Stone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Stone - Essay Example Gold nugget is a mineral because of the characteristics it possesses. One it is a naturally occurring substance found in gold ore and has a specific gravity of around 15.5-19.3. Gold nugget has a specific color, which is yellow in color (Marshall, 50). Quartz is a mineral because it is naturally occurring in sedimentary rocks. Quartz has different colors but is mostly range from clear to it translucent color. Its luster is vitreous. Amber be classified a minerals because they a combination of tree resin and other natural occurring things such as plant and animal materials. It has a color range from yellow to orange and a specific gravity of 1.1. Glacial ice forms due to a lot of icefall and slow melting during the summer hence it solidifies to a glacier. So a glacier can be categorized as a mineral formed by only one mineral and because of its defined formula and structure (Marshall, 60) Ruby is a mineral that is naturally occurring and is mined. Obsidian is a volcanic glass where it is pushed up as an extrusive igneous rock, so cannot be described as a mineral. Cubic zirconia is a mineral. It is synthetic in nature and was discovered in monoclinic

Personal Incident that Helped to Make Ethical Decision Essay

Personal Incident that Helped to Make Ethical Decision - Essay Example A person may not be legally bound to choose a course of action but ethics demand that he take on that course of action. Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, deals with the obligations that human beings have to the society and people around them. It also deals with the values that we acquire while living within the society and it is these values that guide the decisions that individuals take in their lives (Duquenoy, George and Kimppa, 2008). In this paper, we attempt to present an ethical dilemma that I faced in my life recently and how this decision I made corresponds with two different ethical theories. Under the light of these ethical theories that are Utilitarianism and Kantism Theory, we would be discussing the decision that I made. The objective is to study the decision under these theories and determine whether the action taken was ethically correct. Ethical Situation Recently, while working as an intern in a hospital, I went across a case that required ethical decision mak ing. A 5-year-old child was suffering from severe trauma as a result of a car accident. The car accident that left the child in a vegetative state and he continued to be on life support for more than 3 months. Even before the condition, the child had been suffering because of his medical condition that had been diagnosed as Thalassemia Major. As the three months were nearing their end, the parents of the child were losing hope. The doctor, a senior and a mentor, was also losing hope. The parents were quite attached to their child and had been his main support throughout his life. But with time, they were realizing that their child may not survive given his condition and the injury that he had taken on. For this reason, they were considering using euthanasia as a valid option at that stage. The doctor, however, was not willing to allow the child to be put to sleep considering that the law was against such a situation. During the child’s illness and his injury, I had developed a good bonding with the parents. I saw them as caring individuals and loving parents who were generally distressed at their child’s present condition. Because of their concern, I usually took out the time in my busy schedule to visit and offer support at least once during the day. I was aware that my concern for the child reassured the parents and they discussed their options with me in great detail. Thus, it was not surprising that they came to me to discuss the option of euthanasia. Personally, I do not have a strong argument for or against euthanasia but seeing the child as he was and the suffering the parents were going through, I realized that euthanasia would be more advantageous in this position. However, I was legally bound to refrain from the practice myself. Decision After great deliberation, I decided that I indeed had an option that the parents would consider. I researched the internet about states that allowed euthanasia as legal practices and informed the parent s of such states.  

