Everest Simulation Reflection Paper - 1708 Words

| Mt. Everest Simulation Reflection Paper | Assignment 1 | | | | Individual reflection on the Mt. Everest Simulation exercise carried out on 5th October and the subsequent debriefing on 12th October | The Everest simulation was a unique experience. Before the actual simulation started, my team discussed the approach we would take and how we will deal with situations wherein the personal goals collided with the team goals. We shared our character profile information with each other and began the exercise with excitement and a firm resolve to do our best. The team finished achieving 41% of its goals. Two of our members had to be rescued and we didn’t manage to attain any of the weather, oxygen or medical challenges. We†¦show more content†¦Once the exercise was over and as the individual points were displayed a lot of things became clearer. Having experienced the system and then debriefing later on, helped in filling a lot of gaps in information that seemed to exist during the simulation. With a better understanding of ‘the rules of the game’ and some of the strategies that did work, it is difficult to introspect now without a bias. As the saying goes – â€Å"Hindsight is wonderful. Its always very easy to second guess after the fact. â€Å"– Helen Reddy There are certain things though that we would have done differently even without any of the additional information we gathered later on. First of all we would have used the system very carefully. Often we don’t get a second chance to rectify things and therefore we need to exercise due caution at every step we take. We also would have examined each piece of information diligently. There seemed to be a lot of loose ends and therefore it was more important to be cautious and utilize any given information. On a strategy front, we tried to factor in the weather and health conditions at each stage. However we tried to take a broader view of the picture. So when the weather information was not available, we tried to draw a trend from the previous recordings. We decided to move to the next camp based on those trends. In the case where the environmentalist was in aShow MoreRelatedDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesThe Advantages of Teams 494 An Example of an Effective Team 497 Team Development 498 The Forming Stage 498 The Norming Stage 499 The Storming Stage 501 The Performing Stage 503 Leading Teams 506 Developing Credibility 507 Establish SMART Goals and Everest Goals 509 International Caveats 511 Team Membership 512 Advantageous Roles 512 Providing Feedback 516 International Caveats 517 SKILL ANALYSIS 519 Cases Involving Building Effective Teams 519 The Tallahassee Democrat’s ELITE Team 519 The Cash RegisterRead MoreProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 Pagesany network or other electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for distance learning. Some ancillaries, including electronic and print components, may not be available to customers outside the United States. This book is printed on acid-free paper. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 WVR/WVR 0 9 8 7 ISBN 978-0-07-340334-2 MHID 0-07-340334-2 Editorial director: Stewart Mattson Publisher: Tim Vertovec Executive editor: Richard T. Hercher, Jr. Developmental editor: Gail Korosa Associate marketing manager: Jaime

