Benjamin Franklin and the Nature of Human Character Essay

Few things say more about the character of a person than his or her religious beliefs. No, it is not because of their religion, nor, perhaps, even because of the importance of religion, but rather because of the importance people give to religion and the important place religion holds in the life of the religious. Benjamin Franklin was no different. Living in the time of a new frontier, America, where the new settlers had arrived in part to escape religious tyranny and have the freedom to practice their religious beliefs as they chose, Benjamin Franklin clearly had a religious upbringing. It also meant that he had to make choices, not just about food, clothes, shelter and the other cares and needs of any given day, but about God, life, existence and, yes, religion. No doubt, religion builds character. Perhaps his struggles with the ideologies and concepts of religion were among the most central in his life. He certainly seems point out how they affected his thinking even from early in his life. People often base the fundamental practices and ideas of their life around their religion and their religious beliefs. To the extent that the individual is open and flexible, their religious beliefs are likewise. For most people, religious beliefs, once established, are set and inflexible. We generally form our religious beliefs when young and begin our religious practices and philosophies as we grow from a very young age. Whatever flexibility there is in an individual personality is perhaps reflected in the way they practice their religion and tolerate others. Often, those in one religion have very little tolerance of other religions. One sign of an open personality is the person’s tolerance for other religions and his or her ability to adopt principles and ideals from other religious philosophies. After being introduced to a particular religious ideology, a child must struggle with those ideas and pick and choose between those he or she will accept and those he or she will not. I did, and it is obvious that Old Ben did as well. Ben is not reticent to acknowledge that religious concepts played a central and crucial role in shaping his thinking and ideas as he grew. He says, â€Å"Before I enter upon my public Appearance in Business, it may well to let you know the then State of my Mind, with regard to my Principles and Morals, that you may see how far those influenc’d the future Events of my Life. My Parents had early given me religious Impressions, and brought me through my Childhood piously in the Dissenting way. But I was scarce 15 when, after doubting by turns of several Points as I found them disputed in the different books I read, I began to doubt of Revelation itself. † (p. 45) His view that aspects of his own character in the present would influence the course of future events is instructive, and foremost among the principles he mentions are those of religion. Perhaps those words betray a hint of willingness or desire to change aspects of his character if required, but they certainly demonstrate his realization that change is sometimes necessary, that change from what we are taught in childhood may be required once we reach adulthood. He only says that his morals and principals at one point in his life â€Å"influenc’d the future Events† of his life. Perhaps that says nothing directly about his character, but to me it reveals his recognition that the morals and principles he held early in life served as a beacon or guide for him later in life.

American Eagle Outfitters and The Marketing Strategies They Use to Seem Appealing to Customers

American Eagle Outfitters and The Marketing Strategies They Use to Seem Appealing to Customers April Economics Literacy Project In the article, Jason Bloomberg discusses how American Eagle Outfitters, a retail industry, is focusing on developing a new mobile application for their consumers. Since more than 50% of consumers use their phones when they are shopping, the retail industry wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. American Eagle has included special features like the AEO Radio in order to reinforce the â€Å"in-store† experience. The store has also experimented with geolocation. In order to increase traffic in stores, the retail store send promotions to a customer who is in proximity to the store. In addition, American Eagle has introduced a new feature called â€Å"Reserve-Try-Buy† to allow customers the ability to reserve an item ahead of time in order to try it on. American Eagle is currently working on new upgrades on their loyalty program and new strategies to expand internationally in order to increase their revenue. This situation represents the economic principle that everyone faces tradeoffs. The retail company had to face the decision of how to promote their company. For example, the company had to trade the expansion of the web apps to the expansion of native apps. The company realized that with the focus of native apps, their opportunity cost is appealing to a broader range of people since only the most loyal customers will bother to download the application. However, the benefit is greater than the opportunity cost since the application will increase the engagement of loyal customers with the brand. In addition, this situation represents the economic principle that the cost of something is what you give up to get it. By investing their money into mobile apps, American Eagle has the opportunity cost of appealing to an audience who isn’t tech savvy (i.e. most grandparents and some parents). However, since their main audience is people within the ages of 18-25, their audience is more likely to be connected to the mobile application. This shows how this benefit exceeds the cost since American Eagle has continued to further invest in their digital strategy. Finally, another economic principle that reflects this situation is that people respond to incentives. As an employee of this company, headquarters has reached to all employees of how to increase traffic within a store since most customers shop online today. By introducing the program â€Å"Reserve-Try-Buy†, customers have the incentive to visit the store. It could also push customers to buy more items within the store and, as a result, increase revenue. Another example is that since there is a higher demand for people to shop on their mobile devices, American Eagle is given the incentive to invest in their mobile application in order to increase revenue. This article relates to the concepts that we have discussed in class. American Eagle is currently in a monopolistic competitive market. Therefore, the company must differentiate its product in order to appeal to customers and have market power. American Eagle does this by revamping its digital strategy by including the AEO Radio, â€Å"Reserve-Try-Buy† program, geolocation, etc. As a result, the company is able to gain market power by creating a closer connection to their customers and expanding the brand experience to mobile devices. In addition, we learned in class about how advertising affects the economy. We learned in class that companies try to differentiate themselves through style, quality, and location. The use of the mobile platform would push American Eagle’s advertising. Through geolocation, the company can advertise their location to their customers in order to increase traffic within the stores.