Impacts Of Global Fuel Price Fluctuations Tourism Essay

Impacts Of Global Fuel Price Fluctuations Tourism Essay The fuel prices are determined by the crude oil prices. In order to produce fuel and other petroleum products, the main raw material used is crude oil. (Chevron Corp, N/A) The prices of crude oil are determined by the market force of demand and supply. If there are grows in demand or disruptions in supply of crude oil, then the market will adjust by increasing the price of crude oil, subjected to the changes in demand or supply. One of the most recognisable causes of fluctuation in fuel prices is disruptions in the supply of crude oil in the market. Political instability is one of the factors. Majority of oil producer countries are in the emerging regions, where disruptions in supply of crude oil always happened and affecting the price. (Chevron Corp, N/A) Besides, shortages of supply can be resulted from a sudden refinery outage or maintenance and pipeline problems. On the other hand, the rise in the price of crude oil is caused by the increase in international energy demand driven by strong long term economic growth especially in non-OECD countries. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, make a projection that in between 2006 to 2030, there will be a dramatic increase of 44% in the total world consumption of energy. (Caltex, N/A) Adding together political instability, disruptions in the supply and growing demand for crude oil cause the price of fuel to be volatile. (237w) To manage airlines companies, the management will try to minimise any cost associates with the company. According to Air Transport Association, 25.4% of airlines operating expenses were contributed by fuel. As the fuel price becoming increasingly volatile, airlines industries will face risk in rising fuel price and one of the ways to get rid of the risk is by hedging the fuel price. Hedging is a risk management tool that allows airlines to lock in a price for fuel and protect them from the risk of soaring fuel price in future. Neeraj Kapoor, Go Air spokesperson commented that aviation fuel pricing in certain region like India does not favour hedging, but recent hike in fuel price make them reconsider on hedging their fuel. (Kabtta, K, 2008) On the other hand, South West Airlines, which hedged about 70% of its fuel, got to consume it at a lower price of $51 a barrel, compared to the market price of $135 per barrel. (Kabtta, J, 2008) Besides hedging, airlines usually will increase the price of its fuel surcharge. Fuel levy or fuel surcharge is the additional cost to the fare, imposed on per ticket basis in order to retrieve the rising price of the fuel. (Koch, R, 2010) As for example, Virgin Blue had decided to follow Qantas action of increasing fuel surcharges due to the spike in global fuel prices. (Oà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Sullivan, M, 2011) In short, an airlines company could avoid the surge of global fuel prices by either hedge the fuel price with any hedging instrument such as options or increase the fuel surcharge on the passenger. (268 w) Now let us examined what are the possible impact that fuel price volatility may bring to the airlines industry and suggestion for the airlines company in dealing with this crisis. As we had discussed above, a surge in fuel prices will directly hit the airlines industry as the rising in cost of fuel will result in increase on the cost of operation. Besides, fuel prices are determined to have a relationship with economic recessions. Soaring fuel prices will trigger higher inflation which later be cooled off by monetary policy. As a result, demand for air travel will decline. Despite facing such challenge, there are airlines that determined enough to go against the tide by trying to reduce costs as well as implementing new strategies to be more competitive. Most of the airlines resorted in drastic action by firing some of their employee in order to cut cost since labour cost contributed almost 24.7% out of total operational cost. (Air Transport Association, N/A) As for example, due to s udden hike in fuel prices, Qantas determined to cut down the number of its employees. (Hannan, E, 2011) While other airlines company trying their best in finding new strategies in order to stay competitive with other airlines. For example United Airlines strategy is to use software developed for flight planning to choose the best route and speed of flight. (Wilen, J.2008) Another good example is Cathay Pacific where they decided to opt towards more fuel efficient aircraft such as Boeing 747-8F and Boeing 777-300ER other than issuing fuel surcharge on tickets to cover for soaring fuel prices. (Cathay Pacific Airways Limited 2010)In brief, increase in fuel prices may impact the airlines industry directly or indirectly and there are several ways to face this issue.(291) In summary, airline industry has been badly affected by the rising fuel prices. The industry is losing both customers and revenues. Some airlines are trying to go against the tide by reforming themselves, but to a limited success. These airlines are working hard to reduce cost and implement new strategies to win back customers. While the world is still in recession, those efforts have started to show some good results. As such, it is possible to see airlines will bounce back and recover from bad financial conditions sooner.(88)

James Baldwin’s Critique of the Social Condition Essay -- James Baldwi

James Baldwin’s Critique of the Social Condition James Baldwin was an African American writer who, through his own personal experiences and life, addressed issues such as race, sexuality, and the American identity. â€Å"Notes of a Native Son† is one of many essays that Baldwin wrote during his lifetime. Within this essay, Baldwin talks about when his father died and the events that revolved around it. His father’s death occurs in the early 1940s, where oppression and racism were still fairly prevalent in many cities across the nation. So amidst the events that revolve around Baldwin’s father’s death, there are many riots and beatings taking place. This essay is simply not a recollection of what Baldwin experienced in the past, but it challenges, critiques, and tries to understand the current social condition of the time. He does this by recalling his personal experiences to draw the reader in and as a result of that, can begin to construct an analysis of the social condition. Baldwin weaves in and out of his personal experiences and private reasons to give the reader both a small and large perspective of what is going on at the time. It’s important for the reader to have a small, personal perspective so they can connect with the emotions Baldwin expresses. At the same time a large general perspective is needed because it shows the reader that Baldwin’s experiences, although unique, is connected to a larger group of people, that in one way or another, his plight is the plight of many. Baldwin effectively implements this method when he says â€Å"All of Harlem, indeed, seemed to be infected by waiting† (73). This sentence is placed in between two moments. Prior to this sentence, Baldw... ...bat the poison with it, â€Å"†¦perhaps poison should be fought with poison† (78). Through his own experiences, Baldwin is able to highlight the social condition that he was surrounded with during that period. Through skillful use of words and transition, Baldwin was able to indirectly question and analyze the social condition without losing the interest of the reader. By moving back and forth from a personal experience to a public condition, Baldwin makes the essay very powerful and very effective in getting his points across. What is also successful about Baldwin’s method is that it captures the readers attention and forces them to look deeper and understand what it is he truly is talking about. Works Cited Baldwin, James. â€Å"Notes of a Native Son.† 1955. James Baldwin: Collected Essays. Ed. Toni Morrison. New York: Library of America, 1998. 63-84.