Twilight 15. THE CULLENS Free Essays

15. THE CULLENS The muted light of yet another cloudy day eventually woke me. I lay with my arm across my eyes, groggy and dazed. We will write a custom essay sample on Twilight 15. THE CULLENS or any similar topic only for you Order Now Something, a dream trying to be remembered, struggled to break into my consciousness. I moaned and rolled on my side, hoping more sleep would come. And then the previous day flooded back into my awareness. â€Å"Oh!† I sat up so fast it made my head spin. â€Å"Your hair looks like a haystack†¦ but I like it.† His unruffled voice came from the rocking chair in the corner. â€Å"Edward! You stayed!† I rejoiced, and thoughtlessly threw myself across the room and into his lap. In the instant that my thoughts caught up with my actions, I froze, shocked by my own uncontrolled enthusiasm. I stared up at him, afraid that I had crossed the wrong line. But he laughed. â€Å"Of course,† he answered, startled, but seeming pleased by my reaction. His hands rubbed my back. I laid my head cautiously against his shoulder, breathing in the smell of his skin. â€Å"I was sure it was a dream.† â€Å"You’re not that creative,† he scoffed. â€Å"Charlie!† I remembered, thoughtlessly jumping up again and heading to the door. â€Å"He left an hour ago – after reattaching your battery cables, I might add. I have to admit I was disappointed. Is that really all it would take to stop you, if you were determined to go?† I deliberated where I stood, wanting to return to him badly, but afraid I might have morning breath. â€Å"You’re not usually this confused in the morning,† he noted. He held his arms open for me to return. A nearly irresistible invitation. â€Å"I need another human minute,† I admitted. â€Å"I’ll wait.† I skipped to the bathroom, my emotions unrecognizable. I didn’t know myself, inside or out. The face in the mirror was practically a stranger – eyes too bright, hectic spots of red across my cheekbones. After I brushed my teeth, I worked to straighten out the tangled chaos that was my hair. I splashed my face with cold water, and tried to breathe normally, with no noticeable success. I half-ran back to my room. It seemed like a miracle that he was there, his arms still waiting for me. He reached out to me, and my heart thumped unsteadily. â€Å"Welcome back,† he murmured, taking me into his arms. He rocked me for a while in silence, until I noticed that his clothes were changed, his hair smooth. â€Å"You left?† I accused, touching the collar of his fresh shirt. â€Å"I could hardly leave in the clothes I came in – what would the neighbors think?† I pouted. â€Å"You were very deeply asleep; I didn’t miss anything.† His eyes gleamed. â€Å"The talking came earlier.† I groaned. â€Å"What did you hear?† His gold eyes grew very soft. â€Å"You said you loved me.† â€Å"You knew that already,† I reminded him, ducking my head. â€Å"It was nice to hear, just the same.† I hid my face against his shoulder. â€Å"I love you,† I whispered. â€Å"You are my life now,† he answered simply. There was nothing more to say for the moment. He rocked us back and forth as the room grew lighter. â€Å"Breakfast time,† he said eventually, casually – to prove, I’m sure, that he remembered all my human frailties. So I clutched my throat with both hands and stared at him with wide eyes. Shock crossed his face. â€Å"Kidding!† I snickered. â€Å"And you said I couldn’t act!† He frowned in disgust. â€Å"That wasn’t funny.† â€Å"It was very funny, and you know it.† But I examined his gold eyes carefully, to make sure that I was forgiven. Apparently, I was. â€Å"Shall I rephrase?† he asked. â€Å"Breakfast time for the human.† â€Å"Oh, okay.† He threw me over his stone shoulder, gently, but with a swiftness that left me breathless. I protested as he carried me easily down the stairs, but he ignored me. He sat me right side up on a chair. The kitchen was bright, happy, seeming to absorb my mood. â€Å"What’s for breakfast?† I asked pleasantly. That threw him for a minute. â€Å"Er, I’m not sure. What would you like?† His marble brow puckered. I grinned, hopping up. â€Å"That’s all right, I fend for myself pretty well. Watch me hunt.† I found a bowl and a box of cereal. I could feel his eyes on me as I poured the milk and grabbed a spoon. I sat my food on the table, and then paused. â€Å"Can I get you anything?† I asked, not wanting to be rude. He rolled his eyes. â€Å"Just eat, Bella.† I sat at the table, watching him as I took a bite. He was gazing at me, studying my every movement. It made me self-conscious. I cleared my mouth to speak, to distract him. â€Å"What’s on the agenda for today?† I asked. â€Å"Hmmm†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I watched him frame his answer carefully. â€Å"What would you say to meeting my family?† I gulped. â€Å"Are you afraid now?† He sounded hopeful. â€Å"Yes,† I admitted; how could I deny it – he could see my eyes. â€Å"Don’t worry.† He smirked. â€Å"I’ll protect you.† â€Å"I’m not afraid of them,† I explained. â€Å"I’m afraid they won’t†¦ like me. Won’t they be, well, surprised that you would bring someone†¦ like me†¦ home to meet them? Do they know that I know about them?† â€Å"Oh, they already know everything. They’d taken bets yesterday, you know† – he smiled, but his voice was harsh – â€Å"on whether I’d bring you back, though why anyone would bet against Alice, I can’t imagine. At any rate, we don’t have secrets in the family. It’s not really feasible, what with my mind reading and Alice seeing the future and all that.† â€Å"And Jasper making you feel all warm and fuzzy about spilling your guts, don’t forget that.† â€Å"You paid attention,† he smiled approvingly. â€Å"I’ve been known to do that every now and then.† I grimaced. â€Å"So did Alice see me coming?† His reaction was strange. â€Å"Something like that,† he said uncomfortably, turning away so I couldn’t see his eyes. I stared at him curiously. â€Å"Is that any good?† he asked, turning back to me abruptly and eyeing my breakfast with a teasing look on his face. â€Å"Honestly, it doesn’t look very appetizing.† â€Å"Well, it’s no irritable grizzly†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I murmured, ignoring him when he glowered. I was still wondering why he responded that way when I mentioned Alice. I hurried through my cereal, speculating. He stood in the middle of the kitchen, the statue of Adonis again, staring abstractedly out the back windows. Then his eyes were back on me, and he smiled his heartbreaking smile. â€Å"And you should introduce me to your father, too, I think.† â€Å"He already knows you,† I reminded him. â€Å"As your boyfriend, I mean.† I stared at him with suspicion. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Isn’t that customary?† he asked innocently. â€Å"I don’t know,† I admitted. My dating history gave me few reference points to work with. Not that any normal rules of dating applied here. â€Å"That’s not necessary, you know. I don’t expect you to†¦ I mean, you don’t have to pretend for me.† His smile was patient. â€Å"I’m not pretending.† I pushed the remains of my cereal around the edges of the bowl, biting my lip. â€Å"Are you going to tell Charlie I’m your boyfriend or not?† he demanded. â€Å"Is that what you are?† I suppressed my internal cringing at the thought of Edward and Charlie and the word boy friend all in the same room at the same time. â€Å"It’s a loose interpretation of the word ‘boy,’ I’ll admit.† â€Å"I was under the impression that you were something more, actually,† I confessed, looking at the table. â€Å"Well, I don’t know if we need to give him all the gory details.† He reached across the table to lift my chin with a cold, gentle finger. â€Å"But he will need some explanation for why I’m around here so much. I don’t want Chief Swan getting a restraining order put on me.† â€Å"Will you be?† I asked, suddenly anxious. â€Å"Will you really be here?† â€Å"As long as you want me,† he assured me. â€Å"I’ll always want you,† I warned him. â€Å"Forever.† He walked slowly around the table, and, pausing a few feet away, he reached out to touch his fingertips to my cheek. His expression was unfathomable. â€Å"Does that make you sad?† I asked. He didn’t answer. He stared into my eyes for an immeasurable period of time. â€Å"Are you finished?† he finally asked. I jumped up. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Get dressed – I’ll wait here.† It was hard to decide what to wear. I doubted there were any etiquette books detailing how to dress when your vampire sweetheart takes you home to meet his vampire family. It was a relief to think the word to myself. I knew I shied away from it intentionally. I ended up in my only skirt – long, khaki-colored, still casual. I put on the dark blue blouse he’d once complimented. A quick glance in the mirror told me my hair was entirely impossible, so I pulled it back into a pony tail. â€Å"Okay.† I bounced down the stairs. â€Å"I’m decent.† He was waiting at the foot of the stairs, closer than I’d thought, and I bounded right into him. He steadied me, holding me a careful distance away for a few seconds before suddenly pulling me closer. â€Å"Wrong again,† he murmured in my ear. â€Å"You are utterly indecent – no one should look so tempting, it’s not fair.† â€Å"Tempting how?† I asked. â€Å"I can change†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He sighed, shaking his head. â€Å"You are so absurd.† He pressed his cool lips delicately to my forehead, and the room spun. The smell of his breath made it impossible to think. â€Å"Shall I explain how you are tempting me?† he said. It was clearly a rhetorical question. His fingers traced slowly down my spine, his breath coming more quickly against my skin. My hands were limp on his chest, and I felt lightheaded again. He tilted his head slowly and touched his cool lips to mine for the second time, very carefully, parting them slightly. And then I collapsed. â€Å"Bella?† His voice was alarmed as he caught me and held me up. â€Å"You†¦ made†¦ me†¦ faint,† I accused him dizzily. â€Å"What am I going to do with you?† he groaned in exasperation. â€Å"Yesterday I kiss you, and you attack me! Today you pass out on me!† I laughed weakly, letting his arms support me while my head spun. â€Å"So much for being good at everything,† he sighed. â€Å"That’s the problem.† I was still dizzy. â€Å"You’re too good. Far, far too good.† â€Å"Do you feel sick?† he asked; he’d seen me like this before. â€Å"No – that wasn’t the same kind of fainting at all. I don’t know what happened.† I shook my head apologeticallv, â€Å"I think I forgot to breathe.† â€Å"I can’t take you anywhere like this.† â€Å"I’m fine,† I insisted. â€Å"Your family is going to think I’m insane anyway, what’s the difference?† He measured my expression for a moment. â€Å"I’m very partial to that color with your skin,† he offered unexpectedly. I flushed with pleasure, and looked away. â€Å"Look, I’m trying really hard not to think about what I’m about to do, so can we go already?† I asked. â€Å"And you’re worried, not because you’re headed to meet a houseful of vampires, but because you think those vampires won’t approve of you, correct?† â€Å"That’s right,† I answered immediately, hiding my surprise at his casual use of the word. He shook his head. â€Å"You’re incredible.† I realized, as he drove my truck out of the main part of town, that I had no idea where he lived. We passed over the bridge at the Calawah River, the road winding northward, the houses flashing past us growing farther apart, getting bigger. And then we were past the other houses altogether, driving through misty forest. I was trying to decide whether to ask or be patient, when he turned abruptly onto an unpaved road. It was unmarked, barely visible among the ferns. The forest encroached on both sides, leaving the road ahead only discernible for a few meters as it twisted, serpentlike, around the ancient trees. And then, after a few miles, there was some thinning of the woods, and we were suddenly in a small meadow, or was it actually a lawn? The gloom of the forest didn’t relent, though, for there were six primordial cedars that shaded an entire acre with their vast sweep of branches. The trees held their protecting shadow right up to the walls of the house that rose among them, making obsolete the deep porch that wrapped around the first story. I don’t know what I had expected, but it definitely wasn’t this. The house was timeless, graceful, and probably a hundred years old. It was painted a soft, faded white, three stories tall, rectangular and well proportioned. The windows and doors were either part of the original structure or a perfect restoration. My truck was the only car in sight. I could hear the river close by, hidden in the obscurity of the forest. â€Å"Wow.† â€Å"You like it?† He smiled. â€Å"It†¦ has a certain charm.† He pulled the end of my ponytail and chuckled. â€Å"Ready?† he asked, opening my door. â€Å"Not even a little bit – let’s go.† I tried to laugh, but it seemed to get stuck in my throat. I smoothed my hair nervously. â€Å"You look lovely.† He took my hand easily, without thinking about it. We walked through the deep shade up to the porch. I knew he could feel my tension; his thumb rubbed soothing circles into the back of my hand. He opened the door for me. The inside was even more surprising, less predictable, than the exterior. It was very bright, very open, and very large. This must have originally been several rooms, but the walls had been removed from most of the first floor to create one wide space. The back, south-facing wall had been entirely replaced with glass, and, beyond the shade of the cedars, the lawn stretched bare to the wide river. A massive curving staircase dominated the west side of the room. The walls, the high-beamed ceiling, the wooden floors, and the thick carpets were all varying shades of white. Waiting to greet us, standing just to the left of the door, on a raised portion of the floor by a spectacular grand piano, were Edward’s parents. I’d seen Dr. Cullen before, of course, yet I couldn’t help but be struck again by his youth, his outrageous perfection. At his side was Esme, I assumed, the only one of the family I’d never seen before. She had the same pale, beautiful features as the rest of them. Something about her heart-shaped face, her billows of soft, caramel-colored hair, reminded me of the ing? ¦nues of the silent-movie era. She was small, slender, yet less angular, more rounded than the others. They were both dressed casually, in light colors that matched the inside of the house. They smiled in welcome, but made no move to approach us. Trying not to frighten me, I guessed. â€Å"Carlisle, Esme,† Edward’s voice broke the short silence, â€Å"this is Bella.