Monday, September 30, 2019

Zara Fast Fashion

1. Features of Zara’s business model that affect its operating economics: †¢Zara owns much of its production and most of its stores, while competitors Gap and H&M own all of their stores but outsource all of their production. Benetton, on the other hand, owns all of its production but goes to market through licensing agreements. †¢Zara places more emphasis on backward vertical integration. Production runs are short and inventory is strictly controlled. This is in contrast to industry trends of high volume production. Zara's product cycle time from the design phase to the manufacturing phase is 4 to 5 weeks while the industry average is 6 to 9 months. The short cycle time enables Zara to commit to a bulk of its product much later than its competitors. 85% of Zara's in-house production occurs after the season has started in contrast to 20% in-house production of traditional retailers. †¢Zara's pricing is lower than its competitors, but profit margins are higher du e to direct efficiencies gained from a shortened, vertically integrated, supply chain. At Zara, a high inventory turnover rate results in minimal obsolescence costs, clearance sales or mark downs. Zara estimated 15%-20% of total sales as markdowns/close-outs vs. 30% to 40% for its competitors. This helps to preserve a strong profit margin and bolster market image as a â€Å"must buy now† destination. †¢Zara's advertising expenses are minimal (avg. 0. 3% of revenue) compared with 3% to 4% for other specialty retailers. These helps lower expenses and preserve strong profit margins. Zara, in turn, invests more money in renovating its storefronts and buying prime real estate for store locations. At Zara, 75% of display merchandise is turned every 3 to 4 weeks which corresponds to the average time between customer visits. The average Zara shopper visits the chain 17 times a year. In contrast, the competition records an average of 3 to 4 customer visits per year. Zara's image creates a â€Å"sense of urgency† and forces loyal customers to check in frequent ly for the latest fashions. 2. Zara’s Quick Response Capabilities – Upstream and Downstream activities: †¢Zara's quick-response capability is based on improving coordination between retail stores and product manufacturers. This coordination allows Zara to respond faster to fashion trends, thus creating a competitive advantage for Zara. Effectively utilizing information technology and vertically-integrated manufacturing facilitates Zara's quick response capability. Upstream Activities: †¢Design Teams continuously track customer preferences via data sent electronically from individual storefronts. Additionally, sales data is sent upstream from the stores to give instant feedback on Zara's new product lines generating replenishment orders for sold product. This instant upstream feedback, coupled with Zara's rapid product development gives Zara a compelling market advantage. †¢Zara sources fabric and finished products from external suppliers using purchasing offices in Europe and Hong Kong. 50% of the fabric remains undyed to facilitate in-season updating via Comditel, a subsidiary of Inditex that manages the dyeing and patterning of unfinished fabric. Delaying production of unfinished fabric allows information flowing upstream to influence Zara's production. 40% of all garments are manufactured internally or by subcontractors located near Zara's headquarters. This 40% represents the most fashionable, time-sensitive garments that Zara considers risky. Zara's local production network facilitates flexibility and risk-taking on fashion trends. Downstream Activities: †¢Zara owns its own distribution center in Arteixo. All merchandise from both internal and external suppliers passes through this distribution center. Shipments occur twice a week to each store. Items move through the center very quickly. For example, a vast majority of items are at the center only a few hours and no item stays at the center for more than three days. †¢On average, Zara spends 0. 3% of its revenue on media advertising, which is focused on opening season and end of season sales. †¢Product cycles through the stores rapidly, with new designs arriving every three weeks. This fast turnover results in a significant reduction of discounted merchandise. †¢Display shelves are sparsely stocked creating a sense of urgency (â€Å"buy now†) in the minds of shoppers, resulting in immediate sales. Location is critical for Zara to attract repeat customers. Stores are occasionally relocated in response to ever-shifting popularity of shopping districts and traffic patterns. 3. Why might Zara fail? Zara could fail due to falling into what is known as the â€Å"growth trap. † In the beginning, Zara established itself as selling medium-quality fashion clothing at affordable prices. Zara went on to gain a competitive advantage in the industry by developing a quick response capability while at the same time maintaining low customer pricing. As Zara begins to expand internationally, the potential to lose their competitive advantage increases. For example, in South America, Zara had to present a high-end rather than a mid-market image. This goes against the image of medium quality fashion at affordable prices that Zara had built and maintained since their inception. As Zara continues to grow, their stores may eventually be found on every street corner around the world. As a result, Zara runs the risk that their products may become less unique in the eyes of the consumer. According to the â€Å"growth trap,† efforts to grow can blur uniqueness, create compromises, reduce fit, and ultimately undermine competitive advantage. In the end, Zara runs the risk of becoming an ordinary retail chain as they lose sight of their competitive advantage and become more like every other retail player. In order to maintain their market share, Zara should remember their roots and focus on the excellence of their existing chain with very minimal increases in selling space. Zara Fast Fashion Inditex – Zara: Fast fashion Case analysis Company Structure and Goals Overview Zara’s vision on growth and global strategy -Building up fixed assets -Vertical integration -No advertising, creating premium stores -Fashion follower – QR to fashion trends -Strongly customer oriented -Stable growth -Markdowns half the average (15% as supposed to 30% ) -Pricing market based Business model: -Vertical operations and downstream activities -Multi-chain concept -Creative design team -Competitive advantage – Sustainable growth As attachment: Porter’s Five forces; Company structure; Financials) Problem Statement Growth challenge – 20% per annum expected, 76% of equity value implicit on Inditex’s stock price was based on expectations on future growth. Failure to deliver expected growth results might cause a serious offset in company’s market capitalization. Room for non-local growth – in average a retailer was present in 10 countries while e. g. a pharmaceutical company averaged operations in 125 countries. Problem statement is: In what geographical area(s) should further Zara expansion follow? Should there be another logistics-distribution centre created as increase of operations might cause dis-economies of scale? Should it acquire additional chains given the complexity of managing those and the risk of own-product-replacements? Preserve the margins; (visible threat to the sustainability of Index’s competitive advantage) Evaluation of the alternative solutions 1. Growth challenge: Notes: not much potential on the local market; -different markets require different positioning -though costs grow as distance grows, prices also change (margins are kept) -50% of all export is to developing countries -Zara shopper visits the store 17 times a year, average is 2-4 times -Creating a climate of scarcity and opportunity in stores Evaluate growth options in different markets: Spain Europe str4 – production in North Africa, turkey and East Europe. US – production in Mexico and the Caribbean subjected to retailing oercapacity, less fashion-forward than Europe, demands larger sizes and exhibits considerable internal variations Japan – no quotas to restrict imports, produced in China. – teenage market segment considered as the trendiest in the world Italy – fashionable, visit stores frequently and spend more on clothing 2. Change in marketing strategy Current: Three types of entering a market: company owned stores, joint ventures, franchising Strategy is standard across the countries -No adv -One big shop central city (capital) Followed by smaller ones (spreading around the country) -Shop windows used excessively -Products do not differ much from country to country -Model is downstream -No knowledge is shared -From design to stores within 4-5 weeks , industry average 9 months -Due to product testing, failure rate only 1% compared to industry average of 10% 3. Change in pricing strategy Current: Prices vary on the different markets, due to transport costs (all supplied from the base in Galicia) – this changes positioning Lower mark-down than industry average Zara: Fast Fashion The Spanish retail chain Zara has unique supply chain management practices that enable it to gain a competitive advantage over other fashion retailers in the industry. Zara’s rapid response time enables the firm to quickly respond to changing fashions while deliberately under producing products. This strategy, which is supported by competencies in logistic management, design and information systems, allows the company to maintain less inventory and higher profit margins and is a key factor to Zara’s success. The firm should continue to add value by seeking new opportunities to expand in the retail market and maintain their sustainable growth. Financial Analysis Being aware of a company’s financial health and profitability of its competitors is highly essential for everyone interested in engaging in business with Inditex. In this part of the paper, through analysis of 4 key ratios and return on invested capital, we are going to discover some of the company’s drivers of sustained competitive advantage. The 4 key ratios will focus mainly on company’s liquidity, activity, solvency and profitability, while ROIC will show how well the company manages the capital invested in operations of the business. In order to measure ability of Inditex to meet its short term obligations and to assess liquidity, it is important to calculate current ratio. As shown in exhibits section below, in 2001, Inditedx had 1. 02 million in current assets, while Gap and H&M had 1. 48 and 3. 4 million Euros in current assets for every Euro in short-term debt. This indicates that Inditex’s main competitors demonstrate greater ability to meet current payments of debt; therefore liquidity is not one of the company’s success drivers. When it comes to comparing company’s sales to various assets categories it is significant to take a look at the total assets turnover. This ratio indicates how efficiently assets are being used to support sale. From 1999-2001, this ratio increased by 1. 2%; however it was still below industry performance. Currently Inditex is industry leader with total assets turnover of 1. 8. This shows that company’s recourses are being well managed and that company is able to realize high level of sales from its investments in property, plant and equipment such as manufacturing facilities. Debt to equity ratio is used for solvency evaluation. The main purpose of this ratio is to show company’s ability to repay long-term creditors. As shown in exhibits section, this ratio decreased from 1999-2001, however, when compared to its rivals, Inditex confirmed to have the best leverage among them. When it comes to company’s financial flexibility and profitability it is highly essential to calculate Net Profit Margin ratio. This ratio measures how successful a company has been at the business of making profit for each euro earned. As presented in the exhibits section, Inditex was and still is an industry leader with Net Profit Margin ratio of 10. 6% in 2001 and 13. 10% in 2010 which means that company has currently â‚ ¬. 3 of net income for every dollar sale. In addition, according to Inditex’s income statement, we could see that company is delivering higher net income due to its ability to keep operating expenses and COGS much lower than competitors. Furthermore, the company is able to gain sustained competitive advantage by making its own products, efficiently covering lower advertising expenses and maintaining cost-effective number of employees per store. In order for Inditex to maintain continuous growth it is important to keep its profit margins at the high level. Last but not least ROIC (Return on Invested Capital) gives a good judgment on how well a company is using its money to generate returns. Inditex ROIC varied through past couple of years but is currently able to earn around 7% on each euro invested. From the exhibit table below, we could conclude that the company is making wiser investment decisions than its competitors. SCP Analysis Zara competes in a monopolistically competitive industry due to the number of players. No business in this type of industry has total control over the market price and there are no barriers to entry and exit. Because of its monopolistically competitive playing grounds, Zara’s conduct is to increase its market power by producing demand for its heterogeneous products. Through differentiation and cost leadership, Zara attempts to increase market demand by offering new items weekly while keeping a low inventory, thus making its products unique and attractive to consumers. Because of its backward vertical integration model, Zara creates a strong synergy throughout its production process. Zara has sustained a competitive advantage globally by expanding into new markets and becoming more efficient. In a onopolistically competitive industry, Zara is expected to make profits in the short run but will break even in the long run because demand will decrease as average total costs increase. This means in the long run, a monopolistically competitive firm, such as Zara, will make zero economic profit (AmosWEB, 2001). Porters Five Forces Barriers to Entry: Due to the recent recession and weak economic market, many new players have avoided entering the retail industry. Zara has taken advantage of this opportunity to be the first to enter into many markets across the world before its competitors. With the economic future improving, Zara will be facing more and more competition especially in the United States. Rather than implementing new strategies on how to differentiate itself even more, Zara will need to focus more on creating brand awareness and staying on top in the game. Zara has been the odd ball in the industry with its creative business model but with more and more retailers quickly catching on and critiquing their business model to match the economy changes, Zara faces intense competition. Unlike other retailers, for example Gap and H&M, Zara needs to fight threats around the globe. In the states, Zara competition is intensified with American retailers because many customers still do not know who Zara is or what it offers. In Europe, Zara is like a Macys for us in the states so the brand awareness is there but competition is still also high. Many retailers in Europe offer the same products as Zara, at the same or similar prices; therefore Zara needs to find ways to keep ahead of competition. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Zara is famous for its business model of just in time inventory. No other retailer can produce a garment from scratch and have it hanging in the stores within weeks than Zara. Zara also distributes large number of shipments to its stores around the world twice a week. All merchandise is shipped from Spain and all stores receive shipment on the same days, Monday and Thursday. Zara produces nearly 16,000 new designs a year which is much more than leading competitors. With the constant changing apparel Zara keeps its inventory levels extremely low. Zara customers know that if they see something in the store to buy it right then and there because tomorrow that garment will not be there. US customers are still adapting to this quick turnaround time. With their advanced technology, Zara knows what its customers want and will deliver that to them within 2 weeks’ time. