Enzyme catalysis lab Essay Example for Free

Enzyme catalysis lab Essay Enzyme catalysis was observed in order to analyze how changes in temperature, pH, enzyme concentration, and substrate concentration affected an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. This experiment analyzed the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions and observed the correlation between catalase activity and products formed. It was found out that the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction starts off rapidly, decreases, and levels off or completely stops, and can be further affected by environmental factors, which play a crucial role in regulating enzymes and metabolic processes. Based on this experiment and the data collected one is able to conclude that the optimal environment in which this specific catalase is able to function is around 40 °C and in a pH around 7. This type of environment allows the enzyme to function at its fullest potential and produce the maximum amount of product allotted by the implemented amount of substrate present without the hindrance of environmental factors. Introduction Background: Enzymes, most of which are proteins, have two interrelated roles. One is to act as catalysts and accelerate spontaneous biochemical reactions so they occur with sufficient rates at moderate temperatures. The other is to determine which spontaneous biochemical reactions will be accelerated out of many more possibilities present in the cell. Balance between all the reactions in metabolism is achieved in several ways, by fluctuations in substrate concentrations, by local differences in pH, by changes in enzyme concentration, and by changes in enzyme activation Purpose: Enzyme activity is influenced by many factors; both temperature and pH at which enzymes functions are extremely important. Most organisms have a preferred temperature and pH range in which they survive, and their enzymes usually function best within very narrow temperature and pH ranges. If the environment of the enzyme is too acidic, basic, or hot, the activity of the enzyme may be altered due to a change in the three-dimensional shape of the enzyme. Denaturation, the unraveling or structural changes of an enzyme, may be temporary or permanent depending on the degree of the environmental change. In either case, a denatured enzyme no longer has the shape necessary to interact with the substrate effectively to lower the activation energy. Hypotheses: 1. The hypothesis is as the temperature increases, above 40 ° C, the activity of the enzyme catalyst will increase. 2. The hypothesis for the enzyme activity with the effect of the pH is if the pH is not at the optimum pH value there will be a complete loss of enzyme activity. 3. The hypothesis is as the change in enzyme concentration increases the activity rate of the enzyme will increase if there is a proportional amount of enzyme concentration and substrate. 4. The hypothesis is as the substrate concentration has an increase so will the reaction of velocity if the amount of enzyme is kept constant. Materials: Materials can be found on page 65 in the Bio 110 lab manual. Procedures are found on pages 65 to 68 in the Bio 110 lab manual. Discussion A. In table 5.1, the data that was collected was calibrating the colorimeter. The results should have been 0.000 or 0.001 no matter how long the machine was ran for. B. In table and graph 5.2, the data collected was in a time frame of 0-5minuites and was recorded every 30 seconds. In the cuvette was distilled water and substrate mix. The data collected showed that the longer the experiment ran for the higher the absorbency rate. C. In table and graph 5.4, the data that was collected was for three different amounts of enzymes:  ½x enzyme, 1x enzyme, and 2x enzyme. The hypothesis for this experiment was the more enzyme the faster the absorbance. With the results from the test the hypothesis is true. The 1/2x enzyme was absorbed less and a lot slower then the 2x enzyme. D. In table and graph 5.6, the data collected was the effect of the amount of substrate effects on the absorbency. The data was collected every 6 seconds for 60 seconds. With  ½x substrate the absorbance was the slowest. At 1x substrate the absorbance was the fast, and at 2x substrate the absorbance was in the middle. E. In table and graph 5.8, the data collected was to see how the effects of temperature played an effect on the absorbency. Ice water (4 °c) the absorbance rate was very slow. Room temperature (22 °c) was the normal rate of absorbance. Body temperature (37 °c) had the highest absorbance rate, and boiling water (100 °c) the protein was denatured giving no results. F. In table and graph 5.10, the data collected was to see how the effect of pH affects the absorbance. With the pH2 no reaction happened because pH2 is not a good match, pH7 had the highest absorbance. Ph10 was denatured, pH5 was absorbed but slowly and, pH8 was also absorbed but was absorbed the slowest. G. In table and graph 5.12 we added an inhibitor to see what the effects would be. With the inhibitor added the absorbance rate slow but did increase. Literature Cited Vital Health, Inc. Introduces a Digestive Enzyme for Children, MyZymes. SFGate. N.p., 23 Oct. 2012. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. http://www.sfgate.com/business/prweb/article/Vital-Health-Inc-Introduces-a-Digestive-Enzyme-3973438.php. Kilbourne, Jennifer, and Laurie Montgomery. Laboratory Investigations for Bio 1110. Second ed. Dubuque: Kendall Hunt, 2011. Print. Relevance Digestive Enzyme for Children Vital Health Inc. has introduced a new vitamin called MyZymes, a chewable digestive enzyme for children. This helps the body gain nutrients from food and plays an essential role in facilitating absorption. They are a highly effective digestive enzyme product because it contains a higher activity level of protease, amylase, lipase, cellulose and also includes six other enzymes. The higher activity levels assists in digesting more proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber. Enzymes are one of the most essential elements in our body. Enzymes are energized protein molecules found in all living cells. They catalyze and regulate all biochemical reactions that occur within our body. Enzymes also play a part in digestion. They break down proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber making it possible to utilize the nutrients found in those foods while removing the toxins. Digestive enzyme supplements help you digest your meals more efficiently and deliver the nutrients from your food to your body. The supplemental digestive enzymes will break down food, thus saving the body from having to release as many of its own enzymes. This allows the body to devote its attention to supplying more metabolic enzymes so the organs and tissues can carry on their daily work. Enzyme supplements are clinically proven to reduce the effects of bloating, gas, occasional heartburn and occasional acid reflux.