† â€Å"You’re very welcome, Bella.† Carlisle’s step was measured, careful as he approached me. He raised his hand tentatively, and I stepped forward to shake hands with him. â€Å"It’s nice to see you again, Dr. Cullen.† â€Å"Please, call me Carlisle.† â€Å"Carlisle.† I grinned at him, my sudden confidence surprising me. I could feel Edward’s relief at my side. Esme smiled and stepped forward as well, reaching for my hand. Her cold, stone grasp was just as I expected. â€Å"It’s very nice to know you,† she said sincerely. â€Å"Thank you. I’m glad to meet you, too.† And I was. It was like meeting a fairy tale – Snow White, in the flesh. â€Å"Where are Alice and Jasper?† Edward asked, but no one answered, as they had just appeared at the top of the wide staircase. â€Å"Hey, Edward!† Alice called enthusiastically. She ran down the stairs, a streak of black hair and white skin, coming to a sudden and graceful stop in front of me. Carlisle and Esme shot warning glances at her, but I liked it. It was natural – for her, anyway. â€Å"Hi, Bella!† Alice said, and she bounced forward to kiss my cheek. If Carlisle and Esme had looked cautious before, they now looked staggered. There was shock in my eyes, too, but I was also very pleased that she seemed to approve of me so entirely. I was startled to feel Edward stiffen at my side. I glanced at his face, but his expression was unreadable. â€Å"You do smell nice, I never noticed before,† she commented, to my extreme embarrassment. No one else seemed to know quite what to say, and then Jasper was there – tall and leonine. A feeling of ease spread through me, and I was suddenly comfortable despite where I was. Edward stared at Jasper, raising one eyebrow, and I remembered what Jasper could do. â€Å"Hello, Bella,† Jasper said. He kept his distance, not offering to shake my hand. But it was impossible to feel awkward near him. â€Å"Hello, Jasper.† I smiled at him shyly, and then at the others. â€Å"It’s nice to meet you all – you have a very beautiful home,† I added conventionally. â€Å"Thank you,† Esme said. â€Å"We’re so glad that you came.† She spoke with feeling, and I realized that she thought I was brave. I also realized that Rosalie and Emmett were nowhere to be seen, and I remembered Edward’s too-innocent denial when I’d asked him if the others didn’t like me. Carlisle’s expression distracted me from this train of thought; he was gazing meaningfully at Edward with an intense expression. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Edward nod once. I looked away, trying to be polite. My eyes wandered again to the beautiful instrument on the platform by the door. I suddenly remembered my childhood fantasy that, should I ever win a lottery, I would buy a grand piano for my mother. She wasn’t really good – she only played for herself on our secondhand upright – but I loved to watch her play. She was happy, absorbed – she seemed like a new, mysterious being to me then, someone outside the â€Å"mom† persona I took for granted. She’d put me through lessons, of course, but like most kids, I whined until she let me quit. Esme noticed my preoccupation. â€Å"Do you play?† she asked, inclining her head toward the piano. I shook my head. â€Å"Not at all. But it’s so beautiful. Is it yours?† â€Å"No,† she laughed. â€Å"Edward didn’t tell you he was musical?† â€Å"No.† I glared at his suddenly innocent expression with narrowed eyes. â€Å"I should have known, I guess.† Esme raised her delicate eyebrows in confusion. â€Å"Edward can do everything, right?† I explained. Jasper snickered and Esme gave Edward a reproving look. â€Å"I hope you haven’t been showing off- it’s rude,† she scolded. â€Å"Just a bit,† he laughed freely. Her face softened at the sound, and they shared a brief look that I didn’t understand, though Esme’s face seemed almost smug. â€Å"He’s been too modest, actually,† I corrected. â€Å"Well, play for her,† Esme encouraged. â€Å"You just said showing off was rude,† he objected. â€Å"There are exceptions to every rule,† she replied. â€Å"I’d like to hear you play,† I volunteered. â€Å"It’s settled then.† Esme pushed him toward the piano. He pulled me along, sitting me on the bench beside him. He gave me a long, exasperated look before he turned to the keys. And then his fingers flowed swiftly across the ivory, and the room was filled with a composition so complex, so luxuriant, it was impossible to believe only one set of hands played. I felt my chin drop, my mouth open in astonishment, and heard low chuckles behind me at my reaction. Edward looked at me casually, the music still surging around us without a break, and winked. â€Å"Do you like it?† â€Å"You wrote this?† I gasped, understanding. He nodded. â€Å"It’s Esme’s favorite.† I closed my eyes, shaking my head. â€Å"What’s wrong?† â€Å"I’m feeling extremely insignificant.† The music slowed, transforming into something softer, and to my surprise I detected the melody of his lullaby weaving through the profusion of notes. â€Å"You inspired this one,† he said softly. The music grew unbearably sweet. I couldn’t speak. â€Å"They like you, you know,† he said conversationally. â€Å"Esme especially.† I glanced behind me, but the huge room was empty now. â€Å"Where did they go?† â€Å"Very subtly giving us some privacy, I suppose.† I sighed. â€Å"They like me. But Rosalie and Emmett†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I trailed off, not sure how to express my doubts. He frowned. â€Å"Don’t worry about Rosalie,† he said, his eyes wide and persuasive. â€Å"She’ll come around.† I pursed my lips skeptically. â€Å"Emmett?† â€Å"Well, he thinks I’m a lunatic, it’s true, but he doesn’t have a problem with you. He’s trying to reason with Rosalie.† â€Å"What is it that upsets her?† I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know the answer. He sighed deeply. â€Å"Rosalie struggles the most with†¦ with what we are. It’s hard for her to have someone on the outside know the truth. And she’s a little jealous.† â€Å"Rosalie is jealous of me?† I asked incredulously. I tried to imagine a universe in which someone as breathtaking as Rosalie would have any possible reason to feel jealous of someone like me. â€Å"You’re human.† He shrugged. â€Å"She wishes that she were, too.† â€Å"Oh,† I muttered, still stunned. â€Å"Even Jasper, though†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"That’s really my fault,† he said. â€Å"I told you he was the most recent to try our way of life. I warned him to keep his distance.† I thought about the reason for that, and shuddered. â€Å"Esme and Carlisle†¦ ?† I continued quickly, to keep him from noticing. â€Å"Are happy to see me happy. Actually, Esme wouldn’t care if you had a third eye and webbed feet. All this time she’s been worried about me, afraid that there was something missing from my essential makeup, that I was too young when Carlisle changed me†¦ She’s ecstatic. Every time I touch you, she just about chokes with satisfaction.† â€Å"Alice seems very†¦ enthusiastic.† â€Å"Alice has her own way of looking at things,† he said through tight lips. â€Å"And you’re not going to explain that, are you?† A moment of wordless communication passed between us. He realized that I knew he was keeping something from me. I realized that he wasn’t going to give anything away. Not now. â€Å"So what was Carlisle telling you before?† His eyebrows pulled together. â€Å"You noticed that, did you?† I shrugged. â€Å"Of course.† He looked at me thoughtfully for a few seconds before answering. â€Å"He wanted to tell me some news – he didn’t know if it was something I would share with you.† â€Å"Will you?† â€Å"I have to, because I’m going to be a little†¦ overbearingly protective over the next few days – or weeks – and I wouldn’t want you to think I’m naturally a tyrant.† â€Å"What’s wrong?† â€Å"Nothing’s wrong, exactly. Alice just sees some visitors coming soon. They know we’re here, and they’re curious.† â€Å"Visitors?† â€Å"Yes†¦ well, they aren’t like us, of course – in their hunting habits, I mean. They probably won’t come into town at all, but I’m certainly not going to let you out of my sight till they’re gone.† I shivered. â€Å"Finally, a rational response!† he murmured. â€Å"I was beginning to think you had no sense of self-preservation at all.† I let that one pass, looking away, my eyes wandering again around the spacious room. He followed my gaze. â€Å"Not what you expected, is it?† he asked, his voice smug. â€Å"No,† I admitted. â€Å"No coffins, no piled skulls in the corners; I don’t even think we have cobwebs†¦ what a disappointment this must be for you,† he continued slyly. I ignored his teasing. â€Å"It’s so light†¦ so open.† He was more serious when he answered. â€Å"It’s the one place we never have to hide.† The song he was still playing, my song, drifted to an end, the final chords shifting to a more melancholy key. The last note hovered poignantly in the silence. â€Å"Thank you,† I murmured. I realized there were tears in my eyes. I dabbed at them, embarrassed. He touched the corner of my eye, trapping one I missed. He lifted his finger, examining the drop of moisture broodingly. Then, so quickly I couldn’t be positive that he really did, he put his finger to his mouth to taste it. I looked at him questioningly, and he gazed back for a long moment before he finally smiled. â€Å"Do you want to see the rest of the house?† â€Å"No coffins?† I verified, the sarcasm in my voice not entirely masking the slight but genuine anxiety I felt. He laughed, taking my hand, leading me away from the piano. â€Å"No coffins,† he promised. We walked up the massive staircase, my hand trailing along the satin-smooth rail. The long hall at the top of the stairs was paneled with a honey-colored wood, the same as the floorboards. â€Å"Rosalie and Emmett’s room†¦ Carlisle’s office†¦ Alice’s room†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He gestured as he led me past the doors. He would have continued, but I stopped dead at the end of the hall, staring incredulously at the ornament hanging on the wall above my head. Edward chuckled at my bewildered expression. â€Å"You can laugh,† he said. â€Å"It is sort of ironic.† I didn’t laugh. My hand raised automatically, one finger extended as if to touch the large wooden cross, its dark patina contrasting with the lighter tone of the wall. I didn’t touch it, though I was curious if the aged wood would feel as silky as it looked. â€Å"It must be very old,† I guessed. He shrugged. â€Å"Early sixteen-thirties, more or less.† I looked away from the cross to stare at him. â€Å"Why do you keep this here?† I wondered. â€Å"Nostalgia. It belonged to Carlisle’s father.† â€Å"He collected antiques?† I suggested doubtfully. â€Å"No. He carved this himself. It hung on the wall above the pulpit in the vicarage where he preached.† I wasn’t sure if my face betrayed my shock, but I returned to gazing at the simple, ancient cross, just in case. I quickly did the mental math; the cross was over three hundred and seventy years old. The silence stretched on as I struggled to wrap my mind around the concept of so many years. â€Å"Are you all right?† He sounded worried. â€Å"How old is Carlisle?† I asked quietly, ignoring his question, still staring up. â€Å"He just celebrated his three hundred and sixty-second birthday,† Edward said. I looked back at him, a million questions in my eyes. He watched me carefully as he spoke. â€Å"Carlisle was born in London, in the sixteen-forties, he believes. Time wasn’t marked as accurately then, for the common people anyway. It was just before Cromwell’s rule, though.† I kept my face composed, aware of his scrutiny as I listened. It was easier if I didn’t try to believe. â€Å"He was the only son of an Anglican pastor. His mother died giving birth to him. His father was an intolerant man. As the Protestants came into power, he was enthusiastic in his persecution of Roman Catholics and other religions. He also believed very strongly in the reality of evil. He led hunts for witches, werewolves†¦ and vampires.† I grew very still at the word. I’m sure he noticed, but he went on without pausing. â€Å"They burned a lot of innocent people – of course the real creatures that he sought were not so easy to catch. â€Å"When the pastor grew old, he placed his obedient son in charge of the raids. At first Carlisle was a disappointment; he was not quick to accuse, to see demons where they did not exist. But he was persistent, and more clever than his father. He actually discovered a coven of true vampires that lived hidden in the sewers of the city, only coming out by night to hunt. In those days, when monsters were not just myths and legends, that was the way many lived. â€Å"The people gathered their pitchforks and torches, of course† – his brief laugh was darker now – â€Å"and waited where Carlisle had seen the monsters exit into the street. Eventually one emerged.† His voice was very quiet; I strained to catch the words. â€Å"He must have been ancient, and weak with hunger. Carlisle heard him call out in Latin to the others when he caught the scent of the mob. He ran through the streets, and Carlisle – he was twenty-three and very fast – was in the lead of the pursuit. The creature could have easily outrun them, but Carlisle thinks he was too hungry, so he turned and attacked. He fell on Carlisle first, but the others were close behind, and he turned to defend himself. He killed two men, and made off with a third, leaving Carlisle bleeding in the street.† He paused. I could sense he was editing something, keeping something from me. â€Å"Carlisle knew what his father would do. The bodies would be burned – anything infected by the monster must be destroyed. Carlisle acted instinctively to save his own life. He crawled away from the alley while the mob followed the fiend and his victim. He hid in a cellar, buried himself in rotting potatoes for three days. It’s a miracle he was able to keep silent, to stay undiscovered. â€Å"It was over then, and he realized what he had become.† I’m not sure what my face was revealing, but he suddenly broke off. â€Å"How are you feeling?† he asked. â€Å"I’m fine,† I assured him. And, though I bit my lip in hesitation, he must have seen the curiosity burning in my eyes. He smiled. â€Å"I expect you have a few more questions for me.† â€Å"A few.† His smile widened over his brilliant teeth. He started back down the hall, pulling me along by the hand. â€Å"Come on, then,† he encouraged. â€Å"I’ll show you.† How to cite Twilight 15. THE CULLENS, Essay examples

