Compare and contrast the characters of Tybalt and Mercutio Essay

Compare and contrast the characters of Tybalt and Mercutio - Essay Example In addition, they play key roles in precipitating the tragedy that befalls the lovers. However, even though Tybalt and Mercutio provide a foil for characters that are rather similar, their two characters represent almost two entirely different spheres of existence in terms of their essential natures. The most direct contrast of their characters comes in the tense interaction between Mercutio and Tybalt in Act 3 Scene 1 before Romeo arrives. Tybalt arrives and after Mercutio offers a witty quip, the Capulet immediately states his willingness to fight with swords instead of words (III,i,36-50). But Mercutio, the gifted artisan of language, stands his ground in an exchange with Tybalt and will not budge, even though this feud is now taking place in the public space. This difference in the two characters demeanours is the most noticeable throughout the play, given the instrumental role Tybalt’s sword will have on the plot structure—leading to Mercutio’s death and Romeo’s subsequent exile. But by mocking emotions and aspirations of other characters, Mercutio lightens the play with clever humour, contrasted with the almost infuriatingly solemnity of the malevolent Tybalt. And as a man with a more cynical perspective on human affairs, Mercutio allows the aud ience to see deeper through psychology. Tybalt, on the other hand, exemplifies simplicity and dimensionless action. In terms of a contrast, there remains also the issue of both characters’ worldviews and choices in the narrative structure of the tragedy. Mercutio, unlike other characters, refuses to blame an objective fate for the occurrences in the play, exemplified by such concepts as â€Å"star-cross’d lovers† (Prologue, 6). Instead, Mercutio lays the blame for the tragedy (in terms of events already taken place and those that will take place) on specific people rather than the hand of fate. In his view, the fault lays with the

Procurement Ethics Practices Essay Example for Free

Procurement Ethics Practices Essay All persons in society, whether in private or public sector, product or services industry are concerned with ethics, Ethics is defined as the discipline dealing with what is good or bad and moral duty and obligation. Thus personal ethics has been referred to as the rules by which an individual lives his/her personal life. Business ethics is concerned with truth, fairness and justice and accounting ethics pertains to the code that guides the professional conduct of aspects such as the expectation of society and customers, social responsibility, consumer autonomy and corporate behavior in the home country as well as abroad (koontz et al 1994) Business ethics has become a well recognized aspect of managing firms today . Due to an increasing interest of ,many are nowadays concerned about values like integrity and honesty and developing ethical codes to foster responsible behavior of their employees. Ethically therefore, managers must produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people in these days of pervasive globalization of business. Manager should recognize that customers and all other stakeholders of their companies have aright to quality products and services, to meet their existing and emerging needs, at affordable prices, all times, and should be guided by fairness and equity, as well as imparity. Managers must institutionalize ethics in their decisions and daily activities thus applying integrity and integrating ethical concepts with daily actions. This can be achieved by: Establishing an appropriate company policy or code of ethics, so as to institutionalize ethics, sin organizational behavior both at management and board of director’s level, using a formally established ethics committee, teaching ethics to employees. It has been established that ethical standard vary from society to society and from country to country and should therefore be taught to ensure uniformity in understanding and applicability across the world, particularly in these days of increasing and pervasive globalization. In procurement office or department the following ethics should be followed for better running of the organization. All officers who are in charge must follow some ethics for good purchasing and supplying, this will include: Honesty: People who procure on behalf of organizations cannot afford to give anyone cause to believe that their procurement behavior is not completely ethical. Spending millions of shillings for their organizations, they are exposed to temptations that most of their colleagues face. Therefore, they have to be honest when procuring goods on behalf of the organization. Enhancing Integrity :Procurement officials should never use their authority or office for personal gain and shall seek to enhance their integrity by: maintaining unimpeachable standards of integrity in all business relationship both inside and outside the organizations in which they are employee, fostering the highest possible standards of professional competence amongst those for whom they are responsible, optimizing the use of resources for which they are responsible to provide the maximum benefit to their employing organization. Conflicts of Interest: When dealing with suppliers potential conflicts of interest can sometimes arise. Instances where relatives or friends are employed by the supplier company should be notified to the Service Unit Manager. This will not prevent the Council trading with the supplier though the Council may arrange for the procurement to be handled by another officer. In instances where Members or former employees are potential suppliers it is important that they do not receive or expect to receive special consideration. If their inside knowledge appears to give them an unfair competitive advantage it may be desirable to take steps to ensure fair competition amongst all suppliers. Rewards to employees: Members and officers should avoid as far as possible dealing with our suppliers in their private affairs, particularly if this is likely to put them under some obligation to the supplier. Where such arrangements are unavoidable it is essential that they ensure that they are not offered any sort of deal which is not