Greek tragedy Essay Example for Free

Greek tragedy Essay A view from the bridge is a powerful play about two immigrants that cross the American border from Italy, illegally. The play is set in the nineteen thirties to the nineteen fifties right after the Second World War. It also has striking similarities with Greek tragedy, being linear and having a chorus, or narrator (Alfieri). Eddie, the tragic protagonist has a fatal flaw (his improper love of, and almost obsession with, Catherine) and the final climax at the end of the play is another feature of this style. Alfieri plays a huge part in maintaining the audiences dramatic interest; he is like the chorus in a Greek tragedy always reminding the audience of the tragedy. He holds the play together without actually taking much part in the action, however his real job is to unfold the play to the audience, he influences our audience and keeps us hooked onto the play, as though it was a cliff-hanger, the audience, including me, believe Alfieri because he is a lawyer and he knows the most. The bridge represents Alfieri, he is a link between Italians and Americans, Eddie and Rodolpho, he has equal opinions on them both and does not take sides; he is very un-bias. It seems that Alfieri is drowned in stress and needs someone to talk to that is why he talks to the audience at certain intervals of the play. Its also as though Alfieri is retelling the play as he mostly speaks in past tense. Alfieri really begins to introduce drama to the play in his chat with Eddie before the boxing scene; this is a really tense conversation between them both as Eddie starts to reveal his true feelings for Catherine without realising himself. You also begin to realise how easily the situation is flowing when Alfieri redeems himself powerless to stop anything from happening. Alfieri makes us feel as though there will be a terrible ending, I watched it coming, step after step, this makes the audience feel as though there will be a violent ending. This creates dramatic irony as we know something the characters dont; also building tension and suspense the longer we wait for the dramatic climax of the play. Eddie Carbone plays the largest part in creating drama before the end of act one, he creates conflict and reveals his hate for Rodolpho. On the other hand Marco develops his understanding that Eddie doesnt approve of Rodolphos feelings for Catherine. Eddie likes to assert himself as the alpha male, and a man in Eddies eyes is a hard working, physically strong family man, and Marco has all of these features, he is working hard to support his family and when he lifts the chair that Eddie cannot, this shows that Marco is physically strong, and it seems Eddie respects Marco, but sees him as a threat to his position in the Carbone family. Eddie also finds other ways to create drama in the scene. Lemons are green is the small contribution that Rodolpho makes to the conversation between Marco and Eddie, Eddies reply towards Rodolpho, I know lemons are green, for Christ sake is quite vicious and makes it quite obvious he doesnt like Rodolpho and makes it quite awkward for Marco to talk to Eddie as though nothing is wrong. This adds some tension to the scene. Also, Eddie begins to imply that Rodolpho aint right, this quite obviously means that Eddie think Rodolpho is gay when really he is just looking for any excuse for Catherine not to be with him. During the long talk about Rodolphos skills and attributes Eddie says But if I could cook, if I could sing, if I could make dresses, I wouldnt be on the water-front and I would be like in a dress store. In the actual play Eddie repeats the first sentence three times, as though an obvious attempt to stress to his family that he aint right. You can tell this by what he says after I would be like in a dress store, this is blatantly a womans job however cooking, singing and dancing was considered gay in the 1950s. You can see that Marco is unimpressed by what Eddie is trying to imply. [Uneasily]. This stage direction proves that Marcos reaction to what he has implied about his brother is negative and he is uneasy to talk to Eddie at all, or that he knows what is coming when Eddie asks What do you say, Marco, we go to the bouts next Saturday night. You never seen a fight, did you? Eddies mind is also quite obviously filled with violence and hatred, and it is blatant that he purposely wants Rodolpho to fight because he asks him after having the opportunity to ask his brother first. This also creates tension in the scene as we know what it is all building up too and we are eager to see how it unfolds. Furthermore, during the fight Eddie says to Rodolpho It also seems that Eddies sexual jealousy has coloured his thoughts as he chooses to insult Marco by implying that his wife is cheating whilst he works in America, this is a very tense moment as we are unaware of how Marco will react to this comment and how this may affect his relationship with Eddie, this furthermore builds tension in the scene. Eddie also feels betrayed by Catherine, he has raised her as his own and he treats her like his daughter, he feels that by Catherine wanting to marry Rodolpho and living her own life that she is being ungrateful for all that he has done for her. He feels that Catherine owes him a living. All the way during the boxing scene, you get this vivid sense of pressure building up in Eddie. It seems to me that Eddie offers Rodolpho to a boxing match to release his anger after watching him and Catherine dance to a very symbolic song, paper doll. When Eddie first asks Rodolpho to dance, strong tension is built within the audience, because we have already been hinted by Alfieri that something bad is going to happen, and this is the ideal moment for this to happen. Eddie says to Rodolpho, Come on kid, you cant hurt me. This is ironic because although Rodolpho may not possess the strength to physically hurt Eddie, his is causing him mass amounts of emotional pain, just sharing feelings with Catherine. The stage directions also have a huge effect in this part of the play, He has bent the rolled paper and it suddenly tears in two. This tells the audience that Eddie has had enough of Rodolpho, and that all his anger and true feelings for Catherine are boiling over. Also this hints to the Audience that something bad is about to happen, because Eddie twisting the newspaper in two pieces shows that it has all become too much for him and he has to let his anger out. This creates dramatic tension within the audience as we wait for something to happen. The way Catherine acts towards Eddie could have triggered this sudden outburst; normally Catherine is really obedient towards Eddie and does what he says, she sees him as her father and him his daughter.