Financial Markets and Corporate Strategy †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Financial Markets and Corporate Strategy. Answer: Introduction The corporate veil is also known as the lifting the corporate veil or piercing the corporate veil which defines the rights in the corporation for the application of the liabilities of the shareholders. Sometimes for the beneficial reason the corporate need to operate with separate legal person then they owned the responsibilities where the debts has been incurred. It provide the limited liability of the corporation by the sole trader. Therefore as per the given case study, when Aussieair has formed a new company for the uplifting the corporate veil, they can able to gain the benefits and reduce the amount of the salary from their employees then they want to take legal actions against them. The old employees also offered for fresh job on the new company where they get the same amount of salaries. Now as they want to take legal actions against them for the issues. According to the case study, the issue is whether Aussieair is liable for offence with the employees of PNGair for not paying equal amount of salaries and conditions like Aussieair to their employees? According to the case study the directors of Aussieair has decided to reduce the salary payment of the employees. Another new company PNGair has appointed same employees with 25% less salary and benefits than Aussieair. The pilots and senior managers were paid in full salaries along their redundancy entitlements (Alstadster, Jacob and Michaely 2017). Therefore it can be stated that according to the Corporation Act the Sec- 184(1) defines the breach of duties of the directors. It is significant with the case studies because while inaugurate a new company the authorities of the Aussieair appointing the employees and pilots with more benefits and salaries. Whereas, they are reducing the salaries from the old companys employees and pilots while the directors are getting their proper salaries and share bonus. Here the directors has breach the duties (Grinblatt and Titman 2016). According to the corporate veil the company can take decision which is lawful for the company and provides the rights and liabilities of the shareholders. In this process of the corporate veil the company applies the corporation rules for providing the separate legal entity where the shareholders will pay the debts and individually it will pay the sole beneficiary according to the separate legal system. Therefore the limited liability will applicable on the separate legal entity (Alstadster, Jacob and Michaely 2017). The separate legal entity defines a complete individual debt rather than any other private debts where the company will not interfere I any private assets. In this part the shareholders can be liable for the separate rights ad liabilities. The application of the corporate veil is only applicable according to the order by the court. According to the Corporation Act 2001 section 135 defines the divisible rules of the companies (Baos-Caballero, Garca-Teruel and Martnez-Solano 2014). The company has a particular constitution where is they can replace the rules as per the property companies which is registered repealed the constitution according the provisions. The section 136 provides the constitution of a company. According to this section 8 company can adopt a constitution according the registration of the company and each of the member of the company agrees with the writing terms of the Constitution before they applied for the company and later after registration under the company they adopt another constitution or a court order where the company itself need to add up the constitutions (Alstadster, Jacob and Michaely 2017). The section 140 of Corporation act provides the effects of constitution and replaceable rules by the companies. In this section provides the legislations where the companys constitution and r eplaceable rules always make the application between the company and the members or the company and the directors or the come the members with another members of the company they've for each of the person of the company should observe the conditions of the rules and performed according to the constitutions if the members are not agree with the replaceable rules therefore they can also apply for the modification as per the Corporation Act 2001 (Grinblatt and Titman 2016). Therefore in this case study the company has introduced another company the replacing the rules by reducing the salary and not provide the remuneration amounts to the Employees. Therefore section 141 provides the legislations about the consequences of breach the section 140. Company was not bound to force any members to comply with the constitution but members can force company to comply with the constitutional provision that affect them incapacity as members because the members are following the constitution and as the company made the constitution therefore they are found to follow all the terms and functions (Alstadster, Jacob and Michaely 2017). In the case of Hickman v Kent or Romney Marsh Sheep-Breeders Association [1915] it has been found that companies are bound to follow their constitutions in this case the facts are highlighted on the proper interpretation of a companys articles where company member is bound by the terms of the constitutions there therefore the High Court h as ordered for a injunction regarding the case facts (Grinblatt and Titman 2016). The Sec- 254A defines the payment of the dividend amount to the shareholders where the directors has the duty to issue bonus, partly paid, preference and redeemable shares to the shareholders. The 254B of the Corporation Act defines the terms of the shares and Sec- 254C defines the no par value shares (Baos-Caballero, Garca-Teruel and Martnez-Solano 2014). The Sec- 254W defines the rights of dividend to the shareholders. Therefore according to the case study here, the board of the company has cut on the salary of 25% whereas; the new company employees are getting the same amount of salaries. It has been also found that the board of the directors is joining in the cost-cutting exercise and the enforced redundancy but they get their substantial remuneration increases and share bonuses. Therefore the pilots and other employees are bound to get the salary amount as per the companys constitution (Alstadster, Jacob and Michaely 2017). The directors can change their decisions in an Annual General Meeting. They can reduce the salary but must pay their dividend amounts. When the Board of Directors are getting their salary along with the dividend amount then it us the duty of the company to pay the dividend amount to the employees. In Strong v Brough Son case it was found that the directors have exercised their powers in the Annual General Meetings. Whereas, in the Automatic Self-Cleansing Filter Syndicate Co v Cuninghame case it was found that the shareholders are override the management decisions to get their share amounts. John Shaw Sons (Salford) Ltd v Shaw is another case which is similar to the Automatic Self-Cleansing Filter Syndicate Co v Cuninghame case (Baos-Caballero, Garca-Teruel and Martnez-Solano 2014). According to the case study, the Aussieair is a company which gives services of the charter flights for the military and the Department of Immigration of Australia. Recently they have applied for the commercial aviation license which will be providing the serves to the general public. Therefore after they get their license they register a new company named PNGair. Now the new company has appointed six directors where three of them from the old company and other three are new. The new company is following the guidelines of Aussieair along with every accounts detail and other guidelines where the old company interferes with the decisions. Now the pilots and senior managers now offered new jobs in PNGair along with new salary which is almost 25% less than the old company (Alstadster, Jacob and Michaely 2017). The corporate veil defines such process of paying the debts under a separate legal entity. The sole proprietor therefore pays the debts amounts separately. It is mostly affective where the business will entitles with the corporation according the limitation of the business, number of share holders, limited assets and the recognition of separateness of the corporation always helps to the shareholders when they will find any fraud. Now the pilots and senior managers are complained about that the new company has paying more rather than the old company and recently they has redundant in their salary. Therefore they make the claim that they are not paid equal with the new company employments. Now the issue arises whether Aussieair is breaches their duty towards the employees. It has been also found that the board of the directors is joining in the cost-cutting exercise and the enforced redundancy but they get their substantial remuneration increases and share bonuses. Redundancy is where an employee is dismissed from their employment because their employer no longer wishes the employees role to be done by anyone (Grinblatt and Titman 2016). Redundancy can occur even if the work of the dismissed employee continues to be performed by other employees, as long as the position that the former employee occupied has been eliminated. There is no redundancy where a worker is seconded to work for another firm, but is still employed by the same employer and performs the same duties (Grinblatt and Titman 2016). In the case study the main fact was found that the area introduced a new company where they are offering the employment in PNGair where the constitutions applied according to the Aussieair companies constitution where is when they are paying the salaries and condition to the employees of PNGairs rate of the salary has best according to the salary rate in PNGair (Alstadster, Jacob and Michaely 2017). The company is using two ways where they are not applying their constitutions equally. When the company redundant the Pilots and senior managers they paid their full redundancy entitlements but when company immediately offer employment in PNGair they are providing new salary 25% less than Aussieair employment salary (Baos-Caballero, Garca-Teruel and Martnez-Solano 2014). According to the section 136 of Corporation Act stated the legislations of the Constitution of a company where company can adopt a registered the company as per to their own rules and regulations where the each of the mem ber the company should agree with the constitution terms (Alstadster, Jacob and Michaely 2017). When a company is operating through a particular constitution then the salary and other wages and dividends are also required to be paid according to the companys rules and regulations. Here the question has arises that two different constitution and the companys rule has been applied because the section 140 of Corporation Act states the provisions of the effect of constitution and repressible rules by the company. Therefore the replaceable rules always establish the relationship between the company employees or other members and the constitution. Therefore in this case, no rules are following as per the Corporation Act. The Aussieair employees are concern. The Pilots and senior managers were not happy with their reduction of 25% amount of salary but the redundant employees when appointed in PNGair. they are accept the new employment wages and condition of employment. Aussieair is providing the new salaries which are the savings on average 25% less than the salary and conditions form erly paid by Aussieair. The Pilots and senior managers also find that the board of directors who are performing on the cost cutting exercise and the in forced redundancy are awarded with substantial remuneration increases and share bonuses. According to the Corporation Act 2001 which defines that the employees are bound to paid their dividend amount but the dividend amount only paid to them when company will get benefited and after the profit they will pay extra bonuses to the Employees (Baos-Caballero, Garca-Teruel and Martnez-Solano 2014). The Sec- 254A defines the payment of the dividend amount to the shareholders where the directors has the duty to issue bonus, partly paid, preference and redeemable shares to the shareholders (Grinblatt and Titman 2016). The 254B of the Corporation Act defines the terms of the shares and Sec- 254C defines the no par value shares. The Sec- 254W defines the rights of dividend to the shareholders. Therefore according to the case study here, the boa rd of the company has cut on the salary of 25% whereas; the new company employees are getting the same amount of salaries. It has been also found that the board of the directors is joining in the cost-cutting exercise and the enforced redundancy but they get their substantial remuneration increases and share bonuses. Therefore the pilots and other employees are bound to get the salary amount as per the companys constitution. The directors can change their decisions in an Annual General Meeting. They can reduce the salary but must pay their dividend amounts. When the Board of Directors are getting their salary along with the dividend amount then it us the duty of the company to pay the dividend amount to the employees (Baos-Caballero, Garca-Teruel and Martnez-Solano 2014). The director of Aussieair has breached their duties because when they are announced about the reduction of 25% salary of the Pilots and the general managers are not accepted the offer. However in there board meeting they took the condition of the reduction of salaries. The employees are not even paid by the dividend amount while it is the right of all the employees and the member of the company that they should paid by their dividend amount. Here according to the situation the company Aussieair has formed PNG for gaining the profit therefore as per their constitution of providing salaries to the Employees and the Pilots and the general managers they are not following their duties while there is a reduced of salary amount has occur. Therefore the director of board has breaches the duties because they are not following the constitution of the companies. The section 140(1) provide the legislations where a company constitution if breach towards the employers of the company then they can claim for the remedies of the damages because they are not paying them (Baos-Caballero, Garca-Teruel and Martnez-Solano 2014). The PNGair employees has the reduction of their salary before their employment which is less than 20% salary cut as per the salary of Aussieair company here (Alstadster, Jacob and Michaely 2017). Conclusion Aussieair Ltd has formed a new company for their beneficial purposes. Therefore the shareholders of the company along with the other employees are not getting their accordance salary and reduce the amount also. Therefore the corporate veil defines the only exists according to the personal assets of the shareholders then the personal liability will apply for paying the debts to the corporation. The corporate veil defines such process of paying the debts under a separate legal entity. Now they can ask for the alteration of the constitution of the company. They can also ask for the injunction or other declaration as per the corporation act. Through the alteration of the company Aussieair can able to relocate all the opportunities towards their employees and related shareholders (Alstadster, Jacob and Michaely 2017). References Alstadster, A., Jacob, M. and Michaely, R., 2017. Do dividend taxes affect corporate investment?. Journal of Public Economics, 151, pp.74-83. Baos-Caballero, S., Garca-Teruel, P.J. and Martnez-Solano, P., 2014. Working capital management, corporate performance, and financial constraints. Journal of Business Research, 67(3), pp.332-338. Baos-Caballero, S., Garca-Teruel, P.J. and Martnez-Solano, P., 2014. Working capital management, corporate performance, and financial constraints. Journal of Business Research, 67(3), pp.332-338. Ferran, E. and Ho, L.C., 2014. Principles of corporate finance law. Oxford University Press. Grinblatt, M. and Titman, S., 2016. Financial markets corporate strategy. Hickman v Kent or Romney Marsh Sheep-Breeders Association [1915] 1 Ch 88 Hiller, J.S., 2013. The benefit corporation and corporate social responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 118(2), pp.287-301. John Shaw Sons (Salford) Ltd v Shaw Knepper, W.E., Bailey, D.A., Bowman, K.B., Eblin, R.L. and Lane, R.S., 2016. Duty of Loyalty (Vol. 1). Liability of Corporate Officers and Directors. Tricker, R.B. and Tricker, R.I., 2015. Corporate governance: Principles, policies, and practices. Oxford University Press, USA. Young, S. and Thyil, V., 2014. Corporate social responsibility and corporate governance: Role of context in international settings. Journal of Business Ethics, 122(1), pp.1-24.

