Spread Of Islam Essay Example For Students

Spread Of Islam Essay Islam is known as one of the fastest-expanding religions in history. Only contained in Arabia in 632, its conquests led to its expansion to Persia and Egypt by 656, and to Africa, Spain, and other parts of Persia by 750. Many methods were used in order to spread to such an extensive empire. Muslims were very reasonable people. They were tolerant, and offered many alternatives to the other religions of conquered lands. Mohammed once stated that another religion can either believe in Islam, or pay to keep his own religion. He would give the religions protection in exchange for obedience. Mohammed, however, threatens the lives of children or elders related to those who did not obey (Document1). This was one of his most powerful methods of obtaining new lands. We will write a custom essay on Spread Of Islam specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Another method used by Mohammed was that he offered many reasons to other religions as to why they should convert to Islam. First and foremost, he offered them direction and guidance to heaven, which, alongside Muslims, was an eagerly anticipated place by Christians and Jews (Document 2). The writer of History of Arabs (Document 3) describes the Muslim people as those who consider each other equals under Allah, and who worship him to the fullest. They would rather be in heaven with him than a child under him on earth. The expansion of Islam was also obviously obtained by means of conquering lands around Arabia. The impression of surrounding lands on the Muslim army is that they were strong, determined, relentless fighters who conquered any land they pleased. They had countless weapons and a drive that could cut through thick steel (Document 4). Despite these characteristics, however, they would only fight upon attack, in self defense (Document 6). The expansion of Islam was viewed by many as the most reasonable expansion of any religion. It was believed that the Christians were below the Muslims in that they fought whenever possible, and persecuted all other religions. Despite the belief of spiritual drive for conquest, some believe the expansion of Islam was due to the deep desire for a more modern life (Document 7); they were driven to settle in the fertile crescent in order to obtain these modern luxuries, rather than make spiritual achievements more primitive areas. There were many ways by which the Muslims conquered surrounding lands. Alternatives, benefits, and warfare were simply three such means of achieving such power and conquest. Religion

Strategic Analysis (SWOT and Five Forces) of Amazon Inc The WritePass Journal

Strategic Analysis (SWOT and Five Forces) of Amazon Inc 1.0 Introduction Strategic Analysis (SWOT and Five Forces) of Amazon Inc 1.0 Introduction2.0 Unique Market Position3.0 Micro environment analysis using Porter’s five forces.4.0 Amazon SWOT Analysis5.0 Strategic Direction6.0 Strategic position-Differentiation or cost leadership7.0Â  ConclusionReferences and BibliographyRelated 1.0 Introduction Amazon.com provides a wide catalogue of products and services to different consumer groups. Below is the detailed analysis of Amazon’s resources, capabilities, distinctiveness and networks. 2.0 Unique Market Position According to Motoko and Stone (2010) Amazon has the distinctive position of being the largest online book seller and e book seller in the United States. Its catalogue has a wide range of products and services for its customers (Amazon.com). It must be noted that this is not a unique offering if compared to its rivals like e-bay, Barnes and Noble, Waterstones and WH Smith. Its distinctiveness comes from two things: Unique position compared to rivals Success of Kindle e reader Amazon possesses a first mover advantage as it has access to vital resources plus ability to develop networks that is very difficult to replicate (Grant 2008). Amazon has a strong brand presence because of its continuous innovation and twenty month head start over its competition. Over a period of time it has acquired vital customer behaviour information, easy demand pattern forecasting and industry standards others have to compete with (Mellahi and Johnson 2000). An added advantage is psychological switching costs because of its early lead. Amazon’s wholesale model is another feature of its uniqueness. Due to this it is able to set consumer prices as Amazon makes wholesale purchases. Competition is suppressed and new entrants face a hard time because of its heavy discounted prices. The Kindle e reader has made a huge presence in the market because of its light weight and soothing continuous readability handling. According to Stross (2010) Kindle lets you do reading perfectly. However competing e readers are providing coloured screens and multitasking features too. A perceptual map highlighting Amazon’s Kindle is shown below: In this figure if we see Amazon’s kindle is placed in the third quadrant which is specialist and black and white screen. 3.0 Micro environment analysis using Porter’s five forces. This has already been discussed in the first question. However bargaining power of buyers and suppliers is not discussed. Bargaining Power of Buyers Bargaining power of buyers is really high as there are many ways to buy books and cd’s online provided the options of Barnes and Nobles website and Apple’s i tunes. But Amazon has a high customer loyalty as it attracts customers by offering low prices (Chaffey 2009). Bargaining Power of Suppliers Amazon has a very favourable relationship with publishers because of the wholesale model it uses allowing it to set the price for the consumer. Some time back when Amazon was not buying directly from main distributors. They wanted to sell the products below market price as Sony and Panasonic didn’t do direct selling. However Amazon had a unique position and advantage as it came up with its own distribution centres. 4.0 Amazon SWOT Analysis Major strength for Amazon is its first mover advantage, access to resources, capabilities, networks that allow them to suppress the competition. This strength feeds into its greater market share and bargaining power with its publishers plus a wholesale model lot leading to high sales volumes. Weakness of Amazon is its very little bricks and mortar presence in comparison to its competitors. Thus, buyer is not able to have a first-hand experience of the product until purchased (Bossman 2010). This can have an effect on the sales of Kindle online as buyers may have some concerns. The proprietary format followed for e books is also a weakness as there is a demand for more choice and scope from customers. Below is a diagrammatic representation of SWOT analysis. 5.0 Strategic Direction With regards to Amazon’s Kindle its strategic direction should be market penetration through more advertising and marketing programs and better price options. Market penetration leads to a high market share and profitability in an identified market (Jobber and Fahy 2006). Amazon can move into the empty quadrant in the figure 1 by providing a coloured screen. This product development approach will make it more competitive in the dynamic market. 6.0 Strategic position-Differentiation or cost leadership Amazon has its strategic position over Kindle by differentiating it and positioning it as a best for reading product in the market. If the market demands Amazon can move into the first quadrant of the perceptual map by conducting more research. This will manoeuvre Amazon in a position that is distinctive, advantageous and in line with consumer needs (Doyle and Stern 2006). Amazon’s market leading position offers resource capability for cost leadership which further complements its price leadership strategy. 7.0Â  Conclusion It is evident that Amazon occupies a unique position in the market. Amazon currently is focussing on being a market leader in providing a product that is best for reading although acknowledging the craze for colour screen and multipurpose features offered by competitors. Based on its strengths it can focus on market penetration with innovative products and add ons like colour screen plus multipurpose functions. Combining this with its price leading strategy will lead to more growth and profits. References and Bibliography Motoko R and Stone B., 2010. Amazon threatens publishers as Apple looms. The New York Times. Grant R., 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis, Blackwell publishing Mellahi, K and Johnson, M., 2000. Does it pay to be a first mover in ecommerce? The case of Amazon.com. Management Decision [online] Vol.38, Issue 7. , p445, 8p .Available through: Business source complete database. [Accessed 11 March 2011]. Stross R., 2010. The Specialist vs. the Multi-tasker. The New York Times Dave Chaffey. (2009). Amazon.com case study. Available: davechaffey.com/E-commerce-Internet-marketing-case-studies/Amazon-case-study.[ accessed 12th March 2011]. Bossman J., 2010b. Barnes and Noble planning big push to increase Nook sales. The New York Times Jobber D and Fahy J., 2006. Foundations of Marketing.2nd Edn McGraw-Hill, London. Doyle P and Stern P., 2006. Marketing Management and Strategy.4th Edn. Pearson Education ltd, Harlow