In Depth Analysis Of The Toyota Motor Corporation Marketing Essay

In Depth Analysis Of The Toyota Motor Corporation Marketing Essay The main products for the company are categorised into three segments they are automobile, finance and housing communication system. The core business was automobile segment engages in the design, manufactures and sales that includes a car smaller than a compact car to luxury and sport vehicles, as well as trucks, SUVs, buses and minivans. Additionally Toyota produces automotive parts and accessories for its own use and for sale to others. Popular models include Land cruiser, Lexus line, Camry (best selling passenger car in America, 2004) and Corolla as well as the Tundra (Motor trends truck of the year, 2000). Toyota annual sales approximately reaches 7.5 million models on all five continents (America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia) in which the main markets for both Toyota and Lexus brand vehicle is the United States, followed by Japan. The other highest markets areas are U.K, China, Australia, Canada, Germany, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and the South Africa. In all, Toyota markets vehicles are more than 170 countries/regions. The global main competitors for Toyota are VW group, General Motors, Renault Nissan, Hyundai Kia and Ford. As shown in the appendix1 during the year 2008 Toyota dominates the global light vehicle sales with the highest market share of 14% by overtaking the main rivals like GM and Hyundai Kia in the midst of recession, instead booms the profit. But the position among the competitors changed drastically in the year 2009. The financial summary of Toyota for the year 2009 is tabled as follows. (Billions of yen) The financial report clearly shows that during the year 2009 Toyota made a net loss of  ¥437 billion ($ 4.3 billion) that never happened from the past 1950. It happens due to the worst sales, when company could not sell up to that volume in which that company take out its costs which related to production and sales. Whilst Toyotas president, Fuji Cho openly avowed in the year 2002, that Toyota is aiming for 15% of the global market share by 2010 accommodating itself with the new global vision named as Innovation into the Future. The new theme (vision) consists of four elements they are recycling based society, development of motorization on a global sale, diverse society, and age of information technology. Hence with the severe competition Toyota continues an effortful attempt to attain a goal outlined in the Global Vision 2010 by increasing its competitiveness. ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AFFECTING THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY: According to Johnson scholes (1999), different steps to be followed in environmental analysis for finding the strategic position of the organisation they are 1) Assessing the nature of environment, 2) Auditing environmental influences, 3) identifying key competitive forces, 4) identifying competitive position and finally identifying the key opportunities threats. The external environment, as a determined element remain a topic of interest in management literature (Joshi and Campbell 2003; Nahm et al., 2003). Hence, a balance relationship between environment and manufacturing strategy is complex for organisation to achieve success (skinner, 1969; Hayes and Wheelwright, 1984). On the other hand Pagell and Krause (1999,2004) argued that manufacturing flexibility is a global event in high performance organisation regardless of the environment they operate in. However, it is difficult to handle environmental uncertainty (complex) by depending only on primary analysis which is derived from the output of diversity ensuring that different parts of firms responsible for different aspects of diversity are unattached, and given resources and authority to handle their own part of the environment (Johnson and Scholes 1999). Considering the above factors the analysis of Toyota Motor Corporation in the automobile industry is carried out with help of analytical tool kit such as PESTLE and FIVE FORCES. PESTEL ANALYSIS: As shown in the Appendix-II PESTEL analysis for Toyota Automobile Industry is done with respect to the geographical locations of U.S and Japan. The most vital factors from the analysis have been taken and described below to find the current opportunities and threats of the company. The automotive industry is subject to various government regulations including those related to vehicle safety and environmental issues such as emission levels, fuel economy, noise and pollution. Many governments also impose tariffs and other trade barriers, taxes and levies, and enact price or exchange controls. Toyota has incurred and expects to incur in future, significant costs in complying with these regulations. New legislation also subject Toyota to additional expenses in future. As an automotive manufacturer, Toyota may became subject to legal proceedings in respect of various issues, including liability and infringement of intellectual property and Toyota is in fact currently subject to a number of pending legal proceedings could adversely affect Toyotas future financial condition and results of operations. Toyota is subject to various risks associated with conducting business worldwide. These risks include political and economical instability, natural calamities, fuel shortages, interruption in transportation system, wars, terrorism, labour strikes and work stoppages. The occurrence of any of these events in major markets in which Toyota purchases materials, parts and components and suppliers for the manufacture of its products or in which its products are produced, distributed or sold, may results in disruptions and delays in Toyotas business operation may adversely affect Toyotas financial condition and result of operation. The worldwide financial services industry is highly competitive. Increased competition in automobile financing may lead to decreased margins. A decline in Toyotas vehicle unit sales and residual in value risk due to lower used vehicle price increase in the ratio of credit losses and increased funding costs are factors which may impact Toyotas financial operations. The likelihood of these factors materializing has increased as a result of the ongoing rapid worldwide economic deterioration and competition in