Friday, March 20, 2020

Hawk vs. Hock

Hawk vs. Hock Hawk vs. Hock Hawk vs. Hock By Mark Nichol What’s the difference between the verbs hawk and hock? Both have associations with mercantile transactions, but the meanings and etymologies are distinct. To hawk one’s wares is to sell them. The word has no relationship to the name of the raptor or to the extension of that term to refer to person who supports war; one might associate a hawker calling out to prospective buyers with the cry of a hawk, but the verb hawk and the noun hawker derive from the German word hà ¶ker, meaning â€Å"to peddle.† However, hawk is also used as a verb to describe clearing the throat of phlegm; this sense derives from the bird’s harsh call. To hock, by contrast, is to pawn one’s possessions to give to a moneylender as security. (The person who hocks belongings then either repays the lender or forfeits the belongings, which the lender may then sell.) This word comes from the Dutch term hok, meaning â€Å"prison† or â€Å"enclosure†; the association is that someone who is in hock (in debt) is beholden to another as if he or she is a prisoner. Hock, from the Middle English word hoch, meaning â€Å"heel,† has another meaning: It refers to the ankle of certain quadrupeds such as horses or the part of a bird’s leg corresponding to that part of the anatomy; by extension, it also applies to a cut of meat taken from just above an animal’s foot. Among oenophiles, hoch also refers to German white wines; the name is a truncation of the city name Hochheim. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Wether, Weather, Whether5 Brainstorming Strategies for WritersSit vs. Set

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Stegomastodon Facts and Figures

Stegomastodon Facts and Figures Name: Stegomastodon (Greek for roof nippled tooth); pronounced STEG-oh-MAST-oh-don Habitat: Plains of North and South America Historical Epoch: Late Pliocene-Modern (three million-10,000 years ago) Size and Weight: About 12 feet long and 2-3 tons Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Moderate size; long, upward-curving tusks; complex cheek teeth About Stegomastodon Its name sounds impressive- like a cross between a Stegosaurus and a Mastodon- but you might be disappointed to learn that Stegomastodon is actually Greek for roof-nippled tooth, and that this prehistoric elephant wasnt even a true Mastodon, being more closely related to Gomphotherium than to the genus to which all Mastodons belonged, Mammut. (We wont even mention Stegodon, another elephant family to which Stegomastodon was only distantly related.) As you may already have guessed, Stegomastodon was named after its unusually complex cheek teeth, which allowed it to eat such un-pachyderm-like foods as grass. More importantly, Stegomastodon is one of the few ancestral elephants (besides Cuvieronius) to have prospered in South America, where it survived until historical times. These two pachyderm genera made their way south during the Great American Interchange, three million years ago, when the Panamanian isthmus rose up from the seafloor and connected North and South America (and thus allowed the native fauna to migrate in both directions, with sometimes deleterious effects on native populations). To judge by the fossil evidence, Stegomastodon populated the grasslands east of the Andes mountains, while Cuvieronius preferred higher, cooler altitudes. Given that it survived until shortly after the last Ice Age, 10,000 years ago, its almost certain that Stegomastodon was preyed on by the indigenous human tribes of South America- which, along with inexorable climate change, drove this pachyderm to complete extinction.