commonly available and which could be construed as a reward for actions taken in the course of the employment. Principles of Professional : Seeks or accepts a position as head or employee only when fully in accord with the professional principles applicable thereto, and when confident of possessing the qualifications to serve under those principles to the advantage of the employing organization, believes in the dignity and worth of the services rendered by the organization and the societal responsibilities assumed as a trusted public servant, so that organization is governed by the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships in order to merit the respect and inspire the confidence of the organization and the public being served. Confidentiality and Accuracy of Information: The confidentiality of information received in the course of duty should be respected and should never be used for personal gain; information given in the course of duty should be true and fair and never designed to mislead hence making personal profit obtained through misuse of public or personal relationships is dishonest and not tolerable. Business gifts: Business gifts, other than items of very small value such as business diaries, calendars, should not be accepted, members of the staff should at no time or under any circumstances accept directly or indirectly, gifts, gratuities, or other things of value from suppliers which might influence or appear to influence purchasing decisions. Hospitality: Modest hospitality is an acceptable courtesy at a business relationship. However, the recipient shall not allow himself to reach a position whereby he might be deemed by others to have been influenced, in making a business decision as a consequence of accepting such hospitality. The frequency and scale of hospitality accepted shall not be significantly greater than the recipients employer would be likely to provide in return. Proper communication: Keeps the governmental organization informed, through appropriate channels, on problems and progress of applicable operations by emphasizing the importance of the facts. In case of any information which is unclear so be discussed with relevant officer without making uninformed decisions which may cost the organization. Proper control of personnel: Resists encroachment on control of personnel in order to preserve integrity as a professional manager, handles all personnel matters on a merit basis. Politics, religion, ethnicity, gender, and age carry no weight in personnel administration in the agency being directed or served. Disciplinary Action: Seeks or dispenses no personal favors, handles each administrative problem objectively and emphatically without discrimination. Any mistake committed should be dealt with without favor and the correct measure should be applied. Purchasing and supply procedure: Officers shall always seek to uphold and enhance the standing of the Purchasing and Supply profession and will always act professionally and selflessly by: maintaining the highest possible standard of integrity in all their business relationships both inside and outside the organizations where they work, rejecting any business practice which might reasonably be deemed improper and never using their authority for personal gain, enhancing the proficiency and stature of the profession by acquiring and maintaining current technical knowledge and the highest standards of ethical behavior; fostering the highest possible standards of professional competence amongst those for whom they are responsible. Competition The nature and length of contracts and business relationships with suppliers can vary according to circumstances. These should always be constructed to ensure deliverables and benefits. Arrangements which might in the long term prevent the effective operation of fair competition should be avoided. Conclusion Managerial and appropriate ethical behavior is central to the success and effectiveness of organization anywhere in the world today. Business are so interconnected ,in terms of products and information flows, that ethical behavior in one country or in one part of the globe has an immediate impact in other countries or parts of the globe. Consequently, attempts should be made by governments and business leaders to incorporate standard management practices in their operations to enhance the efficiency of these flows. Ethical standards and codes are in this process because of the globalization of e- world business today. There is an urgent need to develop and adopt international ethical standard and codes to guide and regulate managers, globally, in running their organization effectively. These codes should include corporate governance and social responsibility practices. Reference: 1) Codes of Professional Responsibility by Rena A. Gorlin 1149 pg 2) Management Reform by DIANE Publishing Company 539 pg 3) News line KASNEB (July-sep2004) 4) Koontz et al management (1994)

Advantages And Disadvantages Ajax And Flex Flash Computer Science Essay

Advantages And Disadvantages Ajax And Flex Flash Computer Science Essay Ajax and Adobes Flash Flex are both used to create dynamic and interactive web applications. Both are platform independent i.e. contents will render the same across different platforms and permits for interface animation. There are many similarities between the two. However, there are considerable differences as well. Say for example, Flash is animation format software that allows for fast download of animation files in a resizable format in order to facilitate files be downloaded over a regular modem connection. Flash creates better interactivity by encoding information in smaller files. Flex technologies developed by Macromedia (now acquired by Adobe) aimed to build Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). On the other hand Ajax is more of a methodology to create RIAs. To create more responsive and interactive web applications, Ajax uses a combination of DHTML, XHTML or XML, CSS, and DOM (Direct Object Model) with XMLHttpRequest and JavaScript. Ajax functions transparently i.e. facilitate behind the scene communication between the server and browser. This report discusses both Ajax and Flash/Flex technology as they battle in making Rich Internet Application(s). Both Ajax and Flex can execute similar functions. However, there are few advantages and disadvantages to both refer to Table-1 for comparisons. 