Italy Geograpy Essays - Italy, Southern Europe, Pasta, Pesto

Italy Geograpy Italy is a country in southern Europe. It is located in the Mediterranean region. Italy is a peninsula that has the Tyrrhenlan Sea to its west, the Adriatic Sea to its east, and the Lonian Sea to its southeast. Austria and Switzerland border Italy to the north. France borders Italy to the northwest. The Capital of Italy is Rome, also the largest city. The official language of Italy is Italian. About 98% of the people in Italy are Roman Catholic. The pope lives in Rome. Italy is 116,320 sq. miles. In 1994 the population estimate was about 57,107,000 (491 per sq. mile). Italy's official name is Repubblica Italiana (Italian Republic). The National Anthem is Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy). Central and southern Italy have hot summers with day time temperatures that reach 86*F. The winters are mild and daytime temperatures reach 54*F. Northern Italy is slightly cooler in the summer than the rest of the country. However, it is much cooler in winter. The lowest annual amount of rain fall on record in Italy is 18 in. The highest annual amount of rain fall on record is 60 in. Italians pride themselves on their wonderful cooking. For example Naples is known for plain pizza crust and stuffed peppers. Genoa is known for gnocchi al pesto (tiny dumplings with basil and garlic sauce), and trenette (a kind of long, narrow noodle). Italians aremostly famous for wide varieties of pastas and sauces. Italy's form of government is parliamentary democracy. The head of the government is the Prime Minister. The head of the state is a president who is elected by the Parliament for a seven year term. Italy does foreign trade with Germany, France, United States, Britain, and the Netherlands. Italy's major exported goods are clothing and shoes, motor vehicles, machinery, chemicals, and fruits and vegetables. The value of exported goods and services is about $157,102,000,000. Italy's major imports are machinery, petroleum, motor vehicles, textile yarns, and metals. The value of imported goods is about $158,181,000,000. Italy's agricultural chief products are grapes, wheat, beef cattle, hogs, olives,corn, oranges, and tomatoes. Its manufacturing chief products are clothing and shoes, foods and beverages, motor vehicles, petroleum products, machinery, and chemicals. Italy's mining chief products are natural gas, granite, and marble.Italy is a country in southern Europe. It is located in the Mediterranean region. Italy is a peninsula that has the Tyrrhenlan Sea to its west, the Adriatic Sea to its east, and the Lonian Sea to its southeast. Austria and Switzerland border Italy to the north. France borders Italy to the northwest. The Capital of Italy is Rome, also the largest city. The official language of Italy is Italian. About 98% of the people in Italy are Roman Catholic. The pope lives in Rome. Italy is 116,320 sq. miles. In 1994 the population estimate was about 57,107,000 (491 per sq. mile). Italy's official name is Repubblica Italiana (Italian Republic). The National Anthem is Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy). Central and southern Italy have hot summers with day time temperatures that reach 86*F. The winters are mild and daytime temperatures reach 54*F. Northern Italy is slightly cooler in the summer than the rest of the country. However, it is much cooler in winter. The lowest annual amount of rain fall on record in Italy is 18 in. The highest annual amount of rain fall on record is 60 in. Italians pride themselves on their wonderful cooking. For example Naples is known for plain pizza crust and stuffed peppers. Genoa is known for gnocchi al pesto (tiny dumplings with basil and garlic sauce), and trenette (a kind of long, narrow noodle). Italians aremostly famous for wide varieties of pastas and sauces. Italy's form of government is parliamentary democracy. The head of the government is the Prime Minister. The head of the state is a president who is elected by the Parliament for a seven year term. Italy does foreign trade with Germany, France, United States, Britain, and the Netherlands. Italy's major exported goods are clothing and shoes, motor vehicles, machinery, chemicals, and fruits and vegetables. The value of exported goods and services is about $157,102,000,000. Italy's major imports are machinery, petroleum, motor vehicles, textile yarns, and metals. The value of imported goods is about $158,181,000,000. Italy's

Maths Personal Statement Tips Essays

Maths Personal Statement Tips Essays Maths Personal Statement Tips Essay Maths Personal Statement Tips Essay Personal statement is a very necessary element that every student has to deal with while taking admission in a college or university. Writing a university personal statement is quite a demanding and difficult task, especially when it comes to math’s personal statement. Creating a statement of purpose, which is another name of personal statement, is considered an arduous task because it requires self-analysis which can be difficult sometimes. Moreover, discussing your personal accomplishments in a great length if not executed properly may seem bragging to the reader. Therefore, it is essential that the applicant must learn how to create a well-written personal statement which can effectively convince the admission team that the applicant is the perfect fit for the university or the mathematics community. Remember that the admission team wants to see the motivation of the applicant, his determination level and skills. Since the personal statement is more like a persuasive essay which the writer uses to convince the readers so it is important that you start it with a catchy introduction. Although creating a catchy introduction is the basic element of writing any manuscript but there is another reason why we are putting more emphasis on this basic tip. Given that the members of the admission team spend hours on reading hundreds of statements during the admission season. They usually get bored while reading everyday statements so the only element that can catch their attention and compel them to consider reading your entire personal statement is a catchy introduction. However, do not state a lengthy story about your past and how it influenced you to study the field of mathematics. Just write it in a short and precise manner. For example, you can state that your motivation for pursuing a career in mathematics field comes from your parent or you are very good with numbers since childhood. Knowing the audience is another basic tip of writing a convincing math’s personal statement. Majority of applicants often end up making the mistake of elaborating their projects or assignments in hard technical language. Remember that such personal statements which are plagued by technical language or terminologies can estrange some readers who are not familiar with the field. By using technical terminologies you make it hard for yourself to effectively communicate with the reader. Moreover, the members of the committee have to go through numerous statements so they don’t have waste their time in deciphering hard statements but they just put it aside and proceed to the next one. Applicants often acquire their admission applications late due to that they rush through the statement and try to turn in their essays first. However, to produce an impressive math’s personal statement, it is suggested that the applicant must write at least three to four rough drafts. It is also suggested to have any person review the statement give their feedback. Also revise the statement a couple of times to identify and correct errors in it. Follow the above given tips and write a compelling math’s personal statement that can land at your desire university.