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Zara manufactures all its clothing in house. This way it has control of the entire process and can make changes more quickly and efficiently when needed. After the garments are cut and ready for assembly, Zara sends out the fabric to different sewing companies to assemble the pieces. There are many competitors that Zara can choose from when deciding where they want its clothes put together which makes the bargaining power weak. Zara also took control of this process by taking over Comditel. Comditel is in charge of nearly the entire garment process. Once the garments are ready and fully assembled they are then stored in Zara's own distribution centers. From the distribution centers they are then shipped around the globe to the thousands of Zara stores. Like many other aspects of Zara's business model, the distribution center moves even more quickly. Once the garments are in the distribution centers, they only stay there for a maximum of 3 days before be sent out to the appropriate destination. Substitutes: Some may describe Zara as a higher end replica of fashion forward items. The items featured on Prada, Chanel, and St. John runways will be replicated in 2 weeks in Zara stores at a much more affordable price but poorer quality. Therefore, there are not many substitutes that customers can use because a majority of the products are out of the price range of many customers. This is a huge benefit for Zara because its customers are willing to pay a much less price for a lesser quality replica. Competition: Zara's direct competitors include H&M, Gap, and Benetton. H&M offers nearly the same products as Zara to its customers, but a much lower quality and price. For those customers who are price sensitive, H&M would be their choice of retailer. The Gap possesses more competition in the states because it has been around longer and has its loyal customer base which is hesitant to shop elsewhere. Even though these retailers give Zara a run for its money, none of them can keep up with Zara’s business model. Other retailers do not have in house production like Zara and ship their production to other countries for the cheap labor costs. This does save money but it increases time. Time is money so while others are still in production stage, Zara is already selling out of the garment. VRIO Analysis We can use the VRIO framework to determine the competitive potential of Zara’s resources and capabilities. As we analyze Zara’s resources and capabilities, it is evident that Zara has built a highly effective, self-reinforcing business system. Three elements in particular – (1) extensive vertical integration, (2) the company’s flat management structure, and (3) exceptional communication and coordination throughout the business system – allow Zara to successfully execute its â€Å"Very Quick Fashion Follower† business model. Each of the three make the grade of being Valuable, Rare, costly for competitors to Imitate, and for which the company has Organized to take advantage. Extensive Vertical Integration: Zara prides itself in its vertical integration, with near full control over its value chain through to the end-user. The company owns or closely controls its manufacturing and distribution facilities, manages its own logistics and transportation, and wherever possible owns its own stores (except for in markets with high risk or barriers to entry). This integration brings value primarily through speed-to-market, as Zara has achieved significantly shorter cycle times than its peers. Full vertical integration is rare in the apparel industry, which typically sees companies foregoing direct involvement in elements of the value chain (e. g. , H&M outsourced all of its production, and Benetton sold the bulk of its production through licensees). It would be extremely costly for a competitor to imitate Zara’s vertical integration, and even if they were able to do so it is unclear how much or how soon they would profit from it, as much of Zara’s advantage comes from the degree to which it has developed its integrated organization over many years. Flat Management Structure: While the drive, insight, and guidance provided by founder Amancio Ortega and other top executives have obviously been crucial to the success of Inditex, it is the structure and incentives they have put in place that truly drive Zara’s exceptionality. Zara’s management structure is very flat, with autonomy and significant incentive-based compensation for store managers, thus closely aligning their interest with that of the company. This structure adds value to the company through diligent hands-on management at the local level, something so rare that Zara’s CEO noted that the availability of store managers capable of handling these responsibilities was â€Å"the single most important constraint on the rate of store additions. † The structure would be highly difficult for ompetitors to imitate, as it has been built into the culture and processes of the company over several decades. Zara has certainly proven that it is able to organize around the flat structure model – in fact many of the company’s business processes depend on the communication and input of enabled employees at the edges of the business system. Exceptional Communication and Coordination: From early on, Zara developed a focus on com municating and coordinating activities up and down the value chain and across functions. This capability focused on speeding important information on customer preferences and trends to the store network, and feedback on successful and unsuccessful products back up the line to headquarters. Exceptional communication and coordination are crucial to maximizing the value derived from Zara’s vertical integration and flat management structure. A look at the more disjointed businesses systems of peers such as The Gap and Benetton demonstrates how rare it is for all of a company’s capabilities to simultaneously reinforce each other, and how difficult it would be for them to imitate Zara. Zara has successfully organized to coordinate its activities around the fast communication of accurate information – about designs, customers, competitors, and micro- and macroeconomic factors – both up the line to top management and to the edges of the network where store managers and employees interact with its customers. Each of these three capabilities passes the VRIO test, indicating that they are indeed key competencies for Zara. Four Actions Framework In order to understand how Zara created a new value for both the buyer and the company, we utilize the Blue Ocean 4 Forces Analysis. Starting with what factors Zara raised above standard, we see what is also Zara’s key resource, the company’s application of vertical integration. While Zara is involved in both backward and forward integration, what sets it apart is precisely its backward integration into manufacturing. For instance, its competitors Gap and H&M are both practicing forward integration and unlike Zara, outsourcing their production. Zara is also constantly in communication with employees at the edges of its business system such as store managers in order to better identify and track customer preferences and trends. The company encourages increased frequency of customer visits with its short cycle times; customers flock to the stores in order to catch the current fashion trends and product lines. In addition, the company also raised responsibility and accountability for store managers by hiring experienced employees promoted within which the CEO believed was a necessary judgment especially for store additions. Zara increased market saturation leading to better economies of scale thus significantly cutting costs and raising higher awareness and increasing sales. On the other hand, Zara reduced several factors well below the industry standard in order to cut costs and increase customers’ willingness to pay. For instance, the company decreased the failure rate for new products with its intensified product testing program which included store-level personnel in the process. Zara also reduced its cycle time for design which enabled the company to offer the customer new designs in four to five weeks and existing products in two weeks; the industry standard for this process was six months for design and three months for manufacturing. A pioneer in its industry, Zara proudly enjoyed engendering revenues at full price with only 10%-15% of its sales generated at discount prices compared to its European industry at 30%-40%. Lastly, Zara reduced its ad spending below industry standard at 0. 3% of its revenue while its competitors advertised 3%-4%. Although it is relatively unlikely for an apparel company to create factors that its industry has never offered, Zara formed a distinct vision among its competitors. The company was the first within its main rivals to saturate international markets as fast as it did. Zara is a global apparel retailer with a truly international scope. While from 1980’s to 2011 H&M added eight countries to its international expansion, and Gap five, while Zara was at thirty two countries. In the competitive apparel industry, Zara managed to eliminate what its competitors continuously took for granted. The company focused on a flat management system which allowed capturing trend preferences directly from the customer and applying to mass markets. Eliminating the separation between merchandising and manufacturing was especially beneficial to a fast and productive design team. Strategic Vision Based on our analysis, Inditex has proven to be financially stable and can successfully manage its capital invested in its operations. Therefore, to maintain their sustainable growth and continue to add value, Inditex should use their commercial team’s micro/macro evaluations to seek new country market opportunities. They should to continue to use one of the three modes of entry; company-owned stores, joint ventures, and franchises, to open additional stores in European countries that have high apparel markets. Italy, Germany and United Kingdom are markets that show promise, especially Italy because of its high per capita spending on apparel. As discussed in our analysis, one of Zara’s core competencies is its extensive vertical integration, and because the case mentioned a second distribution hub already being built in Zaragoza, Spain, it can support additional European stores without being subject to diseconomies of scale. Increasing the density of Zara’s store locations in Europe will achieve logistic efficiencies. Zara keeps transportation costs low on the supply side, since most of the production takes place in Spain. Efficient distribution and inventory systems help Zara minimize costs. Demand based production means there is very little inventory in Zara’s supply chain, which results in lower working capital requirements and lower supplier opportunity costs. Another market that has potential is the United States. With changing consumer behaviors as a result of globalization, there are growth options available for specialty retailers like Zara. For example, Gap’s current ratio of 2. 18 is higher than Zara’s 1. 71; however Zara’s 13. 10% net profit margin is preferred over Gap’s 8. 21% (as illustrated in Exhibit A-1). Therefore, as long as Zara can maintain its low production and overhead costs, which are high for its competitors, they should be able to compete in the US market. Inditex should invest in prime locations in major cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles to maintain its positioning strategy. Zara should most likely develop a second central distribution center in America. Zara can strategically locate its central distribution center in or near countries where manufacturing can be done with cheap labor cost, such as Mexico. The close proximity of the distribution center to the American market will decrease logistics and help maintain Zara’s model of fast fashion and economies of scale. Internet retailing is another market opportunity that Inditex should consider. Zara can reach consumers faster and easier in the countries they are trying to expand into. This method can also help gauge consumer preferences from country to country. The internet retailing market will increase sales revenues and has a very low business risk considering the products are already being produced for the retail stores. Zara’s online shop would complement its stores, adding an extra level of service for its customers. It would also expand its customer base to reach areas where stores are not located. Patrons can shop from anywhere in the world and at any time of day or night. This essentially means more shoppers and more sales for the business. Based on our analysis, the monopolistically competitive industry structure is not the key factor driving Zara’s significant performance. Zara has leveraged its key resources to combine low price with product differentiation to create value and succeed in this industry structure. Zara has been able to increase the customer’s willingness to pay by constantly rotating its merchandise and creating a climate of scarcity and opportunity for customers. In conclusion, Zara has the potential for sustainable growth due to its competitive advantage and its ability to increase customer’s willingness to pay while decreasing its opportunity cost. The company keeps its operating income high, has a solid business model with unrivaled synergy and has various opportunities for expansion in the retail industry. Zara must continue to re-invent their image in order to stay fresh in the apparel industry and as long as they maintain their core competencies, they will continue to succeed. Zara Fast Fashion Inditex – Zara: Fast fashion Case analysis Company Structure and Goals Overview Zara’s vision on growth and global strategy -Building up fixed assets -Vertical integration -No advertising, creating premium stores -Fashion follower – QR to fashion trends -Strongly customer oriented -Stable growth -Markdowns half the average (15% as supposed to 30% ) -Pricing market based Business model: -Vertical operations and downstream activities -Multi-chain concept -Creative design team -Competitive advantage – Sustainable growth As attachment: Porter’s Five forces; Company structure; Financials) Problem Statement Growth challenge – 20% per annum expected, 76% of equity value implicit on Inditex’s stock price was based on expectations on future growth. Failure to deliver expected growth results might cause a serious offset in company’s market capitalization. Room for non-local growth – in average a retailer was present in 10 countries while e. g. a pharmaceutical company averaged operations in 125 countries. Problem statement is: In what geographical area(s) should further Zara expansion follow? Should there be another logistics-distribution centre created as increase of operations might cause dis-economies of scale? Should it acquire additional chains given the complexity of managing those and the risk of own-product-replacements? Preserve the margins; (visible threat to the sustainability of Index’s competitive advantage) Evaluation of the alternative solutions 1. Growth challenge: Notes: not much potential on the local market; -different markets require different positioning -though costs grow as distance grows, prices also change (margins are kept) -50% of all export is to developing countries -Zara shopper visits the store 17 times a year, average is 2-4 times -Creating a climate of scarcity and opportunity in stores Evaluate growth options in different markets: Spain Europe str4 – production in North Africa, turkey and East Europe. US – production in Mexico and the Caribbean subjected to retailing oercapacity, less fashion-forward than Europe, demands larger sizes and exhibits considerable internal variations Japan – no quotas to restrict imports, produced in China. – teenage market segment considered as the trendiest in the world Italy – fashionable, visit stores frequently and spend more on clothing 2. Change in marketing strategy Current: Three types of entering a market: company owned stores, joint ventures, franchising Strategy is standard across the countries -No adv -One big shop central city (capital) Followed by smaller ones (spreading around the country) -Shop windows used excessively -Products do not differ much from country to country -Model is downstream -No knowledge is shared -From design to stores within 4-5 weeks , industry average 9 months -Due to product testing, failure rate only 1% compared to industry average of 10% 3. Change in pricing strategy Current: Prices vary on the different markets, due to transport costs (all supplied from the base in Galicia) – this changes positioning Lower mark-down than industry average