Sunday, February 16, 2020

In the current global economic climate, countries with strong Essay

In the current global economic climate, countries with strong economics should support countries experiencing financial difficul - Essay Example There are various reasons to cite for the need of external help from the developed economies. First, developed economies have integrated their labour in that they use machinery and technology. In many underdeveloped economies, most sectors use manual labour in production. This is a setback, as the production is not optimised. For example, most of the poor economies use manual labourers in farming and in industries. This requires a large number of people to effectively enhance production. However, with the help of developed economies the poor countries will realise the need for sophisticated mode of operations. For example, the poor countries need to incorporate mechanised farming, which will reduce on both time and cost taken to prepare and produce agricultural goods. In the mean time, they will have optimised their agricultural production, which will improve the economy. Similarly, the developed countries should help poor countries emulate many more modern farming techniques. As suc h, the poor countries will start investing in agricultural inputs including fertilizers and improved breeds as well as seeds. It is noted that agriculture is a strong economic pillar for poor countries. Therefore, this sector will attract immense attention especially when developed countries would want to help. ... Improving the agricultural sector will pave way for massive production. This would be a prudent idea since it will help the developed countries in provision of raw materials for production. This will improve both bilateral and multilateral trade in the world. Apparently, it is realised that many developed countries have many industries that require raw materials. Since these industries need raw materials, improving bilateral and multilateral trade will be a solution to scarcity of raw materials (Wodon 2012:34). In essence, both developed and poor economies will benefit from improvement in agriculture, as there will be a balance of trade. In the modern world, global climate change has been a thorny issue. This is highlighted owing to immense increase in pollution of the environment. Apparently, most of the developed countries are spearheading the need to reduce pollution in the world since it has affected the global climate. However, some of these actions are not reiterated to the poo r countries. In fact, countries experiencing financial difficulties have limited resources in controlling pollution. Bizarrely, pollution in some parts of the world would affect the climate, which later affects the whole world. As such, the strong economies should allocate resources to help reduce pollution in the poor economies. This would help in reducing the effects of pollution. It is noted that strong economies in the world are grumbling for better healthcare, improved income, better working conditions and improved education systems. However, in the countries faced with financial constraints, such are luxuries. For example, in some of these countries, access to healthcare is a problem. People have to travel long distances to access healthcare services. This is

Monday, February 3, 2020

Samsung Electronics of Korea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Samsung Electronics of Korea - Essay Example The long-term vision of the chairman and their ability to exploit the potential of the changing preferences of the customers became the main mantra of Samsung’s success in the highly competitive field of electronic gadgets. Currently, Samsung’s products and services are known for their quality innovative product lines which are also cost-effective. It has developed its core competencies to a formidable extent and offers stiff competition to electronic majors like Sony, Nokia, Phillips etc. by continuously coming up with ever new features in all its products   The basis of Samsung’s current business model is its speed based innovative products. The company focused on its strategy of developing research and engineering skills so that it could improve and improvise innovatively on the electrical and digital products of Sony, Phillips, Matsushita, and Nokia. Samsung’s ability to launch its own products with added features with a great speed was a huge success with the target population. Samsung had geared its teams of professionals to keep a strict watch on the people’s pulse and was, therefore, able to anticipate their demands and used to come up with new products and features that were envied by its rivals.   Another factor that had contributed to its success was that it had realized early the fickle nature of peoples’ preferences which rapidly evolved with the changing times.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