Usher Surname Meaning and Family History

Usher Surname Meaning and Family History Usher is an occupational surname for a servant or courtier who served as an officer of a court to introduce strangers, or usher visitors in and out of meetings in large houses or palaces. It may also have originated as an occupational surname for the under-master of a school or who worked as a gatekeeper. The name derives from the Middle English usher,  Old French ussier, or  huissier, from the Late Latin ustiarius, meaning  door or gate.   Surname Origin:  French,  Irish, English Alternate Surname Spellings:  USSHER, USSIER, HUISSIER Famous People with the USHER Surname James Ussher - 17th-century Archbishop of ArmaghRichard Usher - English clown  and theatre designerAndrew Usher, II  - successful Scottish whiskey distillerDavid Usher -  Ã‚  English-born, Canadian singer songwriter and recording artistHezekiah Usher - first known bookseller in the American colonies Where is the USHER Surname Most Common? The Usher  surname, according to surname distribution information from  Forebears, is most prevalent in the United States, where it ranks as the 4,706th  most common last name. Usher is much more common based on population percentage in Belize, however, where it is the 10th most common surname. It is also found in England, Australia and South Africa. WorldNames PublicProfiler  data indicates  that the Usher surname is somewhat more commonly found in the North of England, as well as in the Midlands region of Ireland, the Northern Territory of Australia, Ontario in Canada, and in the Otorohanga, Stratford, Waimakariri and Taupo districts of New Zealand. Genealogy Resources for the Surname USHER Usher Family Crest - Its Not What You ThinkContrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as an Usher  family crest or coat of arms for the Usher surname.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted. USHER Family Genealogy ForumThis free message board is focused on descendants of Usher ancestors around the world. Search the forum for posts about your Usher ancestors, or join the forum and post a query about your own Usher ancestors. FamilySearch - USHER  GenealogyExplore over 240,000 results from digitized  historical records and lineage-linked family trees related to the Usher surname on this free website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. USHER Surname Mailing ListFree mailing list for researchers of the Usher  surname and its variations includes subscription details and a searchable archives of past messages. GeneaNet - Usher RecordsGeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Usher surname, with a concentration on records and families from France and other European countries. The Usher  Genealogy and Family Tree PageBrowse genealogy records and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the Usher  surname from the website of Genealogy Today. Ancestry.com: Usher SurnameExplore over 600,000 digitized records and database entries, including census records, passenger lists, military records, land deeds, probates, wills and other records for the Usher surname on the subscription-based website, Ancestry.com. Usher Surname - GeniRead more about the history of the Usher surname and search for Usher family trees on the genealogy website Geni.com.- References: Surname Meanings Origins Cottle, Basil.  Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967. Dorward, David.  Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998. Fucilla, Joseph.  Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003. Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges.  A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989. Hanks, Patrick.  Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003. Reaney, P.H.  A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997. Smith, Elsdon C.  American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997. Back to  Glossary of Surname Meanings Origins

Product definition Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Product definition - Assignment Example The expected attributes of a product are those benefits that customers perceive that they will be offered in return of purchasing Rolls Royce Phantom. The customers expect that by purchasing the Phantom they will attain the benefit of travelling in a luxurious and expensive vehicle which will suit and compliment their higher social status in the society. The customers expect that Rolls Royce will offer them security and it does provide security in the shape of features including frontal and overhead airbags. It even offers customers safety as these cars come along with the attribute of disabling the ignition. Customers expect that these cars will offer them convenience in shape of programmed temperature controlling option and they even offer the driver with a bin attached on the door. These are those benefits that are offered by Rolls Royce Luxury Cars and provide a competitive advantage to the company over its competitors. One of the major benefits that customers receive from purchasing a Rolls Royce is that they are allowed to customize their own cars according to their needs and taste. The benefit of customization is quite rare and this allows the company to maintain a base of customers who are loyal to the brand. Rolls Royce Phantom offers a moon roof that is not offered by its close competitor Mulsanne. The Phantom even offers warranty coverage for a period of 4 years and even offers door locks for children that are not offered by its competitors. The customers of Rolls Royce luxury cars such as the customers of Phantom expect that in future these cars will be more fuel efficient with updated technologies that will reduce fuel consumption. The customers even expect that in future the phantom may be priced lower with the introduction of a mini Phantom. This will allow a lot more consumers to experience the luxury and comfort

Formal analysis essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Formal analysis - Essay Example Edgar Degas was an artist who was famous for his paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings that depicted his passion that was mainly in dance. Edgar Degas was a French renowned artist and although he is regarded as one of the founders of impressionism he regarded himself as a realist. Impressionism was drawn from realism and although he may have refuted the claim he stands out as one of the best impressionists of his time(Guggenheim, 2015). He was perfect in depicting movement on majority of his artwork and had a passion in music that he clearly highlighted through the different pieces of art that he made over the years. Most of Edgar’s work was not publicly acknowledged until after his death when the paintings were later spread to different museums around the world. The art pieces were mainly focused on the high members of the society as he would make pieces where the members were enjoying themselves in operas and other gathering places such as the cafà ©. The interest and fascination in music and making artwork pieces that depicted movement is however fascinating as he looked to make the pieces that were mainly focused on different art forms. Edgar had a fascination with the Ballet dancers of the opera that he drew inspiration from while he also captured and made sculptures of women nudity when washing and drying their bodies(Guggenheim, 2015). Upon his death in 1917, many of his pieces of sculpture were found dilapidated in his studio made from plasticize, wax and clay but were later casted for preservations and shipped to some of the leading museums in the world(Guggenheim, 2015). Although he disliked the tag given to him as the impressionist or as the original contributor of impressionism in art some of his best works came when he was leading a group of impressionists and was looking for the money to help and sustain himself. Edgar had sold his father’s house and some of his paintings and paid off his brother’s debt to

The Day of Valor on the fourth month of the Roman calendar Essay Example for Free

The Day of Valor on the fourth month of the Roman calendar Essay A week after celebrating the Day of Valor on the fourth month of the Roman calendar in the year of Rat, I was born one evening in a city called the financial capital of the country that was colonized by Spaniards for more than three hundred years after it was discovered by a famous Portuguese explorer. My first name Johanne is a variant of Johanna which means â€Å"God is gracious† and my second name Victoria means victory hope my life goes well as my name. My parents, Victorino and Wilma, were a hard working couple who works as an employee of a private company. They produced of our own kind six times in eleven years having five boys, leaving me no sister to have a bonding with. Since I’m the only girl, they call me Princess or sometimes Negneg, short for negra, because of my dark complexion. It’s not that dark like people in Africa but it’s the darkest complexion in my family but it’s alright because I have these black tantalizing eyes, a good set of teeth and a slim body that makes me look like a Filipina beauty queen. I spent my seventeen years of existence in a city known for being a major cultural entertainment hub in Metro Manila. I studied my first five years of my primary education in Nicanor Garcia Elementary School, Makati. After my hit-and-run 50-50 accident case when I was in fifth grade, God gave me my second chance to live and finished my elementary course in Rizal Elementary School in Laguna. I have to transfer because of the severe fracture in my right leg causing me to have a hard time going up stairs. I have recovered from what had happened and continued my secondary education in General Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati. In elementary, I always make my parents proud of me by giving them a numerous medals every end of the school year. I’ve been a consistent contestant in Mathematics Quiz Bee and I made my school proud after qualifying twice in Mathematics Trainer’s Guild, a program to train gifted Filipino kids for international competitions. Aside from Math, I’ve also been in various contests regarding Science and Journalism. Considering me as a dynamic student, I was fairly awarded at the end of the year. When I stepped high school, it was the most exciting part of my life. Having crushes, love team ups, courtships, prom night were the things that could really make you giggle. But the most remarkable incident that shaped my character now was improving my leadership skills. When I was in third year, I ran as the president of SMILE (Students Movement for the Improvement of Leadership and Empowerment) Party List for the upcoming Supreme Student Government election. I taught I’m going to win because I’m from the star section but I’m wrong. I lost. I’m so ashamed. Because of that, I don’t feel like going to that school again. But there was a Non-government organization that invites the students to go on camp in Iba, Zambales for free. Of course, I joined and that made me forgot the pain I felt. On the first night of the camping, everything has changed after the moment I received Jesus Christ as my personal savior. When I got back in school, God blessed me so much that He gave the Hi-Y Club (a high school based club of Young Men’s Christians Association) in my lead. From that happening, I really appreciated the quote: â€Å"After the storm, there’s a rainbow.† I taught the door of opportunity to explore more in leading has closed for me, not realizing He has opened the window for me to experience the chance I thought I lost. Because of this club, I learned to balance my mind, body and spiritual aspect of my life. Creating programs, helping community, serving others and volunteering were some of my experiences that really made my heart swollen and would like to share to others to inspire them. Aside of being a Y’er, I’m now a Christian and started serving Him like sharing the good news, being a part of dance and drama ministry, and helping other Christian to grow in their spiritual life. I feel over joy and satisfaction every time I see myself volunteering on the camp where I was saved. After the enjoyment of high school, I took one step forward in the reality of life. I face the truth that my life will rotate in complicated solutions, brain-whacking terms, millions of numbers, struggling calculators, statements to finish, stability of study, life-long practice, thick books to read, rushing late night work, ugly eye-bugs, unbalanced sums, financial reports, constant lack of sleep, accurate solutions, and heart-stopping result after deciding to take Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in the first polytechnic university in our country. I know I can make it through because I believe that â€Å"what the mind can conceive, the body can achieve†. I may not be the cream of the crop in our class but I will manage to pursue my dreams step by step because I cling to God’s promise: â€Å"For I know the plans I have for you,† declares the Lord. â€Å"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.†(Jeremiah 29:11)