automobile financing has intensified. If Toyota is unable to adequately respond to the changes and competition in automobile financing, Toyotas financial services operations may adversely affect its financial condition and result of operations. Increase in prices for raw materials that Toyota and Toyotas suppliers use in manufacturing their products or parts and components such as steel, precious metals, non-ferrous alloys including aluminium and plastic parts may lead to higher production costs for parts and components. This could in turn negatively impact Toyotas future profitability because Toyota may not be able to pass all those costs to customers or require its suppliers to obsorb such costs. PORTERS FIVE FORCES: Michael Porter identified five forces that affect an industry. These forces are degree of rivalry, threat of substitutes, barriers to entry, buyer power, and supplier power. For the more on this framework proposed by porter, see Appendix. Viewing the automotive industry through the framework of porters five forces can be helpful in understanding the forces at play. Degree of Rivalry: The automotive industry is highly competitive with Big 3 such as GM, Ford and Daimler Chrysler. In the 1980s the Toyota entered a fairly disciplined U.S market and have been very focused in growing their shares of the market. The great diversity of rivals in terms of cultures and philosophies has intensified rivalry in the Industry. Market growth is slow in the established markets of U.S and Europe, and companies must fight fiercely to eke out gains or prevent losses in market share. However, growth is potentially huge in the rapidly industrializing nations of China and India. In these booming markets Toyota could take advantage of the opportunities to reap handsome awards. The degree of rivalry in the automotive industry is further heightened by fixed costs associated with manufacturing cars and the low switching costs for consumers when buying different makes and models. Threat of Substitutes: The threat of substitutes to the automobile industry is fairly mild. Numerous other forms of transportation are available, but none offer the utility, convenience, independence, and value afforded by automobiles. However there are inherent underlying social and cultural attitudes that keep people from owning automobiles in some parts of the world. Barriers to Entry: The barriers to enter the automobile industry are substantial. For a new company, the start-up capital required to establish manufacturing capacity to achieve minimum efficient scale is prohibitive. An automotive industry is quite specialized and in the event of failure could not be easily re-tooled. Buyer Power: In the relationship between the Toyota and its ultimate consumers, purchasers of finished vehicles, the power axis is tipped in the consumers favour. Consumers wield the greatest power in this relationship due to the fairly standardised nature of the vehicle and the low switching costs associated with selecting from among competing brands. However, Toyota remains marginally powerful due to large customer to produce ratio. The automotive industry is a dynamic place. With the forces above at play, and with history as a guide, it is safe to stay that the Toyota must continue to change, evolve and adapt. OPPORTUNITIES: Increasing Demand for Hybrid Vehicles: Globally it is estimated that the demand for hybrid electric vehicles(HEVs) will be approximately 4 million units by 2015. Rising oil price and more emissions regulation are likely to increase the demand for HEVs, as hybrid vehicles are less polluting and less operating cost (more fuel efficient) when compared to conventional diesel and gasoline engine, Toyota industries has strong focus on devices for plug-in hybrid vehicles. The companys competency on hybrid technology is likely to drive growth in the medium term. Establishment of New Material Handling In North America: Toyota is formulating a program to expand its material handling equipment in North America. In this context, in March 2010, Toyota industries determined to create a newly owned sub-subsidiary, Toyota material handling North America (TMHNA). Previously, both Toyota and Raymond used to closely work together to boost business efficiencies in the areas of manufacturing, quality and procurement. Though, TMHNA has officially created to integrate management and operational activities in North America. Establishment of TMHNA would enhance the regional co-ordination and increase the performance of the material handling equipments products of Toyota industries. Growing Opportunities in Emerging Automotive Products: Toyota is now concentrating on the new markets such as India, China, Russia and Middle East region seeing that these markets are expected to view a strong growth in the future. In addition, Toyota also provides automotive logistic services. The company, with powerful automotive business operations, would be aided by the growing vehicle demand in these emerging markets. THREATS: Kyoto Protocol: The Kyoto protocol for the lessening of carbon emission went into effect in 2005, which results on industrialized countries to cut-down their green house gas emission from the 1990 level by 5.2% by an average level during 2008-2012. Consequently, Toyota appointed the prevention of global warming as one of its strategic management issue and concentrate on measures to reduce global warming, which lead to increase in the cost structure of the company drastically. Intense Competition: Toyota is involved in competition with many automobile companies at home and abroad. Any differences in the allocation of management resources and in competitiveness of cost or technology are likely to impact the companys status in the automobile industry and its business performance. Toyota industries compete with the competitors having large volumes of business and greater financial resources than those of the company. High level of competition in the market place could affect Toyota business operation and could erode in market share. Exchange rate Fluctuation: Toyota industries encompass the production and sales of products and the provision of services worldwide. Toyota is sensitive to the fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and is principally exposed to fluctuations in the value of the Japanese Yen, the U.S Dollar and the Euro. In the