Stem cell research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Stem cell research - Essay Example The article has looked at the benefits of stem cell technology to the human being as well as its dangers (The Century Foundation Press 4). On the benefit side, the stem cells heave been confirmed to have impacts on the everyday human survival. The article talks about the strides that are being made by scientists in the study of embryological development. This involves giving the scientists an understanding of why genetic diseases recur as well as other human abnormalities. The authors also mention the benefits of stem cells to the body including the repair of worn out tissues as well as the growth, development and maintenance of the body (The Century Foundation Press 5). On the other hand, the authors have mentioned the dangers of the stem cells. Here, they have mentioned risks such as low ‘shelf life’ if the cell are contaminated or experience mutation. There is also the danger of adopting adult stem cells, as opposed to embryonic stem cells. The authors state that the risk involves the formation of benign tumors also known as teratomas (The Century Foundation Press 6). While attempting to seek balance, the article is advocating the positives than the negatives. This means that while the article is balanced, it would do well to add more information on the risks of stem cell technology. ... The study has the benefit of allowing scientists to understand how the cells specialize themselves into the more than 200 body cell types (14). The other finding about this part of the article is that the stem cells are also used for medical purposes (The Century Foundation Press 9). This includes allowing doctors to study some diseases and come up with lasting solutions to these problems. Medically, the use of stem cell technology can be a standing solution to the negative effects of drug intake. Generally, when people get debilitating diseases like cancer, they have to take a regime of drugs that help keep the disease in check. However, there is now the chance to alleviate effects of drugs in the body. This is through the use of stem cell technology. The result would be a treatment that is relatively safer and even more natural. Treatment of diseases like cancer will now become much safer and less unpleasant. At the same time, there is the added advantage of the potential to tailor the medicine to the patient’s specific genetic make-up. This thus prevents side effects that are likely to occur with drugs that are generally made. The third finding of this part is that the stem cells are of value therapeutically. This means that people can be able to fix problems such as scars or other deformities that they have thanks to stem cell technology. According to Hayes et al, Hematopoietic cells, which are adult stem cells have for almost four decades been used in the treatment of several diseases (15). These include leukemia, Lymphoma, as well as, other blood disorders. This is, therefore, testament to the safe nature of the stem cells in terms of their use. Apparently Hayes et

Employee Performance Essay Example for Free

Employee Performance Essay The methods presented here are designed to develop elements and standards that measure employee and work unit accomplishments rather than to develop  other measures that are often used in appraising performance, such as measuring behaviors or competencies. Although this handbook includes a discussion of the importance of balancing measures, the main focus presented here is to measure accomplishments. Consequently, much of the information presented in the first five steps of this eightstep process applies when supervisors and employees want to measure results. However, the material presented in Steps 6 through 8 about developing standards, monitoring performance, and checking the performance plan apply to all measurement approaches. A HANDBOOK FOR MEASURING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE foreword The handbook has four chapters and three appendices: ⠝™ CHAPTER 1 gives the background and context of performance management that you will need to understand before beginning the eight-step process. ⠝™ CHAPTER 2 defines accomplishments, which is key to using this handbook successfully. ⠝™ CHAPTER 3 includes a detailed description of the eight-step process for developing employee performance plans that are aligned with and support organizational goals. ⠝™ CHAPTER 4 provides study tools, including a followup quiz and a quick reference for the eight-step process. ⠝™ THE APPENDICES contain example standards that were written specifically for appraisal programs that appraise performance on elements at five, three, and two levels. After reading the instructional material, studying the examples, and completing the exercises in this book, you should be able to: ⠝™ DEVELOP a performance plan that aligns individual performance with organizational goals  Ã¢ â„¢ USE a variety of methods to determine work unit and individual  accomplishments ⠝™ DETERMINE the difference between activities and accomplishments ⠝™ EXPLAIN regulatory requirements for employee performance plans P E R F O R M A N C E M A N A G E M E N T: B A C K G R O U N D A N D C O N T E X T emember the story about the naive student in his first English literature course who was worried because he didn’t know what prose was? When he found out that prose was ordinary speech, he exclaimed, â€Å"Wow! I’ve been speaking prose all my life!† Managing performance well is like speaking prose. Many managers have been â€Å"speaking† and practicing effective performance management naturally all their supervisory lives, but don’t know it! Some people mistakenly assume that performance management is concerned only with following regulatory requirements to appraise and rate performance. Actually, assigning ratings of record is only one part of the overall process (and perhaps the least important part). Performance management is the systematic process of: ⠝™ planning work and setting expectations ⠝™ continually monitoring performance ⠝™ developing the capacity to perform ⠝™ periodically rating performance in a summary fashion ⠝™ rewarding good performance The revisions made in 1995 to the governmentwide performance appraisal and awards regulations support â€Å"natural† performance management. Great care was taken to ensure that the requirements those regulations establish would complement and not conflict with the kinds of activities and actions effective managers are practicing as a matter of course. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT PLANNING In an effective organization, work is planned out in advance. Planning means setting performance expectations and goals for groups and individuals to channel their efforts toward achieving organizational objectives. Getting employees involved in the planning process will help them understand the goals of the organization, what needs to be done, why it needs to be done, and how well it should be done. The regulatory requirements for planning employees’ performance include establishing the elements and standards of their performance appraisal plans. Performance elements and standards should be measurable, understandable, verifiable, equitable, and achievable. Through critical elements, employees are held accountable as individuals for work assignments or responsibilities. Employee performance plans should be flexible so that they can be adjusted for changing program objectives and work requirements. When used effectively, these plans can be beneficial working documents that are discussed often, and not merely paperwork that is filed in a drawer and seen only when ratings of record are required. MONITORING In an effective organization, assignments and projects are monitored continually. Monitoring well means consistently measuring performance and providing ongoing feedback to employees and work groups on their progress toward reaching their goals. The regulatory requirements for monitoring performance include conducting progress reviews with employees where their performance is compared against their elements and standards. Ongoing monitoring provides the supervisor the opportunity to check how well employees are meeting predetermined standards and to make changes to unrealistic or problematic standards. By monitoring continually, supervisors can identify unacceptable performance at any time during the appraisal period and provide assistance to address such performance rather than wait until the end of the period when summary rating levels are assigned. MEASURE WHAT IS IMPORTANT—NOT WHAT IS EASY TO MEASURE It is easy to count the number of days since a project began, but if that is all that you measure, is that enough information to assess performance? No, probably not. Or if, for example, a customer service team only measures the number of calls that come into the team (the easy measure) and does not attempt to measure customer satisfaction with its service (the more difficult measure), the team does not have complete information about its performance and has no idea how well it is serving its customers. In addition, because what gets measured gets done, the team will probably focus on how it can increase the number of calls it receives and ignore the quality of service it provides. As a result, organizations need to anticipate the behavioral and unintended consequences of measuring performance. As an example, recently a medical laboratory came under fire because of the errors it made in certain of its cancer tests. A high number of cancer tests that the laboratory had approved as negative turned out to be wrong—cancer had actually been

Services to club members and casual flyers

Services to club members and casual flyers Introduction: The Long Ridge Gliding Club is gliding club that has been running by its members. It is an organization who is not running for the purpose of profit. The extensive grass airfield which is located on the top of a ridge nearly 400 metres over sea level.   It is a perfect place for having the enjoyment of ridge soaring and cross country flying. This club is also a best place for practice of ridge soaring and flying. The gliders launches by using a winch machine which can move forward with force to them from a standing start to approximately 110 kilometres per hour, 300 metres above the flying field, in just 5 seconds. The club is established in a set of old farm buildings with naive but comfortable facilities for members.   A bar and fundamental catering services are supplied by the club steward and inexpensive bunkrooms are available for club members. Services to club members and casual flyers: Different types of services are provided to different type of customers. The Evaluation of different services can be done by using following factors or services: Services Club Members Casual Flyers Products They can get benefit of Bar and Catering Services They can get Trial Flight gift Voucher Customers Club Member Public Member Product Range High Quality Medium Quality Design Changes In favour of Club Members According to numbers of booking Delivery Fast decisions Dependable Service Quality Fast service with high quality Close relationships between flyers and club Volume Per Service Type Most Service are high volume Most service are low volume Profit Margins Medium to high Low to Medium Competitive Factors: Charges Relaxation They get benefit in Charges.  £6.00 winch fee and 40p per minute if they are using clubs gliders They get charged  £40 for per flying session. Facility High facility provided Medium Facility provided Time Members know the total schedule of club therefore they take benefit of time. They have to wait only 2 to 40 minutes for another flight. Members do not know about the club Schedule therefore they cant take benefit of time. They have to wait one or more hours for another flight. (Different Services provided to Differente Customer) Five performance objectives The Long Ridge Gliding Club provides many facilities to their club members and public members. The club members and casual flyers both expect good performances from the gliding club. These services can be categorized in following performance objectives: Safety Safety is the most important service which is expected by both types of members. In safety they expect extra parachute, helmet, googols, etc. All these facility is provided by The Long Ridge Gliding Club. Time Casual Flyers expect that Club will provide better facility in small time interval. They do not want to wait much time for having enjoyment of gliding. Club Members also expect the same service related to time. The Long Ridge Gliding Club provides good quality of service to their club members in all respects. They can wait in bar or in reading room. Distance between Launch Point and Club Administrators Cabin Both types of members want that distance should be less between the Club Administrators office and the launch point. But The Long Ridge Gliding Clubs Administrators office is located away about 1.5 km from launch point. Same Quality of Service Casual flyers want the same type of quality which is provided to their club members. Casual Flyers do not want to wait longer time. They never expect to wait one or more hours for a single gliding session. Club members also want the same service. The only difference between the provided services and expected services is that club members needs fulfil by The Long Ridge Gliding Club but Casual Flyers expectations do not meet to the expected service. Lack of Knowledge Casual Flyers so not know about any type of knowledge either it is related to the facility or related to the knowledge of gliding and soaring instructions. Club Members know all about these facilities and instructions. The Long Ridge Gliding Club does not provide the other types of facility. It only focuses on the flying sessions. (Performance Objectives) Advice to the chairman I would like to give advice to the chairman of The Long Ridge Gliding Club that he should enable different type of facilities and services in their club. He should provide a cafeteria, gaming zone, etc which are related to entertainment so every member can get benefit of them in free time. He should charge for those facilities which will be growing their business. He should enable newest technology in their organization for not only customers safety but also for growing their business. Chairman should try to locate their office near to the launch point. The club timing should increase by the chairman so more customer can get benefit of The Long Ridge Gliding Club. He should take a step forward in order-winning direction. He should raise performance of order winning factor.