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Intellectual thought Essay

An intellectual is a person who primarily uses intelligence in either a professional or an individual capacity. As a substantive or adjective, it refers to the work product of such persons, to the so-called â€Å"life of the mind† generally, or to an aspect of something where learning, erudition, and informed and critical thinking are the focus, as in â€Å"the intellectual level of the discourse on the matter was not high†. Jacques Barzun, a French-American intellectual.  The intellectual is a specific variety of the intelligent, which unlike the general property, is strictly associated with reason and thinking. Many everyday roles require the application of intelligence to skills that may have a psychomotor component, for example, in the fields of medicine, sport or the arts, but these do not necessarily involve the practitioner in the â€Å"world of ideas†. The distinctive quality of the intellectual person is that the mental skills, which he or she demonstrates, are not simply intelligent, but even more, they focus on thinking about the abstract, philosophical and esoteric aspects of human inquiry and the value of their thinking. Traditionally, the scholarly and the intellectual classes were closely identified; however, while intellectuals need not necessarily be actively involved in scholarship, they often have an academic background and will typically have an association with a profession. More broadly, any work of the mind may be termed intellectual property, whether or not its content is â€Å"intellectual† in the sense covered in this article. Intellectuals include not only philosophers, interested in epistemology, but also others in the arts and sciences, plus the humanities, with no boundaries as to fields of study.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Mr Bhekokwakhe ntshangase

You will receive a number of tutorial letters during the semester. A tutorial letter is our way of communicating with you about teaching, learning and assessment. This tutorial letter contains important information about the scheme of work, resources and assignments for this module. We urge you to read it carefully and to keep it at hand when working through the study material, preparing the assignments, preparing for the examination and addressing questions to us. In this Tutorial Letter you will find the assignments and assessment criteria as ell as instructions on the preparation and submission of the assignments.It also provides all the information you need with regard to the prescribed study material and other resources and how to obtain them. Please study this information carefully and make sure that you obtain the prescribed material as soon as possible. We have also included certain general and administrative information about this module. Please study this section of the tut orial letter carefully. Right from the start we would like to point out that you must read all the tutorial eaters you receive during the semester immediately and carefully, as they always contain important and, sometimes, urgent information.Some of this tutorial matter may not be available when you register. Tutorial matter that is not available when you register will be posted to you as soon as possible, but is also available on manias. We hope that you will enjoy this module and wish you all the best! Upon completion of this module you should have obtained the applied competence of the community, citizenship and pastoral role at a beginner teacher's level.Outcomes You will be able to: practice and promote a critical, committed and ethical attitude by developing a sense of respect and responsibility towards others. Uphold the Constitution and promote democratic values and practices in schools and society. Demonstrate within your school an ability to develop a supportive and empowe ring environment for the learners. Respond to the educational and other needs of learners and fellow educators. Develop supportive relations with parents and other key persons and organizations. Develop a critical understanding of community and environmental issues, especially Hides.Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies Unison pop BOX 392 UNISON 0003 ACH van deer Walt Building 6-72 Muckiness Campus Propeller Street PRETORIA Tell: (012) 429-4033 University If you need to contact the University about matters not related to the content of this module, please consult the publication my Studies @ Unison, that you received with your study material. This brochure contains information on how to contact the University (e. G. To whom you can write for different queries, important telephone and ax numbers, addresses and details of the times certain facilities are open).Always have your student number and module code at hand when you contact the University. Please note that all adm inistrative enquiries should be directed to: ; E-mail [email  protected] AC. AZ MODULE-RELATED RESOURCES Prescribed books There are no prescribed textbooks for this module. This means that you do not have to buy any additional books for this module. You only need your study guide and the tutorial letters. Recommended books There are no recommended books for this module. Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves) There are no electronic reserves for this module.Official study material One study guide Tutorial letter 101 . Apart from Tutorial letter 101 you will also receive other Tutorial Letters in the course of the semester (102 and 201). If you have access to the Internet, you can view the study guide and tutorial letters for the module on the University online campus, manias, at http://my. Unison. AC. AZ. Recommended electronic sources The following electronic sources are sources that you may consult in order to broaden your knowledge of the educator in a pastoral role. A limited number of popes is available in the library. e-books The SAGE reference online. Handbooks Online. The Sage Handbook of Special Education. The SAGE reference online. Handbooks Online. The Sage Handbook of Gender and Education. This book deals with special education and gender and education. ; Teaching Diverse Learners – 2 DVD set A diverse learning environment benefits everyone, but it can put overwhelming pressure on an unprepared teacher. This two-part DVD empowers educators using real-world teaching methods – enabling them to overcome the obstacles and maximize the rewards of a diverse learning atmosphere.The first DVD is 13 minutes and the second DVD 18 minutes. Learner's books and curricula for your learning area or subject It is essential that you have access to a series of learner's books for your learning area and/or subject approved by the National Department of Education. They are available at the JUST bookseller. Open education resources (ORE) 4. 7. 1 TESTS (Teacher Education in Sub-Sahara Africa) TESTS brings together teachers and teacher educators from across Africa. It offers a range of materials (Open Educational Resources) in four languages to support school- eased teacher education and training.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Examining the alleged barriers to acceptance of credit cards Essay