Contextual analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Contextual analysis - Essay Example The sound of water saturates the entire film as well as its soundtrack. Incidentally, the delicate sound of bath water that softly drips from a visibly long, wet hair could only be comparable to the waterfalls at Niagara (Gopnik 2). The story winds in and out in a manner likened to the temporal Mobius strip. The film is generally about two women. One woman is relative young and eager whereas the other one is older and reserved. The two women are ostensibly going about their day-to-day routine and activities. Incidentally, the visitor is pondering just in case the two women are really one. Thesis Statement: While the artist has effectively used the audio-video platform to underscore the lives and attributes of two women characters that are at different stages of their lives, I believe that the representation of water is satisfactory evidence to prove that the two women are the same though portrayed in different parts or stages of their lives. The artist has effectively intertwined the lives and daily routines of the two women in a way that suggests their past successfully shaped their present. In the same way, the experience alongside currents of time shaped their past. In essence, remembering is evidently a creative way since it is obviously difficult to recall that past completely (Connors 4). Apart from the theme of water, Tan’s film also reflects the aspects of isolation, dislocation and loss. The double projection employed by the artist display the older woman reminiscing about her youthful life. The film moves back and forth in attempt to show life in the past and present. Commissioned by Vancouver Art gallery, the film simultaneously displays the video recording of flowing water (Connors 4). The flow of water apparently dominates the film and soundtrack thereby giving an impression of the memory flow and time. It is imperative to emphasize that the two women are at different stages of their lives. Figure 1 Figure 2 While the younger woman is still eager and ambitious to accomplish many of her dreams in life, the older one could only recollect the good moments and difficulties of her young life. Life to the young woman is vast with opportunities and aspirations bother in the short term and long term (Piturro 10). The piece demonstrates the kinds of historical, social, cultural relationships that human beings carry within themselves as they progress in life from childhood to adulthood and finally old age. The older woman is reticent, a sign that she perhaps feel content with the various achievements she has made in life. She credibly thinks it is time to reflect on the successes and disappointments of life because the strength and vigor is long gone (Piturro 10). In contrast, the young woman has numerous ambitions she intends to achieve in the near future. Furthermore, she evidently has the power, strength, vigor and determination to realize her dreams. The movie Rise and Fall examines the retrospective gaze along with its rela tionship to several images that people carry that are reflective of their social, cultural and historical dynamism. It is clearly intricate to tell whether the two women in fact represent a single woman at different points in life (Connors 4). What is very logical in the video is that their ages are contrasting. However, Tan lets the viewers acquire adequate account of their daily rituals. For