2. What is Ajax? Ajax is a set of technologies which allows a website to be very responsive. Most importantly Ajax supports asynchronous communication and also partial refresh of a web page. Here Partial refresh means; when an interaction event is invoked, for e.g. when a user enters information into a form on a web page and clicks a Submit Button. The server processes the keyed information and returns a partial response specific to the data it receives (See Figure-2). Notably, the server does not transmit back an entire page, compared to the traditional web application which is Click, Wait, and Refresh (See Figure-1), instead, only part of the page is updated. The web application that uses Ajax is events and data driven, where as conventional web applications are driven by pages. Full page refresh Synchronous Time Client click à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.waità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..refresh click à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.waità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..refresh click Server Data transfer Data transfer Server-side processing Server-side processing Figure-1: Classic Web Application Model Synchronous Communication Partial UI updates Client Time Server Asynchronous Data transfer Data transfer Server-side Processing Server-side Processing Browser UI Ajax Engine User events UI updates Figure-2: Ajax Model Partial UI updates and Asynchronous Communication 2.1. Ajax Asynchronous Asynchronous means after sending data to the server, a client can continue to perform other things whilst the server continues to do its processing in the background. Such as, a user can continue to move the mouse over a map in google website and notice a smooth, uninterrupted change in the display. Compared to the traditional, synchronous, approach here the clients do not have to wait for a response from the server before continuing. Figure 1 and Figure-2 illustrates a Classical vs Ajax web application interaction. An additional significant feature of Ajax-enabled sites is that when an event is triggered, responses from Ajax are not restricted to submitting data in a form or clicking on a link. An Ajax response can be triggered in various number of ways such as moving a mouse over to a particular area on a web page, entering part of an entry in a text field, or dragging a map around with a cursor in Google Map etc. With these cool dynamic interactions among the user and the web page excels web applications nearer to what users experience in rich desktop applications. 2.2. Ajax Technologies at a glance The technologies included in Ajax are as follows: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) a markup language designed for defining a page presentation style, such as colors and fonts etc. JavaScript a scripting language. XMLHttpRequest is one element of JavaScript technology that is the key to Ajax. It is an object which facilitates to exchange data between the client and the server respectively. Document Object Model (DOM) presents a logical view of a web page in a tree structure. XML the format for transmitting inform from the web server to the client. Nevertheless, other formats such as HTML, plain text or JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) can also be used. Like other web applications, Ajax-enabled web application uses markup languages such as HTML or XHTML to present web pages. Java Server Pages (JSP) as server-side technology can be used to generate web pages. Moreover, server side application systems play an important role in processing Ajax applications. Server side application system such Java2EE, which includes support for user identity management, data validation, and persistence, fits very well with the Ajax methodology Ed Ort (2006). Figure-3: illustrates how all these technologies work collectively to handle a user action. 2.3. Ajax Architecture Browser Client XMLHttpRequest XMLHttpRequest Callback ( ) User Interface Server-side Systems Web and / XML Server Data Stores 1 23 3 4 5 6 HTML + CSS data JavaScript call HTTP Request XML Data JavaScript call HTML CSS Data Data Exchange Figure-3: How Ajax Technologies Handle a User Action A user generates an event on the client (such as entering data to a text field or click a button). This results in a JavaScript function call. an XMLHttpRequest object on the client side is created and configured with a requested parameter and specifies a JavaScript technology callback ( ) function. The XMLHttpRequest object makes an asynchronous HTTP request to the web server. The web server processes the request and returns an XML document that contains the result. The XMLHttpRequest object calls the callback ( ) function, it receives the data and processes the result. The HTML DOM is updated. 2.4. Ajax and Server-Side Java Technologies The technologies that are included in Ajax are either client technologies such as JavaScript technology, or like XML are relevant to the interchange of data between the client and server. The request to the server that the XMLHttpRequest object makes is an HTTP request to the server, handling an Ajax request is similar to handling an HTTP request from a conventional web application. Hence, any server technology can be used to handle the request, including server-side Java technologies such as servlets, JSP and Java Server Faces (JSF) technology. Java Server Faces technology and other Java EE technologies that include support for data validation, user identity management, and persistence, are particularly well-suited for Ajax. For example, a servlet can be used to process a request, manage state for the client, access enterprise resources, and generate the XML for the response. Or a custom Java Server Faces components can be created to handle server-side processing as well as encapsulate the JavaScript technology and CSS for client-side processing. In fact, a library of Ajax-enabled custom Java Server Faces components are already available as part of the Java Blueprints Solutions Catalogue. 