Richard Branson

The strong, influential, and ambitious personality of adventurer and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson radiates throughout each of our lives. (Richard Branson, 1999) Richard Branson was born July 18th, 1950, in Surrey, England. He struggled in school and eventually dropped out at the age of 16. (Sir Richard Branson, 2012) It could be said that Richard Branson is arguably the most successful high-school dropout in business history. He overcame his battle with dyslexia and eventually became known as a modern entrepreneurial icon. Sir Richard Branson, 2012) Richard Branson exemplifies the idea of the American Dream. In addition to becoming an entrepreneurial success story that crafted an empire from scratch, he has formed an identity for himself that is comprised of great wealth, international prestige, rugged adventure, and fearless innovation. (Sir Richard Branson, 2012) Richard Branson has proved that he is not afraid to fail, a trait that has been confirmed through some of his busine ss and personal endeavors. (Moir, 2009) LEADERSHIP STYLES:Richard Branson has proven that he is a natural born leader. Although he battles dyslexia and struggled through school, he still became a success story by creating a vast business empire by using his weaknesses to his advantage. (Moir, 2009) When examining Branson’s history it is clear to see that he has utilized different leadership styles throughout the success of his career. Leadership consists of influence, it occurs among people, those individuals purposely desire change, and the change reflects the shared purposes of both followers and leaders. Entrepreneurship: The Virgin Company, 2006) Branson’s leadership styles are suggestive of those of the transformation and charismatic leadership theories. Branson is known for his outlandish and flamboyant leadership style. Rather than a hands-on manager, Richard Branson has become known as a charismatic and strategic leader. (Richard Branson – Leader Extraor dinaire, 2002) A marked distinction exists between management and leadership at the Virgin Group. Transformational leadership stems from the top-level executives and managers within the company.Branson along with other company executives have defined many common goals for the business to accomplish as a whole. (Carmichael, 2005) These goals consist of the utilization of new technology, expansion into international markets, customer loyalty, and joint business ventures. These types of goals are made known to all people associated with the company. This has become a great benefit to the company by giving every person involved a mission to accomplish. (Carmichael, 2005). The top tier of management promotes employees to leverage their skills in ways that will benefit the company the most.The purpose for this is to promote the philosophy that the overall benefit of the company will result in greater benefits for each individual involved. Rewards for shareholders, executives, employees, m anagers, and customers alike are obtained by through group contribution. (Management and Leadership of Richard Branson at Virgin Group Ltd, 2008) Leading is believed to be the most important and interesting function of management within the Virgin Group. Leadership dynamics begin with Richard Branson. Being a vocal and outgoing leader, his mission is to encourage his employees to work to their full potential for the benefit of the company.He advertises his belief that contributions to the good of the business will reap more rewards for everybody involved. (Management and Leadership of Richard Branson at Virgin Group Ltd, 2008) Branson has said that he attempts to bring out the best of his employees at all levels within the company. Management is expected to embrace this philosophy and pass it on to their subordinates. Richard Branson’s leadership style also consists of giving people a great level of freedom in their work. (Carmichael, 2005) Branson’s goal is to provide them direction in their duties, enabling them to take control of the situation thereafter.The freedom they are allowed in their work gives them an opportunity to excel without micromanagement. Branson’s company vision and leadership style has helped him become the center of attention within business and management discussions on a global scale. (Management and Leadership of Richard Branson at Virgin Group Ltd, 2008) RECOMMENDED LEADERSHIP STYLE: Richard Branson is an exceptional leader. Richard Branson’s management and leadership style can help teach us all. He has created a unique management style that has enabled the Virgin Company to achieve long term success.Although there is a marked distinction between leadership and management, the Virgin Company has achieved the integration of each in many aspects of the business. (Management and Leadership of Richard Branson at Virgin Group Ltd, 2008) Transformational leadership has become an essential tool for managers, exec utives, and workers as well. His leadership styles have given employees the desire to work together in an effort to better the company so they may reach their own personal goals. (Management and Leadership of Richard Branson at Virgin Group Ltd, 2008) Richard Branson is the definition of what a leader is.There has been no research found that suggests that Branson’s leadership is anything other than exemplary. Why fix something that is not broken? DEVELOPING A GLOBAL TEAM: Branson is constantly challenging his teams with new innovations, ideas, and ventures. (Branson, 2011) Richard Branson believes that forming a solid business foundation for the future is important – attracting investors, getting the contract correct, hiring core team members, selecting the best suppliers. (Branson, Richard Branson on Thinking Big, 2012) He would make sure that his teams have the correct tools for success. RICHARD BRANSON: The tools to succeed, the time to thrive, 2011) Branson would p rioritize his staff first, gather information from them, and follow up on their suggestions and ideas. Branson would make sure the details of the business venture would be sorted out with his employees and he would consider the challenges his employees may face including any improvements they would like to employ to secure the project’s success, keeping in mind that the ultimate beneficiaries will be the bottom line and the customers. (Branson, Richard Branson on Thinking Big, 2012) LEADERSHIP QUALITIES IN CURRENT ROLE:Richard Branson’s leadership practices can aid in the development of my own management and interpersonal skills. In my current position as the Executive Assistant to the County Administrator, I work closely with department directors and managers, as well as their support staff. When working on projects with County employees it is important for me to remember to assemble a great team, one with vision and passion. I need to remember that the employees are not just the resources of the County, but they are the County.It is their hard work and dedication that makes this County what it is. It is important to foster employees’ development by recognizing their accomplishments and giving praise. CONCLUSION: Richard Branson has a refreshingly unique opinion of leadership making it easy to understand why people enjoy working for him. (Richard Branson, 1999) Branson believes the best leaders listen and continue to learn even after they have become leaders and learned to successfully delegate. Great leaders get in front and aren’t scared to fight for their beliefs.Branson is a man who balances work and personal affairs, enjoys what he does, is fair and does not tolerate dirty tricks, and who leads from the front of a team of people who are dedicated to him – because they understand he honestly cares about them and the companies he owns. (Enderle, 2011) References Richard Branson. (1999, December). Retrieved February 2012, 14, from Askmen. com: http://www. askmen. com/celebs/men/december99/6_richard_branson. html Richard Branson – Leader Extraordinaire. (2002). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from IBS Center for Management Research: http://www. cmrindia. org/casestudies/catalogue/Leadership%20and%20Entrepreneurship/Richard%20Branson-Herb%20Kelleher-Leader%20Extraordinaire-Leadership%20and%20Entrepreneurship-Case%20Study. htm Entrepreneurship: The Virgin Company. (2006, March 31). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from WriteWork. com: http://www. writework. com/essay/entrepreneurship-virgin-group Management and Leadership of Richard Branson at Virgin Group Ltd. (2008). Retrieved February 2012, 2014, from UPX Success: http://www. upxsuccess. com/leadership_richard_branson. tml RICHARD BRANSON: The tools to succeed, the time to thrive. (2011, November 7). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from Business Day: http://www. businessday. co. za/articles/Content. aspx? id=158028 Sir Richard Branson. (2012). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from Bigraphy. com: http://www. biography. com/people/richard-branson-9224520 Branson, R. (2011, May 4). Richard Branson on Self-Motivation. Retrieved February 14, 2012, from Entrepreneur. com: http://www. entrepreneur. com/article/219563 Branson, R. (2012, January 17). Richard Branson on Thinking Big. Retrieved February