A SWOT Analysis of the Bird Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

A SWOT Analysis of the Bird Company - Essay Example New entrants in the motor vehicle industry have changed the game with the tide swinging to the newcomers who enter with new vehicle designs and modern technology features. The company management blamed the current decline in sales to increasing competition and client prevalence for more comfort while preferring to pay less for the vehicles. In addition, high fuel prices and environmental concerns have driven clients to prefer vehicles that consume less fuel while emitting fewer exhaust fumes. While addressing the lost market share, management has held a number of meetings of which the resolution’s implementation started immediately. Some of the factors the management identified in relation to the operation include the following; High quality: Bird boasts of manufacturing high-quality vehicles that many buyers prefer. The vehicles have low breakdown rates with the heaviness contributing to stability. In addition, the cars can move at high speeds with a large angle of tilt. Cheap prices: Bird vehicles are manufactured with the low-end customers’ budget in mind. The vehicles have standard features but go for a relatively cheap price. As a result, the vehicles compete favorably with other brands in the market. Supportive to CSR: Bird Company believes in giving back to the society as a way of creating awareness on various matters. The company has been active in planting trees and among other conservation measures meant to create clean environments. Experience: Having stayed in the industry for a long time, the company has known how to react to customer requests by modifying specific parts that could increase the vehicle value. The company has invested in research and innovation with aims of remaining relevant while beating the competition. Dominance: Bird is the leading supplier of sedan cars in the world with a significant market share of 30%.

Home Depot Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Home Depot - Essay Example Home Depot operates with contracts, establishes credits with the bank, which provides it opportunities to work effectively in the long run (Magretta). In home improvement industry, it is prior for companies to anticipate with the changing market trends and knowledge (Harrison and John). Home Depot is effective to anticipate with the changing trends in the market and retains their customer. For the new entrant lack of knowledge and experience in the field makes it difficult to maintain its supply chains and customer retention. In addition; Home Depot has maintained an absolute cost advantage in the industry (Harrison and John). The pricing offered by the company is low cost pricing which makes the competition tough in the in the industry. Home Depot has maintained an exclusive control on the costing by developing strong relations with its exclusive sellers and suppliers. One of the major advantages Home Depot experience is the brand image, as customers are more inclined to approach co mpanies having strong brand names (Harrison and John). Home Depot has served over years, it is known as for the best quality and service provider in the industry. This eventually declines the dilemma for the existing companies like Home Depot and Lowies from the new entrants. Constantly, it can be concluded that Home Depot has an edge in the market and has restrained others from entering as new threats. 3.3.2 – Bargaining Power of Suppliers The bargaining power of suppliers in the home improvement industry is a low force. Home Depot’s expense controls and cost initiatives are its core competencies. Prominent companies in the industry like Home Depot and Lowe’s are dependent on well recognized brand name suppliers (Harrison and John). These firms maintain strategic alliances and exclusive relationship with certain suppliers; they maintain their market image in the industry, which eventually secures the bargaining power of suppliers. Home Depot maintains exclusive relationship with its suppliers, as it is depend upon products that are well recognized and brand suppliers. This is because of the reason that if these firms are unable to maintain strong relationship with its suppliers the may lose their product variety and quality (Harrison and John). Furthermore Home Depot eliminates the reliance upon third parties and middle man; this is because of the reason that if these third parties run into financial or regulatory difficulties it may caste negative impacts on the company in the industry (Harrison and John). Therefore, home depot has centralized its purchases operations through making direct purchases (Harrison and John). The online centers of the company aid company to minimize the control of suppliers. Home Depot also maintains websites to maintain and to strengthening the relationship with its suppliers, these measures limits supplier’s bargaining power to a low force. 3.3.3 – Threat Of Substitute Products or Services The threat of substitution in the home retailing industry is relatively low, because the substitution for the home product like hammers, nails, and paint etc. can be the similar products bought within the industry which are also sold by the same vendors (Harrison and John). It is true that the demand of products, their supplies and prices are interrelated in a market, which