3. Flex/Flash 3.1. Background Adobe Flash Professional Multi-Media authoring program developed in 1996 by Macromedia and was acquired by Adobe in 2006. Flash is used to create content for the Adobe engagement Platform. One of the Flashs greatest strength is ease of development. They are very well-liked for creating HTML applications and are hence very significant to web development. Often assist to automate tasks, making web programming and usability faster. For adding animation and interactivity to a web site Flash is one of a well known method. However, it is currently contributions toward developing RIAs (Rich Internet Applications). The release of Adobe Flex technology directly responds to RIA development. Flex is precisely where Flash meets with Ajax. Both technologies aim towards creating RIAs. Flex mechanism is on the presentation level of an RIA. It is a vendor specific product which means it is not free and requires purchase. 4. Comparison between Ajax and Flex Flex is rendered through Flash Player while Ajax is renders through a browser. Flash Player plug-in required for browsers. Plug-ins allows users to supplement web applications with other programs to perform specified functions. However, Ajax does not require the downloading of applications as JavaScript is natively supported by modern browsers. It simply accesses the Web as they are requested. Ajax requires more program writing and coding, provides full CSS and DHTML (dynamic HTML) support. Flex/Flash application platforms are browser and platform independent. In Ajax applications, the browser is the platform. Table-1 illustrates the comparisons on features between Ajax and Flash. Table-1: Comparisons on features between Ajax and Flex/Flash Features Ajax Flex/Flash Audio Supported through external plug-ins (Media Player). Support embedded flash audio. Dynamically load audio. Browser Integration JavaScript natively supported by modern browsers. Flash player plug-in is required. Compatibility Issues Major compatibility differences between browser versions. Minor variations between versions of Flash. CSS Full Support. Limited Support. Programming Model JavaScript. ActionScript. Video Supported through external plug-ins (Media Player). Dynamically load FLV video files or embedded videos. Text Powerful layout capabilities. Text API mimics some HTML functionality. XML Full Support. MXML Not supported natively by JavaScript. Vector Graphics No. Full Support. 4.1. Key Difference The following are key differences on developing Ajax and Flex based online applications: Free and Proprietary One of the biggest features of Ajax is that there are many freely available useful tools online. There is no need for additional IDE in Ajax, as the major components of this technique simply need leveraging. On the other hand Flex is a proprietary tool so developers have to spend a bit to use this development format. A paid tool assures functioning tool to developers. Supports for freely available may not be available. Learning Requirement Flex is already popular to various developers particularly those who have already worked with Flash. Combine this fact with the available platform; developers can expect implementation of Flex based application faster. Ajax, on the other hand, will require more from their developers. Those who wanted to create the application manually, without the assistance of frameworks, will find the task of creating Ajax based applications difficult. This is the reason why Frameworks and libraries are created. Data vs. Looks although each development form can be used for data and its looks, Ajax is more proficient in handling and manipulating data. As an online application, various functions, variables and objects are available and they are simply created to manipulate data. Flex on the other hand, is very useful in creating great looking websites. The reason for this expertise is from that fact that it traces its roots from Flash. 4.2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Ajax and Flex/Flash Advantages Disadvantages Ajax Decrease in bandwidth use. Complex. Requires more coding. Flex/Flash Adobe MXML and Flex allows the integration of internet applications through a variety of desktop functions. Flex has the advantage of Flash player being installed on over 90% of browsers. Support for webcam and microphone. Present information in a visually rich interface. Asynchronous Video and audio integration with the Flex API is very simple and straightforward Flex might not handle lots of records easily. Flex does not read or write files to end-users computer. This is a restriction of Flash Player. More CPU usage. Lack of support for multi-threading. ActionScript is a lot heavier compared to JavaScript. No DOM Model Binary Sockets, cross-domain Access Policy Local Storage JavaScript/ActionScript Integration, E4X Flash Vector graphics APIs Rich components Object model access Data-stores, backend processing, legacy systems Web and/or XML server Browser Client User Interface Ajax Engine JavaScript call HTML + CSS data Server-Side Systems Conclusions This paper has presented an overview of the AJAX technique for developing interactive web applications. Ideas of how to introduce the AJAX approach in teaching web development and examples for lab sessions have been suggested. Incorporating popular technologies into the computing courses appears to motivate the students and in the same time it helps them understand better fundamental theoretical concepts. The AJAX technology requires relatively little new knowledge and can be easily included in teaching web development by focusing on specific parts of existing technologies and demonstrating appropriate applications. The challenge is the constant need of updating the material and selecting relevant examples and tools. However, the experience of learning new technologies and related applications has been rewarding and exciting. The material presented here could be used as an example of embedding emerging technologies in the computing curriculum through existing modules. Although JavaScript has been developed into greater heights, ActionScript is continuously being developed by Adobe. Today, ActionScript could be easily compared to JavaScript as each of these RIA (Rich Internet Application) programming languages has their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the need of the developers, they should be able to select which programming language to select.