Comparing Boys and Girls by Alice Munro and A Clean Well-Lighted Place by Hemingway :: comparison compare contrast essays

Importance of Foils in Boys and Girls and A Clean Well-Lighted Place A Handbook to Literature says that the word "foil" literally means a "leaf" or a sheet "of bright metal placed under a piece of jewelry to increase its brilliance" ("Foil"). Thus when applied to literature, the term refers to "a character who makes a contrast with another, especially a minor character who helps set off a major character" (Barnett et al. 1331). For example, a foolish character may place a wise character's wisdom in a stronger light, or a cowardly character may make the hero's actions appear even more courageous. A foil is frequently an antagonist or confidant, but whoever the foil might be, the purpose is to illuminate one or more significant traits, attitudes or actions of a main character ("Foil" NTCE). In the story, '"A Clean Well-Lighted Place," by Ernest Hemingway, the younger waiter is a foil for both the older waiter and the old man who comes to drink in the café. The older waiter is concerned for the old man who has tried to kill himself. He understands that there are many lonely people who need a safe, well-lighted place to escape loneliness at night. The older waiter makes the comment near the end of the story that "each night I am reluctant to close up because there may be someone who needs the café" (1172). The older waiter is sympathetic to the old man because he himself is lonely. He confesses that " I am of those who like to stay late at the café, with all those who need a light for the night" (1172). On the other hand, the younger waiter has a wife to go home to and is irritated at the old man because he will not leave. He even says to the old man, who is deaf, "You should have killed yourself last week" (1170). This cruel remark contrasts sharply with the older waiter's characteristics of compassion, friendliness, and tolerance. In the story, " Boys and Girls," by Alice Munro, Laird is the foil for his sister, the narrator of the story. When the children are young, Laird's behavior contrasts with the maturity and responsibility shown by the girl. While she is busy watering the foxes, he goes off and swings "himself sick . . . going around in circles" or tries to catch caterpillars (987).

Describe the Process Consultation Essay

Describe the  process consultation. Discuss when it should be used and how it applies to organization development. Process consultation (PC) is a general framework for carrying out helping relationships. It is oriented to helping managers, employees, and groups assess and improve processes, such as communication, interpersonal relations, decision making and task performance. Schein argues that effective consultants and managers should be good helpers, aiding others in getting things done and in achieving the goals they have set. Thus, PC is more a philosophy than a set of techniques aimed at performing this helping relationship. The philosophy ensures that those who are receiving the help own their problems, gain the skills and expertise to diagnose them, and solve them themselves. Thus, it is an approach to helping people and groups help themselves. Schein defines process consultation as â€Å"the creation of a relationship that permits the client to perceive, understand, and act on the process events that occur in (her/his) internal and external environment in order to improve the situation as defined by the client. † The process consultant does not offer expert help in the form of solutions to problems, as in the doctor-patient model. Rather, the process consultant works to develop relationships, observes groups and people in action, helps them diagnose the way they are carrying out tasks, and helps them learn how to be more effective. In the OD literature, team building is not clearly differentiated from process consultation. This confusion exists because most team building includes process consultation—helping the group diagnose and understand its own internal processes. However, process consultation is a more general approach to helping relationships than is team building. Team building focuses explicitly on helping groups perform asks and solve problems more effectively. Process consultation, on the other hand, is concerned with establishing effective helping relationships in organizations. It is seen as key to effective management and consultation and can be applied to any helping relationship, from subordinate development to interpersonal relationships to group development. Thus, team building consist s of process consultation plus other, more task-oriented interventions (Cummings & Worley, 2009, p. 253). Describe the key success requirements for a microcosm group intervention. A microcosm group onsists of a small number of individuals who reflect the issue being addressed. For example, a microcosm group composed of members representing a spectrum of ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and races can be created to address diversity issues in the organization. This group, assisted by OD practitioners, can create programs and processes targeted at specific problems. In addition to addressing diversity problems, microcosm groups have been used to carry out organization diagnoses, solve communications problems, integrate two cultures, smooth the transition to a new structure, and address dysfunctional political processes. Microcosm groups work through â€Å"parallel processes,† which are the unconscious changes that take place in individuals when two or more groups interact. After groups interact, members often find that their characteristic patterns of roles and interactions change to reflect the roles and dynamics of the group with whom they were relating. Put simply, groups seem to â€Å"infect† and become â€Å"infected† by the other groups. The following example given by Alderfer helps to clarify how parallel processes work. An organizational diagnosis team had assigned its members to each of five departments in a small manufacturing company. Members of the team had interviewed each department head and several department members, and had observed department meetings. The team was preparing to observe their first meeting of department heads and was trying to anticipate the group’s behavior. At first they seemed to have no ‘rational† basis for predicting the top group’s behavior because they â€Å"had no data† from direct observation. They decided to role-play the group meeting they had never seen. Diagnostic team members behaved as they thought the department heads would, and the result was uncanny. Team members found that they easily became engaged with one another in the simulated department-head meeting; emotional involvement occurred quickly for all participants. When the team actually was able to observe a department-head meeting, they were amazed at how closely the simulated meeting had approximated the actual session. Thus, if a small and representative group can intimately understand and solve a complex organizational problem for themselves; they are in a good position to recommended action to address the problem in the larger system (Cummings & Worley, 2009, p. 279). Discuss why the matrix structure is the best and most flexible organization structure. Some OD practitioners have focused on maximizing the strengths and minimizing the weaknesses of both the functional and the self-contained-unit structures, and this effort has resulted in the matrix organization. Matrix organizational designs originally evolved in the aerospace industry where changing customer demands and technological conditions caused managers to focus on lateral relationships between functions to develop a flexible and adaptable system of resources and procedures, and to achieve a series of project objectives. Matrix organizations now are used widely in manufacturing, service, and nonprofit, governmental, and professional organizations. Every matrix organization contains three unique and critical roles: the top manager, who heads and balances the dual chains of command, the matrix bosses (functional, product, or area), who share subordinates: and the two-boss managers, who report to two different matrix bosses. Each of these roles has its own unique requirements. In a matrix organization, each project manager reports directly to the vice president and the general manager. Since each project represents a potential profit centre, the power and authority used by the project manager come directly from the general manager. Matrix organizations, like all organization structures, have both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, this structure allows multiple orientations. Specialized, functional knowledge can be applied to all projects. New products or projects can be implemented quickly by using people flexibly and by moving between product and functional orientations as circumstances demand. Matrix organizations can maintain consistency among departments and projects by requiring communication among managers. For many people, matrix structures are motivating and exciting. On the negative side, these organizations can be difficult to manage. To implement and maintain them requires heavy managerial costs and support. When people are assigned to more than one department, there may be role ambiguity and conflict, and overall performance may be sacrificed if there are power conflicts between functional departments and project structures. To make matrix organizations work, organization members need interpersonal and conflict management skills. People can get confused about how the matrix works, and that can lead to chaos and inefficiencies (Cummings & Worley, 2009, p. 319). What is the TQM approach to employee involvement and how does it differ from other approaches? Discuss Deming’s influence on this approach. Total quality management (TQM) is the most recent and, along with high-involvement organizations the most comprehensive approach to employee involvement. Also known as â€Å"Continuous process improvement† and â€Å"continuous quality,† TQM grew out of a manufacturing emphasis on quality control and represents a long- term effort to orient all of an organization’s activities around the concept of quality. Quality is achieved when organizational processes reliably produce products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations. Like high-involvement designs, TQM increases workers’ knowledge and skills through extensive training, provides relevant information to employees, pushes decision-making power downward in the organization and ties rewards to performance. When implemented successfully. TQM also is aligned closely with a firm’s overall business strategy and attempts to change the entire organization toward continuous quality improvement. TQM is a philosophy and a set of guiding principles for continuous improvement based on customer satisfaction, teamwork, and empowerment of individuals. TQM applies human resources and analytical tools to focus on meeting or exceeding customer’s current and future needs. There are a series of planned improvements that will ultimately influence the quality and productivity of the organization. Like high-involvement designs, TQM increases workers’ knowledge and skills through extensive training, provides relevant information to employees, pushes decision-making power downward in the organization and ties rewards to performance. When implemented successfully TQM also is aligned closely with a firm’s overall business strategy and attempts to change the entire organization toward continuous quality improvement. (Cummings ;amp; Worley, 2009, p. 359). Discuss the motivational approach to job design. What are the key dimensions that lead to high work quality and internal motivation? The motivational approach to work design views the effectiveness of organizational activities primarily as a function of member needs and satisfaction, and seeks to improve employee performance and satisfaction by enriching jobs. The motivational method provides people with opportunities for autonomy, responsibility, closure (that is, doing a complete job), and performance feedback. Enriched jobs are popular in the United States at such companies as AT;amp;T Universal Card, TRW, Dayton Hudson, and GTE. The motivational approach usually is associated with the research of Herzberg and of Hackman and Oldham. Herzberg’s two-factor theory of motivation proposed that certain attributes of work, such as opportunities for advancement and recognition, which he called motivators, help increase job satisfaction. Other attributes that Herzberg called hygiene factors, such as company policies, working conditions, pay, and supervision, do not produce satisfaction but rather prevent dissatisfaction—important contributors because only satisfied workers are motivated to produce. Successful job enrichment experiments at AT&T, Texas Instruments, and Imperial Chemical Industries helped to popularize job enrichment in the 1960s. Although Herzberg’s motivational factors sound appealing, increasing doubt has been cast on the underlying theory. Motivation and hygiene factors are difficult to put into operation and measure, and that makes implementation and evaluation of the theory difficult. Furthermore, important worker characteristics that can affect whether people will respond favorably to job enrichment were not included in his theory. Finally, Herzberg’s failure to involve employees in the job enrichment process itself does not suit most OD practitioners today. Consequently, a second, well-researched approach to job enrichment has been favored. It focuses on the attributes of the work itself and has resulted in a more scientifically acceptable theory of job enrichment than Herzberg’s model. The research of Hackman and Oldham represents this more recent trend in job enrichment. Considerable research has been devoted to defining and understanding core job dimensions. Figure 50 summarizes the Hackman and Oldham model of job design. Five core dimensions of work affect three critical psychological states, which in turn produce personal and job outcomes. These outcomes include high internal work motivation, high-quality work performance, satisfaction with the work, and low absenteeism and turnover. The five core job dimensions—skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback from the work itself—are described below and associated with the critical psychological states that they create (Cummings ;amp; Worley, 2009, p. 377). References Cummings, T. G. , ;amp; Worley, C. G. (2011). Organization development ;amp; change (11th ed. ). Australia; Mason, OH: South-Western/Cengage Learning.