recent Japanese Yen appreciated significantly against the U.S Dollar. The strengthening of the Japanese Yen against the U.S Dollar can have a material adverse effect on Toyota Industries reported operating results, which may in turn affect the valuation of the company. ANALYSIS OF THE TOYOTA STRATEGIC CAPABILITIES: According to Haberberg and Riepel (2008) capabilities are things that customers and other stakeholders notice when they are dealing with an organisation. Hence it is vital to identify the capabilities of Toyota, which is carried out with the frame work of resource based analysis (appendix- ) and value chain analysis. Value Chain Analysis: One key program is called value stream mapping, an analysis tool the automaker has been using to improve assembly line productivity is supply chain. Toyota manages the supply chain so efficiently that its production process is near perfect and it simply known as TPS (Toyota Production System), which developed by Toyota to deliver more effectively the products which their customers require, in a timelier manner than traditional management approaches. The unique management system of Toyota made a different relation with the suppliers when compare to other competitors, they are Frequent and reliable deliveries from suppliers Quality parts Small lot size Supplier network Communication with suppliers Proximity to the customers Single sourcing Long-term contract Supplier training Reduced lead time. Toyota is not asking suppliers to reduce price and profit instead, to find a way to minimise cost without having any negative impact on customer value. The present situation is Toyotas ability in developing the TPS and in integrating the policies and practises of their own that is the extension of internal policy deployment through their supplier association into the supplier network and the active co-ordination and development of suppliers, directly and indirectly through the widespread application of the Toyota production system. Resource Audit: Resources of Rolls Royce can be grouped under then following four headings they are Physical resources, Human Resources, Financial resources and Intangibles. STRENGTH: Robust RD Capabilities: Toyota industries actively carry out its research and development activities. Its RD activities can be broadly divide into two areas product development and improvements performed independently within each business division and RD undertaken mainly by the RD centre separate from the activities of its business division and with a view toward company wide- management strategy. Strong RD capabilities helps the company to keep up with the latest technological developments in the market and also helps in developing new products and technologies, thus contributing to the rapid growth of the company. Strong Engineering Capabilities: The company has strong engineering capabilities, for instance the Toyota is extending its product portfolio to include hybrid engines and hybrid vehicles. The company also manufactures electric compressor for hybrid vehicles. The companys strong engineering capabilities allow expanding its product portfolio. WEAKNESS: Overdependence on Japan: A Toyota industry is highly dependent on the Japanese market for its revenues. This overdependence on Japan could have a dampening effect on the companys revenues if the companys sales in Japan do not grow as expected. Addition to this the concentration of operation in this area increases Toyota industries exposure to country specific factors such as changes in raw material prices, labour strikes, changes in economic conditions, and most important increasing competition price from low-priced products. Evaluation of Possible Future Strategies for the TOYOTA: After scanning the environment, performing the SWOT analysis, that showed a weakness in Toyota may at the same time huge opportunities. Now we need to know how to use this opportunities to overcome the threats, minimise the weakness and maximise the strength. Toyotas success is largely based on its forward-thinking, innovative management style and its rigorous standards of quality. The Toyota production system is much-studied strategy of design and manufacturing which emphasizes streamlining and elimination of waste giving rise to the Just in Time and Lean manufacturing movements and continuous error checking and improvement. In addition, Toyota has repeatedly been ahead of the trend in investing new technologies. Instead of focusing on reducing labour costs, Toyota has increasingly automated their production facilities. And with the release of the Prius in 1997, Toyota introduced the first mainstream hybrid vehicle, cashing in on the demand for fuel economy and reduced environmental impact. Like the Prius, the section line successfully addressed a new consumer sector, a plan that Toyota will continue to follow. These strategies combine to give Toyota a significant sustainable competitive advantage. In order to realize the image that Toyota is striving to achieve it is important to undertake a paradigm change from the following three perspectives they are are technology development, management and profit structures Acquisition of a Competitor: Acquisition of competitor is known as improvement strategy of expanding its core business. The acquisition will lead to rise in market share (barney and Hesterly, 2010) for Toyota through market penetration, market development and market expansion, if the acquire company is operating in more and different emerging markets. This form of acquisition is called horizontal integration and would lead to an increase in market share and decrease in competition. Toyota to exploit the merging market such as India and China it should acquire the existing competitor so that it is easily strengthen the market position and open new opportunities for competitive advantage New Strategic Capabilities: There are strong competitors for Toyota in the technology, marketing and manufacturing. Therefore to reduce the intensity of rival among the major players, Toyota can look into joint venture strategy to capture the emerging markets such as China, India and Russia. Implementation of Strategic Change: Surviving to highly competitive rapidly changing environment often requires firms to develop strategies that provide the right kind of flexibility to succeed their specific environments, thus achieving fit