimens observed in Exercise 1 Part 1 with the 10x objective: Amoeba Proteus at 100x Anabaena w.m. at 100x Ascaris Eggs, w.m. at 100x Paramecium Conjugation at 100x Yeast, w.m. at 100x Pencillium with conidia, w.m. at 100x Specimens observed in Exercise 1 Part 2 Exercise 2 with the 40x objective: Bacteria Bacillus form at 400x Bacteria Coccus form at 400x Bacteria Spirillum form at 400x Yoghurt Bacteria at 400x Fresh Yogurt Specimen at 400x Specimens observed in Exercise 2 with the 100x Oil Immersion Fresh Yogurt Specimen at 1000x Results/Analysis: A. Identify the following parts of the microscope and describe the function of each. A. Eyepiece lens B. Tube C. Nosepiece D. Objective Lens E. Stage F. Diaphragm G. Mirror H. Coarse Adjustment knob I. Fine Adjustment knob J. Arm K. Clip L. Base B. Define the following microscopy terms: Focus: The point at which the light from a lens comes together. Resolution: The closest two objects can be before they are no longer detected as separate objects. Contrast: The difference in light intensity between the image and the adjacent background relative to the overall background intensity. C. Describe your observations from the fresh yogurt slide you prepared in Exercise 2. D. Were there observable differences between your fresh yogurt slide and the prepared yogurt slide? If so, explain. CD: Observation of the prepared slide was made easier by the purple staining and the dead bacteria. The observation of the fresh specimen was harder to see in a focused manner because it continued to move. The prepared slide is an obvious Bacillus bacterium. While the fresh sample is harder to focus so it is not as easily observed as Bacillus bacterium. There are more bacteria present in the fresh specimen than in the prepared slide. E Describe the four main bacterial shapes. Cocci: a spherically shaped bacterium Bacillus: a rod shaped bacterium Spirillum: spirally shaped bacterium Vibrio: comma or S shaped bacteria F. What are the common arrangements of bacteria? Cocci: occurring as a single sphere Diplococci: occurring as spheres in pairs Streptococci: chains of linked spheres Staphylococci: spheres grouped in grape like clusters Bacillus: a single rod arrangement Diplobacillus: pairs of rods Streptobacillus: Chain-linked rods G. Were you able to identify specific bacterial morphologies on either yogurt slide? If so, which types? In both samples Streptobacilluss arrangements and shapes were observed. They were more prevalent and easy to distinguish in the prepared slide since that bacteria was not actively moving. At times the fresh specimen at 400x looked like Staphylococci; however, upon observing the bacteria closer at 1000x it was obvious that there were no sphere shaped bacterium present. H. What is the purpose of immersion oil? Why does it work? Normally, the quality of an observed specimen decreases with the number of lenses, glass, etc that the light travels through. With the oil immersion lens, one of the strongest microscope lenses at 100x, the oil restricts the light refraction allowing for a clear focused image at such a high resolution. The oil mixes with the specimen and the oil itself has the same refractive index to that of glass. This gives the specimen a finer resolution and brightness than would have otherwise been observed. Conclusion: In conclusion this lab taught one how to properly use, clean, and store compound microscope. The lab assessed the ability to observe a specimen both provided and freshly prepared with and without an oil immersion lens. This allowed for hands on learning, observation, and identification of various bacterial shapes and arrangements. One was able to extended his/her learning while ageing yogurt and making a fresh specimen on a slide to be observed at all objectives with and without oil.