Balanced Scorecard IKEA Essay

About the company IKEA is a Swedish company registered in the Netherlands that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, appliances and home accessories. As of January 2008, the company is the world’s largest furniture retailer. Founded in Sweden in 1943 by 17-year-old Ingvar Kamprad, who was listed as one of the world’s richest people in 2013, the company’s name is an acronym that consists of the initials of, Ingvar Kamprad, Elmtaryd (the farm where he grew up), and Agunnaryd (his hometown in Smà ¥land, south Sweden). The company is known for its modern architectural designs for various types of appliances and furniture, and its interior design work is often associated with eco-friendly simplicity. In addition, the firm is known for its attention to cost control, operational details, and continuous product development, corporate attributes that allowed IKEA to lower its prices by an average of two to three percent over the decade to 2010 during a period of global expansion. IKEA is about much more than just products. It is about offering inspiration, home furnishing knowledge, new products and solutions people can relate to. Always at low prices. IKEA home furnishing gives people access to affordable solutions that solve their needs and improve everyday life at home. Simply put, IKEA home furnishing makes it possible to turn dreams into reality and create homes to love living in. A culture of hearts The IKEA culture is hard to describe but easy to embrace. It’s a culture of enthusiasm, togetherness and willpower, born from our roots in southern Sweden and inspired by the IKEA founder, Ingvar Kamprad. The IKEA culture humbly unites us in our work to create a better everyday life for the many people. It’s not an easy task – and maybe that’s why we and all other IKEA co-workers are so dedicated and so stubborn. We all share the same conviction that many, not few, shall be able to create the home they want  and dream of. And when you put your heart into your work, it’s then you really can make a difference. Over 150,000 people are involved in the creation of a better everyday life for the many people. Business plans †Maintaining a strong IKEA and expansion ideas are great motivators to work hard. But there is no culture is one of the most crucial substitute for the feeling of actually contributing to something bigger. factors behind the continued success of the IKEA Concept† Ingvar Kamprad IKEA founder The IKEA values Values cannot be invented – they can only emerge from one place: the heart. IKEA values are very much a product of our origin. Hard work, tough challenges, common sense, Swedish roots and limited resources have formed IKEA values. To keep the IKEA Concept successful, we work to keep our values close to our heart. The IKEA values convey the essence of the entire IKEA culture. Over the years we’ve learned that acting according to IKEA values not only brings us together – no matter what age, race or part of the world we live in – it helps us do business successfully. The IKEA product range Developing IKEA products can take place almost anywhere around the world – on a factory floor in Asia or on the drawing board in Älmhult, Sweden. And everybody involved works together to create a product range that is simple, easy to live with and affordable. Good design should be available for the many, not the few. That’s why all IKEA designers design every IKEA product starting with a functional need and a price. Then they use their creativity and knowledge and use low-cost raw materials and manufacturing processes to create functional products. Then large volumes are purchased to push prices down even further. Most IKEA products are also designed to be transported in flat packs and  assembled at the customer’s home. This also lowers the price by minimizing transportation and storage costs. By doing all this, the IKEA Concept uses design to make sure that IKEA products can be bought and enjoyed by as many people as possible. IKEA designers constantly seek new ways to improve people’s lives – without emptying their wallets. But how can good design and function be combined with good quality, all at a low price? It starts with focusing on what’s important. Will an expensive finish on the back of a shelf or under a table-top improve the function? Of course not. So IKEA designers do not do it, because a product is of no use to the many people if it is not affordable. Low prices with meaning Low prices are only valuable if they offer good function, quality and design. IKEA product development teams constantly ask themselves – does this product contribute to a better everyday life? Does it have a good, sustainable design? Is the function and quality suited for everyday life? And most crucial – is the price low enough to make this product accessible to many, not just the few? Touch. Try. Explore. Dream! The IKEA store is our meeting place. It is where the IKEA product range comes to life. Visitors can compare styles and prices and get inspired by realistic room settings. They are welcome to sit, lie down, open and close drawers and cabinets, and pretend to cook, sleep or watch TV. The IKEA store is designed to meet many people looking for something for their homes. It’s also a place where you actually can go from inspiration to involvement by getting inspiration from solutions in the store, searching, finding and choosing the products needed, picking them up, buying them, bringing them home, putting them together and enjoying them the same day. All the IKEA products in the store are supported by price and product information that makes it easy for visitors to serve themselves. Customer involvement contributes to low prices. An invitation for the whole year With hundreds of pages of ideas, inspiration, solutions and products, the IKEA catalogue shows how the IKEA product range contributes to a better  everyday life. It is filled with solutions that answer people’s dreams and needs, it is also complemented with digital content that gives users a richer experience and provides more in-depth home furnishing knowledge. Still, it shows only part of what is offered in IKEA stores. Improve and develop the IKEA Concept The IKEA Concept is a living concept. We develop and improve it together with IKEA retailers and other contributors. Together we work to stay in the forefront of global trends and changes in retailing. We listen to the needs based on real-life shop floor experience to get better insight into what the many people need in order to improve their life at home. All this helps us to ensure that the IKEA Concept remains successful in an ever-changing world. We constantly monitor how the IKEA Concept is implemented in every market to ensure it is creating the maximum impact. Monitoring helps us to understand the different challenges facing IKEA. This could range from market conditions to cultural factors affecting shopping behavior. Through monitoring we can find ways to improve the IKEA Concept and how it meets the many people. IKEA retailers share their experiences, knowledge, innovation and ideas. This helps the IKEA Concept to be a living and dynamic concept that continuously develops and expands. The key is working together. Online know-how, Publications, Training programmes We offer an online resource for IKEA know-how that includes solutions, news, training programmes, publications and much more. We provide manuals and guidelines for all parts of the business and specific know-how areas. We also publish a magazine for IKEA retailers filled with tips, tools and proven solutions from all over the IKEA world. We offer a range of training programmes for many aspects of the business. Market research We conduct regular market research and provide IKEA retailers with reports and tools that help them improve their business. For example, we measure how well IKEA retailers have positioned the IKEA Brand in each market and how satisfied customers are with their latest store visit. We also conduct  research that helps find ways to improve the IKEA product range, the IKEA catalogue and the IKEA website. And we gather and analyze insight into macro-economic factors and the competitive situation. The IKEA Concept Center We believe in learning by doing. We operate the IKEA Concept Center in Delft, the Netherlands, where shopping, learning, testing and supporting all come together. The idea is to give IKEA retailers the chance to learn about the IKEA Concept and its recent updates and benefit from all the competence of specialists in a hands-on environment. For most visitors, the main attraction of the IKEA Concept Center is the IKEA store. Like all IKEA stores in the world it offers inspiring solutions, low prices, tasty food and shopping that is fun and enjoyable. The IKEA Concept Center is also home to specialists who, in co-operation with the IKEA retailers, find and identify good ideas and solutions. New solutions are developed, documented and analyzed from a conceptual viewpoint. We provide systematic transfer of IKEA know-how. And communicate proven solutions to all IKEA retailers, so that each and every one can benefit from these in their business. Together, we work to keep the IKEA Concept successful. We offer more than 50 different training programmes and workshops to IKEA managers and specialists at the IKEA College. In addition, many training programmes are offered locally or as elearning programs. Every year thousands of students are educated on how to use proven systems, methods and solutions to maximize the possibilities of the IKEA Concept. Testing Just as all IKEA products are tested to ensure quality and to find ways to improve, we are always interested in improving the living IKEA Concept. We test lots of new and innovative ideas at the IKEA Concept Center. These could be ideas suggested by IKEA retailers or ones that we come up with ourselves. When we find solutions that work well we make the part of the IKEA Concept and document and describe them so that all IKEA retailers benefit. 2013 was exciting for IKEA retailing In a tough climate IKEA retailing continued to grow and expand. Retail sales ended at EUR 29.2 billion for the full year. The business climate in Europe continued to be challenging for IKEA retailers, while we see improvements in North America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. As many developed economies strive to balance economics and social well being, we see that uncertainties will continue to dictate the business climate for some time. This affects people’s lives and living conditions and therefore we believe that the IKEA Concept is more needed than ever. The IKEA Concept gives everyone the possibility to improve their life at home IKEA products are becoming more accessible. This is about offering a wide range of good home furnishing products at low prices. It is about providing more and better services. And it is about creating a positive shopping experience in IKEA stores and online. Nine new IKEA stores opened, two of which are in new markets: Lithuania and Qatar. The re are also continued You do your part. We do our part. Together we, save money. improvements in sustainability efforts in various aspects of the IKEA Concept. One example is that by 2016, all the lighting sold at IKEA stores will be LED. The IKEA product range aims to help the many people live a more sustainable life at home, with solutions to help save energy, water and reduce waste. Most things remain to be done The first IKEA business was founded in 1943 and the IKEA Brand celebrated 70 years during 2013. Today more than 150,000 co-workers are working through-out the IKEA world. We saw more than 770 million visits to the IKEA stores and 1.2 billion visits to IKEA websites in the past year. Still we are just at the beginning. IKEA retailing is small in most markets and does not exist in others. People’s needs for good home furnishing products at low prices are bigger than ever and the IKEA Concept will continue to contribute  to a better life at home for the many people. A July 2013 media report speculated that IKEA is the world’s largest consumer of wood after a finding that the company uses 1% of the Earth’s wood supply. As of January 2014, IKEA owns and operates 349 stores in 43 countries. The Balanced Scorecard Value proposition IKEA’s value proposition is operational excellence because all IKEA designers design every IKEA product starting with a functional need and a price. Then they use their creativity and knowledge and use low-cost raw materials and manufacturing processes to create functional products. Then large volumes are purchased to push prices down even further. Mission Statement IKEA’s mission is to create a better everyday life for the many people, by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. It’s about creating homes to love. Critical success factors Financial -grow and expand -increase sales -enhance customer value -improve cost structure Customer -brand positioning -low cost product solutions -real life experience stores -rich content catalogs Internal Business Processes -minimizing storage and transportation costs -quality testing -product development -market research reports Learning and Growth -culture of hearts – e-learning programmes, training programmes and workshops -sharing experience, ideas, innovations, knowledge and know-how -market research reports -IKEA college