between the type of flexibility to succeed in their specific environments, thus achieving fit between the type of flexibility pursued and the demand placed by the environment. Negotiating: Negotiation should be there to understand the demand of both buyer and seller and these has a significant impact as the negotiations unfold and implementation begins. Implementation: Implementation is the critical part for the leadership and communication to execute the change management. The changes that should be made for merging should be planned in detail because there are many issues that are expected with acquisition such as integration challenges, culture, control system, financial operation and loss of key personal (Thompson, 2001). In order to overtake these problems Toyota has to do a proper planning and research before the implementation to get the positive outcome. Conclusion: The product developments are in increasing nature because of the emerging new markets and the technological factor is adding value to the company focusing for the next generation, hence I personally recommend on investor to invest with Toyota APPENDIX-II PESTEL ANALYSIS FACTORS IMPACT(opportunities threats) TIME SCALE POLITICAL: Political instabilities, fuel shortages, natural calamities, wars, terrorism and labour strikes Arab oil embargo turned fuel economy into an important automobile policy goal for the U.S government. The occurrences of any of these events will results in disruption and delays in operation. Prolonged disruption may adversely affect the financial conditions of Toyota Toyota Government relation are 1, Reliance on Business association 2, Personalized network and 3, emphasis on harmony. Changes in legislation Continuous process Every 5 years ECONOMICAL: Financial crisis that began in 2007 and accompanying sharp declaration of vehicle sales during 2008 serious challenges for all automakers. Energy crisis. Rise in price of gasoline. Exchange rate fluctuation with respect to Dollar Establishment of new material handling company in north America which will limit the cost of exporting the vehicle to US Alternative energy efficiency technology and more investment in RD Big cars got smaller, small cars got better Drove down demand for big, expensive cars, and pilled in capital from Japan and elsewhere, which helped drive up the dollar In March 2010 Continuous Continuous Continuous SOCIAL: Demand for fuel efficiency by consumers Intense Competition More demand for hybrid electric vehicles Resulted in more choices for buyers and searching opportunities in emerging market Estimated within 2015. Continuous TECHNOLOGY: Rising energy cost and increased emissions regulation are likely to increase the demand for hybrid vehicles. Toyota industries has strong focus on hybrid vehicles Demand to reach within next five years. ENVIRONMENTAL: Kyoto protocol The emergence of government regulation for vehicle safety and emissions. Reduction of green house by 14% from the 1990 level within 2012 4years LEGAL: Toyota may became subject to various legal proceedings in respect of various issues, including product liability and infringement of legal property, and Toyota in fact currently subject to a number of pending legal problems Adversely affect the Toyotas future financial condition and results of operation Continuous NOTE: Analysis mainly based on the Japan and US geographic location Appendix-III Porters Five Force Model New entrants Industry Competitors Intensity of Rivalry Buyers Suppliers Substitutes Appendix-IV Value Chain Analysis Reliance on Business association (internationalization)-well connected to each other and with politicians and bureaucrats. Personalized network- The use of personalized /informal network for political influence and mobilization in Japan is a more visible and frequent activity than in many other industrialized countries. Emphasis on harmony- strong emphasis on harmony among firms and policy makers.

Religions Effect on The Wanderer :: Religion Clergy Wanderer Poetry Poem essays

Religion's Effect on The Wanderer â€Å"He who is alone often lives to find favor† (Wanderer), but is he searching needlessly? In short, â€Å"The Wanderer† is an Old English poem of a man who is exiled due to the loss of his liege lord. The man then finds himself traveling the sea in search of a new land in which he could remain. His travel is accompanied by a lament from his heart. His heart has little hope, and even that is overpowered by the lament for the land he had just been exiled from. Yet hope still manages to find a place in this sad tale, for this oral poem was made into a manuscript by the Christian Monks around the year of 975 (Wanderer). â€Å"The Wanderer† is among many of the oral traditions of the Anglo-Saxon period that have been put into print. Through this transition of being spoken to now being read, â€Å"The Wanderer† has lost and gained different components of its original form. If one were to remove the words of the author, the poem would be left with only a â€Å"sense of the harshness of circumstance and the sadness of the human lot† (Encarta), which is the average focus of poems spoken at the time. However, with the author interjecting phrases as simple as â€Å"So the wise man spoke in his heart† (Wanderer), it lifts the appeal of true harshness. The author takes this man’s most abstract and uneasy thoughts and gives a simple explanation for them, and this leads the reader to not judge the wanderer- based on his morbid thoughts- as much. The author does not go as far as to create sympathy for the wanderer, just far enough to create an understanding of him. No person wants to be judged based on personal thoughts, for things expressed only within the mind are not meant to be observed by others. It could create a wrong impression of a person, and that is what the author is making sure does not happen. There is an â€Å"elegiac note [that] finds it most eloquent expression in ‘The Wanderer’† (â€Å"Wanderer†). However, because of the clergies inserting an author, this great sense of elegy is slightly altered due to the fact: it is not completely a reflective essay anymore, but mostly because the melancholy tone is lightened by the author’s explanation, which are two key components of elegy. Granted, it is believed to be one of the best examples of elegy, but it must have been more so before it was put into manuscript.