Analyse The Factors Affecting The Strategic Plans

Analyse The Factors Affecting The Strategic Plans Tesco plc is a well-established and consistently growing food retailer global company operating in UK and many other countries like USA, Europe, Thailand, China, Japan and so on. It was established in 1919 by Jack Cohen, when he sold some groceries in the stall in East London and then it later lead to the opening of the first Tesco store in 1929 in North London. Using the well-researched and consistent strategy for growth, Tesco has been able to strengthen their core UK business and lead them to expand into new markets. Tesco has already been declared as the no.1 superstore in UK against its rivals Asda, Sainsbury and Morrison. Tesco is still aiming to broaden the scope of their business to enable it to deliver strong sustainable long-term growth by following the customers into the basic and the large expanding markets at cheaper price. Currently, Tesco has over 2200 stores in UK and has been able to reach every possible customer through its different types of outlets as superstore, metro, extra, express and by various means as online shopping through Tesco direct, Reserve and collect plus loyalty/club cards, insurance, clothing, banking and financial services, telecoms, insurance. So this report will be identifying Tescos vision, Mission, its current strategic objectives, evaluates them and analyses the factors that will be affecting strategic plan. The purpose of this case study is to review and determine the organizational strategic aims and objectives identify and analyse the progress towards organizational strategic aims and objectives and to determine and evaluate strategic options to support a revised strategic position. 1.1 Identify the current strategic aims and objectives TESCOS STRATEGY Our well-established and consistent strategy for growth has given the business momentum to grow through the downturn. (1) Long term Strategy According to Tescos official website it is clearly evident that Tesco has a well-established and consistent strategy for growth. The rationale for the strategy is to broaden the scope of the business to enable it to deliver strong, sustainable long-term growth by following customers into large expanding markets at home such as financial services, non-food and telecoms and new markets abroad, initially in Central Europe and Asia and more recently in the United States. Objectives:- The objectives of the strategy are: Successful global retailer Tesco aims to be one of the most successful global retailer organisation in the world. With this idea in mind they have opened stores in many other countries like Canada, USA, Europe, Thailand, China and Middle East. Growth in core UK business Tesco also aims on growing its business as the core UK business as it is originated here. It had 1500 stores in UK in 2007 whereas the number has reached to over 2000 by now. And it has diversified its market from only being a food retailer to selling fuel, clothes, housing, finance, banking, insurance, mobile broad band and electronics. Strong non food retailer As Tesco has been known for its food items and is the leader in food retailing, Tesco also aims to develop the rest of the retailing it has been doing. They are working hard to be as strong in non-food as they are in food. Developing banking and finance Tesco is also working for developing retailing services such as Tesco Personal Finance, Banking, Telecoms and Tesco.com. This is showing that Tesco is determined to help its customers even with the financial and banking services. As the name specifies, Tesco is all set to deliver Every little helps. Community friendly Approach Tesco is determined to put community at the heart of what they do and help maintain the natural balance. Values and aims According to the official website, Tesco feels that: No-one tries harder for customers than Tesco They have mentioned that they understand their customers needs and they want to be the first to meet their needs and at the same time they want to act responsibly to their community in order to avoid any kind of degradation in the environment and ethnicity. Tesco promises to treat people as we like to be treated: Work as a teamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Trust and respect each otherListen, support and say thank youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Share knowledge and experience.so we can enjoy our work. Tesco has been taking regular feedbacks from customers by asking them and the staff what can be done to make shopping with them and working with them better.(2) 1.2 Undertake an evaluation of the component parts of a strategic plan Tescos strategy to diversify the business in 1997 has been a very important landmark and the base to the success of the company. Product Diversification from being only food retailer to non-food retail was the best decision that has made Tesco to be the market leaders in many of their markets in and outside UK. According to Tescos official website (www.tescoplc.com), its vision and mission are: Vision- Every little helps. Tescos vision is very simple as it is stated. It simply focuses on providing every little helps to the customers. Tesco is willing to follow the customers and their basic needs and be the only retailer to help them out with every kind of help they need -small or big Mission Tesco aims to broaden the scope of their business to enable it to deliver strong long-term sustainable growth by following their customer into large expanding markets at home such as financial services, non-food and telecoms and new markets abroad, initially in Central Europe and Asia, and more recently in the United States Chairman s statement Over the past decade Tesco has transformed itself into a diverse international business- we are well-positioned for long-term growth. Tesco is scanning the external environment as much as possible in order to develop its mission and vision. All these efforts from Tesco is making them able to meet their strategic plan to be everywhere, to sell everything and sell to everyone . Managers are taking further actions to full fill their promise. They are satisfying and identifying customer needs through affordable prices, quality products, home delivery, 24 hrs service, recycling, business expansion and technological developments such as online shopping and home deliveries. These evidences shows that; there is a clear alignment between their mission. Vision and strategies. This helps tesco in being market leader in UK retail super markets. 