Examining the alleged barriers to acceptance of credit cards - Essay Example However, in order to understand whether this is accurate, one must examine the characteristics of the cash-carry banking culture and also investigate how consumers determine risk in this area. It is somewhat of a bold statement to contribute the aforementioned factors as being legitimate barriers to credit card acceptance. Why is this? Schmith (2008) provides statistics of the explosive growth in credit card penetration across the world. In some countries, credit card usage has outpaced total national growth (i.e. GDP) and the trend in consumer credit card usage continues to escalate significantly (Schmith 2008). There is more evidence, rather, that disruptive innovations in the market place, such as mobile payment systems, are providing a new incentive for consumers to reject credit cards in favour of more modern technologies associated with payment and banking. A disruptive innovation is one defined as a product or service capable of supplanting or transforming an established marke t (Christensen and Raynor 2003). Hence, evolutions in payment systems, such as electronic banking or mobile banking, are transforming available options, making switching costs very low for consumers to select alternatives to credit cards. Do, then, risk perception and cultural characteristics of the cash-carry banking culture actually serve as barriers to credit card adoption? Research indicates that there are far too many explanatory factors for why consumers might reject acceptance of credit cards that are aligned with specific market beliefs and market needs. These factors include the appropriate design of advertising communications by a marketing business, competition...This is aligned properly with many consumer behavioural models that illustrate the processes of selection, organisation and interpretation that involves much psycho-social influence both inherent and stemming from the external environment. Thus, particular segments that do see risk associated with involvement in credit cards, either social, economic, or perhaps privacy related would have different motives from other markets that find trust and reliability in the rather mature credit card industry. The cash and carry consumer, one that values traditionalism in the financial services industry, might be adaptable to accepting credit cards if their evaluative criteria finds an appropriate match with the messages and other related stimuli provided by marketing entities. At least theory would seem to dictate this, but again without knowing exacting market characteristics, a well-justified hypothesis would be difficult to produce. However, there is ample evidence that credit card usage continues to explode and research did not uncover any legitimised data that cash and carry cultures and risk establish barriers to credit card adoption.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Constitutional Issues Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Constitutional Issues - Term Paper Example Her participation in this peaceful demonstration was more than moral—it was admirable and spirited and patriotic. There is an infringement of constitutional privileges of Lisa thus she stands a chance of getting legal remedy from courts. The court is one organ that must ensure the constitution is adhered to and respected by all. To extent, NRP events do not warranty constitutional uproar. This is because according to the NPR spokeswoman Anna Christopher; Simeone actions were against NPR's morals code. The code provides that "NPR journalists may not partake in marches and rallies" concerning issues NPR covers. The code notes that some requirements may not concern to outside providers. It uses an outworker who principally contributes arts reporting as an example. In the precedent year, NPR has come under inquiry for its dismissal of news forecaster Juan Williams after he supposed on Fox News that he was challenging on a plane with somebody wearing clothing that spots them as Mus lim. At the moment, NPR said William’s remarks violated its code of ethics by engaging in media "that support punditry and rumor rather than fact-based investigation." The system has been sensitive to allegations that it carries an open-minded bias. An NPR chief administrative was forced to quit; after a conventional activist posted a film online of NPR's chief charity performance, complaining about the tea party's pressure on the Republican Party. The case is a code of ethics verses constitution freedom. What is in the text of the Constitution that gives the Supreme Court authority under the Constitution to review an act of Congress? Section 2 of the constitution grants the Supreme Court unique jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors, congress and consuls. It is true that the constitution grants that we have the right of free speech, however, that right is not unrestricted. It has frequently been curtailed in situations which generate a danger to others and when the comm unication defames others; as declared in libel and slander laws. This law, however, does not advocate infringing free speech; it advocates that our voted officials utilize their free speech rights in a responsible manner. What constitutional doctrine gives the Court the power to interpret whether the act is a valid exercise of Congressional power? In some cases, the Supreme Court has merely appellate jurisdiction that may be checked by the Congress. The legislative body may not, however, alter the Court's original jurisdiction, as was established in Marbury v. Madison, 5 United States Cranch 1803; the same verdict which established the code of judicial review. Marbury apprehended that Congress can neither increase nor restrict the inventive jurisdiction of the Supreme courtyard (Epstein, Walker & Thomas, 2007, pp 451). However, the appellate authority of the Court is diverse. The Court's appellate authority is given "with such exemptions, and under such system as the Congress shall constitute. What is in the text of the Constitution that may be argued to give Congress the power to enact the health care law? A provision of the foundation recognized as the â€Å"commerce clause† offers Congress power to â€Å"control commerce among the numerous states.† There is a long stripe of Supreme Court decisions making that Congress has wide power to enact laws that considerably affect prices, market locations,

Mary Midgleys Moral Isolationism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Mary Midgleys Moral Isolationism - Essay Example    To put it simply, because an outsider cannot understand other cultures, he or she does not have the right to make judgments about other cultures. Midgley disapproves of this stance as it creates a moral vacuum that tends to hinder one’s critical thinking faculties, â€Å"man’s main evolutionary asset† (36). Furthermore, moral isolationism is just another form of immoralism as it leans towards moral skepticism and the relativism of moral and ethical truths as it â€Å"lay[s] down a general ban on moral reasoning† (36). Midgley’s argument against moral isolationism is five-fold. First, she presents the contradiction that moral isolationists demonstrate when they ask an outsider to show some respect and stop making judgments of other cultures because they simply cannot understand them due to the fact that they are foreigners. Midgley argues that â€Å"nobody can respect what is entirely unintelligible to them† (35). This poses the question that â€Å"if morals are applicable and legitimate only to one’s own culture as he or she cannot understand cultures other than his or her own, then how can one appropriately respect and tolerate cultures that he or she is not a member of?† Furthermore, it is a known fact that people have the capacity to understand other people, be they from different countries. And because cultures are made up of the people that create them and make them unique from others, how then can people not have the faculties to understand and respect other cultu res; and consequently, to make favorable judgments on these different cultures? Midgley’s second argument arises from the fact that throughout history, intelligent outsiders—anthropologists are a very good example—have made sense out of past civilizations and cultures that they were not members of.  

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Quantitative data analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Quantitative data analysis - Assignment Example we also have 44 people in the 2 (v26) (N) and on average, they have 68 V01 with standard deviation of 28.175 v01.the last column shows the two groups Std error mean. Basing on table 2, the p value of Levenes test is .185.In this case, this p value is greater than 0.05 the alpha. Therefore, we will have to use the middle row of the output (‘labeled Equal variances assumed.’).So we will have to assume that the variances are equal and we need to use the middle row of the output. The labeled column ‘‘t’’, provides a calculated t value. In this case the t value is -3.961 assuming equal variance (the sign is ignored for two tailed t test). The labeled column df provides the degree of freedom related with the test. In this case we have 106 degrees of freedom. The labeled column sig (2 –tailed) provides p value related to the t test. In this case, the p value 0.185. The sixth step is to decide if we have to reject the null hypothesis. In this case: If p ≠¤ ÃŽ ± , then reject H0.Therefore,0.185 is not equal or less than 0.05.so we fail to reject the null hypothesis. This means that we failed to observe a difference in the attitude to catalogue shopping between men and women. As shown in table 3, for each dependent variable, the output shows the sample size, minimum, maximum standard deviation, standard error and confidence interval for every independent variable level (quasi) In this case, the p value of 0.520 is greater than the 0.05; we fail to reject the null hypothesis. This means that there is limited evidence that the variances aren’t equal as well as the variance assumption homogeneity may fit. The 2 is the between groups degrees of freedom, 105 is within groups degrees of freedom,0.723 is the F ratio from the F column,0.487 is the p value and 986.098 is within groups mean square estimate of

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Personal biography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Personal biography - Essay Example Armed with the knowledge and skill I gained from university and my determination to succeed, I began my career as an office clerk at Rainbow International Trading in Montreal. My intellect, expertise, and abilities promoted me to a supervisory position in less than a year. This new position widened the scope of my responsibility and in the process, furthered my strengths and competency. Wanting to build another career with a new organization, I served as a communication production assistant with the primary task of corresponding with stakeholders. Part of my job is the transacting with different financial institutions and the creation of spreadsheet reports utilizing my knowledge in accounting and expertise in Microsoft Excel. In 1999, I began to pursue a career in finance by joining the team of London Life as a financial security planning advisor. This position gave me a sense of pride and fulfillment as I was awarded the 1999 Honor Award being one of the only two members employed in less than two years to generate $2 million annual sales credit. To further enhance my skill in finance, I opted to become a sales assistant in RBC Investment Services (Asia) Limited. I went home to Hong Kong in 2001 to manage our family business. Currently, I am a Group Assistant manager overseeing the 2000 employees in our artificial flower manufacturing.