Project Management of the construction of an international airport in Essay

Project Management of the construction of an international airport in a developing country that involves land acquisition and fa - Essay Example Important inclusions which need attention have been emphasized; this includes the project schedule, WBs, and PID. All the construction processes have been identified together with material usage. It has also looked attest and inspection of all construction processes. Importance of good record keeping techniques have been emphasized together with what is there to be recorded and why. The project has also entailed the risk management process where all the risks have to be identified and possible solutions put down. Introduction Fast paced communication systems, restrictive budget, efficient planning, and just-in-time deliveries make projects operation easy for both the project leaders and project team. In order to keep time, construction’s players must streamline their operations in the construction, improvise ways to improve their rate of operation, shorten and innovate the construction cycle, as well as all other undertakings with in the construction process. In an internation al airport construction in a developing country, many aspects must be looked at to ensure that nothing goes wrong in the under takings. Having in mind that it is been built in an occupied land makes it complex because of the relocation policies of the land. A quality project needs adequacy in planning, efficient technology should be used, access to construction materials should be good, and the project schedule should be followed to the letter. ... Risk management is quite essential because poor risk analysis may lead to project implementation failure. WBS This is the process used in both system engineering and project management where the undertakings are broken down into smaller potion to facilitate the implementation processes. In project management, it is termed as discrete work components and facilitates the scope organization as well as definition along with availing guidelines for project control and development. Below is a sample of a WBS in an air craft system. The work breakdown in this project entail: farmers’ displacement, land acquisition, project schedule analysis, risk assessment and analysis, material acquisition, and airport construction process. The tool facilities overall frames work in the planning and control of the project as well as their implementation process (Thomas, 1996). Famers’ relocation and land acquisition Land being used in this project is under use by the farmers, the acquisition process needs fairness and use of the right channel to ensure that the displacement process has gone inline with the legal policies and ethics of the land. The best way to do this is by purchasing a land of equal productivity and relocating the farmers in that land and putting up structures for them or making compensation financially with respect to the value of the land. PID The term is used in project management to mean plan of approach. This is a series of documents containing different important documentations which include: reference terms, business case, project tolerances, risk register, communication plan, project plan, and any other important document in a quality plan. Important inclusions in the PID: Project goals – the goals of this project is construct an international

MIDTERM EXAM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

MIDTERM EXAM - Essay Example The framers of the Constitution, most notably James Madison advocated the interrelated and interdependent systems of values, political structures and political processes. These interconnected systems are the very essence of a democratic government which derives its authority from its people which consequently makes it a government by the people. With these, it likewise carries the responsibility of safeguarding liberty and the prevention of tyranny, which can be inferred in the Constitution itself. . When the Constitution speaks of values it refers to popular consent and personal liberty among others. The United States Constitution was passed to preserve individual liberties against the incursions by the government. This preservation of individual liberties is all enshrined to what is termed as the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights is the set of prescriptions setting forth the fundamental civil and political rights of the individual; similarly, it imposes limitations on the power of government as a means of securing the enjoyment of the aforesaid rights. The Bill of Rights is distinctively designed to preserve the ideals of liberty, equality and security. The Bill of Rights is enshrined in the first ten amendments to the Constitution. With respect to political structures, the United States Constitution provides for the Separation of Power and the s... This is such, for the reason that no one branch had enough power to dominate the other. These branches of government were independent of each other, but necessitated to cooperate with each other to govern. In the Federalist No. 51, Madison wrote "the great security against a gradual concentration of several powers in the same department consists in giving those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others." And as such, the separation of power prevents a concentration of authority in one person or one group which might lead to an irreversible error or abuse in its exercise to the detriment of the democratic institution of the country. Such separation of powers is designed to secure actions, preclude over action, and prevent despotism and to achieve efficiency. On the other hand, the Principle of Checks and Balances is a system by which the Constitution provides each department certain powers by which it may definitely restrain the other branch form improvident action, which in so doing, maintains the balance among the branches of government and accordingly preserves the will of the sovereign as expressed in the constitution. Political Processes encompasses free and fair elections, majority rules and freedom of speech among others. The free and fair elections are manifested in the constitution wherein it is provided that as a republican government, it is incumbent upon the people to select their representatives who will make decisions for them. Election is a form of participation wherein people engage in political processes of shaping the government's authority. And it is through election