1.3 Analyse the factors affecting the strategic plan For any business to run and meet its long-term strategic aims and objectives, there is a great involvement of the environment. The environment is divided into Macro/external and Micro/internal environment and there factors which are affecting the long-term organisational strategic planning. Some factors both external and internal for Tesco are discussed below: Internal factors are those factors which come from the business and affect it without any regards to the external factors like suppliers, customers, distributors and so on. Some examples are Research and Development, Employee Turnover/employee satisfaction, Physical assets, mission and objectives and so on. The internal environment consists of variables (Strength, Weakness, Threat and Opportunities) that are within the organization itself and are not usually within the short-run control of the Top management. This variables form the context in which work is done. They include the cooperations structure, culture and resources, Key strength form a set of core competencies which the organization can use to gain competitive advantage. (Thomas L. Wheelen, J. David Hunger (2000). Strategic Management Business Policy. p10) By analyzing PEST Analysis, it is observed that Tescos strategic plan is affected by various external factors. They are: 1. POLITICAL FACTORS Government interferes in the economy of every company. Factors such as tax policy, labour law, environmental law, trade restrictions, tariffs and political stability makes the major impact on the business and the society as well as the global market. This year the government has increased the tax from 17.5% to 20%. This has affected the profit of Tesco and is affecting the long-term aims, mission and vision of Tesco. 2. ECONOMICAL FACTORS Economic factors include economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflation HYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflation_rate / Inflation raterate. These factors have major impacts on how businesses operate and make decisions. For example, interest rates affect a Tescos revenue and therefore to what extent a business grows and expands. Exchange rates affect the costs of exporting goods and the supply and price of imported goods in an economy. Example: increased fuel tax, impact of credit crunch on sales. SOCIAL FACTORS Social factor includes the cultural aspects and include growth rate of population, age distribution, health consciousness, career attitudes and health and safety. Changes in the social factors affect the demand for a companys products and how that company operates. For example, the new trend of health consciousness has resulted in Tesco to produce more organic and low fat foods such as skim milk, organic milk, organic vegetables, Lighter choices with nutritional value mentioned in the product and local charities and getting Thailand over fit- 3 million people involved in aerobics Tesco has changed various management strategies to adapt to the social trends such as recruiting older workers and long term unemployed people as a part of social responsibility; Regeneration: where people who are unemployed for more than 6 months had been trained for several weeks and were guaranteed jobs; Community Champions and many volunteers helping the community and local charities. (UK supporting canc er research with race for life to fight against cancer) (4) 4. TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS Technological factors include technological aspects such a Research and development activity, technology incentives and the rate of technological change. Technological changes in Tesco can affect costs, quality, and lead to innovation. Example: Use of self check out service, online shopping and reserve and collect service(new) has saved huge amount of labour cost, has avoided customers from being charged for same product more than one time plus has saved time of the customers. Or use of security system and CCTV cameras has prevented Tesco from having huge amount of stock variances and made the staff more work efficient with the fear of being caught while doing irresponsible activity during their duty hours. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Environmental factors are growing awareness of the potential impacts of climate change is affecting how tesco operates and the products they offer, both creating new markets and diminishing or destroying existing ones. Zero carbon foot prints, Recycling, sustainability are the areas of focus for tesco, so that the products have been labeled with the message of recycling. Using local resourced products is attracting customers towards the specific food products.Example: climate change affecting Tescos supply and transport. 6. LEGAL FACTORS Legal factors include discrimination law, consumer law, data protection law, antitrust law, employment law, and health and safety law. Assuring Health and safety in all the regions wherever it is expanded is one more challenging Legal responsibility of Tesco. These factors can affect how Tesco operates, its costs, and the demand for its products. Example: Tesco to avoid the legal opposition to expand on the high streets LO2: Evaluate alternative strategies to meet the desired future strategic position. 