The Christâ€like Prospero of Shakespeare’s The Tempest Essay -- Tempest

The Christ–like Prospero of Shakespeare’s The Tempest It is not only the goodness of man which, according to traditional Christian concepts ,is not germane to himself. His very being, and his ultimate destiny stems alike from a principle that is infinitely beyond him (Morris 143). What was Prospero attempting to accomplish through the creation of the storm? Why would he go to that length of natural disaster, if the events would only end in an unharmed manner? Prospero. But are they, Ariel, safe? Ariel. Not a hair perished. On their sustaining garments not a blemish but fresher than before; (1.2.218-221). It was Prospero’s innate goodness that created a merciful storm, temporarily displacing his brother, the Duke, and the ship’s crew. Prospero use of magic allowed him to realize that his power surpassed the Duke’s. What might create empathy in the readers and viewers of this play is that Prospero had double the power of Antonio, the Duke and it showed through his merciful treatment of the storm’s creation. Prospero used intellect and did not operate on emotions solely, which could make the interpretation of the storm more philosophical, than vengeful. Because Prospero was a scholar, his plan became well thought out and the consequences were considered before hand, instead of acting on impulse, worrying about the outcome of those actions when it's too late. The power of nature was apparent to Prospero. His treatment of that power showed that he just wanted to return the rightful position of Duke to himself. "A man’s will, in order to be good, must be conformed to the Divine will†¦.a will must be referred to the common good as an end, and formally will the Divine and universal good in addition to a particular good"... ...peare's Plays. New York: Haskell House Publishers, 1964. Clark, Cumberland. Shakespeare and the Supernatural. New York: Haskell House Publishing, 1972. Encarta Online , Jan. 2001. Encarta> 16 March 2001. Greenblatt, Stephen. gen. ed. The Norton Shakespeare. New York: Norton Company, 1997. Knight, G. Wilson. Shakespeare and Religion: Essays of Forty Years. New York: Simon and Schuster Publishing, 1968. Knox , Bernard . The Tempest. New York: Penguin Group, 1987. "Magic". The Encyclopedia Britannica. 1971. ed. Morris, Ivor. Shakespeare's God. London: Rustin House, 1972. Smith, Hallet. Twentieth Century Interpretations of The Tempest. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1969. The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Bruce M. Metzger and Roland E. Murphy, ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1994.

Summit Of Greatness

It was December 2, 1804, with over 400 musicians and singers performing. The world famous cathederal, Notre Dame, was filled. All eyes were set upon Napoleon Bonaparte. This Corsican native slowly ascended the steps to the alter alone, siezing the crown with his own hands. He held it aloft and brought it to rest on his head. Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of France that day. Napoleon was an everday guy. He was a 5? 2? lieutenant who was later ranked a general. He married Josephine DeVorne. At first, Napoleon wasn’t very liked amongst certain parts of Europe. Mothers would say to their kids at night to make them sleep a little nightmare raising lullaby†¦ † Baby baby, naughty baby, hush you scwaling thing i say, hush your scwaling or it may be Bonepart that pass this way. † Napoleon was nothing more then an average Corsican man with a cleaver mind. Working was a passion for Napoleon. In 1805, Napoleon planned to cross the English channel. Much like most other conquerors in Eurpope’s land Napoleon had one goal in mind, to conquer all of Europe. As he crossed the channel to invade Great Britain, with 2,000 ships, and 200,000 soldiers, he soon met victory. With that in mind, Russia and Austria wouldn’t allow Napoleon to roam with triumph. Soon after the Grand Army was put to the test against the French. The Russian army was known as the strongest and most feared around. Russia and Austria’s plan to win was by outnumbering Napoleon 2:1. France was looking pretty weak and had no chance of defeating the Russian’s and Austrian’s. But Napoleon saw the flaw in this. The Austrians and Russians were planning to meet half way. Their armies were scattered. So, Napoleon figured if if he was to beat the one army before the two armies linked up,then his men would’ve still stood a chance. Napoleon did just so. He took General Mac (Austria’s general) by surprised and conquered them leaving them forced surrendor. 27,000 men surrendered. Mac lost almost half his army. † I didn’t intend to fight any but England, until your master provoked me† said Napoleon. Nothing stood now between Napoleon and Vienna. In 8 days, Napoleon destroyed Austria’s army by marching, (200,000 marching men, marched 500 miles in 40 days-defeated Austria’s army). On November first Napoleon lead his army into Vienna, the capitol of Austria. The emperor was the first to fleed. Leaving behind his palace and gardens free for the enemy. Bonaparte triumphed alongthe streets. Many then stopped worshipping Napoleon, such as Ludwig Beethoven. On October 21, British admiral Nelson destroyed Napoleon’s army, and took along his own life. Napoleon no longer had the Grand army. French stopped challangeing the British army. It was December of 1805, when Napoleon was faced with an even greater challenge. He was now 1,000 miles from Paris, and was in the center of Europe. With enemies from all angles, Europes land was a great trap to Napoleon’s men. With the knowledge that the Russian’s has once again united with the Austrian’s in November, this time with 90,000 allies put together against France’s 75,000 men, Napoleon had one of two choices. He could’ve either gone back or to move along foward. Bonaparte would’ve NEVER moved back. So, now Napoleon was to face Alexander I, the emperor of Russia. Alexander I(28 years of age) was very jealous of Napoleon. He believed that it was his destiny to triumph over Napoleon. The war against the Russian’s seemed impossible. But leave it up to Napoleon, he was a thinker. He had a plan to encourage the enemy to think he was scared. He wanted to lead the enemy to the battle field of Australit, by making them think Napoleon was weaker then he really was. Once again, Napoleon succeeded. The Russian’s came to battle by hitting Napoleon on the right (the weaker end) first. Bonaparte wanted them to do exactly that. The Russian’s fed right into his plan! Napoleon had a secret for the Russian’s. He had previously set up 2 divisons within 70 miles in 2 days to attack the Russian’s. The attack caught the enemy by surprise and yet gave Napoleon another victory. Napoleon was sort of an artist he planned each battle as if the next move would perfect the whole piece of art, the end of the battle. Napoleon being the whole hearted Corsican man he was. He never let the power get to his head. Over a duration of time Bonaparte’s name was being spread all throughtout Europe. He still managed to write letter’s to his wife and he even elected each of his siblings to an office. His brother Joseph to be the king of Naples, Jerome the king of West Falia, Louis the king of Holand. His sister Caroline to be a Queen, pauline a princess, and Alicia a Dutchess. Trough all the battles and victory Napoleon gained much popularity in no time. Yet, he remained a mother’s boy. He loved his mother and made her Madame Mayor. Josephine and Napoleon were made for eachother. Though, both of them had their own quirrels. Josephine hated all the mistresses Napoleon had. Napoleon hated the habits that Josephine had with spending money. Josephine knew that one day no matter how strong her love was for Napoleon, he would’ve had to divorce her. The day came on November 30, 1809.