The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women

The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips What does a "business casual" dress code even mean for women? Why is it so poorly defined yet so strictly enforced in certain offices? This article will unravel how to dress business casual for women so you can easily select appropriate outfits for the workplace that also suit your personal style. Introduction â€Å"Business casual† is a fairly straightforward dress code for men. You can wear khakis or some other non-jean pant, a button-down shirt, and maybe a sport coat. Pair it with loafers or a similar dress shoe, and you’re done. Business casual for women is a another story. While some women also reach for button-downs and khakis, for many (myself included), button-downs rarely fit well off the rack, and khakis don’t look as nice as darker slacks or a skirt. To fit the business casual dress code for women, you need an outfit that’s not a boring suit or something super fashion-forward and distracting. Since women’s fashion has so many more cuts, styles, and colors than men’s, the average woman has to sift through a daunting number of choices when shopping. Plus, women are scrutinized much more closely for their fashion choices. This has lead to confusion over what women’s business casual fashion is and how to achieve it. This article breaks down what business casual means, gives concrete outfit suggestions, and lists places to shop at a range of price points. Who Is This Guide For? What Is It Designed to Do? This guide is designed to help women put together BC outfits for a new job where they're not yet familiar with the company or its dress code beyond the fact that they're expected to dress â€Å"business casual.† The goal is to make your shopping trips more efficient and productive and help you pick out a few no-fail outfits that are undeniably business casual and professional. We’re also mainly operating in the context of industries that are likely to require a stricter dress code- business, teaching, finance, law. If you’re in a more creative field or a tech environment where you’re not public facing, business casual is likely to lean more toward â€Å"casual.† The outfits in this article may be a touch too formal for your situation. The idea is these outfits will hopefully be formal enough for any workplace (they won’t be too far on the casual side of business casual), and once you get settled in you can grow your wardrobe based on your company’s/workplace’s take on business casual. It’s safer to look slightly too formal than too casual, especially during your first week of work. Also, keep in mind there are cultural differences. Between the US and Japan, for example, the expectations are different. Women can get away with more playful and short dresses and skirts in Japan, but tops in general have to be much more conservative. Just within the US, San Francisco offices tend to be much less formal than NY ones. Because of that, we've chosen to lean towards relatively conservative choices, but we’ll show a range of styles so you can adapt your outfits to your particular location. Re: Dress Codes and Sexism Another point that needs to be addressed before I get into the guide is the fact that women’s dress codes are often unfair and even sexist. There has thankfully been a lot of discussion and activism on this point recently when it comes to school dress codes. However, there hasn’t been as much discussion about this in the workplace, and many guides online to women’s business casual range from condescending at best (don’t dress like you’re hitting the club!) to sexist at worst (weird preoccupation with necklines, lingerie, and pantyhose). I don’t want this to be one of those guides that lists the obvious in a very demeaning way. At the same time, the outfits we have chosen err on the more conservative side of things in the hopes they will work for a variety of workplaces during the first week, whether you’re in a very traditional office or a more casual one. I think it’s unfair that in many cases women have to spend much more time agonizing over wardrobe choices, and I’m hoping this guide takes some of that pressure off. Once you get to know your workplace, you can start wearing things closer to your own style that are still professional and fall under the business casual umbrella. Who I Am You might be thinking, â€Å"who is this person, and what makes her an expert on the business casual dress code, or workplaces in general?† Well, let’s clarify this right away: I’m NOT an expert. I’m a recent college graduate who has worked or interned in a handful of industries (commercial real estate, banking, education, public relations) both during and after college, primarily in Massachusetts. As a visual artist myself, I enjoy and appreciate fashion, but I fall more on the grunge/overly quirky side of things in my daily life. Business casual dress codes are always difficult for me because I feel like I’m spending money on clothes that are no fun. (I can’t wear crop tops fashioned from oversized thrift store t-shirts? I QUIT.) I've struggled with putting together outfits that adhered to each workplace’s rules, were professional, and fit my budget. This guide started out as my own personal quest to see if I could research a no-fail business-casual outfit that didn’t bore me to tears. I was frustrated at the dearth of helpful resources and realized that if I wanted such a guide, I would have to write one myself. Hopefully this guide will be helpful to anyone trying to put together a business casual wardrobe, but I don't intend for any of this to be definitive, end-all be-all advice. Evidence of me rejecting business casual fashion for weirder fare. (Sam Lindsay/All rights reserved) Who I Am Not Now that you know who I am, let me give you a bit of a disclaimer about who I'm not. #1: A professional stylist/fashion blogger- I did have a short-lived fashion blog in college, but it fizzled out when I got busy with other things. I like to think that I have good fashion sense, but I’m by no means an official â€Å"expert†. This guide is designed to be more utilitarian than anything else! #2: Someone with extensive experience in a single industry- I’m not someone who could talk in detail about how business casual applies to a range of law firms, for example, or the difference between working for a start-up or a job at Apple. #3: Your parents/your boss/your teacher/your counselor- Essentially, I obviously don’t have any authority over you! Which means you should take this advice as advice you are getting from a friend. Take the stuff that is helpful to you, leave or ignore the stuff you think is bullshit. Everyone's situation is going to be a little bit different. What Is Business Casual? Before we get into the good stuff, it’s important to understand what business casual is and how it affects dress codes and expectations at work. Business casual started in the 1990s as an outgrowth of â€Å"casual Fridays,† which was adopted in previous decades as a free perk companies could offer to employees to make their offices seem less soul-sucking. The grown of business casual dress codes in white-collar office jobs was spurred on by a combination of the success of Silicon Valley companies and their casually dressed executives, clever marketing by the Dockers brand, and a push toward more comfortable clothing in general during the late twentieth century. From the beginning of business casual, it was always clearly defined for men: replace your suit and tie with khakis or jeans, a button down, and loafers. Maybe add a sweater. You’re done! But for women (for whom workplace dressing has always been tricky!), a business casual dress code was never clearly articulated. It doesn’t help that these days, each workplace has its own spin on business casual. Business casual lies at the intersection between professional and functional. Companies switched to â€Å"business casual† instead of â€Å"casual† for a reason. They want everyone to look professional without requiring a full suit-and-tie combo every day. â€Å"Business casual† doesn’t mean â€Å"we don’t care what you look like.† It means â€Å"we want you to look professional, but we get that dry-cleaning is expensive and wearing suits all the time is annoying.† So how can you put together outfits that straddle the not-formal-but-not-casual line? Especially given that each office is so different? And that expectations for how women dress are already so complex? I think this jacket is probably fine for business casual...or is it just regular casual? Why must I use space in my brain for this 5 Business Casual Rules to Live By Before we offer up some concrete outfit suggestions, here are five rules to keep in mind as you think about your business casual outfits. #1: Business Casual 101- No Stains, Rips, or Wrinkles These mostly go without saying, but avoid anything that looks old, dirty, wrinkled, or stained. Don’t wear sheer or revealing clothing or clothes with obvious logos. Many â€Å"guides to business casual dressing† online stop here, which is unfortunate, because I figure this rule is fairly obvious. One tip- if you have an item of clothing, like a pair of slacks from your high school debate days or a sundress in muted colors, that you think could pass as professional but you’re not sure if it looks too worn, ask a friend or family member for their honest opinion. Getting a pair of fresh eyes can help you spot a stain, wrinkle, or discolored spot that you didn’t notice yourself. #2: Work From the Outside In Make sure you have a professional coat/jacket if you’re wearing one, a bag, and a versatile pair of shoes before you put together your base outfits. Why is this necessary? Imagine this scenario. Your new job starts Monday. You need some business casual pieces, so you go shopping Sunday and manage to find a neat pencil skirt, a blouse you don’t hate, and a tasteful pair of stud earrings. You buy them, and Monday morning you get dressed. You feel comfortable, and you look professional without appearing too stiff or formal. Mission accomplished, right? Until you look outside. It’s freezing, so you pull on a pair of tights and grab your weathered down parka that has survived four years of college. You look around for shoes, and correctly veto your sneakers, TOMs, and going-out heels. That leaves a pair of scuffed black ballet flats. Whatever, no one will be looking at your feet, right? And last, you pick up your trusty Fjallraven backpack before heading out the door. You know you’re working in a cubicle, so you figure you can stash it there as soon as you get into the office. Post-commute, you enter your new office, excited to