Penalties for Atheletes Using Performance-enhancing Drugs :: essays research papers

Imagine, just for one minute that you were at the peak of you career, in a competition that would determines whether you sink of swim. You have the choice to go out all natural, or to give yourself a little boost, so it is definite that you will swim. What would you do? Would you run the risk of getting caught? The athletes that stoop to this level are cheats. They are afraid of losing. And as the old saying goes, â€Å"cheaters never prosper†. They are putting so many things at risk in their lives. They face being suspended and completely thrown out of their sport, they put their lives at risk, no to mention giving sport a bad name. Testosterone can build muscle and strength, reduce fatigue and improve recovery time after exercise. To many athletes this sounds better than sliced bread. But in reality they are running a huge risk to them selves and their country. Athletes can be tempted to boost the naturally occurring levels of the steroid to enhance their performance – but there are side effects. High levels of steroids can cause jaundice, liver damage, acne, heart problems, euphoria, mood swings, depression and paranoia. The normal testosterone to epitestosterone in urine varies between individuals, but on average is one to one. The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority says the ratio does not vary significantly within an individual unless there has been a replacement of it from an unknown source. Naturally occurring ratios of 6:1 are rare. Any athlete who returns a urine test of 4:1 are said to have committed an offence unless there are biological evidence to prove other wise. They are taking high doses of naturally occurring hormones, and other banned substances to enhance their performance. This is cheating. Ever since we were 5 we knew that it was wrong. When ever some one cheated in a game, you would kick up a stink to try making it fair, because you were cheated. And no one likes a cheater. These athletes deserve more than just a wrap on the knuckles and having to give up some of their pocket money. They ran the risk, and they were caught. They deserve what they get. In our judicial system, persons found guilty of using banned substances have to pay the following consequences, (1) fines of many thousands of dollars. (2) Intensive correction orders. Penalties for Atheletes Using Performance-enhancing Drugs :: essays research papers Imagine, just for one minute that you were at the peak of you career, in a competition that would determines whether you sink of swim. You have the choice to go out all natural, or to give yourself a little boost, so it is definite that you will swim. What would you do? Would you run the risk of getting caught? The athletes that stoop to this level are cheats. They are afraid of losing. And as the old saying goes, â€Å"cheaters never prosper†. They are putting so many things at risk in their lives. They face being suspended and completely thrown out of their sport, they put their lives at risk, no to mention giving sport a bad name. Testosterone can build muscle and strength, reduce fatigue and improve recovery time after exercise. To many athletes this sounds better than sliced bread. But in reality they are running a huge risk to them selves and their country. Athletes can be tempted to boost the naturally occurring levels of the steroid to enhance their performance – but there are side effects. High levels of steroids can cause jaundice, liver damage, acne, heart problems, euphoria, mood swings, depression and paranoia. The normal testosterone to epitestosterone in urine varies between individuals, but on average is one to one. The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority says the ratio does not vary significantly within an individual unless there has been a replacement of it from an unknown source. Naturally occurring ratios of 6:1 are rare. Any athlete who returns a urine test of 4:1 are said to have committed an offence unless there are biological evidence to prove other wise. They are taking high doses of naturally occurring hormones, and other banned substances to enhance their performance. This is cheating. Ever since we were 5 we knew that it was wrong. When ever some one cheated in a game, you would kick up a stink to try making it fair, because you were cheated. And no one likes a cheater. These athletes deserve more than just a wrap on the knuckles and having to give up some of their pocket money. They ran the risk, and they were caught. They deserve what they get. In our judicial system, persons found guilty of using banned substances have to pay the following consequences, (1) fines of many thousands of dollars. (2) Intensive correction orders.

Cowgirl Chocolates Essay

1. What are some of the critical strengths and weaknesses of Cowgirl Chocolates that determine the success of this small business? Can the weaknesses be overcome by the strengths of the business? Some of the critical strengths of Cowgirl Chocolates that determine the success of this small business include product differentiation, quality, flexible return policy, and personalization. Cowgirl Chocolates is very modern creation since it meets the needs of a specific market of spicy and chocolate fans by combining both cayenne, a spice, and chocolate, a sweetener. The business also is known for using premium ingredients in all of the chocolates it offers. The business not only offers a flexible return policy, which gives customers a full refund guarantee if they end up disliking the spicy truffles but also facilitates trial purchases for customers interested in the spicy chocolates. The company also uses personal notes in the Web site orders in order to build customer satisfaction. Some of the critical weaknesses of Cowgirl Chocolates include having a high production cost, not having a tailored mission statement for this specific business, and lacking focus. Cowgirl Chocolates has to pay a lot of money for the packaging, ingredients, and travel expenses to make the hot caramel dessert sauce. The business also is unfocused because of weak distribution, there is no product definition or market research, and the target market is thus dispersed due to not having a properly defined consumer base. Yes, the weaknesses can be overcome by the strengths of the business if the business spends time focusing on the weaknesses listed in order to build a more successful small business. 