Problems in Rondonia essays

Problems in Rondonia essays The Amazon, the largest area of continuous tropical rain forest in the world, is greatly cherished for its abundance of plant and animal diversity. Destruction of the tropical rainforests that take place today in Rondonia is caused by a government movement. The government of Brazil stated that all the 'Small Holders' would receive a share of land to their ownership where they are also promissed a better and easier life, farming the lands are their jobs once moved to Rondonia. The terible irony in this situation the governement hasn't realized is, the farms don't have furtile land that can't support farming which defeats the purpose of starting a farm there which also leads to destroying the land. As the Small Holders have to move to new lands they push out the already living rubber tappers that can live of of 1 hectare in which Small Holders can't even live off 500. The one most dredful irony the fact of cutting down the rainforest creates a national globel problem for example , the rain forest keeps the ground from drying out. Its vegetation absorbs water and then slowly releases it. When this vital watershed is lost, catastrophic flooding can result. Thus, the Amazon also serves as a weather regulator. If the cutting of the rain forest continues many species in the Amazon will be lost, the most devestating part is weather change, globel warming because of our ozone beening decreased it is. The destruction of the Amazon should be stoped. ...

Free Essays on Colonial Development In Virginia And New England

After the discovery of a â€Å"New World†, people flocked to America for a new life. There were different reasons for everyone: power, religion, money, independence, change. Regardless of their intention, each person who emigrated during this time shared a common vision. America was a land of opportunity. Even the knowledge of Native American presence didn’t stop the Europeans from viewing this land as a blank canvas where their future could be whatever they made of it. The colonists of Virginia and New England may have come from a common area but their motives would prove to be very different, the Virginians driven by profit and the Puritans by religion. When Jamestown was founded in 1607 by the Virginia Company, the Indian people were there to greet them. Powhatan, the leader of the native peoples’ confederacy, had already seen disease and conflict brought to the area with Spanish colonization and so was skeptical of the newcomers. Even still, he had high hopes for trade with the English and a chance for an alliance. Unfortunately, the colonist had something else in mind. They took advantage of the Native Americans’ generosity by plundering Indian villages and waging war against them. In 1613, they captured Pocahontas who, despite the promise of return, would never see her native land again. She would end up marrying John Rolfe and dying before she could reach her father again. Devastated, Powhatan stepped down as his people’s leader and passed away shortly after. This would be a major victory against the Indian people for the English and allow for easier expansion of the colony. The New England settlers had similar relations with the Native Americans. Arriving by way of the Mayflower in 1620, the Separatists, now known as the Pilgrims, were quickly weakened by sickness. Like the Virginians, these colonists would not have survived without the Wampanoags and Algonquian Indians’ assistance. They exchanged ï ¿ ½... Free Essays on Colonial Development In Virginia And New England Free Essays on Colonial Development In Virginia And New England After the discovery of a â€Å"New World†, people flocked to America for a new life. There were different reasons for everyone: power, religion, money, independence, change. Regardless of their intention, each person who emigrated during this time shared a common vision. America was a land of opportunity. Even the knowledge of Native American presence didn’t stop the Europeans from viewing this land as a blank canvas where their future could be whatever they made of it. The colonists of Virginia and New England may have come from a common area but their motives would prove to be very different, the Virginians driven by profit and the Puritans by religion. When Jamestown was founded in 1607 by the Virginia Company, the Indian people were there to greet them. Powhatan, the leader of the native peoples’ confederacy, had already seen disease and conflict brought to the area with Spanish colonization and so was skeptical of the newcomers. Even still, he had high hopes for trade with the English and a chance for an alliance. Unfortunately, the colonist had something else in mind. They took advantage of the Native Americans’ generosity by plundering Indian villages and waging war against them. In 1613, they captured Pocahontas who, despite the promise of return, would never see her native land again. She would end up marrying John Rolfe and dying before she could reach her father again. Devastated, Powhatan stepped down as his people’s leader and passed away shortly after. This would be a major victory against the Indian people for the English and allow for easier expansion of the colony. The New England settlers had similar relations with the Native Americans. Arriving by way of the Mayflower in 1620, the Separatists, now known as the Pilgrims, were quickly weakened by sickness. Like the Virginians, these colonists would not have survived without the Wampanoags and Algonquian Indians’ assistance. They exchanged ï ¿ ½...

Business Policy

Produce a high quality products * Diversity and variety in products offered * Large market share (16% of global footwear market) * Major sponsor for a number of global sporting events * Purchasing of Reebok * Adidas has a Global Presence with over 2400 stores worldwide in a variety of regions. These alone account for nearly â‚ ¬2. 8bil. * Famous sports stars advertising products – Adidas has a series of football superstars who wear and advertise their products, including David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Stephen Gerrard etc. Weaknesses High prices in some products * Online customer service not helpful or easy to find * Not utilizing Reebok * Stiff competition and similar big brands means customers have high brand switching * The products can sometimes be costly due to innovative technology or production method * E-commerce is limited to USA Opportunities * Entering the Asian market, China is the fastest growing economy in the world. * Entering the female market * Social trend and popularity of social media sites such as Facebook, allowing Adidas to interact directly and build relationships with potential and current customers. Sponsorship of global sports events which improves the company’s global brand. These include an 11 year sponsorship on the NBA, the 2012 GB Olympic Games and the continued sponsorship of the FIFA WC. * Tie-up with emerging sports teams/clubs/players internationally * Collaborate with other online retailers to offer Adidas products Threats * Nike competition. Nike has strong reputation in the footwear and apparel industry * Global economic downturn. * Increase in the Price of Raw materials * Competition from designers such as Hugo Boss and Lacoste. * fake imitations affect brand image

Banking Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Banking - Assignment Example Consumer banking is reported as an alternative in the banking sector and investment platform that many investors consider as an option. The article reports consumer credit as a viable investment due to the increasing number of borrowers that seek money for different reasons. The report also indicates $880 billion as part of the revolving consumer debt currently accumulated by the population. The most interesting aspect of the development is that many people are willing to obtain debt and pay back at very high interest rates with a n average of 15%. Considering the loss rates registered by these kind of facilities and the level of losses involved are very low as at 2.52% in relation to JP Morgan Chase. Banks consider this a very lucrative opportunity and has taken deep into consumer credit. The advantage that the banks have over the other investors is that they obtain savings from masses that they use for the development of the finances necessary for investing into consumer credit. Consumer credit facilities stem in many forms as credit or debit cards, credit facilities for purchase of goods among others. The banks benefit more due to their level of interest earned compared to the interest paid to the owners of the savings. Kopp, Carol . "Plot Your Escape From the Big Fees of Big Banks." DailyFinance.com., 24 June 2014. Web. 28 Oct. 2014. . Carol Kopp explains more on how to escape the huge fees charged by big banks on the different transactions and accounts opened by customers. Basic banking services in major banks in the American financial sense. Escaping these banks would help on save more of their money. The hiking of the fees in huge banks has is known to have originated from the 2008 financial crisis from which many banks suffered losses. These banks especially the big ones hiked fees and basic charges on the simple banking