2.1 Apply a range of strategic analysis tools to audit progress towards strategic aims and objectives SWOT ANALYSIS FOR TESCO INTERNAL FACTORS Strength Weakness  · Giant Leader in superstores  · Financial stability  · Huge Brand name  · Bulk goods importers and sellers  · Product Diversification from being food retailer to non food plus electronics, telecom, insurance, banking and finance  · Competitive pricing-providing goods and services in low price  · Ensuring Health and Safety in different parts of the world  · Maintaining Quality issues as the goods are supplied from different suppliers abroad, out of which some are not very experienced with maintaining high quality.  · Stabilizing itself as a good non food retailer.  · Maintaining their presence and growing customer loyalty in the recently expanded countries  · Expansion in more developing c countries  · The competitors: Asda being competitively cheaper Sainsbury, Morrison being food retailers with comparative pricing  · Environmental issues and corporate Governance responsibility Opportunities Threats EXTERNAL FACTORS Strengths Giant leader in superstore and financial stability Tesco has over 2200 stores and Tesco holds more than 71% share in the UK retail market Its strategic capability explains that it will continue to grow share in food, while increasing space contribution from supermarket will allow it to drive a higher share in non-food. Tescos business growth shows no sign of failing. In the UK, Tescos late 2006 investment into West-midlands based convenience store group TS was billed as the most aggressive move into the neighbourhood market by a big-name retailer so far. They are aggressively expanding and going with acquisitions with the local food stores. The deal has turned Tesco into the countrys biggest convenience store chain, and the company also plans to open up 95 new stores PLC in the UK this year which includes 6 stores purely based on Regeneration Scheme. Tescos general growth shows no sign of failing. Health safety issues and maintaining quality Maintaining health and safety is a major challenge for Tesco. From the suppliers to warehouses and to the store, there is always a risk associated. Plus making sure that the stock is properly handled in the store by stacking them properly and the use of trolleys and their proper management is also the major responsibility of Tesco. They must make sure that every single person who is linked to Tesco should be safe while they operate their operations. Maintaining the quality and standard of goods they supply is also a major challenge to a bulk good retailer like Tesco as they have to get goods from their suppliers all around the world. They have been very fair to their suppliers and they want them to be decent to them by maintaining the standard of the goods they produce and supply. Opportunities Business growth and expansion in Europe is successful but it still has to work in some other parts of world. They have just started exploring Asia but being all over Asia and the rest part of the world is a strong opportunity. Being established as a non-food retailer is another very good opportunity for Tesco. Since the start of diversification, they are working to prove Tesco not only as a grocery store but a superstore providing customers with every little helps. Weaknesses 2.2 Review and assess the expectations of major stakeholders and their influence upon the organisational strategy Engagement with stakeholders is helping Tesco identify new risks and opportunities and to ensure that their long-term goal and strategy is sustainable. In some cases, they have found that working with stakeholders in partnership can help deliver shared goals. Tesco feels that they might not be able to satisfy all stakeholder concerns all the time but through proper engagement they can do their best to balance competing demands. Tesco is very committed to having a productive dialogue with its stakeholders inorder ensure that they understand what is important to them. This is allowing themselves the opportunity to maintain their position. Engaging with stakeholders includes customers, employees, suppliers, investors, government, regulators and non-governmental organisations.() (www.tesco.com/cr2010) The major stakeholders of Tesco plc.are: Customers Customers need to be able to trust tescos business and they will only trust only if they believe that there is appropriate engagement in regular basis with the stakeholders. Tesco has been using various strategies to able to win the trust of its stake holders by following various strategies such as Cost leadership, diversification, Tesco believes that if they can offer what the customer needs than surely they will come back and purchase again. This is helping to establish and gain lifetime loyalty of the customers. The launch of Club cards is helping customers satisfy their needs and quality services are the functional business strategy of Tecso. They have been innovating more than 2000 new products (food/non-food) every year depending upon the demand of the customers. Example: Launching organic, dietary and healthier food options, Nutritional values in the packaging and making sure that the quality of the food is maintained by doing mystery audits in the suppliers factories. And the new self check out system where customers can grab whatever they want and go has helped the customer to manage their time and made it simple to operate. According to the Tesco website, Tesco says No-one tries harder for customers: Understand customers. Be first to meet their needs. Act responsibly for our communities. Treat people as we like to be treated: Work as a team. Trust and respect each other. Listen, support and say thank you. Share knowledge and experience.so we can enjoy our work. We regularly ask our customers and our staff what we can do to make shopping with us and working with us that little bit better. This proves Tesco has been treating their customers as the core of their business and are providing every simple and small helps by being fair to them. (http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/about_us/values/) Employees Tesco employees 285,000 employees. Philip Clarke, Chief Executive from 2011 