meet your new coworkers. Their first impression? A college kid in a casual coat and worn shoes, still sporting a backpack. True, once you ditch the coat and backpack, they’ll see your professional new outfit, but that doesn’t erase the fact that their first introduction to you was decidedly more casual than you would have wanted. (And you know what they say about second chances and first impressions.) Instead, what if you spent the money you used for the blouse, skirt, and earrings on a new pair of flats, a smart wool overcoat, and a professional briefcase or purse? Even if underneath you had a slightly more casual sweater and slacks combination, your first impression would be much more impactful and professional. Plus, you will be able to use those accessories for multiple work days, getting way more bang for your buck than a single blouse-and-skirt combo could ever provide. What’s the lesson here? Make sure your coat, bag, and shoes- the first and last thing that your coworkers will see you wearing each day, as well as the pieces that you will recycle each day- are professional and career-oriented. Not only will these pieces elevate all your other work outfits, they will ensure that the very first impression you make is a strong one. Here are some suggestions and guidelines for the types of coats, shoes, and bags you should be on the lookout for in your shopping: Coats Appropriate styles for coats include trenches, wool cuts with shape. You should also steer yourself towards neutral colors and longer lengths. A solid neutral colored coat can work with any outfit you put under it. Flickr/Joseph Kranak Shoes It's worth spending a bit more money on shoes. Go for high quality natural materials like leather and suede, simple styles, and comfort in movement. In general, you should avoid open-toe shoes, though if you live in a warmer climate they are more often accepted. Ballet flats, pumps, and classy boots are all good options. Flickr/ Spera Bags It’s time to retire your Jansport! In business casual for women, choose a bag with a more structured shape (like a laptop bag, satchel, or leather tote) rather than a bucket bag or a fabric tote. Again, a neutral color like black, navy, or beige is better than something really eye-catching since you want the bag to blend in and convey maturity. Your bag should be big enough to comfortably carry your laptop/tablet and whatever else you need to bring into the workplace. A clutch or small purse won't cut it! Flickr/ateodolinda #3: The 50% Rule Each outfit you wear should be half business formal. Remember that business formal is essentially a suit (matched pants/skirt and suit jacket) with a crisp shirt or blouse and professional shoes. The easiest application of this is rule is to pair formal bottoms (slacks or a pencil/straight skirt), with a more casual blouse. (We'll talk about slacks in detail in the outfit section. I don't shy away from controversial topics.) Another easy adaptation is adding a blazer over a dress. You can also try a formal, structured top (a blazer and/or a button down) with khakis or maybe jeans (though it depends on the style and your workplace, as we will discuss later). The 50% rule ensures that your outfit has at least one obviously formal piece, but it gives you the freedom to make the other half of the ensemble slightly more casual and fun. #4: Don’t Dress Like Someone Else If you’re uncomfortable with your outfit, it will show. Pick an outfit template that most closely fits your personal style. I tend towards a more bohemian and quirky aesthetic in my casual dress, which I try to translate into business casual outfits that incorporate interesting patterns in tasteful ways. I like wearing skirts and dresses as business casual options because I think the options for pants are all kind of dull. But if you’re a person who is most comfortable wearing just jeans and a t-shirt on any given day, then you shouldn’t feel compelled to wear a dress or skirt. Although your business casual outfits will never feel as comfortable as a casual outfit or loungewear, you should like the way you look and feel in them. The longer you work somewhere, the more you’ll come to understand that workplace’s specific definition of business casual and incorporate more of your personal style. This guide will get you through the first few weeks when you’re still navigating the new office! Dressing exactly the same as someone else is only acceptable if you're both adorable twin babies. #5: Know Your Colors If you’re buying a new set of clothes, make sure you can mix and match all of them. This gives you the most utility for your money and can be a lifesaver if half of your clothes are in the laundry. For example, if you buy one pair of slacks, one skirt, and three blouses, you should be able to pair each blouse with each bottom. Also, build your wardrobe on your formal pieces, not your casual pieces. Buy blouses that match the bottoms, not the other way around, or a dress that matches your blazer. Finally, choose a color palette that suits you. Your most readily available options for work slacks, skirts, and blazers will be neutral shades like black, navy, olive, grey, and khaki. These will be the easiest shades to use for creating a foundation for the rest of your business casual wardrobe. In my opinion, black is the most versatile (and almost always looks chic), but if you strongly prefer any of the other shades, you can choose to use one of them as a base instead. Flickr/Maria Morri No-Fail Business Casual Outfits The goal of this section is to give you three basic, customizable outfits. You can choose your favorite(s) and then look for clothes you have or buy pieces to build the perfect business casual outfit for your first few days of work! Also, remember that our goal here isn’t necessarily for you to look super fashionable. You want to wear clothes that are universally read as professional and put-together but don’t stand out too much. That way if your outfit skews slightly too formal or too casual, you won’t draw undue attention to yourself. Outfit 1: Pants / Blouse In an ideal world, this would be an incredibly easy outfit to put together, since it’s literally just pants and a top. But the devil is in the details! Pants For the pants, think slacks, in a material like wool crepe or a polyester blend that resembles it. You can go for either ankle or full-length. Look for skinnies, straight leg, or a slight flare. Avoid capris, culottes, super wide flares, low-rise super tight skinnies, and leggings. For the first week, avoid jeans, but if you see your coworkers wearing them, you are of course free to adopt them. Stick to darker washes, and avoid looks that are faded, damaged, and distressed. Also avoid jeans with contrast-color stitching (like American Eagle and Levis), since they look more casual. Blouse What about the blouse? You have two types to choose from: #1: Button Downs: Button downs can be a great choice because they’re universally perceived as â€Å"businessy† tops. However, they do have a downside in that for many women, it can be hard to find a button down that doesn’t have some sort of fit issue. Especially if you have a larger chest, button downs that fit perfectly in all areas without being custom tailored are basically unicorns. #2: Non Button Down: The benefits to non-button down shirts include more variety, no contention with gaping buttons, and more comfort overall. The issue on this side of things is that it’s a challenge to find blouses that aren’t too casual, sheer, or loud in their design. Lots of people run into the paradox of choice here because there are many, many options and it can be unclear which are appropriate. Here are some guidelines for the types of blouses you should choose for a business casual outfit: Has sleeves - Some workplaces will allow nice sleeveless blouses, but to be safe you should stick to designs with sleeves until you get confirmation on the policy. Relatively conservative color - Jewel tones and pastels are great, but nothing neon, no super loud prints. Not see-through - If a shirt is sheer, have something to easily layer beneath it that doesn’t look sloppy or bulky. Not too many extra details - In general, you should avoid sheer panels or lace cut-outs. One fun detail like decorative buttons should be okay, but decorative buttons plus a giant bow plus a lace hemline will look a little too garish for the workplace. If it feels boring, you can use accessories to spice things up. Sweaters: Yes or No? If a blazer and slacks or a skirt is the most common business formal outfit for women, some people say that slacks and a sweater is a standard business casual outfit. However, sweaters are tricky because they don’t work in all climates, and they run the risk of looking too casual compared to a tailored blouse. Furthermore, sweaters can show their wear pretty quickly thanks to shrinking or stretching, loose threads, and fading dye. That’s why I'm focusing more on blouses and blazers as opposed to sweaters, but if you really like wearing them, feel free to mix in some cardigans or other classy sweaters! Shoes and Accessories As discussed above, your outside choice- coat, shoes, and bag- are crucial pieces. In addition to these, you might also consider: Subtle jewelry A watch A silk scarf A low-key manicure Here are a few examples of business casual outfits that follow the pants/blouse model: Outfit 2: Skirt/Blouse Your second option is similar to the first, but replaces the pants with a skirt! Skirt When choosing a skirt, you should (at least initially) stick with options that don’t have too many bells and whistles and aren’t too short. A length just above the knee or even longer is ideal if you want to err on the more conservative side of things. The shape of the skirt is also something to consider. If you want to look professional, straight or pencil skirts are safe bets. Most A-line skirts will also work as long as they’re not too puffy. Puffy skirts can have a princess-like look that might seem too casual or immature for certain office environments. Again, neutral colors are smart choices because you’ll be able to pair the skirt with a variety of different blouses, although subtly patterned skirts can also be great options as long as they’re an appropriate length and style. Blouse For advice on choosing blouses, see the discussion in the previous section! Shoes and Accessories Again, you can incorporate some classy accessories into your look if you feel like it’s too plain. A small pop of bright color against a neutral outfit always looks nice, and it’s a way of making things more interesting without undermining the professionalism of the look as a whole. Sticking to just one accessory at first is a smart idea. Here are examples of appropriate skirt/blouse combos (some including nice sweaters as an extra layer): Outfit 3: Dress/Blazer Our final standby outfit is quite different from the others, but offers a bit more playfulness and room to experiment! Dress In choosing a dress for a business casual look, you should be on the lookout for styles with hems that fall just above the knee or lower. Shift and A-line dresses are safe bets as long as they’re an appropriate length and not too flimsy or excessively tight. Avoid sundresses, cocktail dresses, dresses with super loud prints, and dresses with cutouts. Necklines should be high cut rather than a deep V or wide neck. It’s best to assume that sleeveless dresses are off limits as well until you know otherwise. You can still wear one, but be prepared to leave your blazer on over it in the office. Blazer Ah, the blazer- that piece of clothing which seems to universally scream â€Å"business!