Organizational Behaviour Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Organizational Behaviour Leadership - Essay Example This is studied in terms of whole organization, whole group, whole person and finally the whole social system. The focus of leadership in the context of organizational behavior is to establish better relationships within the organization by achieving organizational objectives, social objectives and human activities. It is notable that the organizational base has its core pillars resting on its management philosophy, goals, objectives, vision and values. Organizational culture arises from this comprising of formal organization, informal and its underlying social environment (Judith Wilson 2009). This aspect of organizational culture determines the model of leadership, dynamics within the organization, coordination and communication. The organizational employees take this into consideration as the quality work of life and determine to a greater extent their motivation. The final outcome of these underlying elements of organization behavior leadership determines the organizational perfo rmance, personal growth and stakeholder’s satisfaction (Wilson 2011). This can be argued to form the basis to establish appropriate framework or model that an organization operates. VLEADER PRACTICE AND REFLECTION In the context of organization behavior and leadership there is various situations arising attributed to interactions among managers, subordinates, groups and individuals in workplace. ... In this scenario the effective leadership style can be participative or delegate, given the contingencies to consider the following steps can be followed. Enhance engagement This will encourage Oli participate fully during the meeting feeling free to raise ideas. Despite the higher level of engagement it is important to retain the final say over the decision making process. The person engaged to feels motivated and becomes more creative. Tension strategy This step during the first meeting ensures that Oli is given a room to think of new ideas and challenging him to ensure that the work is done. Ideas that are relaxing is introduced and focused on. Oli should be offered the highest level of participation and encouragement to contribute more ideas in the meeting. Idea strategy This step is essential ensuring that one on one meeting and the manager’s intent is achieved. This step also ensures that Oli uncover the hidden ideas about the organization whereby right ideas are focused on. Work strategy It is important to focus on the critical work that enhances motivation by introducing ideas that motivates the subordinate. This can be achieved by suggesting order as well as introducing ideas and concluding with ideas that will facilitate motivation. The key major point under this attributed to this interaction includes enhancement of problem solving. As a manager leadership role is retained in making informed decisions considering subordinates input and enhanced consultation. This approach fosters successful handling of risks encouraging employees to contribute ideas steadily (Thach 2009). Understanding is enhanced whereby workplace energy and enthusiasm essential for solving complex organizational problems.

Number theory and RSA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Number theory and RSA - Essay Example At this stage, the message is sent to the recipient, for the receiver to get the clear message, the message is decrypted back to original plaintext. The whole process usually rely on a key, this key give a way to encrypt the message by the sender and a way for the listener to figure out what the message says (decrypt). This can be enabled with the use of the old cryptosystem which used the symmetric keys or the newly and more advanced public key cryptosystem. In symmetric keys one had to possess the key that was used to encrypt the message so as to decrypt back the message at the other end; but for the public key cryptosystem knowing the message does not mean one can decrypt the message (Stinson, 2006). For example, the trapdoor function; in this idea, a function ? is for encryption, so, to decrypt one has to find the inverse, ; which is difficult to find, this means that even if you have ? and you understand the output is A, it is still hard to find (A). However, if it happens that you know k, (extra piece information that acts as a lever that lets the inverse fall through by opening the trapdoor), then from ?, A and k one can easily come up with (A), so in this system k is kept secret but the whole message can be displayed or heard by anyone and it does not pose any threat because nobody can decrypt the message. Number Theory In Number theory, theorems have been derived to explain the public key cryptosystem and the key exchange problem (Martin J. Erickson, 2008). Some studies introduce the sage commands to aid in performing basic number theorems such as Euler’s phi function and greatest common divisor. This happens when coding the algorithms and functions, but mathematically it is not a requirement as we will notice in the examples. In definition, integers greater than 1, and their positive divisors are only 1 and itself, then that is a prime number, otherwise if not then it is a composite number (Martin J. Erickson, 2008). The fundamental theorem of arithmetic is the base equation when dealing with number theory is; n The greatest common divisor of k and m, (gcd (k, m)), is the largest number that can divide both k and m. this two positive integers greater than 0 are relatively prime if gcd (k, m) =1. This can be shown by the extended Euclidian algorithm below (T. H. Cormen, 2001), Input: k, m Output: (d, x, y) subject to d=gcd(k,m) and kx + my = d d=k; t=m; x=1; y=0; r=0; s=1; While (t>0) { q = _d/t_ u=x-qr; v=y-qs; w=d-qt x=r; y=s; d=t r=u; s=v; t=w } return (d, x, y) In the above algorithm, these Invariants were used gcd(k,m)=gcd(d,t) kx + my = d kr + ms = t using the Chinese Reminder Theorem(CRT) (Loxton, 1990), we Let m1, m2, ,,, mk be integers subject to gcd(mi, mj) = 1, i j, and †¦ This means that there exist a unique solution modulo m= and this solution is given by (a1, a2,†¦ ak) = (? ) mod m, Where = m /, and = mod This idea can be proven by these four steps; 1. Set M = 2. Find such that + = 1(this is a Bezou t). 3. Note that = 1 if j 4. Therefore, the solution to the system equation becomes: Mentioned above is the Bezout’s Identity, which is a property in the greatest common divisor (Martin J. Erickson, 2008). The Bezout’s identify states that for any two natural numbers k and m, there exist integers x

Funding Healthcare Services Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Funding Healthcare Services - Assignment Example It is important to denote that privatized ambulatory company aim at making profits. The insurance cover of the patients under consideration also plays a role in paying the services offered by the ambulatory company/organization (Accountability Office, 2005). The society and other non-profit making organization in the health sector also provide ambulatory services. The government can use the tax payer’s money to sponsor such kind of an organization. This is because they contribute in the provision of medical services, to the public, at a cheaper cost. On this basis, to increase their efficiency, the government needs to fund these organizations. Hospitals are also responsible for the provision of ambulatory services. These services can either be paid by the insurance company, or the patient under consideration, but this mostly occurs if the hospital under consideration is a private hospital (Mossialos, 2002). The ambulatory services provided by government owned hospitals should be funded by the tax payer’s money. This is because people, who access government hospitals, are always poor, and sometimes, they cannot afford to pay for their medical costs. Funding Services in Continuum Long Term Care: For purposes of financing services in long term care, it is important to involve all the stake holders of the health industry within the country. That is during the process of policy formulation. For example, when formulating a policy on how to finance services offered under continuum long term care, it is important to analyze the various costs that hospitals offer in the provision of such kind of services (Accountability Office, 2012). For example, it is very expensive to fund patients suffering from chronic diseases. This is because the disease takes a long period of time to treat, and the medications are very expensive. On this basis, to fund the treatment and care of such kind of diseases, it is necessary to involve the taxpayers, nongovernmental organiz ations, and insurance companies. The government needs to introduce insurance health care programs that can help to reduce the high costs of long term care (Fortinash, 2012). These health insurance programs must be funded by the taxpayers. In other words, the government needs to introduce new taxes that will fund the program under consideration. However, while increasing taxes for purposes of raising money to fund long term care, the government should be careful not to raise taxes on medical equipments, and health products that are used for purposes of providing health services in long term care. In fact, the government should reduce taxes in health care products, as this will most definitely lead to a reduction in the various costs associated with the provision health services to satisfy long term care (Levy, 2012). There is also the need of providing grants to hospitals that offer services in continuum long term care. The government and other non-governmental organizations should i dentify such health care organization, and thereafter fund them through grants. However, these grants should be attached with strict conditions that the hospital under consideration must meet. That is if they wish to continue receiving those grants from the federal government, and non-governmental

Should women be allowed in combat(arguing against the issue) Research Paper

Should women be allowed in combat(arguing against the issue) - Research Paper Example The difference between men’s and women’s abilities comes from the difference in organization of their bodies. For example, female pelvis is arranged in a way so that women are able to bear children, and such an arrangement results in an off-angle of the legs making women about 10 percent slower runners than men. Also, women have less upper-body strength than men do. Therefore, they would not be able to carry an 80-pund backpack, drag a casualty, properly throw a grenade etc. Women are more easily injured compared to men because they have weaker muscle structure (Tips). In fact, in accordance with the research conducted within the British army, only 1 in 100 female soldiers had enough physical strength to function in military units (Browne). Overall, women are really the weaker sex and should not be allowed in the frontline combat roles. Secondly, women should not be allowed in combat because of the peculiarities of combat environment (Simons). Placing a scarce resource, such as women, in combat units comprised mostly of men may result in the creation of competition between the latter, and this may lead to conflicts within the unit. In addition, it is obvious that when young women and men work together for extended periods of time, couples form. At a certain point, their interaction can make lives of other soldiers uncomfortable. In this case, it is also important not to forget about pregnancy, which makes women be unable to discharge their duties. Finally, allowing women in combat is anti-survival of any society (Tips). The matter is that women play more important role in repopulation of the society. This does not mean that woman’s role is to give birth to children only. It means that woman’s role in giving birth is more important. Compared to men that can father several children during a year, women can give birth only to one (or two or three in case twins or triplets are born). Woman’s health, commitment and time are more essential to the