says If we dont look after our staff the chances are they will not look after our customer. (http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/media/board_announcement/) Tesco has been using the term A great place to work in which they include; Our staff have told us what is important to them to be treated with respect, having a manager who helps them, having an interesting job and an opportunity to get on. Helping achieve what is important to our staff will help us to deliver an Every Little Helps Shopping Trip for our customers. (http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/about_us/values/) The statement clearly states that they treat everyone with respect and dignity. At the same time they have great managers who are always ready to help the team and make their job interesting everyday and giving them good opportunities by job rotation, job enrichment and job enlargement. These activities take the employees off from the regular job pattern, motivates them to learn and do new things everyday. And staff are the basic point of contact to customers and it is very important to get them right to gain satisfaction and loyalty of all our customer. Employees are the most important and basic level of contact with customers. Every customer remembers his first experience when he visits the store and the way he had been assisted. A good and motivated employee always treats them very well. So Tesco has been very focused to make sure the employees do their duties in the right way and makes sure that every customer and even the employee is being treated in the right way. Rewards wise also Tesco is the only organization which has been giving bonuses to their staff on doing their regular jobs. For maintaining the accuracy of stock level they get 15% bonus, till accuracy 5% bonus and Mystery shoppers result 5% bonus. Apart from this there are more benefits and rewards the employees are getting like holiday pay, outstanding service award, discount in shopping, career breaks, free company shares. Tesco has recently given a huge amount of share profit to its employees (02/06/10). More than 216,000 Tesco staff, from checkout operators to drivers and managers found out that they will share a  £105 million bonus pot as the company announced details of its biggest ever Shares In Success scheme(http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/media/pr/pr2010/2010-06-02/). Supplier Tesco has been supplying goods from different parts of the world as the bulk retailer has to meet the demands of huge retail market segment like Kenya, South Africa, Spain, Scotland, Wales, and has high expectations of its suppliers. They have built a strong relationship with their suppliers, have given them the best value for their customers and given their customers the confidence of maintaining good standard through out their chain. They are very focused in treating the people in the right way so that they perform better and which will automatically helps in improving sustainability in their supply chain by encouraging suppliers to make proper investment in products and stable work. Due to their decent pricing, Tesco is confidient to keep the trading for longer period of time and is willing to get enough support from its supplier by being with them and helping them maintain their ethical and food standards. Tesco has been sourcing products from the countries which has cheaper good employment practices, cheap labour and less regulations to maintain the level of margin. (http://cr2010.tescoplc.com/en/buying-and-selling-our-products-responsibly.aspx) Tesco has been paying more for the diary suppliers. Kenayen suppliers had been supplying goods since long time. Tesco launched an awarding agenda where they had been launching surprise visits and evaluating the hard work done by the suppliers and rewarding them afterwards. Tesco has also been providing necessary training to the suppliers staff in Kenya, South Africa. The following diagram shows the competitive rivalry and shows the effect of stake holders in the business. 2.3 Analyse, interpret and produce a structured evaluation of the organisational strategic position Note: The challenges faced by the organisation may be identified, for example, competitive environment, external climate and globalisation (if applicable) may be examined. The knowledge gained by studying Porters three generic strategies and PESTAL analysis may be applied. Political view reflects that the economic downturn- credit crunch has lead to high number of unemployment. But Tesco has been able to help a number of people by providing them jobs. and therefore helping the unemployment. Regeneration: People who are unemployed for more than 6 months had been trained for several weeks and were guaranteed job. Three new stores were opened and 320 people were employed. 6 more stores will be opening this year. Community Champions: Tesco has Community Champions and many volunteers helping the community and local charities, Healthy living for customers: is one of key promise by Tesco and is celebrated by producing healthy products like lighter choices, nutritional value mentioned in the product, getting fit-Thailand over 3 million people involved in aerobics, UK supporting cancer research with race for life to fight against cancer. Tesco is also instrumental as a retailer in supporting carbon reductions and have also encouraged their customers to make low carbon choices .They created a  £100 million Sustainable Technology Fund for this purpose. At the same time they are maintaining the eco-friendly approach by helping reducing the pollution-they are passing the message to their customers to reuse and recycle the wastages. LO3: Decide upon a strategy and identify how, if required, you would justify your selection to meet the required future strategic position. 