The Business Environment Of Toyota Cars Marketing Essay

The Business Environment Of Toyota Cars Marketing Essay Business strategy can be achieved by observing both internal and external environment factors of the organisation (Kotler, 2003). SWOT and PESTLE are tools to find out the position, status and the future of the business and its strategy, and the factors of macro environment highlights the present and future problems which may an organisation can suffer (Morrison, 2006). Environmental audit/scanning has been defines by Pilbeam Corbridge, (2002) The process through which managers as the organisation strategists use different tools and perception to constantly gather and feedback information about the environment to inform decision maker. Moreover it has been describes that environmental scanning is linked with the performance of organisation because through environmental scanning the company will be in a position to get direction for the future present and may for future(Thomas et al, 1993). Below are the main factors which effect the environment of an organisation. The writer has analysed these factors in the Toyota and studied their mission, strategies and customer service which reflect that in automobile industry as Toyota is world leading company in providing maximum best customer service, quality in products and maximum satisfaction to each and every customer. The writer feel that there is a proper coordination of work and its seems to be a strong culture in the line of company suppliers, staff, customers, competitors, and other company stake holders like partners and investors. External Factors/Macro Environment: Ireland et al, (2008) described external environment as general environment. Political, economic, social and demographic, technological, global are those forces which effects strategy of an organisation. These forces help to scan the business environment (Morrison, 2006). Environmental scanning is tool for monitoring and evaluating forces which effect organisation long term goal and its strategy. Micro environment can impact on companies internal factors for business process such as employee and customer satisfaction. Therefore new strategy of an organisation needs to be defined according to new macro environmental changes which come from Pestle forces. Impact of Economic Factors on Business Strategy: Both external and internal factors affect the environment of the business in all aspects. According to case study below are some economic forces which effect Toyota business worldwide: Economic Growth: If the ability of a country increases in the line of economic stability it mean the country has ability to increase high product because there is a high demand. Economic growth also reflect high purchasing power of the consumers that is why the economic growth has double impact on the economics of the country one side the manufacturer and producer has to produce more because the chance of high profit as it reflect there is a demand. If economic growth and development goes down in the country where Toyota is operating their services then it will affect Toyota in term of sales and production (Economic Notes, 2007). For example 1995 Toyota started small plant in southwest Indiana and within 10 years its growth and production increases to double (Kaelble, (2007). Business is affected by the economic situations, on-going recession which is unpredictable in the United Kingdom and worldwide as many companies have suffered. In the beginning 2010 Toyota was also affected by recession, and the company has to cut down its costs and slow down many operations which brought Toyota in loss (Krish, 2009). Inflation Rate: Inflation is a condition of increasing prices. It effects economy of country badly and distort consumers behaviour towards products. High rate of inflation increase stress for organisation future plans and living standards of people (LasanthaW, 2010). According to report inflation rate in United Kingdom Increased to 4% and this increase will bring instability in every business. Business costs will rise for the products which have been outsourcing (BBC, 2011). For Toyota through inflation, menu costs, services costs and other costs will rise. Therefore, the business environment internally and externally has to demonstrate properly in the line of new pricing strategy. Exchange rates: As Toyota is world largest company and operating in different countries and as operating a business at international level the exchange rate is another factor in economic conditions that have effected on the business strategy of Toyota. As currency rates differs due to economic condition of the country and world business depends on US economy. Toyota management needs to keep an eye on the exchange rate in order to get the cheap but high quality products and material to serve their customers (Sloman and Sutcliffe, 2004). Globalisation: Globalisation is fast growing impact in world as Levitt, (1983) said all companies have to learn in the global world by understanding national, international and regional differences and have to develop product and service according to new shifts which are exists in the global economy. In Levitt research it has been highlight that all the changes in this world are due to new paradigm and phenomenon of globalisation. Morrison, (2006) states that demographic change in the world has brought world together on one platform as one large market and this happens because of globalisation. Skill Level of Work Force: The unemployment rate is that rate determined by the structural and frictional forces in the economy which cannot be reduced by raising aggregate demand Pearce, 1989, p. 296(Goliath, 2008). The economy of country will be more productive if the education level of people living in that country is high. If the people of the country are educated, they can develop new industries and technologies. Education is key factor to economic survival. It can pioneer new areas for jobs. Companies always need new skills thats the reason every company train its staff for future investment (Coughlan, 2004). Impact of Social Factors on New