Number theory and RSA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Number theory and RSA - Essay Example At this stage, the message is sent to the recipient, for the receiver to get the clear message, the message is decrypted back to original plaintext. The whole process usually rely on a key, this key give a way to encrypt the message by the sender and a way for the listener to figure out what the message says (decrypt). This can be enabled with the use of the old cryptosystem which used the symmetric keys or the newly and more advanced public key cryptosystem. In symmetric keys one had to possess the key that was used to encrypt the message so as to decrypt back the message at the other end; but for the public key cryptosystem knowing the message does not mean one can decrypt the message (Stinson, 2006). For example, the trapdoor function; in this idea, a function ? is for encryption, so, to decrypt one has to find the inverse, ; which is difficult to find, this means that even if you have ? and you understand the output is A, it is still hard to find (A). However, if it happens that you know k, (extra piece information that acts as a lever that lets the inverse fall through by opening the trapdoor), then from ?, A and k one can easily come up with (A), so in this system k is kept secret but the whole message can be displayed or heard by anyone and it does not pose any threat because nobody can decrypt the message. Number Theory In Number theory, theorems have been derived to explain the public key cryptosystem and the key exchange problem (Martin J. Erickson, 2008). Some studies introduce the sage commands to aid in performing basic number theorems such as Euler’s phi function and greatest common divisor. This happens when coding the algorithms and functions, but mathematically it is not a requirement as we will notice in the examples. In definition, integers greater than 1, and their positive divisors are only 1 and itself, then that is a prime number, otherwise if not then it is a composite number (Martin J. Erickson, 2008). The fundamental theorem of arithmetic is the base equation when dealing with number theory is; n The greatest common divisor of k and m, (gcd (k, m)), is the largest number that can divide both k and m. this two positive integers greater than 0 are relatively prime if gcd (k, m) =1. This can be shown by the extended Euclidian algorithm below (T. H. Cormen, 2001), Input: k, m Output: (d, x, y) subject to d=gcd(k,m) and kx + my = d d=k; t=m; x=1; y=0; r=0; s=1; While (t>0) { q = _d/t_ u=x-qr; v=y-qs; w=d-qt x=r; y=s; d=t r=u; s=v; t=w } return (d, x, y) In the above algorithm, these Invariants were used gcd(k,m)=gcd(d,t) kx + my = d kr + ms = t using the Chinese Reminder Theorem(CRT) (Loxton, 1990), we Let m1, m2, ,,, mk be integers subject to gcd(mi, mj) = 1, i j, and †¦ This means that there exist a unique solution modulo m= and this solution is given by (a1, a2,†¦ ak) = (? ) mod m, Where = m /, and = mod This idea can be proven by these four steps; 1. Set M = 2. Find such that + = 1(this is a Bezou t). 3. Note that = 1 if j 4. Therefore, the solution to the system equation becomes: Mentioned above is the Bezout’s Identity, which is a property in the greatest common divisor (Martin J. Erickson, 2008). The Bezout’s identify states that for any two natural numbers k and m, there exist integers x

Should women be allowed in combat(arguing against the issue) Research Paper

Should women be allowed in combat(arguing against the issue) - Research Paper Example The difference between men’s and women’s abilities comes from the difference in organization of their bodies. For example, female pelvis is arranged in a way so that women are able to bear children, and such an arrangement results in an off-angle of the legs making women about 10 percent slower runners than men. Also, women have less upper-body strength than men do. Therefore, they would not be able to carry an 80-pund backpack, drag a casualty, properly throw a grenade etc. Women are more easily injured compared to men because they have weaker muscle structure (Tips). In fact, in accordance with the research conducted within the British army, only 1 in 100 female soldiers had enough physical strength to function in military units (Browne). Overall, women are really the weaker sex and should not be allowed in the frontline combat roles. Secondly, women should not be allowed in combat because of the peculiarities of combat environment (Simons). Placing a scarce resource, such as women, in combat units comprised mostly of men may result in the creation of competition between the latter, and this may lead to conflicts within the unit. In addition, it is obvious that when young women and men work together for extended periods of time, couples form. At a certain point, their interaction can make lives of other soldiers uncomfortable. In this case, it is also important not to forget about pregnancy, which makes women be unable to discharge their duties. Finally, allowing women in combat is anti-survival of any society (Tips). The matter is that women play more important role in repopulation of the society. This does not mean that woman’s role is to give birth to children only. It means that woman’s role in giving birth is more important. Compared to men that can father several children during a year, women can give birth only to one (or two or three in case twins or triplets are born). Woman’s health, commitment and time are more essential to the

The important moment in the novel Lord of the flies Essay Example for Free

The important moment in the novel Lord of the flies Essay Lord of the flies focuses mainly on the corruption and inherent evil of humanity. Ralph, Jack and Simon are, in some ways, stereotypes of different aspects of human nature. Ralph is the obvious candidate for chief of the island, as he is of just nature and a commanding presence. We are also told that there was a stillness about Ralph that encourages the boys to elect him as their chief. Jack represents the darker side of humanity. Jack is not long in severing any links with civilisation. He heeds his savage, pre-historic instincts, and becomes dog-likeon all foursnose only a few inches from the humid earth. He is like an animal, his sole desire being to kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood. He enjoys the act of killing, announcing proudly that he had a smashing timeI cut the pigs throat. He laughingly adds that there was lashings of blood every whereyou should have seen it! His darker side gradually influences Ralph, who grows jealous of Jacks popularity and is envious of the fact that Jack is able to provide meat for the boys, while, he, as chief, cannot. The book reaches a turning point at the next, improvised, hunt of the boar. What started as a harmless exploration for the beast becomes a bloodthirsty chase of the boar. Ralph is delighted when he hits the boar and the spear stuck in a bit and he decides that hunting was good after all. Things take a more sinister turn when the boys decide to re-enact the hunt. After the first, successful hunt in which Jack kills the pig, the hunters replay events by forming a ring, Maurice pretended to be the pig and ran squealing into the centre, and the hunterspretended to beat him. This is harmless game, during which the hunters dance around the pig, singing their hunting chant of Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Bash her in. The corruption of purity and goodness is seen when the boys play the same game after their next (failed) hunt. This time Robert is the squealing pig, trapped in the centre of circle, the hunters circling him, singing their warrior chant. The game soon ceases to playful, as Roberts mock terror turns to pain. The others are seized with a desire to Kill him! Kill him! uncaring of the fact that Robert is human, one of them, and not a pig. Robert was screaming and struggling, yet he ceases to become a person and is now merely an object by which their thirst to kill might be quenched. Jack was brandishing his knifeRalph was fightingto get a handful of that brown, vulnerable fleshthe desireto hurt was over-mastering, Golding causes this to be important incident in the novel, the beginnings of a full realisation of Simons belief that maybe there is a beastmaybe its only us, is not a comment to be jeered at, for it is a frightening comprehension of reality. Robert escapes with a few, physical injuries, crying out, in an effort to lighten to the situation Oh, my bum! Ralph tries to convince that it was just a game, like rugger. This uneasiness is justified when the boys discuss methods of improving their game. Robert believes that they want a real pigbecause youve got to kill him. Jack, not altogether jokingly, suggests that they should Use a littlun. This suggestion is made more disturbing by the reaction of the other boys, for instead of being horrified, everybody laughed. Goldings brief ending to the passage leaves us disgusted by the callousness of Jacks remark and of his flippant attitude to the murder of a fellow human being, but it is worryingly representative of the callousness humankind. Jacks joke warns us of the increase of evil on the island, for the idea of using a littlun, may soon stop being an idea and become a reality. The passage is disturbing because we see that the boys lust for blood and death is indiscriminate of whether their victim is an animal or human. Killing is not a means of providing food for the boys; it is a way of satisfying their longing to cause pain and destruction. They are desperate to kill, a mere pig is not enough, they are not worth the trouble of a hunt, and their next victim shall be a human, for it will increase the enjoyment of their game. The boys do not care for the adventure of the hunt. They want only the exhilaration of killing, the sight of the blood and the joy of controlling the existence of another being. In order for a pig to be killed, it must first be found. The hassle of a search can be avoided by substituting the pig with a human. It is almost inevitable that the boys gratify their lust with human blood, perhaps with the blood of a littlun. The game is a horrifying example of how evil humanity can be. The dark side of human nature thinks nothing of killing a friend. We are shocked by Ralphs longing to cause pain, Jacks desire to stab Robert with his knife and Roger fighting to get close. But the thing that frightens us the most is the fact that this is not a figment of Goldings imagination, Ralph, Jack and the other islanders are not irrelevant fiction, for human kind is capable of great evil. I feel that the passage in the book is disturbing because it shows us how horrifyingly able we are to be unfeeling and cruel.