3.1 Identify and develop a range of alternative strategic options to meet strategic aims and objectives Note: This section requires the candidate to apply his/her own judgement so that a few alternate options are visualised and discussed,. For example the candidate may propose emphasis on alternate products, or increased after sale service, or following aggressive marketing strategy etc. During the 1980s Professor Michael Porter from Harvard Business School developed the model of generic competitive strategies. He called the strategies generics as they can be undertaken by businesses of any size or type, even if they are non-profit organisations (Hunger and Wheelen [2001]p82). He argued that companies only have three strategies to choose from: Cost leadership Differentiation Focus Porter also believed that before a company decides which strategy to adopt, it must know its competitive scope: the breadth of its target market, the range of products it wishes to produce, the distribution channels, the type of buyers and geographic areas it wants to serve and the related industries it will be competing in (Hunger and Wheelen [2001]p82).The cost leadership strategy is aimed at the broad mass market and requires actions like cost minimisation in research and development, services, sale forces, advertising and so on. By doing this the company will sell its product for smaller price than its competitors but still achieve reasonable profit. This also creates entry barrier for the new market entrants, as it would be difficult for them to match the low cost of the existing producer. (Hunger and Wheelen [2001] p83). The differentiation strategy is aimed at the broad mass market as well, but this time creating a product which must be perceived as unique by its customers, for example through design, The strategy aims to gain customer loyalty and therefore making the buyer insensitive image, technology, customer service, dealer network and so on to a higher price. This again will also make entry more difficult for new entrants (Hunger and Wheelen [2001] p83). (Hunger and Wheelen [2001] p83) argue, differentiation strategy generates high profits as it creates a better entry barrier. Low cost strategy however creates increase in market share. Focus strategy concentrates on serving only a certain niche market as either a cost leader or with a differentiation strategy. In cost focus a firm seeks a cost advantage in its target market only, in differentiation focus a firm seeks differentiation in its segment (Lynch [2000]p.568) The following diagram may illustrate Porters model in more detail: Fig: Porters Generic Model (http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/generic.shtml) Tesco has been implementing the cost leadership strategy since its establishment. And after going to non-food retail in 2004, it also applied the diversification strategy in their business to meet the customers every needs. Tesco launched its own broad band in 2004 followed by Home plus in 2005. Globalisation has been another important step taken by Tesco. Though Tescos Fresh n easy did not do very well in USA in the first 2 years of its establishment, now it is maintaining its grip among the customers, according to Sir Terry Leahy Chief Executive. Tesco has been very successful in Europe and in Asia. To flourish more of its business in South Asia, Tesco has an exclusive franchise agreement with Trent, the retail arm of Tata Group to support the development of their Star Bazaar format by the end of 2010 in India. Since Tesco has already used the first two strategies, it still has the Focus strategy in hand. Tesco can still aim on the niche markets and work on that segment of the market in order to gain more market share. Tesco has recently opened their first baby store in Manchester which provides all the necessary materials to the toddlers including clothes, push chairs, strollers, car seats, high chairs etc. Similarly, the start of DRIVE-THRU store has covered another segment of people who drive and have very strict time schedule. Apart from that Tesco should also work on its weaknesses. Maintaining Health and safety in all parts of the world with its globalisation and maintaining quality of goods upto the Tesco standard at all times is the major challenge. Tesco should make sure that their ware house, suppliers factories and even the shop floor should be Health and Safety approved and should have all kinds of equipments that helps in maintaining it such as use of helmets, gloves, safety goggles and also training the people with right procedures of lifting weight, handling chemicals and so on. Tesco must make sure that every product they sell is 100% hygienic to the customers and has the same quality and standard at all times. Because of having different suppliers all over the world and buying goods on bulk, Tesco might not be have been able to keep proper maintained standard at all times(as some issues were raised last year regarding the bread supplier) So focusing strategy is not only a good idea to get a grip over the niche market segments but also to maintain its brand value among the existing customers. 3.2 Determine and justify the strategic option that meets the revised strategic position Note: Out of the alternate options in 3.1 above, the one which is considered to be most suitable to meet the new strategic position, may be identified. Justification may be given as to how this selected option is likely to fit in the present position. Out of the various strategies suggested above in 3.1,Focus on maintaining quality and brand value at all times all over the world without a single compromise is the most important option which is most suitable to meet new strategic position and is likely to fit in the present position. Tesco has already been market leader in Cost leadership and has used Differentiation strategy to its limit by understanding the needs of people to the basic extent and providing them the services and satisfying them. They have already started working in the niche marketing strategy by starting DRIVE-THRU store and Kids store. Tesco is aiming to launch mortgages in the first half of 2011, followed by current accounts in the second half of 2011/2012 financial year.