Business strategy: Same as economic factors business is affected by social factors below are some highlighted factors: Population Growth: Morrison, (2006) states that population is not still, it keeps on changing all the time. These changes are in form of increase or decrease in death, birth or migration rate. These demographic changes have long term effect on society and businesses. According to U.S Census Bureau, 2010 population in the world is increasing dramatically by report population in next 30 years will go up to approximately 3 billion. This demographic change affect the business market and every business try to move to the place where growth rate and buying power is high. E.g. in china population growth rate is high and every business starts from there. Attitude: Attitude is the important factor in customer service industry. Attitude and behaviour are those social factors which help organisation to improve its customer service. Attitude affects all the areas of business like customers, staff, suppliers and investors. If having positive attitude customer want to spend money on product and vice versa. But in the 21st century economic conditions should be taken along with positive attitude to perform well in market (Makin, 2009). Location: Location is one of the important social factors in business. Before starting business companies take surveys to analyse the focus of customers in that area. Main purpose of these surveys is to identify the right product for right area. For instance a report published by Kaelble, S (2007) in Indiana business magazine that how Toyota moved forward within ten years when it set up its plants in southwest Indiana. Culture: Culture has great impact on any business as it refers to the values, norms, and beliefs adopted over a period of time through mutual interaction and the history (Morrison, 2006).Impact of cultural globalisation effect the business as due to cultural difference between England and United States Toyota is selling left hand drive cars while in England is right hand (Levitt 1983). Strategy for Business Effectiveness of Toyota: All the above factors play a major role in determine the competitiveness of an organisation. The ability of an organisation is to forecast the business environment and drafting alternative plans for business growth and stability is important. If the history of Toyota will be taken into account company has done well in its career of production and quality but in past few years Toyota has got many problems in its manufacturing system and lost billions of dollars. Based on their policy of Customer First and sustaining the position Toyota came up with a strategy to recall its cars to give their customers extra care. According to report published by newspaper Toyota recalled its millions of cars because of defects in their manufacturing and decided to give their money back to the customer, for not telling their customer of these defects in the vehicles. Though it has affected company economically but Toyota has gained loyalty of his customer (www.bbc.co.uk). So, Toyota strategy has significant impact on social behaviour of the customer in the line of future demands. Report published by BBC on July (2009) Apart from that Toyota had done great for its future plans; company is manufacturing eco-friendly hybrid cars and achieving great efficiency. Company believes that eco-cars can have a positive impact on the environment only if they are widely used. According to company statement: TMC will continue to improve the fuel efficiency of its conventional combustion-engine cars, which account for the majority of its sales, while raising performance ,reducing costs and expanding the companys product lineup(Costea, 2010). Therefore the eco-friendly strategy is basically the co-corporate social responsibility. this type of strategy increasing company awareness as according to research in USA and Australia 84% consumers demanding the goods if the company responding the positively to the environment, then they said we buy the products. So, eco-friendly cars of Toyota are diverting attention of consumers socially. In North America Toyota has strategy of increase product sale by targeting young customers. Consumers has loyalty about the brand and company has got great reputation in term of quality and low prices thats why in 2002 one-fourth of its profit was gained from North America. Toyota has best manufacturing facility and great relations with their suppliers. Moreover company is losing money in Europe but their new strategy is to manufacture more cars on regional scale and compete in formula one race. According to Rugman and Collinson, (2006) Toyota is a mainly efficient and competent company at outsourcing for production and with other suppliers by enjoying friendly and long term relationship. Toyota has made sustainable mobility and environmental leadership core principles of its business strategy for future growth. As part of this strategy, Toyota is pursuing a broad range of technologies, each representing a step forward in reducing the environmental impact of automobiles. Alternative fuel sources, such as bio fuels, will play key role and these cars made to lower down environmental damage and co2 emission (www.toyota.eu). That is why Toyota brand is also diverting attention of market because of its quality and reputations. These factors help Toyota to boost their economy socially in future sales. Writer thinks that the interesting thing in Toyota is to know about the secret of its success in the market. According to Morgan Liker (2006) hard work, educated staff and their motivational teamwork within specific process are the key success factors of Toyota. This process is so called sociotechnical system (STS), was introduces in 1970 and 1980. STS describe itself as the secret behind the success of an organisation is to know about social and technical factor and their impact on external environment. Companys production system is also developed from STS which bring company in that position that it can achieve its external goals like social, economic and technological goals (Rodrick, D.2007).