Prediction Of Spark Ignition Engine Testing Engineering Essay

Prediction Of Spark Ignition Engine Testing Engineering Essay Introduction Internal combustion engines date back to the 1800s. Since then, they have improved considerably as the knowledge of the engine process has evolved. The engine process is seen as a complex one and so, calculating the various engine parameters is a complicated task. There have been a number of computer programmes with the aim of estimating these parameters; OpenWAM is relatively new simulation software that intends to do this. OpenWAM, or open wave action model, is a free, open-source code that has been developed to solve the thermo- and fluid dynamics of compressible flow through the different components of an engine. The aim of this project to use OpenWAM to generate a full set of engine performance and fuel economy prediction estimates and to then compare these with experimental results. The engine in question is that of a BMW-Mini Direct Injection Spark Ignition Engine. It will be tested over a range of different operating loads and speeds. A successful interpretation of this softw are, and the results, could optimise the operation of the internal combustion engine. This Interim Report details a synopsis of the literary review done to date. It includes the main principles of an internal combustion engine, including the intake and exhaust system as well as the in-cylinder process. The details of OpenWam software are mentioned and its applications. The aims of this project are also described. Literary Review Basic Principles Internal combustion engines have one main purpose, that is; the production of mechanical energy from the chemical energy contained in the fuel. The basic principles behind any reciprocating engine are the same. The cycle has four stages; intake, compression, expansion, exhaust. The intake stroke begins with the piston at the top of the cylinder (TDC) and the inlet valve open. As the piston moves down a vacuum is created and air-fuel mixture is drawn into the cylinder. When the piston reaches the bottom (BDC) the inlet valve is closed and the compression stroke begins. This involves the piston moving up and compressing the air-fuel mixture. This is then ignited in the expansion stroke. As the air-fuel mixture is heated it expands, pushing the piston down, to bottom centre (BC). The outlet valve is then opened and the exhaust gases are removed to the atmosphere. The piston moves up to TDC as the exhaust stroke finishes the cycle [1]. Figur-1 Basic Combustion Cycle The engine used in this project is a four-cylinder engine. Most engines used for automobiles have four cylinders. The number of cylinders is an important consideration for the overall performance of an engine. Each of the cylinders, contain a piston that is connected to the crankshaft. The movement of the piston rotates the crankshaft. The crankshaft is what turns the wheels. The more pistons powering the crankshaft means more power can be generated in less time. The engine used in this project is a Direct Injection Spark Ignition Engine. This means that the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder. With regular engines, the fuel and air is mixed before entering the cylinder. This will be discussed in further detail in preceding sections. Basic Components https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaS_FwZVzPsfa3diS3M_b3kmXd8a44l14dplaOmMb-NWAEUDSPZmfoFkS8R9g42bTI_0gg0hlR_4PG4EXCWRAmvdMz6RrDtwpc-JVJmlO33v8Cl3r1LhEHmXrb-6Rd-HsOIpM40OK0So/s1600/BMW_S1000RR_ENGINE_CUTAWAY_700x462_700.jpg Figure-2 Engine Cutaway Intake The engine intake process governs many important aspects of the flow within the cylinder. The efficiency of combustion and the production of pollutants are strongly dependent on the flow of air during the intake stroke. Fluid Flow during Intake Process The gas flowing into the cylinder, through the intake valve, behaves as a conical jet. The axial and radial velocity components, of the jet, are up to ten times that of mean piston speed. High speeds of the fluid lead to turbulence. Turbulence is generated due to the large velocity gradient formed when the jet separates from the valve. Turbulent flow undergoes irregular mixing and the speed of the fluid is constantly changing magnitude and direction. By increasing the rate of momentum, heat and mass transfer of the fluid, turbulent flow encourages mixing within the cylinder. It leads to the formation of vortices. Vortices are large-scale rotating flow patterns that are unsteady and react with each other. These vortices are important governing factors of the overall behaviour of the flow. They remain until the end of the intake stroke, where they become unstable and break up. Turbulence is essential to the effective operation of an SI engine. It is a goal of any engine to maximise the turbulent effect, however this is complicated by the fact that flow patterns change during the engine cycle. They are largely dependent on the design of the intake system and are quite sensitive to small variations in flow. They are largely dependent on the design of the intake system and are quite sensitive to small variations in flow. This can lead to substantial cycle-to-cycle variations. The turbulent flow of air within the combustion chamber is almost exclusively generated during the intake stroke [3] Volumetric Efficiency Pg.209 Volumetric efficiency is defined is the measure of success with which air is inducted into an engine. It is defined as the ratio of the volume flow rate of air into the intake system, to the rate at which the volume is displaced by the engine. More simply, it is the actual rate at which air enters the cylinder, over a given period in time, to the theoretical rate at which it should enter, over the same time period [6]. C:Documents and SettingsucdMy DocumentsDownloadsCodeCogsEqn.gif Where; ÃŽÂ ·v volumetric efficiency Ma mass flow rate of air ÃŽÂ ¡a, 0 density of air Vd displaced cylinder volume N crankshaft rotational speed Volumetric efficiency is used to measure the overall effectiveness of an engine. It is mainly affected by the density of air entering the cylinder, the design of the intake and exhaust manifolds, and the timing of the intake and exhaust valves. The high temperatures within the combustion chamber have a limiting effect on the mass flow rate of air into the system, thus reducing volumetric efficiency. To counteract this, air with higher density, i.e. lower temperature and higher pressure, is preferred. This increases the amount of air entering the system, improving the volumetric efficiency. The intake and exhaust manifold and valve timing have similar limiting effects. The amount of air entering the cylinder is also largely dependent on these parameters. These parameters constrain the maximum possible engine power. This is why the volumetric efficiency of an engine is very important. Frictional Losses Pg.212 Losses due to friction have a major impact on the engines performance. During the intake stroke, losses due to friction, in every part of the intake system, mean the in-cylinder pressure (pc) is less than the atmospheric pressure (patm). The difference between these two values is dependent on the square of the speed. The total friction loss is the combined losses from each of the components in the intake system; air-filter, inlet manifold, inlet valve and inlet port. Each component adds a loss of a few percent, on average, pc can be 10-20% lower than atmospheric [1]. RAM effect During the intake process the RAM effect needs to be considered when calculating an engines performance. It occurs when the open valve phase is extended beyond that of the intake stroke to improve charging the cylinder and make best use of the inertia of the gases in the intake system. As the piston reaches TDC during the intake stroke, the inlet valve does not close immediately. Instead it remains open, as the compression stroke begins. This allows any extra air to be added to the cylinder. The momentum of the air during the intake stroke carries it into the cylinder even after the piston has reached the bottom of the cylinder. At high speeds, the intake valve can remain open for longer to optimize the RAM effect. The inlet valve isnt closed until a crank angle of approximately 40-60o after BDC to take advantage of this. However for engines running at lower speeds, the momentum is not high enough, this can cause the air already in the cylinder to be forced out. Adapting the inlet va lve open phase can have a major impact on the engines performance [2]. Overlap When considering both the RAM effect and the blowdown phase (discussed later), it is clear to see that there is a period of overlap, when both the inlet and outlet valves are open. If the pressure inlet to outlet ratio is less than one then backflow occurs. This involves a rush of exhaust gases out through the exhaust manifold that aids the intake of air into the cylinder during the intake stroke. This works best at higher speeds, when its main advantage of overlap is the improvement in volumetric efficiency. As with any fluid flowing through a system of intricate pipes, cylinders, valves, there are friction, pressure and inertial forces present. The importance of these forces is dependent on the both the velocity of the fluid and the geometry of the system. These forces along with the effects of changing engine design affect the volumetric efficiency. In-cylinder (NB Pg.372,) Gas motion within the engine cylinder is one of the major factors that control the combustion process. Both the bulk motion of the gas and the turbulence characteristics of the fluid are important. The in-cylinder combustion process can be divided into four distinct phases; Spark-Ignition Early Flame Development Flame Propogation Flame termination Spark Ignition Pg 585 Close to the end of the compression stroke, the discharge between the spark plug electrodes by the ignition system starts the combustion process. The spark develops a self-sustainable and propagating flame. The function of the ignition system is to initiate the flame propagation process, to repeat this for each cycle, over the full range of load and speed of the engine, at the appropriate time. Spark-timing is an important consideration during the engine process. It can have a number of affects on the efficiency, formation of pollutants and other parameters of the engine. Advancing the timing, so that combustion occurs earlier in the cycle, increases the peak cylinder pressure (compression stroke work transfer, which is work form piston to gases in the cylinder, also increases). This is because more fuel is burned before TDC and the peak pressure moves closer to TDC where the cylinder volume is smaller. Delaying the timing means the peak pressure occurs later in the cycle and is also decreased in magnitude. This is because more of the fuel is burnt after TDC. Higher peak cylinder pressure result in higher peak burned gas temperatures, and therefore higher NOx formation results. Maximum Brake Torque (MBT) is the use of optimal ignition timing to take advantage of internal combustion engines max power and efficiency. It occurs when the compression stroke work transfer (which is from the piston to the cylinder gases) is increased and the expansion stroke (which is from cylinder gases to the piston) is reduced. The MBT timing occurs when the magnitude of these two opposing trends just offset each other. Altering the timing from MBT lowers the torque [4]. Generally, spark timing is delayed so as to avoid abnormal combustion. Abnormal combustion refers to either knock or surface ignition. Knock is the name given to the noise transmitted through an engine when a spontaneous ignition of a portion of the end-gas occurs. End-gas is the mixture of fuel, air and residual gas ahead of the propagating flames. The spark plug ignites one flame front, however an uncontrolled combustion then occurs and an extremely rapid release of most of the chemical energy in the end-gas leads to the initiation of multiple flame fronts. When these multiple flame fronts collide, the cylinder pressure increases and causes the piston, connecting rods and bearings to resonate [5]. Knock has a direct impact on efficiency because it limits the maximum compression ratio that can be used in any cylinder. Surface-ignition is another type of abnormal combustion. It occurs when ignition is initiated by a local hot-spot located on the walls of the cylinder. Direct Injection Spark Ignition Direct Injection (DI) engines deliver the fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The traditional method pre-mixes air and fuel in the intake manifold and then delivers it to the cylinder. However with DI engines, air enters through the intake manifold, where a specific amount of fuel is sprayed into the cylinder. Early Flame Development Pg.846-850 During the in-cylinder process of compression and combustion, the increasing cylinder pressure forces some of the gas in the cylinder into the corners or narrow volumes connected to the combustion chamber, e.g. the volumes between the piston, rings and cylinder wall. Most of this gas remains unburned in the primary combustion process as the flame cannot enter these narrow regions. Spark-Timing Pg 585 There is always an optimal spark timing for all operating conditions of an engine. MBT is most ideal at WOT however is not desired when the engine is at idle. Although MBT is desired at WOT it is wise to retard timing slightly to prevent knock that may occur and to create a small safety margin. It is possible to calculate the MBT of an engine by taking into account of all the operating conditions of an engine through its sensors. Operating conditions are defined by the engine parameters lambda, engine load, internal exhaust gas recirculation, engine speed, and of course spark advance. Magnusson, J. 2007 An Investigation of Maximum Brake Torque Timing based on Ionization Current Feedback Exhaust ( Pg. 626,570,) The level of sulfate emissions depends on the fuel sulfur content. Unleaded gasoline contains 150 to 600 ppm by weight sulfur, which is then oxidized during the combustion process to form SOx. The emission of particles is increased when the engine is cold, i.e. following start-up. The exhaust temperature has a significant effect on pollutant formation. Particles form in the exhaust manifold and either are emitted immediately or deposit on the walls of the exhaust. Many of these are removed when the engine is suddenly accelerated. The exhaust geometry, specifically the diameter, determines the amount of particles emitted. Incomplete combustion due to bulk quenching of the flame in that fraction of the engine cycle where combustion is relatively slow, is a source of hydrocarbons in engines. Such conditions are most likely to occur during transient engine operation when the air/fuel ratio, spark timing, and the fraction of the exhaust recycled for emission control may not be properly matched. Engine Design The major combustion chamber design objectives which relate to engine performance and emissions are; Pg. 845-> A fast combustion process, with low cycle-by-cycle variability, over the full operating engine range A high volumetric efficiency at wide open throttle Minimum heat loss to the combustion chamber walls A low fuel octane requirement Faster burn process is more robust and results in the engine being able to operate satisfactorily with much more EGR, or much leaner, without a deterioration in combustion quality. Faster burning chamber designs exhibit much less cycle variation, this permits better control of NOx within the engine. This is achieved in a number of ways. Swirl is used to speed up the combustion process in some spark-ignition engines. Swirl is defined as the organized rotation of the charge about the cylinder axis. Swirl is created by designing the intake system such that the flow enters the cylinder with an initial angular momentum. This is done in two ways, either the flow is discharged into the cylinder tangentially towards the cylinder wall. or intake? High volumetric efficiency is required to obtain the highest possible power density. Effective vvalve open area, which depends on valve diameter and lift, directly affects volumetic efficiency. Swirl speeds up process and achieves greater combustion stability. Heat transfer to chamber walls has a major impact on efficiency. Blowdown amount of time/distance/degrees between exhaust port opening and the transfer port opening Muller. P, 2009, Muller Machine, http://www.muller.net/mullermachine/index.html The blowdown process is similar to that of the RAM effect. It is necessary to open the exhaust valve before the piston reaches the bottom of the stroke, as this allows any excess pressure, pressure left over from the last cycle, to be released from cylinder. This ensures there will be no pressure acting against the piston on the compression stroke. Accurate exhaust valve timing is essential. At higher speeds, the valve will have to be opened sooner, whereas for lower speeds if the valve is opened to soon means pressure is lowered and losses are incurred. AutoWare, 1998, Valve Timing Performance  , http://www.auto-ware.com/combust_bytes/valvetiming.html The exhaust manifold operates at pressures significantly above atmospheric. Pollutants (pg.626, 570, CO-Pg. 593, summary Pg.618,) Theoretically, the combustion process of hydrocarbon fuels, such as petrol, completely oxidizes the fuel and the only by-products are carbon dioxide and water. However, under actual conditions this is rarely, if ever the case. The products of combustion from an internal combustion engine produce pollutants. This is due to the varied composition of the fuel for each cycle. Impurities in the fuel itself mean complete combustion is not possible. Poor control of the air-fuel ratio and variations in the combustions temperature also contribute to the formation of pollutants. The main pollutants formed are sulfur oxides (SOx), nitride oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants have detrimental health effects. The presence of a catalytic convertor reduces the amount of harmful emissions entering the atmosphere by changing the composition of the pollutants. One of the most important variables in determining spark-ignition engine emissions is the fuel/air equivalence ration. GRAPH OF EMISSIONS!! To ensure smooth and reliable operation, SI engines are typically run close to stoichiometric, or slightly fuel-rich. From graph (ABOVE), lean mixtures give lower emissions until the quality becomes poor and back-fire occurs. In a cold engine, fuel vaporization is slow, the fuel flow is increased to provide an easily combustible fuel-rich mixture in the cylinder. Until the engine warms up and the enrichment is removed, the CO and HC emissions are high OpenWAM Simulation Software OpenWAM is a 1-dimensional gas-dynamics engine thermodynamic cycle simulation code. It was developed by the CMT- Motores Tà ©rmicos of the Universidad Polità ©cnica de Valencia, Spain. openWAM Modeling is an important technique for the optimization of internal combustion engines (ICE). The use of calculation models together with experimental tests is producing unquestionable successes due to the fact that both techniques complement each other. 1D wave action models simplify the engine by means of ducts, where only one dimension is considered, and volumes where mass accumulation is considered and the gas properties are uniform in the entire element. Finally, non dimensional models are used to solve connections between 1D and 0D elements. Thanks to more than 20 years, more than 10 PhD Thesis and many research projects and publications, CMT-Motores Tà ©rmicos has developed an own 1D gas dynamic tool called WAM which gathers an important know-how on air management, compressible flow, turbocharging, chemical species tracking, numerical analysis and many other aspects of engine modeling http://www.cmt.upv.es/WAM_02_02.aspx 1 dimensional modeling can reproduce the behavior of the engine under transient conditions when the injected fuel and the engine speed change during the simulation. For these applications, a heat transfer model is very important to take into account the heating process that the different parts of the engine undergoes during the transient. http://www.cmt.upv.es/img/WWam04.png http://giantmaw.com/Photo%20Album/Image%20Library/Cars/BMW/MWerks%20Forums%20the%20BMW%20Engine%20FAQ_files/4981_832.jpg