2. Using the total product view, describe the â€Å"hot and spicy chocolate truffle† offered by Cowgirl Chocolates? Based on this product view do you think this product will be readily accepted by consumers? Why or why not? The â€Å"hot and spicy chocolate truffle† offered by Cowgirl Chocolates were offered in several flavors such as plain chocolate, mint, orange, lime tequila, and espresso. The plain chocolate, mint, and orange truffles were wrapped in gold wrappers, the lime tequila truffles were wrapped in green wrappers, and the espresso truffles were wrapped in red wrappers in order for the customer to recognize that this truffle was extra spicy and hot. Personally, I believe the packaging of the truffles is not fully understandable because red does denote something hot, while the other flavors wrappers don’t fully translate to being hot and spicy. The truffles were also available in gift boxes, drawstring muslin bags, a collectible tin, and also in a plastic bag if the customer chose to purchase the truffles on the Cowgirl Chocolates website. Personally, I do not believe that consumers will readily accept this product because the general market of consumers will more than likely purchase sweet, milky chocolates over hot and spicy chocolates. The purchase of Cowgirl Chocolates fully depends on whether the consumer likes the taste rather than attractive packaging and different experience. 3. What market do you think the â€Å"hot and spicy truffles† is competing in—the hot and spicy food market, the chocolate candy market, the gift niche market, or other? Personally, I believe the â€Å"hot and spicy truffles† are competing in the chocolate candy market because when one thinks of the name â€Å"Cowgirl Chocolates† the word â€Å"chocolate† comes to mind rather than hot and spicy. The hot and spicy food market is strongly associated with spices, sauces, Mexican foods, and Spanish influenced foods. Cowgirl Chocolates thus seems more likely to be successful in the chocolate candy market rather than the hot and spicy food market due to the unique packaging of the truffles, the brand name given to the product, and the premium ingredients and price. 4. What is your assessment of Marilyn’s promotional efforts? In order for Marilyn to increase the sale of her chocolates, should she use a push or pull communication strategy? Personally, I believe that Marilyn has been very effective with her promotional efforts in order to create customer demand. Through the use of her award-winning recognition for packaging at various art shows, advertising in her local newspaper, the Soviet Awards recognition of her unique and tasty products, and presence and involvement with Seattle Chocolates have thus far helped bring some awareness for her product. In order for Marilyn to increase the sale of her chocolates, she should use a pull communication strategy because the more publicity she is able to gain for product and creative packaging, the greater awareness she will thus be able to gain for her business. 5. As you examine Exhibit 2, you will note that Cowgirl Chocolates offers several gift packages (1/4 pound, 1/2 pound, 1 lb., gift bucket, gift basket, nothing fancy) that range in suggested retail prices from $8. 95 to $59. 95. Given these price and packaging alternatives what type of product (convenience, shopping, or specialty) is Cowgirl Chocolates? Based on this classification would the buyer decision more likely to be a routine, limited or complex decision? Explain your reasoning. Given these price and packaging alternatives I believe Cowgirl Chocolates are specialty products because they are more expensive and thus for the most part exclusively distributed in either specialty stores or gift stores. By classifying Cowgirl Chocolates as specialty products, buyer decision would more likely be a limited decision because it requires putting though in the shopping process and therefore the decision whether to purchase or not purchase the product the product takes place in a store environment where the display of the products is thus very important to whether or not the customer will thus end up purchasing the product. 6. The suggested retail price and wholesale prices of Cowgirl Chocolates products are displayed in Exhibit 2 along with the product and packaging costs. Based on this information, discuss the relative merits of using a cost-based, demand-based, or competition based pricing method. The relative merits of using a cost-based, demand-based, or competition based pricing method include recognizing the that the retail prices are pretty much double the wholesale price. Thus, the combined packaging costs and the imported chocolate make these high-quality products very costly even before markups on the products are made at both the wholesale and retail level. Similarly, when one compares the price of for example, the half pound tin, that seems very expensive when compared to a 24 pack of Lindor Chocolate Truffles which costs $12. 00 a bag. 7. Construct a table consisting of the generic marketing mix strategies. Based on what you know about Cowgirl Chocolates, what marketing mix plan would you recommend to Marilyn and why? Based on what I know about Cowgirl Chocolates, I would recommend gift purchases to Marilyn because gift purchases are strongly influenced by both situational and temporary conditions, which thus allow for numerous opportunities to purchase Cowgirl Chocolates. Furthermore, these chocolates are very appropriate to give to a male consumer because research shows that men like hot and spicy foods more so than women. Cowgirl Chocolates would also be a good small gift to someone hosting a party or a dinner since a lot of consumers look around for a small gift in order to say thank you to the hostess.? 8. For a small business like Cowgirl Chocolates, what benefits and/or potential problems does a website offer? For a small business like Cowgirl Chocolates, a website offers both benefits and potential problems. The benefits include providing Marilyn the opportunity to build an online customer database and a database with customers who are thus repeat customers. Another benefit includes the business Cowgirl Chocolates to gain online awareness by being features on the appropriate online portals like chocolate candies and unique gift products. The potential problems include the possibility of sales increasing online and Marilyn thus must figure out a way to manage the increasing demand which might include having to pay additional costs in both packaging and shipping and additional labor costs in order to prepare the packages.