Monday, September 23, 2019

RELATE THE STRUCTURE OF EUKARYOTIC AND PROKARYOTIC CELL COMPONENTS AND Assignment

RELATE THE STRUCTURE OF EUKARYOTIC AND PROKARYOTIC CELL COMPONENTS AND ORGANELLES - Assignment Example The function of the plasma membrane in prokaryotes is to lend protection and act as a permeability barrier. In Eukaryotes the plasma membrane also consists of phospholipid layers and performs the same function as that in the prokaryotes. However, in prokaryotes, the structure of plasma membrane consists of hopanoids which are taken to be structural equivalent of sterols found in the Eukaryotic plasma membrane (Rohmer et al, 1984). Hopanoids help prokaryotic cells to adjust cell permeability and adapt to environmental conditions. The most basic difference between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells lies in the position of the DNA and this is basically reflected in their names. In a Eukaryotic cell most of DNA is in the cell organelle called nucleus which is bounded by a double membrane each of which is made up of phospholipids and proteins. The nucleus is the largest organelle in the eukaryotic cell. In case of a Prokaryotic cell, the DNA material lies concentrated in a region known as nucleiod which is not membrane bound. Ribosomes are present in prokaryotic as well as Eukaryotic cells. This cell organelle is slightly smaller in the Prokaryotes than in the Eukaryotes. In Prokaryotes, the ribosome is 70S and is about 2700kd in mass. The Eukaryotic ribosome are slightly larger and consist of 2 sub-units- a larger 60S subunit and a smaller 40S subunit which come together to form a 80S unit which is heavier at 4200kd (Stryer et al, 2002). Even though ribosome is involved in protein synthesis, the Eukaryotic protein synthesis is different from prokaryotic protein synthesis since in Eukaryotes the initiator tRNA is methionine while in case of Prokaryotes the initiator is a specialized tRNA. Prokaryotes lack mitochondria which in Eukaryotes serve as site of cellular respiration and plays pivotal role in metabolism. The structure of the mitochondria in a Eukaryotic cell is sausage shapes, with smooth outer membrane but folded inner

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Similar Triangles Project Essay Example for Free

Similar Triangles Project Essay Introduction: In this project, I found the height of an object I chose based on how tall one of my partners is, how far away she is from the mirror, and how far the mirror was from the base of one of the objects. From there I set up a proportion and solved for X. X represented the unknown height of the chosen object. Once I figured this out I then converted to feet and compared that to my partners height to see if it was a reasonable or realistic height. Two-Column Proof: |Statements |Reasons | |The triangles are right triangles |Given—Mr. Visser told us that we can assume this | |Triangles are similar |If there exists a correspondence between the vertices of two | | |triangles such that two angles of one triangle are congruent to | | |the corresponding angles of the other, then the triangles are | | |similar. | Conclusion: In this project I learned that you can prove similarity in triangles even if you don’t know all of the angle measures and side measures. I thought it was interesting how in all of my objects my estimation on ratio’s from Dannie to the object, were usually fairly close to what it actually was. I liked in this project how we got to chose the things that we measure so there is variability between each group’s projects. One obstacle I ran into was the two column proof because at first I just couldn’t think of how to start, then I just tried the first thing that came to mind, and it ended up helping.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

The Methodology of Female Slavery: Jezebel and Mammy

The Methodology of Female Slavery: Jezebel and Mammy Talking about blacks slavery we have to admit, that female slaves had to cope with and face both: the myth of a woman and the myth of the Negro. It was a difficult situation for women as they were standing at the crossroads of two ideologies, which affected them. Whereas men could escape only the stereotype of the Negro, woman had to escape both stereotype of the Negro and stereotype of the woman at all. As a result both blacks and women were characterized as infantile, irresponsible, submissive and promiscuous. Moreover, in political and economical aspect they were dependent on white men. What more they have in common is that both groups were subservient, powerless in relations with white males. They were also considered to be a kind of outsiders and inferiors. Looking at the era of slavery we can point out two types of African-American women: Jezebel and Mammy. As far as the Mammys is concerned, we can think about Hattie McDaniel, the Mammy in â€Å"Gone with the Wind†. What we see is overweight black woman dressed in a long robe, a head kerchief and a big smile which follows her all the time. In the American history, Mammy was a woman who took care of whites family, especially looking for their children. She was in charge of domestic management and a house servant. She has a strength, experience and willing to do her duties. She was the main house servant and other people were subordinated to her. Mammy was a woman who could do almost everything, and did it even better than anyone else could do. She was often indispensable. What is also important about Mammy, is that she was also a in-home psychologist who often had to serve as a friend and advisor. She was where white women could not be, including playing with children, cooking and cleaning. Most of us think of a Mammy as a maid, who had to work because of her slave status, but the truth is that she was more than that. Of course, she was doing all the things which maid usually does, but also she was like a family member, taking care of white familys personal issues. She was very protective, giving her care and love towards the white children. She was totally devoted to the family because she often did not have her own family and children. Also her interactions were limited due to her obligations. What is more Mammy normally was on the call at all hours, she almost did not have private time, she was often tired and exhausted, being under the scrutiny of the white family. There were some advantages for Mammy like leaving the plantation as waiting maid for their traveling mistresses, or learning to read and write by family members. Nowadays we can see the stereotype of Mammy in the movies or in the pictures, which show us fat, middle-aged, nonsexual and smiling black woman, but it is not how we should imagine and perceive Mammy. According to historical facts, they were not fat, because they did not eat a lot. They were rather young, they rarely passed the 50 limit. Furthermore, not always they were totally black, because they were very often daughters of women raped by white men. The sexual exploitation of black women by white men was unfortunately frequent situation during the antebellum period. In other words, black women were sexually exploited by rich whites, middle class whites, and poor whites. Sexual relations between blacks and whites whether consensual or rapes were taboo. However they occurred often. All black women and girls, regardless of their physical appearances, were vulnerable to being sexually assaulted by white men. Summing up, Mammy was really taking care of the children she was raising them and she was very important member of family. But we still have to point out that she was a slave and did not have much choice, so somehow she had to accept her fate. However if we compare Mammys duties with these of the field worker, we can admit that her situation was far way better. It was also less physically demanding. Comparing to the field worker Mammy could expect better treatment in terms of providing her with food, clothing, medical treatment and sometimes education. The Second type of black woman in times of slavery was Jezebel, who stood in the opposition of the Mammys image. Talking about Jezebel we should imagine young beautiful, sexual free, promiscuous woman, who was often governed by her libido. The perfect example of Jezebel was shown by actress Nina Mae McKinney in a movie â€Å"Hallelujah!†. In those days Jezebel completely stood in opposition not only to Mammy, but also to all white women who were portrayed as self respected with sexual purity. Jezebel was a woman who knew what she wanted, very seductive with lots of emotions and not ashamed of her sexuality. Black men after raping white women were castrated or hanged, whereas white men had no problems with law after raping black slave. Legally they could not do it so easily, because slave women were properties. White men often encouraged the slave women to have a sexual relation by giving them gifts. But also Jezabel made agreements with white men. Sometimes they had a choice to work on the field or to be a sexual attraction for a white male, what made her more independent than her hard working friends. Also black women agreed voluntarily for having sex with white men, because they knew that if they refused they could be forced to it and raped, beaten or even sold. By giving themselves to white masters they gained the chance for some advantages. If they were liked by them they were often awarded. This is one of the reasons why black women were called lust and promiscuous. Jezebel was the object of disdain, hate and envy from the side of white women. During those times white women were co vering all of they bodies with lots of clothes, because nudity was perceived as a lack of civility, morality and sexual restrain. They considered them to be immodest and sexually aberrant. As I have mentioned before, being Jezebel had many disadvantages, one of them was possibility of rape. As a result she often got pregnant. The owner benefited from this situation, because he had supply of next slaves. Sometimes slaves even got a prize for being pregnant, for example they were given a pig. Then according to those facts, we could call a Jezebel as a 18th and 19th century prostitute. Actually the truth is that this image continues till today. The half naked, pretty and hot image now looks good and contemporary African-American women very often want to be a Jezebel. However this image shows us not a slave and prostitute but an independent woman who is confident about her sexuality, her race and look. I think that nowadays the Jezebels image has replaced Mammys as the dominant image of black woman in pop culture. We can observe it in movies, video clips, even on the streets. Black women want to be Jezebel nowadays. They like to show sexual purity, talking about womens needs and sexual abilities. However some of them may even do not know about the origins of the Jezebel image. On the other hand I think that we can also find lots of Mammys images among black women. Except of what had been said above, Mammys were also presented in commercials. Mammy image was very often used to sell household items, food, detergents or beverages. She was presented as the overweight black woman, cooking or doing house-works and of course smiling. To sum up, there is no denying that the images and stereotypes of the slave women during the times of slavery definitely had an impact of the look and behavior of the contemporary African- American woman.