Two Faces in Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter Essay -- Scarlet Letter e

The Scarlet Letter:   Two Faces  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally becoming bewildered as to which may be true†. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, this quote applies to the two main characters of the novel. It applies to Arthur Dimmesdale in a literal way; he clearly is not the man that he appears to be, and the guilt that goes along with such deception consumes his entire life. The quote also applies to Hester Prynne, but in quite a different way because it was not her choice to wear the â€Å"face† that she was forced to wear.   The mark of the scarlet letter on her bosom determined how others perceived her and, in turn, how she was expected to perceive herself. At first, Hester did not consider the sin that she committed as blasphemous and horrible as the people of Boston did, but she was forced to wear the â€Å"face† of a sinner. Neither Hester or Arthur could live their lives concealing their true emotions. Arthur literally could not live with it, while Hester changed the way she felt on the inside to correspond to her guilty external image. At the court house, when Arthur Dimmesdale was pleading for Hester to reveal the name of the man with whom she had an affair, it was clear that a part of him actually wanted everyone to know that it was he who was the guilty one. Be not silent from any mistaken pity and tenderness for him; for, believe me, Hester, though he were to step down from a high place...better were it so, than to hide a guilty heart through life†¦(47). When this plea is made, it appears to be quite ironic. The man who participated in the sin is trying to convince his accomplice to do him in. However, this ... ...t with the sin in a completely different way not only because she was a different person, but because there was no additional weight of a secret that went along with the sin. Instead of trying to figure out her identity, the way Arthur had, and clinging onto the belief that what she had done was not a sin, she allowed herself to surrender and believe what the rest of society believed at that time. The people of Boston saw adultery as a sin, and there was no way that any good or love could come out of it. When Arthur's character is tested, he struggles to find the answer but is unable to, and literally dies trying. Hester, on the other hand, does not give such a noble attempt, but rather chooses, whether consciously or not, to go along with society’s views of adultery. Works Cited: Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998.

The Economic Factors Involved with the Rising Price of Gasoline Essay

The Economic Factors Involved with the Rising Price of Gasoline The year 2004 has seen a steady climb in the price of gasoline. From January of 2004 to May of 2004 there has been a jump of approximately .50 cents a gallon (Energy Information Administration). For many Americans high gas prices have been a hot issue with them, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to these fluctuations. With the continued popularity of the sport-utility vehicle and the high volume of gasoline it requires, the issue of high gas prices doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Many factors go into determining the price of gasoline. This paper will explore the various factors involved to determine the price of gas and attempt to gain a better understanding on how it arrives at its decision. The gasoline industry is an oligopoly. In Mark Hirschey’s book called Fundamentals of Managerial Economics an oligopoly is defined as, â€Å"A market structure characterized by few sellers and interdependent price/ output decisions†. This market structure only allows a few large rivals to produce the majority of the industry’s output (404). The oligopoly controlling the gasoline industry is the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). OPEC consists of 11 oil producing countries: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Qatar, Libya, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, and Nigeria (OPEC.org). These countries control gas prices by the amount of crude oil they produce. To gain a better understanding of how the United States gets its gasoline and who supplies it, we will have to take a closer look at the degree of competition. Because of the nature... ...uly 2004.Website. 6 Dec.2002. www.bradynet.com/bbs/russia/100226-0.html> Bonsor, Kevin. â€Å"How Gas Prices Work.† HowStuffWorks. 30 June 2004 Website. 29 June 2004 http://money.howstuffworks.com/gas-price.htm/printable â€Å"Strategic Petroleum Reserve-Profile† Office of Fossil Energy 1 July , 2004. Website. 1 July 2004 Mitchell, Andrew and Oweis, Khaled, Reuters â€Å"OPEC Prepares Oil; Deal to End $40 crude Prices.† AOL Business News. 3 June 2004 Website. 3 June 2004 http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/business/article.adp?id=200406020883009990015&_mp... Lott, Trent. â€Å"A $100 Fill-Up?† Truth News 30 June 2004 Website 28 May 2004 http://truthnews.com/world/2004050143.htm â€Å"US Fuel Tax Rates By State.† ClevelandGasPrices. 28 June 2004 Website.