Disagreeing on Slavery Essays

Disagreeing on Slavery Essays Disagreeing on Slavery Essay Disagreeing on Slavery Essay The Declaration of Independence clearly and famously states, â€Å"All men are created equal† and have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In the early years of the United States, however, this affirmation of basic rights did not extend and apply to all. African Americans, who were at the time viewed simply as property rather than as human beings, had these rights completely deprived of them by being kept in slavery on southern farms and plantations. Slaves on these plantations did various work and tasks but mostly harsh manual labor farming in the fields for their masters. Slavery had been an established institution in the country since colonial times and while there had always been several opinions on the issue, it had been basically accepted or at least acknowledged as part of the Nation’s culture and framework. Eventually the opposing views became more defined and ultimately split into the Anti-Slavery North and the Pro-Slavery South. Both perspectives had legitimate reasons to back up their different views and ideas about how to handle slavery as the country grew and matured. In the years leading up to the Civil War, the opinions of the North and South on the future of the existence of slavery differed because of economic, social, and political reasons. By the mid 1800’s Northerners commonly agreed on the belief that the complete abolition of slavery was imperative to the future success of the country. Up until this point most thought of slavery as a necessary evil, and so it was tolerated with the expectation and aspiration for it to eventually die out (Stolyarov). Disagreements over slavery date back as far at the American Revolution. During the war Northerners were bothered by the fact that the white Southern slaveholding population was more concerned with protecting their slaves than fighting and defeating the British. Many, including commander-in-chief George Washington, were disturbed by the fact that Southern slave owners were showing desperation and weakness to the enemy in order to retrieve their â€Å"involuntary work force from the clutches of the departing British soldiers† (Dudley 18). The disapproval of African American servitude and the desire to end slavery led to the formation of a movement called Abolisionism. The movement was made up of anti-slavery activists, who were key in â€Å"leading the momentous struggle against slavery, informing it, [and] inspiring it† (Aptheker xi). The abolitionists were the main force behind the eventual emancipation of slaves and were responsible almost every action and event leading up to it. Abolition was also backed by some of the great leaders of the American Revolution, including President Jefferson and author Thomas Paine. Other leaders such as future Presidents George Washington and John Adams also expressed their aversion to the insistution of slavery (1). Abolitionists†¦agreed that the movement to emancipate the slaves, immediately and without compensation to the masters, was a revolutionary one† (15). Abolitionists felt very strongly about this issue and had several reasons for fighting for the emancipation of slavery. They were prepared and willing to go to great lengths to do what they felt was in the best interest of the future of the country they had so recently worked hard for and fought relentlessly to gain as their own. White Southern plantation owners were not the inventors of slavery. The use of human beings as an unwilling labor source had existed all over the world for thousands of years before the Southern United States even existed and was able utilize the practice. At that point in history, life without slavery was almost unimaginable to many communities and regions, including the Southern states of the U. S. (Higgs). Since even before the creation of the United States, when these areas were nothing more than British colonies, people living in the lower part of the country found the use of slaves to be invaluble. While today’s knowledge and morals make it seem nearly impossible that there are any legitimate justifications for the slavery that took place in the United States, it is vital to keep in mind the culture and values of the location and period in history in which it took place. Pro-slavery supporters had valid reasons for why they fought to keep slavery in the South. An inevitable and reccurring theme in most prominent historical events, financial and economic concerns contributed the Abolitionist’s crusade to end slavery. By 1860, economic liberals†¦linked†¦progress with the concept of free labor in a competative society† (Stampp 19). Many Northerners believed that the nation could not progress or develop economically if half of the country was still heavily involved with and economically dependent on such an archaic, primitive practice. Aside from this fear that slavery was holding the country back from reaching its economic potential, there really was no significant profit or benefit to be gained by the North if slavery was ended. However, the industrious Northerners were making miniscule amounts of money from slavery compared to the huge profits made by the slaveholding Southerners, so while economics was not a majorly significant reason for the average Northerner to actively fight against slavery, the lack of financial prosperity they were obtaining from it examined in cotrast with the tremendous revenue of the Southern slaveholders gave them no reason to support it. The prosperity of the southern economy was by far the most significant as well as understandable pro-slavery argument. The financial profit of the South was dependent on cotton, and the demand for cotton from outside the South, which was high for much of the 1800’s. Slavery was an essential part to this because slave labor accounted for ninety percent of all southern cotton production. The trade of slaves themselves from the upper south to lower also contributed substantially to the economy, as the price of slaves continued to rise through the early 1800’s. In an excerpt from Slavery in the Light of Social Ethics, Chancelor Harper divulged the Southern fear of not being able to produce adequate crops to sustain the agriculturally dependent economy without slave labor; â€Å"The first and most obvious effect [of emancipation], would be to put an end to the