Peacemaking Process Essay -- International Conflict

WWI is considered the war to end all wars but what procedures were used to make this statement possible. In 4 years this war claimed the lives of approximately 20 million people and physically destroyed most of Europe. This left most of the world in despair and sparked the idea of obtaining world peace. The first step used to launch this task was the Treaty of Versailles. An organization known as the League of Nations was created as a result of this treaty and it played a vital role in this peace making process. This new organization drafted a plan known as the mandate systems which handled the dealings of the territory lost during the war. These steps were made to stop wars like this from ever happening again but did it accomplish that goal? Could any provisions be made to more successfully keep the world in peace after such a clash? Who was to blame for the war and how was Europe going to start the process of reconstructing? After such an epic battle questions like these were oblig ated to be answered. On June 28, 1914, a Siberian named Gavrilo Princip exterminated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo, Bosnia. (The Death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Outbreak of World War I) Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Ferdinand was seen as threat to an organization known as the Black Hand. Black Hand’s main goal was achieve independent Serbian state and they felt that Ferdinand's plans to grant concessions to the South Slavs would jeopardize that. (Archduke Franz Ferdinand) The assassination led to the Austro-Hungarian invasion of Serbia on July 28th. The invasion caused other countries such as Germany, France, Russia, and others to engage in battle because of treaties and deals made earlier... ...es." History Learning Site. 3 5 2012 . "League og Nations." History Learning Site. 3 May 2012 . "The Death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Outbreak of World War I." The History Channel. 3 May 2012 . "The Trusteeship Council - The mandate system of the league of nations." Nations Encyclopedia. 3 5 2012 . "Treaty of Versailles." History Learning Site. 3 May 2012 . "World War 1." Berkely . 3 May 2012 . Peacemaking Process Essay -- International Conflict WWI is considered the war to end all wars but what procedures were used to make this statement possible. In 4 years this war claimed the lives of approximately 20 million people and physically destroyed most of Europe. This left most of the world in despair and sparked the idea of obtaining world peace. The first step used to launch this task was the Treaty of Versailles. An organization known as the League of Nations was created as a result of this treaty and it played a vital role in this peace making process. This new organization drafted a plan known as the mandate systems which handled the dealings of the territory lost during the war. These steps were made to stop wars like this from ever happening again but did it accomplish that goal? Could any provisions be made to more successfully keep the world in peace after such a clash? Who was to blame for the war and how was Europe going to start the process of reconstructing? After such an epic battle questions like these were oblig ated to be answered. On June 28, 1914, a Siberian named Gavrilo Princip exterminated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo, Bosnia. (The Death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Outbreak of World War I) Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Ferdinand was seen as threat to an organization known as the Black Hand. Black Hand’s main goal was achieve independent Serbian state and they felt that Ferdinand's plans to grant concessions to the South Slavs would jeopardize that. (Archduke Franz Ferdinand) The assassination led to the Austro-Hungarian invasion of Serbia on July 28th. The invasion caused other countries such as Germany, France, Russia, and others to engage in battle because of treaties and deals made earlier... ...es." History Learning Site. 3 5 2012 . "League og Nations." History Learning Site. 3 May 2012 . "The Death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Outbreak of World War I." The History Channel. 3 May 2012 . "The Trusteeship Council - The mandate system of the league of nations." Nations Encyclopedia. 3 5 2012 . "Treaty of Versailles." History Learning Site. 3 May 2012 . "World War 1." Berkely . 3 May 2012 .