Friday, September 20, 2019

The emergence of sociology

The emergence of sociology What social forces were at work that led to the emergence of sociology in the late 18th and early 19th Century? Sociology can be defined as the study of societies and their development in terms of their political decisions, ethics, economic development, religion and laws. It consists of the organization of collections of human bodies into forms of social life. The end of the 18th century was marked by the French Revolution, the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution initiated in England. The purpose of this essay is to discuss these social forces in terms of their contribution towards the emergence of sociology. The three major factors which influence the emergence of sociology as a sphere of study began in the late eighteenth century with the French Revolution, the period known as the Enlightenment and the industrial revolution. Each one of these influences has contributed to what Karl Polanyi , the Austro-Hungarian philosopher termed the Great Transformation in his book of the same name, one of the results of this great transformation resulted in the emergence of the science of sociology. History began to change in 1789 when the French Revolution broke out followed by the Enlightenment the creation of a new framework of ideas about man, society and nature. In addition, further economic and social changes were brought forward with the industrial revolution firstly in England and then in the whole of Europe. The French revolution had lasted for ten whole years and was the first modern and ideological revolution of its kind. It had a great impact on society because it changed its structure. It managed to eliminate the social distinctions between people and the feudal society.The power shifted away from the Church and came to hands of the people. This was the first time people were seen as citizens. In addition to this, the clerical hierarchy which had existed until then gave up its rights and property. These changes had a historical, political and social impact in the entire of Europe and not just France.Plato and Aristotle had become exterminally manifest in the social and historical world as a consequence of the revolution in France. Additionally, the French Revolution brought significant changes to the family since it was followed by the Declaration of Human Rights which stated that all humans are born free and equal. Changes to family-related issues were also brought into force. At the same time the Church lost much of its tremendous influence and power, which devolved to the people. The clerical hierarchy that had existed until then gave up its rights and property. Civil marriage and divorce were established. Civil marriage was another way for people to project their doubts upon the Church. A couple blessed by God could now follow different paths in their lives with the divorce being established and accepted. Education and religion were also subject to changes.. The second major event, that took place during the late 18th and early 19th century, was Industrialisation. The Industrial Revolution began in England in 18th century (1870) and brought several changes in societies, shaping them in the form they are today. It was the major shift of technological, socioeconomic and cultural conditions in the late 18th and early 19th century that began in Britain and spread throughout the world (Wikipedia, Internet encyclopaedia). At the end of the 18th century the world was experiencing a rapid population growth which led to an economic boom. As the demand was increasing, more workers were needed to cover the increasing demand. Production of goods increased. This was a different type of work before Industrialisation people were working in a traditional forms. Technology brought significant changes in the work place which led to great improvement and efficiency. Machines were now helping people in production and thereby improving time efficiency and production volume as well as the conditions under which people worked. Technological changes included the use of iron and steel, new energy sources. These changes in technology improved both the quality of the products being produced as well as the work-conditions of the workers in production. Fewer efforts were now required by the workers in terms of producing a good. Technology also improved transportation and hence trade and commerce between countries. Markets expanded even more since goods and raw materials that were scarce in one country could be supplied from another. Machines became the symbols of the new society and humanity could be seen to be all working into this machine. In addition, the area of communication also saw great improvement during this time period and people could now travel easier and reach their destination quicker. In the past, the only method people could communicate between them was through letters. This way of communication however, was both time consuming and uncertain since the letters were often lost somewhere in between. Fortunately, during the late 18th and early 19th century letters could be delivered faster and new ways of communication were developed such as the telegraph. These improvements also brought people and societies closer to one another. People moved to the cities were the markets began to emerge. The Enlightenment was a significant contributing factor to the emergence of sociology in the late 18th and early 19th century. The Enlightenment is considered to be the source of critical ideas, such as the centrality freedom, democracy, and reason as primary values of society. It is the creation of a new framework of ideas about man, society and nature, which challenged existing conceptions rooted in a traditional world-view, dominated by Christianity (Hamilton,23). The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement consisting of many philosophers. The most popular figures of this new framework were Charles Montesquieu (1689-1755), Jacques Tugot (1729-1781) and Jean Condorcet (1743-1794). They managed to challenge the traditional and existing conceptions of the world. The thinkers of Enlightenment aimed to teach people stop listening and following blindly the churchs opinion and decisions, and start thinking on their own. Challenge what they hear and develop their critical judgment. People were now advised to try and solve their problems on their own rather than wait for God to provide a solution for them. This new way of thinking was a big factor in economic growth. The iincreased education, through the emergence of upper class philosophers, the publishing of newspapers and the emergence of new types of media resulted in the arts, such a writing and painting to only develop, improve and flourish during that time period. Reaching to a conclusion, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolutionand the Enlightenment were the three major factors that contributed towards the emergence of sociology in the late 18th and early 19th century. During this historical period,peoples lives became much easier and better. All these changes helped people become more open minded and created for them a life with more choices. , This important turning point in history led to a technological and economic boom. It also resulted in people learning to live in societies. A person who cannot live in society, or does not need to because he is self-sufficient, is either a beast or a God. (Aristotle, Politics) Bibliography Lecture and Tutorial notes Wikipedia-online encyclopedia Internet the rise of sociology Morrison, K. 2006. Marx Durkheim Weber. Bilton, T. Bonnet, K. Jones, P. Lawson, T. Skinner, D. Stanworth, M. Webster, A. 2002. Introductory sociology, 4th edition. Palgrave Macmillan

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Effective dramatic irony Essay -- essays research papers fc

Effective Dramatic Irony   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Oedipus The King, Sophocles creates rising action by asking dramatic questions throughout the play. These questions generate suspense in the audience when they become dramatic irony and amplify the climax. During the falling action, Oedipus is engulfed in misery when he experiences a reversal of fortune. Finally, Oedipus goes through a discovery process ending when he discovers his tragic resolution. According to Aristotle, a tragedy consist of a drama that contains incidents that arouse pity, and a tragic hero that ordinarily is a man of noble stature not because of his own virtue but rather his own intelligence and reasoning. Sophocles uses dramatic irony as an element of fiction in Oedipus The King that builds rising action, foreshadows, and shows a reversal of fortune. According to Literature, dramatic irony is a kind of suspenseful expectation, when the author and the audience understand the implications and meanings of situations on stage, and foreshadow the oncoming disaster, while the character does not.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Aristotle describes dramatic irony used in the plot of Oedipus The King as a â€Å"reversal†. When the first messenger arrived with the news that contrary to the prophecy that Oedipus would kill his father and begat children with his mother, his father had died of old age. However, the audience is privileged with the knowledge of the dramatic irony soon to unwind. In the Exodos, a mi...

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Aftircan American Progress in World War II Essay -- essays research pa

World War II, global military conflict that, in terms of lives lost and material destruction, was the most devastating war in human history. It began in 1939 as a European conflict between Germany and an Anglo-French coalition but eventually widened to include most of the nations of the world. It ended in 1945, leaving a new world order dominated by the United States and the USSR.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  More than any previous war, World War II involved the commitment of nations' entire human and economic resources, the blurring of the distinction between combatant and noncombatant, and the expansion of the battlefield to include all of the enemy's territory. The most important determinants of its outcome were industrial capacity and personnel. In the last stages of the war, two radically new weapons were introduced: the long-range rocket and the atomic bomb. In the main, however, the war was fought with the same or improved weapons of the types used in World War I. The greatest advances were in aircraft and tanks.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"For African Americans, World War II was a fight on two fronts. It was a struggle to prevail over the nation’s external enemies and a battle against a familiar home-grown foe: bigotry† (Allen). When World War II began in Europe in 1939, blacks demanded better treatment than they had experienced during World War I. Black newspaper editors insisted during 1939 and 1940 that black support for this war effort would depend on fair treatment. They demanded that black soldiers be trained in all military roles and that black civilians have equal opportunities to work in war industries at home.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  African Americans were some of the quickest and most energetic to condemn the risings of fascism in Europe. They instantly understood the risks Nazism and its Aryan doctrines imposed on the world. Some had read Hitler’s Mein Kampf and had taken offense to its unfavorable comments toward blacks. It was also claimed that in 1936 Hitler had refused to treat African American Olympic stars Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalf with common decency in Berlin. Also the knockout of the black idol Joe Louis in 1936 by Max Schmeling had fueled some bitter emotions toward Nazism and it was fueled once again when Louis exacted his complete revenge in 1938.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the beginning of the war Afri... ...seat at the back of the bus. Robinson refused. â€Å"He was arrested and court-martialed for â€Å"disrespectful† conduct and disobeying orders, he was acquitted, but the incident prevented him from going overseas with the 761st† (Allen). Robinson would go on to become the first black baseball player to integrate the major leagues. â€Å"The World War II experience was a watershed for African Americans. Jim Crow remained intact, but the ideological bases of white supremacy and colonialism were undermined by the horrors of the Holocaust† (Earle 87). The war experience gave about one million blacks the opportunity to fight racism in Europe and Asia, a fact that black veterans would remember during the struggle against racism at home after the war. Perhaps just as important, almost ten times that many white Americans witnessed the patriotic service of black Americans. Many of them would object to the continued denial of civil rights to the men and women beside whom they had fought. After World War II the momentum for racial change continued. Black soldiers returned home with determination to have full civil rights. President Harry Truman ordered the final desegregation of the armed forces in 1948.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Rogarian Arguments