Friday, January 17, 2020

Rebellion in Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is written in the voice of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, where the countries of North America once existed. The Capitol, a highly advanced metropolis, exercises government power on the rest of the nation. The Hunger Games are an annual event in which one boy and one girl aged 12–18 from each of the twelve districts surrounding the Capitol are selected by lottery to compete in a televised battle to the death.The main idea in the book was teenage rebellion which is shown by Katniss where she and Peeta change the rules at the final moments of the Hunger Games. Peeta and Katniss decide not to fight each other to see who will win the Games, but instead to deny the Gamemakers any winner at all by eating some poisonous berries in a double suicide attempt. As Katniss said † Without a victor, the whole thing would blow up in the Gamemakers' faces. They'd have failed the Capitol. Might possibly even be executed, slowly and painfully while the cameras broadcast it to every screen in the country†.Instead of allowing the pair to kill themselves, the Gamemakers change the rules of the game once again and declare both Peeta and Katniss winners. The double suicide attempt is an act of rebellion towards the Capitol. Even after she's out of the arena, Katniss fears that the Capitol will somehow punish her subversive behavior with the power the government has over them. In reality, teenage rebellion isn't always negative and can be positive like what Katniss and Peeta have done to save their lives. Katniss also shows teenage rebellion where she sacrifices her life on a daily basis by going into the woods to provide for her family.With hunting being illegal and holds high consequences with the chance of getting caught she and Gale sacrifice their lives to hunt and to bring food for their family. Her courage to provide for her family shows that she is independent. In the movie she slips through wire fences to meet Gale becuase she feels like its her job to provide becuase she doesnt know any other way to. Covering Rue with flowers is an intense act of rebellion against the Capitol. The experience of witnessing Rue's death inspires Katniss to go on and win the Games and to prove to the Capitol that they can't strip the tributes of their humanity.By calling attention to the sacrifice that Rue made during the Hunger Games, Katniss challenges the idea that Hunger Games – and the people who play them – are mere entertainment for the audiences back in the Capitol. For Katniss, Rue isn't simply a character on a television show. She is a human being who is worthy of respect, admiration, and mourning. When she says â€Å"I want to do something, right here, right now, to shame them, to make them accountable, to show the Capitol that whatever they do or force us to do that there is a part of every tribute they can't own. That Rue was more than a piece in their Games. And so am I. â€Å"

Thursday, January 9, 2020

“Whatever Affects One Directly, Affects All Indirectly”...

â€Å"Whatever Affects One Directly, Affects All Indirectly† Toxic workplaces is a systemic and systematic problem to an organizations sustainability. It is important that the leadership develop an organizational culture that does not tolerate aggression and behaviorally supports employees in dealing with it. It is imperative that leaders are equipped with the skills to appropriately access the environment , have the ethical temperament needed to take responsibility for the problem and the skill-set to effectively correct the problem (Ellen Ascalon, page 189). Emotionally and psychologically toxic workplaces can be framed through the following theories for redress: systems theory explains the interconnectedness and interrelations†¦show more content†¦The concept of Social Sustainability encompasses such topics as: social equity, livability, health equity, community development, social capital, social support, human rights, labor rights, social responsibility, social justice, cultural competence, community resilience, diplomacy, cooperation and human adaptation(Ghahramanpouri, Lamit Sedaghatnia, 2013). Social sustainability occurs when the formal and informal processes; systems; structures; and relationships actively support the capacity of current and future generations to create healthy and livable communities. Socially sustainable communities are equitable, diverse, connected and democratic and provide a good quality of life(Spangenberg, Omann, 2006). Through my experience as a target of psychological violence in the workplace and my academic support, it my belief that this life-threatening issue is a wicked problem that can only be addressed through systems thinking. Wicked problems are defined as problems involving sets of interlocking issues and constraints, complex, intractable, and open-ended(Conklin Weil, 1997). In addressing this wicked problem, a systems thinking is the art and science of making reliable inferences about behavior by developing an increasingly deep understanding of underlying structure(Senge, (1990). Systems thinking is a way of thinking about, and a language for describing and understanding, the forces and interrelationships that shape the behavior ofShow MoreRelatedSustainable Solutions Paper wk 7 draft16370 Words   |  66 Pagesmanufacturers. One of the biggest environmental concerns is toxic waste and plastics in landfills. 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