† Since we’re in the realm of business casual for women, you don’t need to worry about getting a fancy-schmancy, lined, tailored blazer (though you can if you want to). Instead, just focus on finding a fit and color you like. Again, stick to a neutral color. It will match with a variety of outfits and won’t be too much of a distraction in the workplace. Save your hot pink blazer for after you’ve settled in and proven yourself. Also, try on different lengths. Blazers range from waist-length to hip-length to tunic-style. You may decide that one style suits you better than another. As with the other pieces in this guide, lean toward more conservative cuts (i.e. nothing super short or sleeveless) Also, don’t be afraid to bargain-shop. I found a simple black blazer at Forever 21 for probably less than $20 once, and I’ve used it to â€Å"class up† my outfits for years. You don’t have to splurge to look stylish. Although, in general, Forever 21 is probably not the best place to go to find durable professional wear. Shoes and Accessories The shoes you get to match this type of outfit depends on your personal style, but ankle boots, ballet flats, and pumps are all good options. Shoes in neutral colors are your best bet because you can wear them with a variety of different outfits. You might also choose to accessorize with one or two subtle pieces of jewelry that echo the color palette of the rest of your outfit. Here are a few examples of office-appropriate outfits that incorporate dresses and blazers (or cardigans): Adapting Business Casual for Summer and Winter Finding appropriate business casual outfits is made even more difficult if you live in an area with drastic temperature fluctuations from season to season. Here are some tips on how to adapt your business casual for women style so you can stay comfortable throughout these climate changes. How to Dress Business Casual in Summer Summer is especially difficult time to dress for work, since outside temperatures make traditional office staples like long slacks, tights, and long-sleeved shirts uncomfortable. At the same time, many of us have to deal with freezing temperatures inside the office thanks to aggressive air-conditioning. So what can you do to cope with the temperature whiplash? #1: Look for Light, Natural Fabrics Time to start reading clothing labels! When shopping for summer work clothes, go for natural fabrics like cotton and linen instead of polyester or polyester blends, because they’re less breathable. Also make sure to avoid heavier natural fabrics like wool. #2: Check the Sleeveless Policy Be careful about going sleeveless unless other coworkers do it! If it’s your first week in a new office, don’t assume it’s acceptable, but if you’ve worked there for a while and you know it won’t be objectionable, sleeveless dresses and blouses are a great way to stay cool. If you do go sleeveless, make sure you still follow all the basic business casual rules- no sheer fabrics, relatively conservative colors- and avoid anything strapless. #3: Ditch the Tights/Pantyhose You can definitely skip tights and pantyhose in the summer (unless you happen to work in a very traditional office), but keep your skirt and dress lengths conservative. Just above the knee or lower is fine, but avoid anything that veers into mini-skirt or mini-dress territory for work. #4: Investigate Sandal Options Thick leather loafers or closed-toe heels that were comfortable in cold weather might not be your favorite choice for summer. Scout out what other women in your office are wearing (are open-toed shoes ok based on what you see?). Summer friendly options include: Canvas slip-ons (even toms, depending on the office) Espiradilles Sandals in neutral colors Make sure to avoid shoes that look too casual, including flip flops and sneakers. #5: Bring Some Layers! Like we mentioned earlier, your office AC might make you cold during the day despite an uncomfortably warm commute. It’s smart to have a cardigan or blazer on hand that you can slip on if things get too chilly. If you pick one in a neutral shade like black, grey, or navy that matches all your work outfits, you only have to worry about having one! Just make sure to avoid any layers that look too casual, like hoodies or denim jackets. Or Snuggies. How to Dress Business Casual in Winter On the flip side, it can be difficult to deal with colder temperatures in winter, not to mention slogging through rain and/or snow to get to work. The good news is that more traditional office wear- pants, blazers, tights or pantyhose, wool materials- tend to keep you warmer than casual clothes. The challenge is shoring up your outfits with additional layers to keep you warm, investing in durable shoes, and finding warm but professional coats. If You Drive... Since you don’t have to cope with slogging through ice and snow, you might be able to get away with skipping winter boots and a parka. That said, if it’s freezing, no one will judge you for wearing a parka into the office or arriving in your snow boots as long as you slip into more office-appropriate footwear once you're inside. If You Commute/Walk... Definitely wear all the layers of clothes and shoes you need to get to work safely and warmly- parka, snow boots, scarf, mittens, etc. You can keep a pair of dress shoes at the office to change into when you get there. Consider wearing tights or long underwear under your work clothes, including your slacks, to help keep warm. You can even double up on tights for extra insulation! Where to Shop for Business Casual Outfits for Women So where do you go to find all this stuff? There’s a ton of options out there. I’ll categorize some of the best places to look for business casual clothes for women by price range so you can make smart decisions about where to begin your shopping. Lowest price point Target Old Navy HM Nordstrom Rack T. J. Maxx Macy's Kohl's JCPenney Dressbarn Medium price point The Gap Express The Limited Ann Taylor Modcloth Banana Republic Dillard's Nordstrom Talbots ASOS Zara Topshop UNIQLO j. jill High price point Anthropologie Calvin Klein Nordstrom J. Crew (suiting collection) Joie Boden Brooks Brothers Club Monaco Moving Forward: How to Take Style Cues from Your Office As you settle into your new office, you can start to tailor (heh) your wardrobe to fit the company culture rather than sticking with generic business casual looks. Here are a few tips on how to use your observations in the office to inform subtle outfit updates that will make a positive impact on the image you present at work. #1: Observe How Management/High-Performers Dress You know the old saying â€Å"dress for the job you want, not the job you have?† It’s actually good advice. You don’t want your work outfits to be just formal enough that they’re barely considered appropriate. You want build an overall professional, competent image for yourself. One tip in that regard is to pay particular attention to how managers and/or high-performers at your job present themselves. If you dress similarly, you're likely to be seen as one of the more focused, driven members of the team as well. #2: Don’t Completely Copy Outfits- Create Your Own Spin-Offs On the flip side, you shouldn’t carbon-copy someone else’s style, especially if it’s quite different from what you normally wear! It’s awkward, and it might suggest that you lack your own creativity or gusto. Look at how other people dress, and think about how you can create your own variations on their outfits that aligns with your personal style. #3: Pay Attention to Weekly Patterns Do people dress down on Friday? Are there specific events where people are dressed more formally (important meetings etc), or does everyone maintain the same level of formality all week? By paying attention to these cues, you’ll ensure that your outfits never look too formal or too casual. #4: Determine If Day-to-Night Transferability Is Important Some offices require you to attend work dinners or events where you're expected to dress more formally, while others focus solely on dressing for the 9-5. When in doubt, stray towards more formal looks! #5: Don’t Try to Pioneer New Office Fashion Trends (Unless You Work in a Creative Field) Even if there’s an event like a company party or dinner or fundraiser, and you’re not sure how to dress for it, you should lean toward more formal and business-y looks rather than either casual or overly dressy. It’s probably not the best time to break out your new pink faux fur jacket and light up sneakers or your full-length ball gown. I do love this jacket though. (Flickr/kelly) Business Casual for Women: Key Tips and Reliable Styles Business casual dress codes are extremely common in office environments, but it can be hard to sort out what's appropriate when you have so many different styles to choose from. Here's a quick recap of the guidelines established in this article. First, the five rules to live by when dressing for a business casual workplace: #1: No clothes with stains, rips, or wrinkles#2: Dress from the outside in (start with staple pieces like shoes, coats, and bags)#3: Follow the 50% rule- half of your outfit should be formal pieces#4: Don't dress too far out of your comfort zone#5: Start with a neutral color foundation (navy, khaki, olive green, black, or grey) Three outfit combinations that, given certain style constraints, will always be appropriate include: #1: Pants with a blouse#2: A skirt with a blouse#3: A dress with a blazer As you get more comfortable in your new office, you can adapt the rules to fit with the specific policies put in place by your company. Over time, you'll be able to personalize your business casual looks to match more with your personal style in casual dress.