Quiz – Chapter 2 Name: U number: 1. The dramatic recovery of Russian Economy in recent days can be attributed to: a. record world prices for oil and gas b. the succession of Vladimir Putin as president c. Putin slashed subsidies to state-owned enterprises d. the price increases for imports due to ruble’s devaluation e. all of the above can be attributed 2. According to author William Greider, executives and marketers must take into account the following new realities in the global economic situation: a. production has become â€Å"uncoupled† from employment b. he world economy dominates the scene c. the struggle between capitalism and socialism is over d. the growth of e-commerce diminishes the importance of national barriers e. all of the above 3. The rampant corruption and bribery witnessed in a nation’s economy is referred to as: a. re-nationalization b. managed democracy c. Kleptocracy d. autocracy e. None of the above 4. One of the distinguishing feat ures of Centrally Planned Capitalism economic system is: a. all production resources are privately owned b. the state has broad powers to serve the public interest as it sees fit c. ommand resource allocation is utilized extensively in private resource ownership environment d. market allocation policies are permitted within and environment of state ownership e. none of the above 5. The Swedish government has significant holdings in key business sectors and has hybrid economic system that incorporate: a. market capitalism and centrally planned socialism b. centrally planned socialism and market socialism c. centrally planned socialism and capitalism d. market socialism and market capitalism e. market capitalism and socialistic capitalism 6.Which type of economic system is characterized by command resource allocation and private resource ownership: a. market capitalism b. centrally-planned capitalism c. market socialism d. centrally-planned socialism e. None of the above 7. Which type of economic system is characterized by market resource allocation and state resource ownership: a. market capitalism b. centrally-planned capitalism c. market socialism d. centrally-planned socialism e. None of the above 8. China predominantly follows an economic system that can be classified under: a. centrally planned socialism b. market socialism . market capitalism d. centrally planned capitalism e. socialistic capitalism 9. Which of the following is true about economic output in China today: a. the state sector accounts for about 75 percent of output b. the state and private sectors each account for about 50 percent of output c. the private sector accounts for about 75 percent of output d. the private sector is virtually nonexistent in China e. the state sector is virtually nonexistent in China 10. The Washington, DC-based Heritage Foundation compiles a survey of over 150 countries ranked by degree of economic freedom.Although there are a number of key economic variables which are considered in this ranking it does not include: a. monetary policy b. banking policy c. black market d. property rights e. none of the above 11. Singapore banned the import, manufacture, and sales of chewing gum in the country since wads of gum were making a mess on sidewalks, buses, and subway trains. Violators are subject to severe penalties and before buying a pack consumers must register their names and addresses. This according to author William Greider demonstrates that Singapore’s government: a. is harshly autocratic . administers a paranoid control over Singaporeans c. administers a paranoid control over press and politics d. runs an effective welfare state e. all of the above 12. The general characteristics shared by low-income countries does not include: a. high birth rates b. low literacy rates c. concentration in Africa south of the Sahara d. heavy reliance on foreign aid e. low tourist income 13. Which of the following BRIC nations fall in the lower-middle-i ncome category? a. India and China b. China and Brazil c. Brazil and Russia d. Russia and India e. none of the above 14.Pursuing alternative sources of energy, such as wind and solar power is important due to the fact that: a. people in developing countries are more conscious about environment b. global marketers are more interested in publicizing environmental issues c. it is easy to develop solar power in many parts of the world d. heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes to global warming e. people worldwide can afford to buy power generated from wind and solar 15. Product and market opportunities in a postindustrial society are more heavily dependent upon new products and innovations than in industrial societies. An example of this would be: . Nestle marketing Bono brand cookies in Brazil b. Coca-cola company developing a beverage Vintago in low-income countries c. New e-commerce markets for interactive forms of electronic communication d. Hermes creating handbags called Amazo nia e. India’s Suzlon Energy using wind driven turbines 16. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is comprised of: a. the 30 high-income countries b. countries that believe in market-allocation economic systems c. pluralistic democracies d. countries that demonstrate progress toward economic reform e. all of the above statements are applicable 7. The fastest-growing sector of world trade includes: a. travel and entertainment b. accounting and legal services c. royalties and license fees d. engineering services e. all of the above 18. Between the year 2001 and 2006, China bought more than $ 250 billion in U. S. Treasury bonds. Such purchases: a. ensures that China’s currency is relatively weak compared to the U. S. dollar b. indicate that China is not sure of its economic viability c. show that currency exchange rate is unpredictable d. predict that yuan will be devalued in the near future e. China’s currency is stronger than the U. S. dollar 9. To the extent that a country sells more goods and services abroad than it buys, there will be: a. a greater demand for its currency b. a surplus production of goods and services c. a scarcity of goods and services within the country d. a need for revaluation of its currency e. time for fluctuating its currency 20. The Big Mac Index dated February 01, 2007 shows that the price of Big Mac in China was 11 yuan whereas its price in the United States was $ 3. 22. The index translated into yuan being undervalued by 56%. This shows that: a. Big Mac is more expensive in the United States than in China b.Big Mac is less expensive in the United States than in China c. Big Mac costs the same in the United States and China d. Big Mac is less popular in China than in the United States e. Big Mac is more popular in China than in the United States Essay Question The newly independent countries of the former Soviet Union present an interesting situation: on one hand the income is declinin g creating considerable economic hardship whereas there are attractive opportunities with good potential from moving out of the low-income category. What are some of the problems and opportunities for these countries?