Recruitment and Army Essay

1.0 Opportunities and dangers to be considered by the Army in externalising the recruitment processes. a. Preston (2012 P.36) shows how the two-way process of recruitment ‘should be as much about the applicant finding out whether the business is right for them as about whether they are deemed acceptable by the business’. c. Having employment opportunities for the soldiers who are being made redundant will allow the knowledge and experience of ex-soldiers to remain forefront of recruitment helping recruiting the right person be more effective. An explanation by Preston (2012, P.36) tells us how if ‘appointees don’t fit then profitability is affected’; this key can show that the benefits of externalization will bring spending cuts by selecting only the right persons increasing retention. d. Being seen as ‘perverse’ is a danger because if the Army gives a bad image of high staff redundancies while spending highly on hiring this could be open to stereotypic views as Preston explains ‘Many people are deterred from entering certain professions because of general stereotypical images which exist in their society or culture’ (2012, P.38). Col Richard Kemp in the case study says how ‘previously using a civilian company was not a success’. This could have a detrimental impact upon future recruits if the civilian company cannot deliver what is expected. It will also have an  impact upon the Army’s image if it doesn’t work out the second time round. 2.0 Methods of selection and their advantages and disadvantages for selecting soldiers. Interviews – Used to understand key facts of the job and recruit for either parties and determine suitability to one another. This method is an opportunity the Army can utilize to lay out main facts of what they have to offer. It’s also a chance for the recruit to decide whether or not they are happy with the opportunities. The advantage to the Army using this method would remove unexpected expectation at an early stage reducing cost from training soldiers who realized it’s not what they thought at a later stage. The disadvantage however would be that interviews are seen as ‘too subjective to the individual and place a ‘cloud’ over an individual’s ability (Preston, 2012 P.43) Tests – Used to measure a person’s ability and aptitude relevant to the job. This Method would allow the Army to see suitability of potentials under set tests giving a further indication on whether the Army is a job the candidate is suitable for before subjecting them to full training further reducing cost at an earlier convenience. Preston (2012) also explains that this can also be a way to reduce inherent subjectivity of the interview method. This method has disadvantages of not being able to incorporate all what the Amy needs to see as some areas of the Army require more subjective tests. This can increase costs if at a later stage the applicant is found unable to cope with certain areas of the job and pulls out. Assessment Centre – Can show the applicant in certain situations relevant to the job. This shows the Army the recruits in a role play scenario or group activity which can indicate the applicant’s ability under a selection of techniques in multiple combinations. This can incorporate a more subjective assessment of the individual so it can be determined further whether the Army can offer a position to the recruit. This would help the Army in selecting those who are of correct skill level generating more quality recruits increasing retention. However the assessment centers only provide the Army with a short insight to certain scenarios as the Army is a specialized area of recruitment the individual cannot be seen faced with all possible problems the recruit may encounter as  a soldier. 3.0 Recommendations for organising induction and socialisation of newly hired soldiers to enhance retention. Induction is whereby a new recruit is welcomed into the organisation through a short term introduction to areas shown by Preston (2012, P45) like what their job description is, what’s expected of them or underlining policies and procedures. Such inductions are critical to the Army as it helps new recruits become accustomed to their surroundings and allows them to adopt the organisational culture and written rules helping them understand what is expected and what is accepted. Typical activities include group welcoming (showing videos), simple team working (to help get to know each other) and tours of the premises (to learn the surroundings). Socialisation is a long term process shown by Preston (2012) to ‘help understand in terms how the newcomer makes sense of the business and their role within it’. This would be of importance to help the Army ensure the recruits are following the correct procedures and polices but also helping to keep track of the recruit’s process ensuring they are settling in and managing well. To help the activities could include meetings to see the recruit’s progression, group socialising to help with settling, appraisals to show they are doing well and promotions to help encourage further progression. To help improve retention and reduce dropouts induction techniques recommended would be having already serving soldiers at a welcome day to have questions asked and stories from first hand experiences. As documented by Harding (2011) in the case study ‘the most effective recruiters were young soldiers who had already served on operations’. This could expel any rumors and help new recruits understand the demands of Army life at an early stage. This technique would also allow the introduction of policies and procedures and what to expect. Using mentoring as a socialising technique would give recruits quantitative information based on their progression into the business and how well they are integrating into the  role. This information can be persuading for new recruits to show them they are on the right track and doing well, resulting in increased momentum and a desire to keep going. As Preston (2012) says ‘socialisation is understanding how the newcomer makes sense of the business and their role within it’. Mentoring through the early stages can keep track of the recruit and provide them with the help and support to succeed in turn, reducing dropouts and increasing quality recruits. References: Harding T. (2011) ‘Army to pay civilian firm  £1bn to recruit new soldiers’ The Telegraph 11 October [Online]. Available at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/8819327/ Army-to-pay-civilian-firm- £1bn-to-recruit-new-soldiers.html (Accessed 1 September 2014). Preston, D (2012), An introduction to human resource management in business, Milton Keynes, The Open University. Prà ©cis: From the tutor group forum discussions I have learnt that there are many views on what people have in the work place. The work place HRM polices and business cultures can be dramatically different from business to business and different people have different views on them and how they incorporate them into their working lives. Activity 2.3 shown how businesses HRM polices and culture can mix well or clash badly as such Pauls Bourne shows how that if people of a work place buy into the ‘norm’ this can sometimes override what the HRM polices state resulting in problems. However that HRM polices should be a state of first call when people need to be reminded what is truly expected of them in the place of work. All the ideas coming together has taught me to think more logically about the place I work and how the business culture is upheld through normal behaviour of people through unwritten rules up to the policies and procedures in place to help maintain a uniformed business. Reference: Bourne P, (2014) ‘Activity 2.3 HRM and Culture’ The Open University 19 November 2014 [Online]. Available at https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/forumng/discuss.php?d=1210164 (accessed 25 November 2014).