The importance of the marketing portfolio Essay

The importance of the marketing portfolio - Essay Example The importance of the marketing department's liaising with every other department could be gauged by its hold over the market and its need to keep its ears to the ground for every single bit of information that may make or mar the fortunes of the company's future business. The marketing portfolio therefore must represent every other activity in the company, apart from its own. It must have good hold over the total management information system so that the two-way communication system of information moving from top to bottom and from the bottom level to top level in the management hierarchy is clear, unambiguous and undiluted. The marketing operational activity is primarily customer-oriented. It is not possible to stereotype customers or the market. Although the predominance of marketing over other departments does exist, it cannot abdicate its own distinct identity and responsibility and it must stay focused on its role as the frontrunner to secure maximum business from the total market pie. No other department has such colossal and strategic responsibility. If the marketing management is unable to focus on maintaining and improving upon its market share, those responsible are quickly replaced. We, that is, two colleagues and I, have been selected by Crown Manufacturing Company Limited, (CMCL), manufacturers and marketers of white goods, viz. refrigerators, washing machines, and wardrobes. The total number of temporary recruits is hundred broken up in teams of twos and threes to concentrate of several routes. Our job is to assist the existing sales force for the company's sales scheme of their products during the summer holidays. Our weekly remuneration is US$250 plus two percent commission on the basic price of every five pieces sold. The company has come up with a discount and replacement scheme and is confident of generating a very good sale. The customer is being offered brand new models with benefits of up to fifty percent discount on the basic price of any product in exchange for an old one in working condition. The scheme is being advertised on a grand scale through the electronic and print media. Retailers have been enthused with decorative window displays to herald the scheme. The company has fixed a target which is five times the number of goods sold in an average month. The Existing Sales Force The company has a staff of fifty sales executives under five sales managers each responsible for one product except for water filter and television for which there is one sales manager. The sales scheme is aimed at refrigerators, washing machines and wardrobes only. The temporary recruits of hundred sales assistants have been assigned to different sales executives. Their job is to receive customers, effect sale, and complete the data entry which basically covers information such as the customer's name, age, address, designation, choice of product model, and date or year of purchase of the old model, if available. The company's showroom is large enough to accommodate staff of hundred personnel in the mezzanine floor. It can accommodate another hundred in the building's first floor. Both the mezzanine and the first floors have enough space to receive hundred customers each at a time. Besides, five sales executives have been given the responsibility of attending to online enquiries and also receive orders with payments online. Each

Observation about resarch methodologies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Observation about resarch methodologies - Essay Example Increasingly, though, this means of taking account of the world is being questioned, if not discredited† (Jones). Recent growth in media along with the advances of technology made it too commercialized that it now focuses more on providing information about celebrities than delivering real news. Real news which used to be the meat of the media now even has to compete with late night shows due to this commercialized development. The growth of the media changed itself and has shifted its focus from informing the public about real news that forms opinions to merely reporting news about celebrities. Despite the growing diversity of media outlets that now include newspapers, magazines, radios and cable television, its coverage became more mundane and limited as reporters have become more interested in discussing matters that concern more about celebrities because the public enjoys such stories than giving substantive news. This variety in the media creates competition that editors a nd producers alike are pressured to focus their news base on what people enjoys than what really matters for them to increase their ratings. The best example about this is the media frenzy about Michael Jackson’s death. ... This detailed description reveals the proportion of the coverage the media devotes to Michael Jackson. The news about the death of the pop star fills the press around the world as journalists compete about the newest piece of information to share with millions of people while disregarding other more important news. The continuous coverage and the diversity of the media outlet involved explain how celebrities like Michael Jackson play a key role for the industry to thrive. The news of the pop star’s death has succeeded in rendering any major political, economic or social event futile because radio stations, cable television and newspaper editors place more importance on the pop star’s death no matter how trivial it is. An article relating o the pop star’s death even read and informs: â€Å"From the eerily titled ‘Michael Jackson: The Afterlife,’ which airs locally at 8 p.m. on WNEP to a two-hour interview with Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, on WBRE-TV at 9 p.m, multiple television specials and tributes to the ‘Thriller’ hit maker will fill the airwaves† (Brown). This overwhelming and continuous coverage reflects the fame of the artist and the demand of the public to whom it is directed. Each medium, according to its specialty deals with a form of information suited to its audience which keeps the discussion going. The coverage may discuss Jackson’s financial issues, his children, or his relationship with his family. This statement indicates: â€Å"Additionally, tabloids such as the New York Post and the New York Daily News are reporting information about the singer's family, and non-tabloids, such as The New York Times and