Monday, September 16, 2019

Nissan Planning New Fuel-cell Vehicle

The global environment has been afflicted to a considerable extent by the conventional combustion engines of the vehicles, creating certain problems of global interest like exhaust emission, global warming and increased dependence on fossil fuel. (Paul Nieuwenhuis, Peter Wells, 2003)It has been estimated that fossil fuels are a limited resource. Nissan has always played a key role in automotive industry and foreseen that mobility is an inevitable part of economic development of any country. Nissan has contributed his share by harnessing the technological strengths that has accumulated over many years of its dedication and ever-changing discoveries.The basic charm in the philosophy of fuel cell vehicle is in its environment friendliness. It is expected to play an evermore important role as a clean energy vehicle. Main feature of fuel cell vehicle is that electrical energy is obtained by the chemical reaction of hydrogen and water. In this reaction sole emission is water which is alrea dy the part of ecosystem means least or almost no pollution. The electrical energy obtained in this manner will be utilized to get it converted into mechanical driving force by a number of engineering processes. (Lloyd Dixon, Isaac Porche, Jonathan Kulick, 2002).The Nissan FCV employs elements of a variety of technologies, including electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and compressed natural gas vehicle (CNGV) technologies.Nissan's FCV applies technologies that have been developed in Nissan, such as lithium ion batteries and high voltage electric systems for electric vehicles, control technologies for hybrid vehicles and high pressure gas storage systems for CNGV. Nissan has been developing FCVs that endeavors to accomplish outstanding environmental and energy-saving capacity. (Geographical, 2003)Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) declared in February 2006, a program that will put its newest fuel cell-equipped vehicle to the test trial for analysis. The new seventy mega Pasca l (MPa) high-pressure hydrogen-powered Nissan X-Trail FCV (fuel cell vehicle) was at home in Canada for testing, which will take place in the vicinity of the Greater Vancouver. The Nissan X-Trail FCV encloses a hydrogen fuel cylinder manufactured by Dynetek Industries Ltd. of Calgary, Alta. The important thing about this cylinder is that it has been built in Canada.The vehicle is under test at Surrey, B.C.-based Powertech Labs Inc., an entirely owned auxiliary of BC Hydro, in collaboration with Fuel Cells Canada. Fuel Cells Canada administers the Hydrogen Highway, a synchronized, large-scale presentation and utilization program intended to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies. Nissan joined these organizations in Surrey to start the testing.â€Å"Through Nissan's advances in hydrogen fuel cell technology, we hope to improve the practicality of fuel cells as a future clean power source,†These are the words uttered by John Junker-Andersen, Dir ector, Parts, Service and Quality Assurance at NCI. He further added,â€Å"Together with the assistance of Powertech and BC Hydro, we are working hard to make the benefits of fuel cells and their promise of high efficiency and zero emissions a viable reality.†A fuel cell vehicle is in consequence an electric vehicle, using a fuel cell to alter hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. The electricity is produced by a chemical reaction inside the fuel cell stack when hydrogen from the fuel cylinder merges with oxygen in air. The only by-product is water, making FCVs completely emissions-free. Robb Thompson, Dynetek Industries Ltd said,â€Å"With partners such as Nissan and BC Hydro, we are able to test compressed hydrogen in real world situations,†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Through these tests, we have demonstrated that compressed hydrogen is the best commercially suitable alternative for the success of the hydrogen economy.†nyne-ngvp.orgNissan will test the vehicle in a number of enviro nments and drive cycles, including moderate cold-weather, high-speed hill climbs and highway driving, to evaluate the vehicle's capabilities and the hydrogen fuel system's performance.Livio Gambone, Manager, Vehicle Programs at Powertech said,â€Å"As members of the Hydrogen Highway(TM), we are pleased to support Nissan's vehicle testing program,†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Our climate and geography, plus access to our seventy MPa hydrogen filling station, make the Vancouver area the best and only place to test the viability and endurance of this FCV.†The seventy MPa high-pressure hydrogen-powered Nissan X-Trail FCV is the company's most-recent developmental fuel cell vehicle. Equipped with the first-ever Nissan-constructed fuel cell stack, the X-Trail FCV also boasts a more compact design and increased power. A previous 2003 model offered a cruising range of 350 km, but thanks to improved stack efficiency and a 30 percent increase in the high-pressure Dynetek hydrogen cylinder's storage ca pacity, the new X-Trail FCV is expected to achieve a cruising range of more than 500 km.John Tak, President and CEO, Fuel Cells Canada said,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"We applaud Nissan Canada's decision to test their newest hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle along the Hydrogen Highway(TM),† â€Å"As a world-leading centre for hydrogen and fuel cell expertise, British Columbia's Hydrogen Highway(TM) is an ideal proving ground to test and demonstrate these technologies.†Nissan has been working on FCV development since 1996. In addition to design and engineering work conducted in Japan, extensive testing and development has also been conducted in other markets, including the United States, where Nissan is a member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP). About Nissan Canada Inc. Nissan Canada Inc. is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. With offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC), N issan Canada directly employs two hundred and ninety staff, while one hundred and forty six independent businesses hold exclusive Nissan dealerships and twenty nine hold exclusive Infinity dealerships. (Jim Motavalli, 2003).Ten years devotion of Nissan for fuel-cell research has evolved as the latest FCV X-Trail sport/utility vehicle. Nissan engineered and assembled a fuel stack in-house and its most recent unit manages to squeeze the stack’s sophisticated technology in a smaller and lighter package. The new stack develops 120 horse power—35 horse power more than the one fixed to the previous 2003 FCV X-Trail. As a consequence the new model put forward better linear speeding up and response, higher top speed too.Fuel cell packaging has gifted the new vehicle with more freed passenger space. The lithium-ion battery pack, that is stored under the trunk floor, is also built smaller, permitting for more goods room. In addition to this the smaller fuel-cell unit releases 40 percent extra space under the front seats.The considerable egg shaped hydrogen tank, which is lined by aluminium in its inner wall and strengthened with carbon fiber in its outer covering posed substantial packaging problem. Nissan has resolved it by placing it under the rear seats with resultant diminished headroom. The texture of the new tank provides it with greater accommodative capacity imparting thirty percent more hydrogen storage capacity that has a great impact on vehicle cruising mileage, sometimes attaining three hundred and twelve miles.The vehicle X-trial has been observed efficient on the road. Drive of this car is as easy operative as selective drive and tapping into the zero-emission power once the onboard computer system indicates the green signal. Nissan has manufactured the FCV X-trail to bestow the drivers a feeling of normal driving experience a part from the apparent lack of a noxious exhaust. In fact the car is being propelled by the electrical energy generat ed as a result of discussed chemical reaction. Since a train-like motor sound is audible from the background, however it is never annoying. (Robert L. Olson, 2003).The X-Trail accelerates readily up to a seventy mile per hour cruising speed and easily achieves a ninety three miles per hour top speed.Japanese government has approved public road testing and leasing of the Nissan’s latest fuel cell vehicles due to  Nissan’s determined hard work and research in the field of fuel cell technology. Let us see when Nissan markets its matchless vehicle for the use of consumers.References:Geographical (2003). Cleaning Up the World's Exhaust Pipes: They're Quiet, Efficient, Run on Renewable Energy Sources and Their Exhaust Is Just a Cloud of Water Vapour. Could the Rise of Fuel-Cell Vehicles Spell the End of the Internal Combustion Engine? Magazine article; Vol. 75, AugustJack Doyle (2000). Taken for a Ride: Detroit's Big Three and the Politics of Pollution; Four Walls Eight Wi ndowsJim Motavalli (2003). Power Plays: Fuel Cells Are Reaching the Market, in What Could Be a $100 Billion Industry; E, Vol. 14, JanuaryLloyd Dixon, Isaac Porche, Jonathan Kulick (2002). Driving Emissions to Zero: Are the Benefits of California's Zero Emission Vehicle Program Worth the Costs; RandPaul Nieuwenhuis, Peter Wells (2003). The Automotive Industry and the Environment: A Technical, Business and Social Future; CRC PressRobert L. Olson (2003). The Promise and Pitfalls of Hydrogen Energy: Nonpolluting and Renewable, Hydrogen Energy Holds Great Promise as an Energy Alternative in the Future. Here's a Look at What's Right about Hydrogen Energy- and How It Can Go Wrong; The Futurist, Vol. 37, Julynyne-ngvp.org Nissan Planning New Fuel-cell Vehicle The global environment has been afflicted to a considerable extent by the conventional combustion engines of the vehicles, creating certain problems of global interest like exhaust emission, global warming and increased dependence on fossil fuel. (Paul Nieuwenhuis, Peter Wells, 2003)It has been estimated that fossil fuels are a limited resource. Nissan has always played a key role in automotive industry and foreseen that mobility is an inevitable part of economic development of any country. Nissan has contributed his share by harnessing the technological strengths that has accumulated over many years of its dedication and ever-changing discoveries.The basic charm in the philosophy of fuel cell vehicle is in its environment friendliness. It is expected to play an evermore important role as a clean energy vehicle. Main feature of fuel cell vehicle is that electrical energy is obtained by the chemical reaction of hydrogen and water. In this reaction sole emission is water which is alrea dy the part of ecosystem means least or almost no pollution. The electrical energy obtained in this manner will be utilized to get it converted into mechanical driving force by a number of engineering processes. (Lloyd Dixon, Isaac Porche, Jonathan Kulick, 2002).  The Nissan FCV employs elements of a variety of technologies, including electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and compressed natural gas vehicle (CNGV) technologies.Nissan's FCV applies technologies that have been developed in Nissan, such as lithium ion batteries and high voltage electric systems for electric vehicles, control technologies for hybrid vehicles and high pressure gas storage systems for CNGV. Nissan has been developing FCVs that endeavors to accomplish outstanding environmental and energy-saving capacity. (Geographical, 2003)Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) declared in February 2006, a program that will put its newest fuel cell-equipped vehicle to the test trial for analysis. The new seventy mega P ascal (MPa) high-pressure hydrogen-powered Nissan X-Trail FCV (fuel cell vehicle) was at home in Canada for testing, which will take place in the vicinity of the Greater Vancouver. The Nissan X-Trail FCV encloses a hydrogen fuel cylinder manufactured by Dynetek Industries Ltd. of Calgary, Alta. The important thing about this cylinder is that it has been built in Canada. The vehicle is under test at Surrey, B.C.-based Powertech Labs Inc., an entirely owned auxiliary of BC Hydro, in collaboration with Fuel Cells Canada. Fuel Cells Canada administers the Hydrogen Highway, a synchronized, large-scale presentation and utilization program intended to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies. Nissan joined these organizations in Surrey to start the testing.â€Å"Through Nissan's advances in hydrogen fuel cell technology, we hope to improve the practicality of fuel cells as a future clean power source,†Ã‚  These are the words uttered by John Junker-Ande rsen, Director, Parts, Service and Quality Assurance at NCI. He further added,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Together with the assistance of Powertech and BC Hydro, we are working hard to make the benefits of fuel cells and their promise of high efficiency and zero emissions a viable reality.†A fuel cell vehicle is in consequence an electric vehicle, using a fuel cell to alter hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. The electricity is produced by a chemical reaction inside the fuel cell stack when hydrogen from the fuel cylinder merges with oxygen in air. The only by-product is water, making FCVs completely emissions-free. Robb Thompson, Dynetek Industries Ltd said,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"With partners such as Nissan and BC Hydro, we are able to test compressed hydrogen in real world situations,†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Through these tests, we have demonstrated that compressed hydrogen is the best commercially suitable alternative for the success of the hydrogen economy.†Nissan will test the vehicle in a number o f environments and drive cycles, including moderate cold-weather, high-speed hill climbs and highway driving, to evaluate the vehicle's capabilities and the hydrogen fuel system's performance.  Livio Gambone, Manager, Vehicle Programs at Powertech said,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"As members of the Hydrogen Highway(TM), we are pleased to support Nissan's vehicle testing program,†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Our climate and geography, plus access to our seventy MPa hydrogen filling station, make the Vancouver area the best and only place to test the viability and endurance of this FCV.†The seventy MPa high-pressure hydrogen-powered Nissan X-Trail FCV is the company's most-recent developmental fuel cell vehicle. Equipped with the first-ever Nissan-constructed fuel cell stack, the X-Trail FCV also boasts a more compact design and increased power. A previous 2003 model offered a cruising range of 350 km, but thanks to improved stack efficiency and a 30 percent increase in the high-pressure Dynetek hydrogen cylin der's storage capacity, the new X-Trail FCV is expected to achieve a cruising range of more than 500 km.John Tak, President and CEO, Fuel Cells Canada said,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"We applaud Nissan Canada's decision to test their newest hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle along the Hydrogen Highway(TM),† â€Å"As a world-leading centre for hydrogen and fuel cell expertise, British Columbia's Hydrogen Highway(TM) is an ideal proving ground to test and demonstrate these technologies.†Nissan has been working on FCV development since 1996. In addition to design and engineering work conducted in Japan, extensive testing and development has also been conducted in other markets, including the United States, where Nissan is a member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP). About Nissan Canada Inc. Nissan Canada Inc. is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. With offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC), Nissan Canada directly employs two hundred and ninety staff, while one hundred and forty six independent businesses hold exclusive Nissan dealerships and twenty nine hold exclusive Infinity dealerships. (Jim Motavalli, 2003).Ten years devotion of Nissan for fuel-cell research has evolved as the latest FCV X-Trail sport/utility vehicle. Nissan engineered and assembled a fuel stack in-house and its most recent unit manages to squeeze the stack’s sophisticated technology in a smaller and lighter package. The new stack develops 120 horse power—35 horse power more than the one fixed to the previous 2003 FCV X-Trail. As a consequence the new model put forward better linear speeding up and response, higher top speed too.Fuel cell packaging has gifted the new vehicle with more freed passenger space. The lithium-ion battery pack, that is stored under the trunk floor, is also built smaller, permitting for more goods room. In addition to this the smaller fuel-cell unit releases 40 percent extra space under the front seats.The considerable egg shaped hydrogen tank, which is lined by aluminium in its inner wall and strengthened with carbon fiber in its outer covering posed substantial packaging problem. Nissan has resolved it by placing it under the rear seats with resultant diminished headroom. The texture of the new tank provides it with greater accommodative capacity imparting thirty percent more hydrogen storage capacity that has a great impact on vehicle cruising mileage, sometimes attaining three hundred and twelve miles.The vehicle X-trial has been observed efficient on the road. Drive of this car is as easy operative as selective drive and tapping into the zero-emission power once the onboard computer system indicates the green signal. Nissan has manufactured the FCV X-trail to bestow the drivers a feeling of normal driving experience a part from the apparent lack of a noxious exhaust. In fact the car is being propelled by the electrica l energy generated as a result of discussed chemical reaction. Since a train-like motor sound is audible from the background, however it is never annoying. (Robert L. Olson, 2003).The X-Trail accelerates readily up to a seventy mile per hour cruising speed and easily achieves a ninety three miles per hour top speed.  Japanese government has approved public road testing and leasing of the Nissan’s latest fuel cell vehicles due to Nissan’s determined hard work and research in the field of fuel cell technology. Let us see when Nissan markets its matchless vehicle for the use of consumers.References:Geographical (2003). Cleaning Up the World's Exhaust Pipes: They're Quiet, Efficient, Run on Renewable Energy Sources and Their Exhaust Is Just a Cloud of Water Vapour. Could the Rise of Fuel-Cell Vehicles Spell the End of the Internal Combustion Engine? Magazine article; Vol. 75, AugustJack Doyle (2000). Taken for a Ride: Detroit's Big Three and the Politics of Pollution; Fo ur Walls Eight WindowsJim Motavalli (2003). Power Plays: Fuel Cells Are Reaching the Market, in What Could Be a $100 Billion Industry; E, Vol. 14, JanuaryLloyd Dixon, Isaac Porche, Jonathan Kulick (2002). Driving Emissions to Zero: Are the Benefits of California's Zero Emission Vehicle Program Worth the Costs; RandPaul Nieuwenhuis, Peter Wells (2003). The Automotive Industry and the Environment: A Technical, Business and Social Future; CRC PressRobert L. Olson (2003). The Promise and Pitfalls of Hydrogen Energy: Nonpolluting and Renewable, Hydrogen Energy Holds Great Promise as an Energy Alternative in the Future. Here's a Look at What's Right about Hydrogen Energy- and How It Can Go Wrong; The Futurist, Vol. 37, July