KTG leader ship Essay

Introduction An environmental analysis in strategic management plays a very important  role in businesses by pinpointing current and potential opportunities or threats outside the company in its external environment. The external environment includes political, environmental, technological and sociological events or trends that can affect the business directly or indirectly. The main objective in this report is an environmental analysis using all the factors and analyzing tools , generally conducted as part of an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) when a strategic plan is being developed. Managers practicing strategic management must conduct an environmental analysis quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, depending on the nature of the business’s industry focusing on the followings: Analyzing factors effectiveness on our organization as one of the biggest group in the healthcare services in the region. Organization sources and competitors. Organization values chain construction. SWOT analysis evaluation. Ref: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-role-of-environmental-analysis-in-strategic-management.htm , 2014 3.ANALYSING FACTOR EFFECTIVENESS: 3.1 Macro Environment Analysis: One of the best tools for considering trends in the Macro environment is the PESTEL analysis. (Figure 1) Figure 1 3.1.1Political factors: Since we are located here in the UAE, we have no taxation and this is one of the strength point we are depend on. but at the same time our administration team not recognizing that the minimum wages should be increased comparing with the other facilities and hospitals in our region as a big competitors. 3.1.2Economic: Economic factors include economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflation rate. These factors have major impacts on how businesses operate and make decisions. For example, interest rates affect a firm’s cost of capital 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. And since our organization as privet health care facility, based on the profit rate it takes in the consideration all these factors especially after it involved in the stock market last year. Beside that the new plan is to minimize the expenses that related to the interest & exchange rate by following the centralization policy. ex. making one laboratory for all branches with a very controlled transportation system for sending the patients samples to the centralized laboratory instead of having a separate laboratory in each branch 3.1.3Social: Our organization as one of the privet hospitals in the region , is giving all the healthy activities, health care providing, never giving any changing as a demographic trends. We are doing outside activities supporting some certain people those who have a chronic disease like the diabetic patients to have more and more knowledge about themselves and how to take care about it. Ref(CBS course , topic 2 , page # 5) 3.1.4Technology: We are depending on the development of new technology to maintain competitiveness. Ex(opening new department of the Nuclear medicine for early Cancers diagnostics ) 3.1.5 Environment: factors include ecological and environmental aspects such as weather, climate, and climate change, which may especially affect industries such as tourism, farming, and insurance. Furthermore, growing awareness of the potential impacts of climate change is affecting how companies operate and the products they offer, both creating new markets and diminishing or destroying existing ones. Ref http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEST_analysis According to our national regulations and environmental roles ,we are following the EHSMS(Emirates Health & Safety Management System). 3.1.6 Legal  include discrimination law, consumer law, antitrust law, employment law, and health and safety law. These factors can affect how a company operates, its costs, and the demand for its products. The services in the hospital is the same for all patients and the priority is only for the urgent and emergency cases only not according to the nationality, color or any other discrimination issues. And on the other side there is a special track for the VIP patients ,giving the best quality to be the first choice in the region as a privet hospital. 3.2 Micro Environment Analysis: One of the best tools for considering trends in the Micro environment is the porter analysis. (Figure 2) Figure 2 Porter five forces analysis is a framework for industry analysis and business strategy development. It draws upon industrial organization (IO) economics  to derive five forces that determine the competitive intensity and therefore attractiveness of a market. Attractiveness in this context refers to the overall industry profitability. An â€Å"unattractive† industry is one in which the combination of these five forces acts to drive down overall profitability. A very unattractive industry would be one approaching â€Å"pure competition†, in which available profits for all firms are driven to normal profit. This analysis is associated with its principal innovator Michael E. Three of Porter’s five forces refer to competition from external sources. The remainder are internal threats. 3.2.1 Threat of Substitute Products or Services: A substitute is a product that performs the same or similar function as another product. Microeconomics teaches that the more substitutes a product has, the demand for the product becomes more elastic. Elastic demand means increased consumer price sensitivity which equates to less certainty of profits. For example, public-transportation is a substitute for driving a car, and e-mail is a substitute for writing letters. Conditions that increase the threat of substitutes are: 1.2.1.1 An attractive price of substitutes: Our organization as a privet health care facilty depends on the insurance companies in how much they are fixing the prices of the services and products, but they are trying to do some marketing using special prices for the labors in some company by doing full checkup examination for those people who don’t covered by insurance. 1.2.1.2 Increased quality of substitutes: Our facility is trying to give the best quality to be the first choice in the region in the privet health care sector. Focusing more and more to follow the highest international standards like the JCIA (Joint Commission of international accreditation) ,CAP(Collage of American Pathologist) and the ISO ..Etc 1.2.1.3 Low switching costs to consumers: our Administration is not switching the cost to the consumers since they are covered by health insurance. But sometimes they are switching the costs to the staff by minimizing the staff without enough study to the work load or stopping the annual increments. 3.2.2 . Threat of Entry: Profitable markets that yield high returns will attract new firms. This results in many new entrants, which eventually will decrease profitability for all firms in the industry. Unless the entry of new firms can be blocked by incumbents (which in business refers to the largest company in a certain industry, for instance, in telecommunications, the traditional phone company, typically called the â€Å"incumbent operator†), the abnormal profit rate will trend towards zero (perfect competition). The following factors can have an effect on how much of a threat new entrants may pose: The existence of barriers to entry (patents, rights, etc.). The most attractive segment is one in which entry barriers are high and exit barriers are low. Few new firms can enter and non-performing firms can exit easily. Government policy Capital requirements Absolute cost Cost disadvantages independent of size Economies of scale Economies of product differences Product differentiation Brand equity Switching costs or sunk costs Expected retaliation Access to distribution Customer loyalty to established brands Industry profitability (the more profitable the industry the more attractive it will be to new competitors) Rivalry Between Established competitors: Rivalry refers to the degree to which firms respond to competitive moves of the other firms in the industry. Rivalry among existing firms may manifest  itself in a number of ways- price competition, new products, increased levels of customer service, warranties and guarantees, advertising, better networks of wholesale distributors, and so on. The degree of rivalry in and industry is a function of a number of interacting structural features: Rivalry tends to intensify as the number of competitors increases and as they firms become more equal in size and capability. Market rivalry is usually stronger when demand for the product is growing slowly. Competition is more intense when rival firms are tempted to use price cuts or other marketing tactics to boost unit volume. Rivalry is stronger when the costs incurred by customers to switch their purchases from one brand to another are low. Market rivalry increases in proportion to the size of the payoff from a successful strategic move. Market rivalry tends to be more vigorous when it costs more to get out of a business than to stay in and compete. Rivalry becomes more volatile and unpredictable the more diverse competitors are in terms of their strategies, their personalities, their corporate priorities, their resources, and their countries of origin. Rivalry increases when strong companies outside the industry acquire weak firms in the industry and lunch aggressive, well-funded moves to transform their newly-acquired firms into major market contenders. Two principles of competitive rivalry are particularly important: (1) a powerful competitive strategy used by one company intensifies competitive pressures on the other companies, and (2) the manner in which rivals employ various competitive weapons to try to outmaneuver one another shapes â€Å"the rules of competition† in the industry and determines the requirements for competitive success. Since our hospital is the biggest hospital in the area, it depends in the competition on increasing the branches in all areas inside and outside the city for more than 8 branches directed by the corporate office in the Capital. 3.2.4 Bargaining Power of Customers: 3.2.4.1 Markets for Outputs: Selling goods or services to customers (distributors, customers or other manufacturers) Customers’ influence dependent upon importance of products to them & their bargaining power We have a marketing team of 4 members working under the supervision of the corporate office , handling all the outputs issues like : the chronic patients disease health care activates offering free of charge checkup (ex. diabetic patients..) 3.2.4.2 Markets for Inputs: Purchasing raw materials, components and financial & labor services. The same team also cooperating with the purchasing department together working to get the best quality materials for the lowest prices in order to minimize the costs. And that will allow the hospital to give more best services more than the other competitors. 3.2.5 Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The power balance between organization and supplier is similar to the relationship between organization and customer The organization becomes the customer and the producer of the inputs it requires are the suppliers Some small groups of suppliers may form cartels or cooperatives to increase their bargaining strength Suppliers use leverage such as threats to raise prices or reduce quantity or quality of goods they supply We are depending on the process comparison in the market and to services the suppliers will provide to us. In the opposite side, we are a customer for the suppliers and since we are the biggest customer in the privet sector we can manage the deal according to our needs. 3.3 Formulating: Formulating is phase one in the strategic planning process and according to  the diagram below We can see that it plays a very important in taking the best decisions and actions to achieve the objective of the organization. In our hospital there are many plans in how to make all these decisions become a real. At the beginning of each new year , we are making our plan projects for the next 12 months And everyone have to achieve his planed objectives as individual under the umbrella of the administration and corporate office objectives. And at the end of the year will have an assessment to check how many objectives he reached , according to his work assessment will get his increment , so that will let him work harder during the year to achieve the organization objectives. Figure 3 Ref(CBS course , topic 1 , page #12). 3.3.1 Organization sources and competitors : Our hospital sources is strong enough to be a strong competitor in the market depending on: Best medical companies as materials providers.  Best marketing plans based on the corporate marketing plans. Patients (as a customers ): Accepting all the insurance cards at the time that some other hospitals don’t accepting all patients. 3.3.2 Organization value chain construction Value chain is a template that identifies the activities of a company from raw materials to customer, the value added by each activity and the cost of each activity, and that facilitates implementation of business-level strategy . Ref ( CBS Strategic Management Topic 3 Page#6) The axiom is true that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression, and hospitals have many opportunities to do so. Or not. At several junctures along the trek of accessing services, the patient confronts a series of opportunities to continue in the system or not, based on the success of the interaction. These touchpoints are not created equal, and it is important to know which has the greatest impact. Here, we can focus the Service Line Growth strategy. As a tool to understand the impact  of each touchpoint, value-chain service analysis maps the process to help us decide where to focus strategic intent. Hospital business planning adapts a model developed by Michael Porter, who defines the value chain as a means to analyze an organization’s strategically relevant activities to understand how to influence performance and cost. He breaks the activities of the firm into primary and support activities. Primary activities—which, for most firms involves inbound and outbound logistics, operations, sales and marketing—are supported by an infrastructure of underlying support activities, including HR, IT, and purchasing. How the product or service is ultimately developed and delivered to the customer depends on the effective interaction of these variable activities. The hospital value chain is diverse and complex. Our service offerings are far from clear cut, varying sharply between service lines. Each specialty and disease category has a distinct value chain to be flowcharted and analyzed prior to understanding where we can impact choice by creating value. In most cases this is at the physician referral point where patients make initial decisions. This may be a primary care physician or a specialty care physician who is directly involved in managing the hospital encounter. In most cases, it is the loyalty of the physicians and their attitude towards the hospital that determines the direction of the process. This analysis is a good tool for getting stakeholders on the same page. It helps focus planning efforts and gets to the key issue of where to go and what to do. This leads us to the question—what business are we in, and where do we strategically want to focus our efforts, which is the essence of strategy. Figure 4 4.1 Strengths (Internal Factors) The hospital key strengths are the following: Long Standing Reputation – was the previous monopoly Company in the industry Government Affiliated – trusted in the Market Most skilled employees in the industry – generated good client relations 4.2 Weaknesses (Internal Factors) The main functional areas of weakness are the following: Production Costs – in comparison to competitors Profit Margins – in comparison to competitors Service Delivery – poor operational functions Loss of Contracts – lack of continual Contract retention Company Culture – disconnected, divided, tall organisation structure HR Policies & Procedures – poor employee retention, lack of career development, low morale Lack of MIS – no common management information systems in place across functions. Brand Identity/Image – lack of Marketing department Conclusion: The main objective is the consideration of the external and internal analyzing factors, using all the analyzing tools and studies like: PORTER, SWOT and all other analyzing international methods. This report explained clearly the essential required methods for analyzing using the practical example of my organization (Privet Hospital), how to make the competitive advantages and how to use all the efforts to get the best analyzing results. After the analyzing how can we use our strength points to be the first choice in the market and how to correct the weakness points to avoid any problem in the future. In the light of the above there are essential factors which might be affecting in any organization , so we have to cover all the points that I mentioned about it before like : Analyzing factors effectiveness on our organization as one of the biggest group in the healthcare services in the region. Organization sources and competitors. Organization values chain construction. SWOT analysis evaluation. 6. References http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-role-of-environmental-analysis-in-strategic-management.htm , 2014 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEST_analysis) , 2014 CBS course , topic 2 , page # 5 , 2014 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEST_analysis , 2014 http://www.oshad.ae/en/sectors/healthsector/Pages/ehsmsrequirements.aspx, 2014 http://www.dineshbakshi.com/igcse-business-studies/external-environment/revision-notes/63-external-environment-factors, 2014 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_five_forces_analysis ,7 March 2014) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_five_forces_analysis#Threat_of_new_entrants, 2014 http://www.strategy-formulation.24xls.com/en114 CBS course , topic 2 , page #17 , 2014 CBS course , topic 2 , page #20 , 2014 CBS course , topic 1 , page #12 , 2014 CBS Strategic Management Topic 3 Page#6 , 2014 http://healthcarestrategicadvantage.blogspot.ae/2007/11/value-chain-analysis.html , 2014 Strategic Management Unit 306 (CBS) , 2014