Diversity at Barclays Bank Essay Example for Free

Diversity at Barclays Bank Essay There are four top leading Banks in UK, Barclays Bank is one of the leading banks. Barclays Bank considers honest prompting an atmosphere or environment where diversity is highly respected and accepted. Diversity as defined by (Dictionary, 2009) is said to be the reality or standard of being diverse (Rajan Amin, 2003) Says diversity contains personal individuality explained by age, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, sexual position. These differences are established and guarded by law. Diversity in workplace can also be viewed has the difference in qualities and attributes in people working in an organisation. Diversity in workplace can have positive influence in efficient and smooth running of an organisation and can cause chaos between the employees if not administered properly. In 1963 Late President of USA, John Kennedy met with the Americans leaders to discuss about (Drachsler, 2013) the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act which was made law on June 19 of 1964 to focus on Equal opportunity commission and affirmative action and policies, which made the organisations, focus more on just complying on legislation imposed by law, it moved to another stage during the early 1980s to incorporate minors and women into workforce in the late 1980s it moved from just complying to rules and regulations and focuses more on business survival. In the late 1990s there is much shift from complying to laws and to focus on incorporating women and minors into workforce to including everyone in the workforce to know the differences in each employee in the workforce and to be sensitised about the needs and distinctions of others. Now in this century Diversity has shifted attention to inclusion and diversity to increase the efficiency, profitability, wide scope and all factors that can lead to business success. There are two types of workforce diversity Surface level diversity and deep level diversity 1. Surface level diversity as defined by (Kenneth Price H, 2002) as distinctions to each of more members of a team in an overt demographic feature. It is also said to be the different features in workforce that can be seen and observed such Age, Gender, Religion, and Ethnicity. Marital status was also listed as an factors to be considered as a surface level diversity and all these aforementioned examples of surface level diversity  are quantifiable 2. Deep level diversity is defined as distinctions between values, personality and preferences in work. It also defined by (Kenneth Price H, 2002) as the predetermined distinctions among members of a team’ personalities included psychological characteristics, values and attitudes. They factors here can only be felt and cannot be seen they are qualified they cannot be quantified. There are benefits derived from workforce diversity, In Employee management they make good utilization of talents, improved quality of team problem- solving efforts and strength to attract and retain employee’s organisations benefits. In Strategic problem solving skills such as prospective to improve sales volume and to increase market capital base of the organisation, good ethical behaviours ( knowing the right thing to do) . In Organisational Operation they derive good team spirit among the employees, good problem solving strength and lowering cost that is connected to absenteeism and law suit s. Diversity is a two edged sword (Chrobot-Mason, 2013) which means it has positive and negative advantage. There are challenges to workforce diversity such as communication in multicultural environments has mentioned by (Fatima Oliviera, july 2013) and diversity involves not only how employees see themselves but how they see others. That insight affects the way they interact. (Sreedhar, 2011) Highlighted that there is need for professionals in human resource department to consider and administer effectively with issues of change, communication and adaptability. (CHUA, 2013) Also discussed that as organisations become more culturally diverse, conflicts and tensions are bound to happen among employees or people that are from different cultural backgrounds. With all these above mentioned merits and demerits I think diversity is the management of differences in employees effectively and eliminating conflicts that might arise afterwards. Barclays has the believe that to be among the first four leading banks in the world they need a rock solid diversity and inclusion strategy programme and policy to be in place to give them a huge advantage among their rivals in the banking sector . They started by knowing that the foundation of their success is in the talented people they employ, whatsoever lifestyle, age, personality, religion, race, disability, gender or sexual orientation. Barclays focuses on six principal areas of diversity; Gender- is the most important of Barclays diversity and inclusion policy, promoted by the Barclays executive diversity group and it was aimed at increasing the number of women in the senior roles by doing all that is possible to make women in the organisation fulfil their career potential with Barclays increasing female portrayal to at least 20% by the end of last year and rising more to more than 25% by 2015 at the board level. Recruiting is based on merit, and gender diversity is considered seriously when exerting talents across the globe, from the future leader programmes to the most senior recruit and they do make sure that all those that provide recruitment support, supports the vision to lure in diverse candidates around the world. However, other banks all over the globe have innovated Women’s Initiative Networks but the Barclays Women of the year award identifies talented personal and Professional attainment from female employees globally, as well as identifying male em ployee who champion and be of support to female career development. Disability Barclays has shown commitment to being a disability self- assured organisation. Their aim is to lure more highly expertise people, aid disabilities or health defect by making available the equipment and accommodation that enable their employee to be outstanding. Awareness of employee with disability is giving the Bank to recognise modern ways of making products, service and facilities available to everyone an illustration the organisation run disability listening groups, the forum provides staffs with disability with the chance to meet with high level employee and give materials into calculated transformation to improve the working society. Generational diversity Recognising generational diversity in workplace adds cognitive capital to Barclays bank, which promotes revolutions for employees, clients and the customers of the Bank. Barclays bank manages this by supporting the recruitment process and holding firm an age diverse workforce. Creating a workforce with no age limit on each vacant position at Barclays is set as a goal achievable. Merit is the criteria for any elevation; elevation is open to all employees through a yearly achievement and development review  procedure. They are among just few organisations that have taken the proactive measures to include multigenerational diverse workforce into the employee working tactics, the age employees also believes that skill, strength, capability and accomplishment are the backbone of all good performances, which is making the bank one of the leading banks in the world. Sexual Orientation Barclays has good records to encourage their Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered employees, customers and clients and the Bank have been known worldwide by numerous external establishments, Human Rights Campaign in the US are included. Barclays was at the stonewall workplace equality index (WEI) controlled by the United kingdom’s chief Lesbian Gay Bisexual charity, and they were ranked number three in year 2011 in acknowledgment of the work been done to make sure their workplace, products and services are included. They achieved 100 percent in the 2011 Human Rights campaign corporate equality index in the USA and it 95percent in the UK. Multiculturalism This is a very important tool for organisations in the current global business world, Barclays works with a great cultural diversity sense. Barclays Employees are from all around the globe, the employees throughout the Barclays around the world set a footmark to make up a constantly changing pattern of nationalities, cultures and heritage. The distinctive approaches are immeasurable in making sure the organisation comprehend what the need of their customers and clients all around the world is, and with that they provide expert products and services to meet the needs. More to this is the Cultural Awareness Employee network which brings together employees within all Barclays to make sure the bank continue to find up to date method to examine the world with the motive of evaluating and leveraging differences. CONCLUSION Globalisation has made businesses to see diversity has a must do thing, to be successful in modern day business, diversity in workplace should not be treated as complying to law and regulations, it is now a thing of inclusion  and diversity to increase the efficiency, profitability, wide scope and all factors that can lead to business success. For Barclays Bank, Diversity and inclusion is much more than just complying with the law. It means stating and having an active policy in place to make the very best of their diverse staff to serve the clients, customers and benefit their employee to make them retain the height they are in the business world. RECOMMENDATION Having observed all the analysis of diversity and inclusion it is therefore suggested that the following be done to enjoy more benefits of diversity Minimise inequalities among employee to reduce conflicts among the employee. Training and re training programme on human relation should be put in place for employee to enable the employee to know how best to interact among their contemporary. Change is constant so therefore diversity policies and procedures guide lines should be amended yearly. Bibliography Chrobot-Mason, D. A. N. P., 2013. The psychological benefits of creating an affirming climate for workplace diversity. Professiona and management development training, 38(1059-6011), p. 31. CHUA, R. Y. J., 2013. The costs of ambient cultural disharmony: Indirect intercultural Conflicts in social environment undermine creativity. Academy of Management Journal, 56(0001-4273), p. 33. Dictionary, A. H., 2009. Mifflin Houghton. [Online] Available at: http://www.eref-trade.hmco.com/ [Accessed 21 01 2014]. Drachsler, D. A., 2013. Supreme court sets high bar for Title vii retaliation claims.. Labour law journal, 64(4-0023-6586), p. 6. Fatima Oliviera, M. d., july 2013. Multicultural Environments and Thier Challenges to Crisis Communication. Business In Communication , 50(0021- 9436). Kenneth Price H, D. H. A. J. G. H. A. F. T., 2002. TIME, TEAMS, AND TASK PERFORMANCE: CHANGING EFFECTS OF SURFACE- AND DEEP-LEVEL DIVERSITY ON GROUP FUNCTIONING. Academy of Management Journal, 45(5), pp. 1029-1045. Rajan Amin, H. S., 2003. The business impact of diversity. Business Source Premier, Issue 0959-5848, p. 1471 Words. Sreedhar, U., 2011. Workforce Diversity and HR Challenges. OB and HRM Department, IBS, Bangalore (Karnataka), INDIA, 4(0974-2611), pp. p33-36.

Mutations in Nature and Culture Essay -- Exploratory Essays Research P

Mutations in Nature and Culture Many other words, both positive and negative, spring to mind when one hears the word "mutation." In a scientific sense, one might think of the random variations that lead to evolution in species. In a sci-fi/ horror flick sense, one might think of a vicious monster that after contact with some radioactive substance became terribly disfigured. But rarely do we associate mutations with ideas pervasive to our culture. Daniel Dennett suggests that memes undergo a certain kind of mutation that is inherent to the creative evolution of culture. The most important distinction to be made between mutation as it applies to biological evolution, and how it applies to creative evolution is the function of randomness. In nature, random variation is the cause of mutation, and therefore the appearance of different traits. In the generation of ideas, the role of randomness is not so easy to pinpoint. On the one hand, it seems that creative ideas are generated through patterns of association: "During creative thought, memes potentially relevant to a solution would evoke or activate one another, altering or strategically (though not necessarily consciously) manipulating them..." (Gabora 1) Yet, there is no predictability to these associations, and furthermore, "The very creativity and activity of human minds as temporary homes for memes seems to guarantee that lines of descent are hopelessly muddled, and that phenotypes (the "body designs" of memes) change so fast that there's no keeping track..." (Dennett 355) So perhaps what we would call "randomness" as it plays out in the evolution of species is really taken over by an element of disorganization in creative forces. Dennett cites Stephen J... ...sually fatal or detrimental to the organism in which it occurs. However, mutations are creativity's greatest asset: at one time, the great removal from more traditional realist art that impressionism posed seemed detrimental to the world of painting. The result was the beautiful addition of artists like Monet and Degas to the sphere of art. Whether one chooses to include impressionism in his or her organization of art history is dependent upon the thinker, but one cannot deny that creative mutation is ultimately beneficial to culture. Works Cited Dennett, Daniel C. Darwin's Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life. New York: Touchstone, 1996. Gabora, Liane. The Origin and Evolution of Culture and Creativity. Journal of Memetics - Evolutionary Models of Information Transmission, 1. 1997. Available http://jom-emit.cfpm.org/1997/vol1/gabora_l.html