The Historical Progression of African Americans Essay -- American Hist

Permanent struggle for civil rights by the African Americans accompanied the historical progression of the African American society (Booker T. and Fitzhugh W. 2002). The African Americans had struggled for many years to have the same opportunities as the white Americans. During this time, there was a civil war aimed at liberating the African Americans who had been made slaves by the principal white Americans. However, the civil war did not improve the lives of the African Americans in America. The struggle for equal liberties was a journey that began in the year 1865 and ended in the year of 1876. Today, America is a powerful nation with a difficult past that holds a bright future. People of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds can share the same rights, positions of power, education, and all other functions that were once only for the white people of America. Though African Americans suffered tough injustices in previous years, their commitment and determination enabled them overcome the adversities that they faced on a daily basis and win their battle. Many aspects of African American life such as politics, culture and social development allowed African Americans to gain power in the United States over time. They had displayed much of the same qualities as the white workers in America and would prove that their former life as a slave would not deter them from becoming economically independent and successful in America. Although this did not happen immediately, it shows that they were determined and ready to lead normal lives and take their rightful places in society and in th e economy. Several factors had contributed to the historical progression of African Americans. Many social, cultural, eco... ...Nazarene movements. The African Americans built many churches and schools that further expanded their religious faith. Several changes took place during the historical progression of the African Americans. During the historical progression that started in 1865, changes occurred in social, political, economic and religious aspects of the African Americas. These changes took place at different times and each had different impacts to the lives of the African Americans. At first, African Americans were facing political, economic and social oppression from the white Americans. After a long period of struggle and determination, changes appeared in different aspects that made the lives of African Americans better. Oppression ended and the economic position of the African Americans improved since they had gained high literacy levels and could access better paying jobs.

To Kill a Mockingbird Growing Up

The novel To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee is about a young girl named Scout and her brother, Jem, growing up in the small, southern town of Maycomb, Alabama. Scout and Jem live with their older father, Atticus, and spend their summers playing with their friend, Dill. They have many neighbors, and one is an older woman named Mrs. Dubose. As the siblings grow older, they begin to drift apart and new disagreements begin. Yet, as Jem begins change, he starts to think more maturely about feuds with his sister and opinions towards his neighbors. For example, in the tire incident, Jem realizes that Scout is in trouble and tries to help her. In addition, in the flower incident with Mrs. Dubose, Jem fs anger causes him to try to defend Atticus. Jem thinks that he is acting very maturely during the tire incident and the flower incident with Mrs. Dubose. Jem thought he was being responsible during the tire incident because he took care of Scout. When Jem, Scout, and Dill are playing in the yard one day, Scout decides she wants to be pushed in the tire. As Scout and Dill are arguing over who will go first, Jem arbitrates, and awards Scout with the first push. Jem then accidentally rolls the tire into the Radley yard. Jem is frightened and says,  gScout, get away from there, come on! h (37). This quote shows that Jem is taking on some responsibility for Scout. When he pushes her into the Radley fs Yard, Jem feels angry about what Scout had said earlier, so he wants to get revenge. Yet, when Jem sees Scout lying on the ground he immediately feels worried and scared for her, and tries to get her to come to safety. As Jem grows up, he begins to develop new views on situations. Scout fs situation during the tire incident reminds Jem that he needs to take on full responsibility of his sister. Jem thought that the most mature way to express his feelings about Mrs. Dubose was to cut off all of her flowers. When Jem and Scout are returning home one day they walk pass Mrs. Dubose fs house. As they walk by her yard, Jem runs into her garden and cuts off all of her flowers because of what Mrs. Dubose said earlier about Atticus. Scout tells us that,  gHe did not begin to calm down until he had cut the tops off every camellia bush Mrs. Dubose owned, until the ground was littered with green buds and leaves. He bent my baton against his knee c h (103). This quote shows that Jem was feeling very hurt by what Mrs. Dubose had said about his father. To Jem, Atticus seems feeble and old, so, when threatened, Jem feels it is his responsibility to protect him. In the book, when Mrs. Dubose talks about Atticus, Jem just ignores her and walks away, but finally he decides to get revenge. He does this by,  glittering the ground with green buds and leaves. h Jem tries to hurt something Mrs. Dubose loves like she attacked Atticus. Mrs. Dubose fs harsh words make Jem feel that it is his job to defend Atticus. As To Kill a Mockingbird progresses, Jem takes definitive steps toward maturity with his actions in the tire and flower incidents, for example. He would later go on to repair the flowerbed he destroyed, and take greater care to protect Scout. Through his actions, we can see Jem develop a sense of morals and responsibility that would prove