cultivation of our great Southern staple†¦I need hardly say that these staples cannot be produced to any extent where the proprietor of the soil cultivates it with his own hands† (Elliott 617). Without slave labor, Southerners were certain their economy would crumble. There was no possible way for the landowners to singlehandedly work their own farms, and hiring farm hands would ultimately result in less profits for the landowner. Southerners realized this and it was a major reason they so desperately wanted to keep slavery legal. â€Å"There was no country, in the most ancient times of its history, in which the people had made any considerable advances in industry or refinement, in which slavery had not been previously and long established, and in general use† (McKitrick 69-70). Southerners thouroughly believed that slavery was essential to their financial wellbeing and the overall success of the southern economy. Social and moral beliefs were a major part of the Abolitionist’s desire to end slavery. Religion played a big role in this. Many Abolitionists thought that all humans were created equal in the eyes of the Lord, and therefore African Americans were not racially inferior to whites. The cruelty and injustice towards slavery was another reason northern Abolitionists called for emancipation. The majority of slave masters treated their slaves brutally, often beating them to near-death. Anti-slavery supporters were bothered by the fact that slaves were stripped of natural and inalianable rights including the right to choose a religion and the right to own property. Abolitionists generally believed that no man could have ownership of another man, so they strongly disapproved of the southern slave owner’s concept of reducing African Americans to mere property (Garcia). Slavery was a socially accpeted practice in the South, as well as a valuble part of the culture. It therefore became a notable pro-slavery argument. While a small minority of Southerners actually owned slaves, all southern farmers aspired to. In the South, owning slaves gained the master influence and power. Slave ownership was a necessary precondition to move upward socially in the South. â€Å"Slavery has existed from as early time as historical records furnish any information of the social and political condition of mankind†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (McKitrick 69). Southern slave owners, therefore, were not creating a new system of labor, and did not view slavery as barabric or sadistic. It was not the production or brainchild of a single sadistic and money-hungary Southerner. Slavery had long been an axiomatic part of society and humanity globally, and because of the fortune and prosperity it brought, its morality and existance generally went unquestioned and undisputed in the South. It was a shared belief that slavery was a natural function of life. Southerners believed in a variation of â€Å"Social Darwinism,† where the â€Å"weak†, the blacks, were naturally inferior to the â€Å"strong† superior white man. According to this theory, white enslavement of blacks was justified because the weak are characteristically prone to domination by those who are above them in some way. Since it was common practice to ban African Americans from any education and having or voicing any ideas or opinions, it was undeniable that whites had superior skills and intellectual abilities. President Abraham Lincoln presented this opinion in one of his infamous debates with Senator Stephen Douglas, â€Å"[T]here is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And†¦there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race† (Higgs). Another prevailing pro-slavery argument was that Southerners felt blacks were not capable of caring for and supporting themselves. Southerner slaveholders held that, â€Å"it would be cruel to set free people who would then, at best, fall into destitution and suffering† (Higgs). This belief led slave owners to claim they had a paternalistic attitude toward slavery, and referred to it as a â€Å"caring institution. The white southern land owners considered themselves as â€Å"benevolent guardians of an inferior race. † They also felt that this reasoning was justified by the Bible because it stresses the authority of the patriarch, which is the role slave masters assumed. They believed slavery was an Institution ordained by God, and â€Å"part of God’s plan to Christianize an inferior race. † The end of slavery would greatly impact and significantly alter the social aspects of southern society, making it a valid pro-slavery argument. Political issues were a huge aspect of slavery and were vital to emancipation. While economic and social beliefs influence behavior, politics lead to laws, which enforce behavior. Because these laws and policies affected the nation as a whole, it is logical to directly compare the North and South’s political opinions on slavery. The main issue was if the new Western states would be slave-allowing or free. The North and South argued about this because it determined who had the majority in the Senate. Several compromises were made to settle the conflicts. In 1820, Kentucky Senator Henry Clay created the Missouri Compromise, which divided the territory between slave and free. Thirty years later Clay again settled a similar dissension with the Compromise of 1850 in which most of the disputed territory, including California, was admitted to the country as Free states. To appease the pro-slavery South, the Compromise included a policy known as the Fugitive Slave Act. This Act made stricter laws concerning run-away slaves (Compromise). The pro-slavery South and Abolitionist North had credible reasons for valuing political power as a way to carry out their ideals and goals. In the pre Civil War era the North and South’s aspirations and ideals for the future of slavery conflicted because of economic, social, and political reasons. Ultimately, the Abolition Movement of the North prevailed and after a brutal Civil War between the Union and Confederacy, President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation put an official end to slavery. For the South this meant a period of reconstruction as well as significant and unwelcome changes to their economy, society, and politics; but for the United States as a whole it meant a new found unity and the ability to progress and develop into the global power it is today.