Police Force Abusing Their Power

I am interested in law enforcement. Police officers is one of the three most important components of the criminal justice system of the United States. There are three different types of police officers they are Federal, State, county. The basics to become a Police officer is you have to be 21 of age and have no felonies. Another basic is you have to go through training which is called BLET, basic law enforcement Training. In 1626, the New york City Sheriffs office was founded. I chose this topic because police officer are an very important to the society.They are important to save our lives like troops are saving us everyday. is my advisor. My product will be challenging and a learning experience. It is a challenge because police officers issued equipment is not easy to obtain as a civilian. I'm looking for a man/woman who is a police officer or has been through Basic Law Enforcement Training. I understand that plagiarism, which is representing the ideas of others as many own without giving proper credit, is an unethical and illegal practice which can result in serious academic and/or legal consequences.It is for this reason that avoiding plagiarism, whether during Senior Project, or at any other time, is of great importance to me as a student. Being a student, by its very nature, means developing and practicing high ethical standards and that means avoiding plagiarism. Therefore being aware of plagiarism and academic integrity will be benefit me both now, during the work of this project, and later on during any post-secondary learning I may

The Genetic Code

The Genetic Code Overview This module will examine how information is encoded in DNA, and how that information is interpreted to bring about changes in cells and tissues. Objectives 1. Understand the triplet nature of the genetic code, and know the meaning of the term codon. 2. Know that the code is degenerate, and what that means. 3. Know that the code is unambiguous, and what that means. 4. Know the identities of the start and stop codons, and understand how they work. The Genetic Code It has been mentioned in a variety of modules that DNA stores genetic information.That much was clear from the  experiments  of Avery, Macleod, and McCarty and Hershey and Chase. However, these experiments did not explain  how  DNA stores genetic information. Elucidation of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick did not offer an obvious explanation of how the information might be stored. DNA was constructed from nucleotides containing only four possible bases (A, G, C, and T). The big quest ion was: how do you code for all of the traits of an organism using only a four letter alphabet? Recall the  central dogma of molecular biology.The information stored in DNA is ultimately transferred to protein, which is what gives cells and tissues their particular properties. Proteins are linear chains of amino acids, and there are 20 amino acids found in proteins. So the real question becomes: how does a four letter alphabet code for all possible combinations of 20 amino acids? By constructing multi-letter â€Å"words† out of the four letters in the alphabet, it is possible to code for all of the amino acids. Specifically, it is possible to make 64 different three letter words from just the four letters of the genetic alphabet, which covers the 20 amino acids easily.This kind of reasoning led to the proposal of a triplet genetic code. Experiments involving  in vitro  translation of short synthetic RNAs eventually confirmed that the genetic code is indeed a triplet co de. The three-letter â€Å"words† of the genetic code are known as  codons. This experimental approach was also used to work out the relationship between individual codons and the various amino acids. After this â€Å"cracking† of the genetic code, several properties of the genetic code became apparent: * The genetic code is composed of nucleotide triplets.In other words, three nucleotides in mRNA (a codon) specify one amino acid in a protein. * The code is non-overlapping. This means that successive triplets are read in order. Each nucleotide is part of only one triplet codon. * The genetic code is unambiguous. Each codon specifies a particular amino acid, and only one amino acid. In other words, the codon ACG codes for the amino acid threonine, and  only  threonine. * The genetic code is degenerate. In contrast, each amino acid can be specified by  more  than one codon. * The code is nearly universal.Almost all organisms in nature (from bacteria to humans) use exactly the same genetic code. The rare exceptions include some changes in the code in mitochondria, and in a few protozoan species. * A Non-overlapping Code * The genetic code is read in groups (or â€Å"words†) of three nucleotides. After reading one triplet, the â€Å"reading frame† shifts over three letters, not just one or two. In the following example, the code would  not  be read GAC, ACU, CUG, UGA†¦ * * Rather, the code would be read GAC, UGA, CUG, ACU†¦ * * Degeneracy of the Genetic Code There are 64 different triplet codons, and only 20 amino acids. Unless some amino acids are specified by more than one codon, some codons would be completely meaningless. Therefore, some redundancy is built into the system: some amino acids are coded for by multiple codons. In some cases, the redundant codons are related to each other by sequence; for example, leucine is specified by the codons CUU, CUA, CUC, and CUG. Note how the codons are the same except f or the third nucleotide position. This third position is known as the â€Å"wobble† position of the codon.This is because in a number of cases, the identity of the base at the third position can wobble, and the same amino acid will still be specified. This property allows some protection against mutation – if a mutation occurs at the third position of a codon, there is a good chance that the amino acid specified in the encoded protein won't change. * Reading Frames * If you think about it, because the genetic code is triplet based, there are three possible ways a particular message can be read, as shown in the following figure: * * Clearly, each of these would yield completely different results.To illustrate the point using an analogy, consider the following set of letters: * theredfoxatethehotdog * If this string of letters is read three letters at a time, there is one reading frame that works: * the red fox ate the hot dog * and two reading frames that produce nonsen se: * t her edf oxa tet heh otd og * th ere dfo xat eth eho tdo g * Genetic messages work much the same way: there is one reading frame that makes sense, and two reading frames that are nonsense. * So how is the reading frame chosen for a particular  mRNA? The answer is found in the genetic code itself.The code contains signals for starting and stopping translation of the code. The  start codon  is  AUG. AUG also codes for the amino acid methionine, but the first AUG encountered signals for translation to begin. The start codon sets the reading frame: AUG is the first triplet, and subsequent triplets are read in the same reading frame. Translation continues until a  stop codon  is encountered. There are three stop codons:  UAA,  UAG, and  UGA. To be recognized as a stop codon, the triplet  must  be in the same reading frame as the start codon. A reading frame between a start codon and an in-frame stop codon is called an  open reading frame.Let's see how a seq uence would be translated by considering the following sequence: 5†²-GUCCCGUGAUGCCGAGUUGGAGUCGAUAACUCAGAAU-3†² First, the code is read in a  5†² to 3†² direction. The first AUG read in that direction sets the reading frame, and subsequent codons are read in frame, until the stop codon, UAA, is encountered. Note that there are three nucleotides, UAG (indicated by asterisks) that would otherwise constitute a stop codon, except that the codon is out of frame and is not recognized as a stop. In this sequence, there are nucleotides at either end that are outside of the open reading frame.Because they are outside of the open reading frame, these nucleotides are not used to code for amino acids. This is a common situation in mRNA molecules. The region at the 5†² end that is not translated is called the  5†² untranslated region, or  5†² UTR. The region at the 3†² end is called the  3†² UTR. These sequences, even though they do not encode any polypeptide sequence, are not wasted: in eukaryotes these regions typically contain regulatory sequences that can affect when a message gets translated, where in a cell an mRNA is localized, and how long an mRNA lasts in a cell before it is destroyed.A detailed examination of these sequences is beyond the scope of this course. The Genetic Code: Summary of Key Points * The genetic code is a triplet code, with codons of three bases coding for specific amino acids. Each triplet codon specifies only one amino acid, but an individual amino acid may be specified by more than one codon. * A start codon, AUG, sets the reading frame, and signals the start of translation of the genetic code. Translation continues in a non-overlapping fashion until a stop codon (UAA, UAG, or UGA) is encountered in frame. The nucleotides between the start and stop codons comprise an open reading frame.