Extent to Which an Organization Meets the Objectives of Different Stakeholders.

A person, group, organization, or system who affects or can be affected by an organization's actions. † A â€Å"project stakeholder† is defined as â€Å"a person, group or organization with an interest in a project. † That could mean a sponsor (an executive, customer, supplier, agency, etc. that is sponsoring / funding the project), upper management, a project manager, and others. Whoever has a â€Å"stake† in the project? In order to perform good project management, you need to both manage and meet stakeholder expectations. The result of the project should match their expectations for what will be delivered at the end of the project.Why would an organization look at project management software to help them with that? Certainly project management software cannot in and of itself meet stakeholder objectives, but it is a tool that is in the Project Manager's arsenal to facilitate meeting objectives. Here are some ways that organizations use it for this purpos e: -Providing a mechanism for stakeholders to check on the status of the project (such as task and schedule completion). -Providing a collaborative platform to interact and view interactions, such as via a blog. Sending proactive reports, such as cost, schedule, and issue data. In addition, project management software can help the Project Manager and other managers ensure that a) the project team understands the stakeholder expectations (perhaps by having a project description or attaching a key project document), and b) the project team is currently on the right path to meeting those objectives. How you utilize project management software depends on your particular needs, objectives, and culture, but meeting stakeholder objectives is one way to demonstrate the value of a good tool.In order to meet its objectives, the organization needs to know the people and/or the groups affected by, or affecting, its work – the stakeholders. Knowing who your stakeholders are will help you to: †¢Understand the effects of your activities, whether they were anticipated or unexpected, positive or negative. †¢Identify, and then respond to, their concerns and the issues they raise. There are all kinds of ways of doing this – a list, a chart, putting people and organizations on a geographic map, or making a ‘mind map’ (a technique for arranging ideas and their interconnections visually)