to be a lifesaver. scout and Jem Finch are growing up in the tired old Alabama town of Maycomb. Their father, Atticus, is the local lawyer and as a single parent tries to raise his children with honor and respect to their individualism. With the Depression on times are hard, and there is no money to be found anywhere in town. To amuse themselves Scout, Jem, and their best friend Dill begin a relentless campaign during their summertimes to get Boo Radley, their reclusive, legendary neighbor, to come out of his house. They concoct endless schemes and even go so far as to create a play that details Boo's life. Atticus forbids them to have anything to do with Mr. Radley, urging them to let the poor man be. Atticus is a good man, and one day takes on a case that affects him personally. A black man, Tom Robinson, is accused of beating and raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Most of the county is convinced immediately that Tom is guilty of the crime, and begin to look at Atticus in a very negative way for actually defending him and trying to do right by him. Scout and Jem begin to get tormented over their father at school, and Atticus begs them not to get riled up over the town's prejudice. As the trial begins it becomes apparent to Scout and Jem that there is no way that Tom Robinson could have beaten and raped Mayelle Ewell, as he's a cripple. Atticus proves that to the jury, and Scout and Jem are astonished when Tom is slapped with a guilty verdict anyway. They begin to realize that many people in town are very prejudiced against blacks, and their hearts are saddened by it. It'?s hard for them to understand how people can be so mean to each other, and they both begin to see that, even in court where things are supposed to be unbiased, men's hearts bring in their own hatreds. It isn't much longer that Tom is shot and killed for trying to escape while in prison. Jem especially takes the whole affair hard, and it takes him a long time to come to grips with the jury's decision, and Tom's death. After the trial has died down Bob Ewell, Mayelle's father, begins threatening Atticus for embarrassing him in court, and resolves that he'll get him back one way or another. Atticus is convinced that he's all talk, and passes it off as such. Time crawls past, and finally Bob Ewell is good to his word and attacks the children Halloween night with a knife. He breaks Jem's arm and almost kills Scout, but Boo Radley, of all people, comes to their rescue and saves them. The sheriff, Heck Tate, hushes the whole thing over so Boo Radley will not be dragged into the spotlight, and Scout is thrilled to finally get to meet the man they for so long fantasized about. As she walks him back home, she realizes that all this time he was watching them from his front porch windows, and just for a little while she is able to stand in his shoes.

Wind Farms in Cumbria

A way of preventing this happening Is by using renewable energy. This means that the source of energy wont UN out and It Is sustainable for future generations, unlike fossil fuels which have a Limited supply. They produce little/no greenhouse gases which Is much better for our environment. Forms of renewable energy Include solar energy, hydrophone, biomass, befoul, geothermal energy and most importantly wind energy. Wind turbines generate electricity through this process: the wind turns the blades which then spins a shaft.The shaft connects to a generator which produces electricity. The UK is an ideal place for wind turbines because we are one of the windiest nations in Europe. Cambric in particular is an ideal place to build new wind farms because it is a very hilly area and it has a long coastline; making the area very windy. There is already a wind farm in the village of Great Rotor and so far it has been a success. It has supplied 2,000 homes and has saved about 8,530 tones/year of greenhouse gases.It also gives farmers extra income in the area because the wind farms are built on their land. A decision has been made to build another wind farm in Cambric as it has had quite a lot of success. Callback fells is the location chosen for another wind farm. It as high exposed land which means there will be lots of space for many turbines. Some residents of Cambric are against wind farms being built due to several reasons. Some elderly people cannot live peacefully with the level of noise that the wind farms produce, it gives them headaches.Other members of the community are concerned that it'll ruin the landscape and will stunt the level of tourism generated, as Cambric is a tourist attraction. However, they won't need to be concerned with this location. The location is very remote, therefore It won't cause noise pollution which may bother some citizens. It won't also be ‘ruining the landscape' since there was nothing there before hand. Although the area Is remote, you can access It through country lanes, therefore maintaining the wind farm won't be as difficult to do.Building the wind farms will reduce the level of greenhouse gases In the atmosphere. This Is a positive step for Cambric. By cormorants this is having a negative impact on the world. Fossil fuels generate most of our Hence this contributes to global warming and is impacting the rest of the world. If happening is by using renewable energy. This means that the source of energy won't UN out and it is sustainable for future generations, unlike fossil fuels which have a limited supply.They produce little/no greenhouse gases which is much better for our environment. Forms of renewable energy include solar energy, hydrophone, biomass, a shaft. The shaft connects to a generator which produces electricity. The I-J is an location. The location is very remote, therefore it won't cause noise pollution which nothing there before hand. Although the area is remote, you can access it thr ough Building the wind farms will reduce the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is a positive step for Cambric.