Three reasons why personal training is the best job for college students

Three reasons why personal training is the best job for college students If you’re a college student, you’ll probably agree when I say that finding a job that lets you balance your schedule around your classes and makes a decent income is really challenging. But what if there was a job that allowed you to work around your own schedule, could bring in upwards of $50 an hour, and could be turned into an actual full-time career? I have good news; there is a career just like this: a certified personal trainer.Here are some of the benefits of becoming a certified personal trainer while you’re in college. 1. Certifications can be earned in a few monthsI know what you’re thinking: â€Å"more classes and coursework while I’m in college? Ugh.† While this is true, think more about the investment you are making in yourself, as well as the flexibility the future will hold, than the prerequisites for getting certified. You also must consider the potential pay of this part-time gig, but we’ll get more into that below.Get ting a nationally accredited personal training certification from a major company like NASM, ACE, or Fitness Mentors can be accomplished in a few short months. You can register for an exam before you go into college (i.e., your summer after high school), while in college, or during summer break and knock out your studies, so they don’t overlap with your regular semesters.Certification will allow you to get a variety of different personal training jobs such as within gyms, as a self-employed trainer, or even on your college campus. Even more beneficial, the skills you’ll learn in exercise science and nutrition will be valuable for your entire life.2. Flexible job marketThere are several places of employment for the certified personal trainer. The most popular of these is obvious: at the gym.But outside of the gym, there are a lot of different places to get a job as a personal trainer. Your college campus may have athlete training programs that you can apply to, but you can also find jobs at retirement communities, local country clubs, condo associations, major hotels, and resorts, at athletic performance centers (outside the college), via online training, and of course, the entrepreneurial route as a self-employed trainer. The list goes on!Depending on your place of employment you may very well be able to train on the days that you have availability. For example, in college, I trained on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as on the weekends and scheduled my classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I also mixed in a job as a personal trainer at a local gym alongside some private personal training clients.While flexibility is one of the best aspects of a personal training job for a college student, the pay is what is really appealing.3. Personal trainers can work less, and make moreWhen you think of typical college jobs working at the local juice bar or coffee shop, you’re probably lucky if you make $8 an hour. While this may work for some, w hat’s even more appealing about a job as a personal trainer is that you can make considerably more without having to clock in as many hours.The tradeoff is the initial expenses and investment of time in getting certified, but when you read about the potential income, you’ll understand. Take a job at Equinox for example. The personal trainer salary for their lowest tier trainers is $26 an hour. That’s more than double the hourly rate you’d get at a decent entry-level college job and likely to be more than three times what the minimum wage is in your state. At the YMCA, trainers make $15 to $28 per session.It can get even better if you do private personal training. If you run your own personal training business and build your clientele, it’s not uncommon to charge upwards of $50 an hour as an entry-level trainer and more than $100 an hour for a more experienced trainer.You could theoretically make $200 a week and only work four hours. Compare this to working 20 hours at some part-time job and making the same!Work smarter, not harder in collegeAs your parents have probably told you 100 times, â€Å"college is supposed to be one of the best times of your life.† Nobody ever said, â€Å"working in college is the best time of your life,† so why not consider a college job that allows you to make a decent income but also allows you more time for your social life?Consider a job in personal training and how helping people meet their health and wellness goals can also help you reach your personal goals. Learn more about other part-time jobs or search jobs in your area today.About the Author:Eddie Lester is a personal trainer from Los Angeles and the Founder and CEO of Fitness Mentors. With over 10 years of experience and eight different certifications and specializations, as well as multiple years of teaching training at a vocational college, Lester loves sharing his knowledge of practical training experience as well as how to study for PT exams. Lester is the author of Business and Sales: The Guide to Success as a Personal Trainer.

Book Report on Little Princes

Book Report on Little Princes Essay How far would you push your boundaries to follow the insecure passion of altruistic salvation without the dire ability of foreseeing its outcome? One man is audacious enough to fulfill his self-assigned responsibility of family reunion in one of the most remote part of Nepal- Humla – without the apprehension of the imminent complications. Conor who desperately craved for a ‘radical change’ by traveling around the globe and volunteering in a war-torn nation (initially for impressing his colleagues and family); is yet to encounter life’s greatest trial which would later transform him beyond his expectations. ‘Little Princes’ is a compiled memoir of a ‘University of Virginia’; graduate, Conor Grennan ,which entails heart-rending story of those deprived but extremely resilient children; deceitfully contrasting to the title that provides a euphoric outlook. After Conor left East/West Institute where he worked as Deputy Director for Governance program; he ventured to volunteer at ‘Little Princes Children Home’ when Maoist insurgency in the country reached its pinnacle. At the beginning mope and reluctant, Conor constantly questions and fears his competency to cope with the children and circumstances in the country chosen for volunteering. But when Conor is revealed with the unavoidable truth about none of the children being at Little Princes being orphan; the stint volunteering becomes a part of grand-committed journey, never before attempted in the land of mystical mountains. Those children had been cruelly lacerated from their family by child-traffickers demanding hefty cash for their safety at the time of civil war; but later abandoned amidst the chaos of the Kathmandu Valley! Conor without any information of the family members or the relatives of the children ( as they were trafficked at an age when one doesn’t call their relatives with their names); has to tackle the compulsion to rely on faint hope and fate for the accomplishment of his commitment. But back in the capital while Conor risks his life in the breathtaking cliffs and numbing chilliness of Humla, his intimates Farid, Viva and his mentor Anna are operating Next Generation Nepal (NGN) the organization founded by Conor assisting the benevolent cause of combating child trafficking. As the memoir develops, it unfolds the root cause of the trafficking woes i.e. ‘Political Patronizing’ as a prominent theme; which influenced many like Golkka conduct trafficking during civil war. Conor who has managed various projects on Peace and reconciliation in Balkan explicitly criticizes the recruitment ‘One child per family ‘policy in Maoist stronghold places in Nepal. ‘If a five-year-old boy went missing in the United States, it would be front-page news for days. Entire towns would hold vigils. Millions of dollars would be spent†¦In Kathmandu, seven children vanished into thin air and nobody even missed them.’  Not only did the passionate cruise introduced Conor to his future wife but, Liz, who shared congruent ideology of selflessness; but also appeasing little teachers(the children) who rewarded him with the ability of compromising. Conor is spell-bounded by the children who effortlessly contrived happiness from ‘Drinking Jelly’ they ate, co-operatively handling ‘children home’ chores or be it curiously piling upon one another to ensure their faces in the tiny camera screen. All along Conor’s unpredictable journey the children had silently and secretly taught him the lessons of endurance and optimism. Conor, who eventually becomes immune to the monastery bells and habituated to swinging on metal bar of the overcrowded buses. As he mentions in the essay ‘How Taking notes and Living without indoor Plumbing would change my life’ (- published in Amazon): ‘the more time I spent in Nepal, the more normal these â€Å"strange† things became’ which is undoubtedly a tireless struggle of encompassing the love towards the children and their society. READ: Oedipus rex Essay Paper‘Little Princes’ is a solemn story of bridging over the tragic separation of children and their families so profoundly and wittily narrated. With a fair and reader friendly brevity, Conor leaves no stone unturned by vividly illustrating even the minute details; like the flashing of ‘I Love You’ each second in the watch borrowed from a friend by Santosh (a child from Little Princes) or the obscure plucking of blanket repairers with stringed harp around the shoulder, which gives a poetic justice to his life-changing experience in Nepal. Personally, it is a book capable of encapsulating and inspiring every reader to sort out the innate ability of absorbing evenness out of the odds. All in all the audacious adventure, riveting romance and devoted dedication yoked together makes ‘Little Princes’ a quintessential paradigm of how ‘real life can be stranger than fiction’; and guarantees your reading worthwhile till the end.  I have already made a difference in the lives of trafficked children as portion of my purchase is a contribution to Next Generation Nepal (NGN) working for the same altruistic cause; so when are you getting yours!

Youth Culture and Moral Panic Portfolio Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Youth Culture and Moral Panic Portfolio - Essay Example This has left the public ill-prepared to consider the vital greater changes that affect identities across different ages. In his work, â€Å"Folk Devils and Moral Panics,† Stanley Cohen first introduced the term â€Å"moral panic† to refer to the idea as an irregular episode, which when it happens, subjects the society to spells of worry about the principles and values which it upholds that may be a threat. He described its features as â€Å"a situation, group, person, or episode who are viewed as a threat to societal interests and values† (Cohen, 1980). The â€Å"amplifications† that are portrayed by the media serve to appeal to the public to concur with pre-existing opinions on the course of action to be carried out. These opinions are frequently found among members of the â€Å"moral barricade† like the editors, bishops, and politicians. Combined with the views of the â€Å"experts† who are driven to offer their diagnosis, they come to a consensus on how to cope with the situation and the problem either deteriorates or disappears. Even though Cohen in his findings state that the media often exaggerated the occurrences and consequently inciting the panic to be assimilated by the police, some of these panics cause more serious consequences in the society. It is significant to note that â€Å"moral panics† are not just developed by the newspapers, but on many occasions they are debated in the papers. For example, the Guardian in 1993 stated, â€Å"The moral panic and the Facts†, an article that discussed a Conservative Party Conference on welfare expenses turned to be a moral panic on the side of single mothers. The single women thought they were being blamed for unruly youth. Ironically, the media criticized this conference for concentrating on myths which had been dealt with some time back in a Cabinet briefing paper, yet they themselves were accused of partaking in weird hunts.