Evaluating Contracts Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Evaluating Contracts - Assignment Example Apart from the costs of the materials, the business will then have its markup, and the arrangement accommodates changes in the prices of materials (Gido & Clements, 2014, p. 87). The advantages of entering into a fixed-price contract for the business include that it will allow the business to secure and plan the execution of the contract fully, right from the beginning of the contract. The case for a cost-reimbursement contractual agreement is different, because the agreement limits the profits that the business could make from the execution, irrespective of the duration taken and the efficiency of executing the work. Secondly, this type of contracting will simplify the process of sales forecasting, because the profits to be drawn from the contract can be determined before starting the project, and that allows for more sales prospecting. The case is different in the case of entering into a cost-reimbursement contract, because disputes over the costs of materials and labor can affect the process of reimbursement and the profitability of the business – as a result (Gido & Clements, 2014, p. 87). The major risk arising from entering into this type of con tract is that, it is likely that the business will agree on a price which is too low, to the extent that it may not meet the costs of labor and materials adequately. Further, there is the risk that the increment of the prices (costs) of the materials needed for the execution of the contract may limit the business’ ability to make a profit from the contract, especially in the event that prices increase. The case is different in the case the business enters into a cost-reimbursement contractual arrangement, because it will allow the business the advantage of determining the profits to be made before starting the contract. This advantage is highly significant, where there is a risk of change (increment) in the costs of labor and materials. Arising

Documentation for Web Application Project Outline

Documentation for Web Application Project - Outline Example 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Server - This is where the application will be installed (basically where the application files will be stores). In other words, this is the machine where all the data processing will be done. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Client - The client  represents the computer being used by the website visitor to access the information stored in the server. The website visitor will use browser software to access the website. The design process involves structuring the application together with its functionalities before developing the application. This planning helps in time saving and ensuring that the overall goal of the application in put in picture before one begins the development work. The design process will majorly depend on the kind of application being developed. As for the case of Plant and Machinery website application, the below process has been used. This part of the design focuses on the outlook of the website so that its usability is favorable to the website visitors. Here the designer must make sure that the focus is on the visitor because they never concentrate on how complex the application is but on how easy it is to

Big Lipped Parents Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Big Lipped Parents - Essay Example Placing plates on a girl’s lips causes physical injury. It leads to the sagging of the lips, hence damaging her physical appearance. This practice, therefore, should be perceived as a form of child abuse because it causes physical injury. Moreover, sagging of the lips causes emotional harm. When admitted to school, the girl may undergo a lot of emotional stress because her peers may segregate her. According to Kathleen, a practice that causes emotional harm to a child is usually considered a form of child abuse (62). Finally, logically speaking, planting plates on a girl’s lips does not make her attractive. Despite it being culturally accepted, it causes more harm than good to the child. Fontes asserts that the harm that culture causes, physical and emotional, makes it a form of child abuse (16). As their neighbor, I would talk to their daughter to talk to her parents. I would tell her to inform them of the emotional suffering that they would inflict on her. She should also emphasize the possibility that emotional suffering might affect her grades. As a result, she should tell them that she would prefer to stay at home rather than being demeaned at school. This might help change their stance if they care for their daughter (Fontes

Nike and International Labor Practice Essay Example for Free

Nike and International Labor Practice Essay Problem Identification Established in the early 70s Nike, Inc., based in Beaverton, Oregon, USA faced a severe stream of criticism and experienced growing problems concerning their plants and employee treatment, mainly in Indonesia and Vietnam in 1988. Rising demand for Nike products, which almost doubled within a short period of time, led the company and its 350+ subcontractors to raise the production level. Series of labor problems and abuse such as cheap labor wages, poor working conditions, health and safety issues and underage workers exploitation, were the main issues Nike had to deal with. Furthermore, Nike, Inc. had to deal with managing the diversity of cultures and language barriers had to be overcome, while still be able to produce the high-quality product Nike is famous for. Throughout the 1990s Phil Knight, CEO of Nike, Inc. and the company itself lost their superb corporate image in the eye of the world and it became an international incident. Causes of Problem After establishing a name in the world, Phil Knight, decided to manufacture Nikes apparel in South Korea and Taiwan, and by 1982 already 86% of Nikes sneakers came from these two countries. Realizing that Asian countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and China provide cheaper labor cost, better government support and higher profit, Nike moved their production lines there, with Indonesia becoming an important location. In 1991, the daily minimum wage was barely $1 in Indonesia, compared to a typical daily wage of $24.40 in South Korea and a US hourly wage of about $8 in athletic shoe manufacturing. Even that the Indonesian government raised the minimum wage from 2,100 Rupiah ($1.00/day) to 2,500 Rupiah ($1.25/day), the new wage was still underneath the workers living expenses. In 1992, these issues went outside of Indonesia and even hit Washington D.C., when President Clinton introduced the task force Apparel Industry Partnership (AIP) to develop and control labor standards for foreign fact ories. Although Nike was the first one to join, they had trouble convincing people that everything went right in their plants in Asia. Ernst Young was being hired to control and audit the factories, but soon voices became loud, that there was not a really  objective view at the problems, since Nike was paying them. It hit the peak in 1997/ 1998, when TV shows, newspapers and even a movie (The Big One) were talking about the bad conditions within Nikes factories in Asia and publicly challenged Phil Knight to change the way workers were treated, compensated and how underage workers were employed. Adidas, Reebok and New Balance took advantage of Nikes down slope and gained in competitive advantage. This led to diminishing sales number, earnings fell 69%, and for the first time in 13 years Nike, Inc. had a loss at the end of the year 1998. Alternatives 1.Government regulation of Nike Advantages: a)Local Government would have a closer look onto what is happening in its own country and with their people b)US Government could also have a closer look onto what Nike is doing abroad and would be able to intervene any illegal activity from the motherland c)Both governments would work closer together and it would open doors for other US companies to invest in the foreign country Disadvantages: a)As indicated in the case, some governments just see the money that is brought into the country, regardless what is happening within the company, or better said to its people. b)Ties between the US government and the foreign country might not be the best, due to political tensions, and makes it therefore tougher to work together. 2.Improve employees working and living standards Advantages: a)A happy employee is a better worker improve the employees living standard by raising his wage, giving him more benefits (health insurance, vacation time), lessen his working hours, etc. b)Equal Opportunity give chances to workers to move up the company ladder, and not only bring outside people in. Furthermore, adjust workers compensation, working hours and labor conditions to human standards. c)Extensive training and development for managers All managers should learn foreign countrys language, living habits and adapt to culture. Training the workers on the job will also help to overcome workforce diversity and make the workplace a better place to be. Disadvantages: a)The changes will take time and will be cost effective. b)Adapt to western working habits, might be a huge change for Asian workforce and might not be adapted well 3.Documentation and Inspection Advantages: a)Factories will be supervised, by either the local government or organizations b)Inspections will lead to better working conditions c)Workers will have someone to talk to and will not be left alone Disadvantages: a)Again, organizations might be paid by Nike and not report the whole truth b)Reports from workers might be left alone and not brought up to people in charge Best Alternative The best alternative for Nike, Inc. is to undertake all three alternatives simultaneously. In order to gain back the market share and competitive advantage, their global view has to strengthen. They started off very well by implementing some of the above-mentioned ideas. These alternatives will just help them to become a stronger player in this fast growing and very competitive business world. Implementation Steps The actions, that Nike, Inc. should take are as followed: First they should work on getting their name back into the right spotlight, by implementing the alternatives. The governments will be more than willing to help them and since Nike is recognized all over the world, even the local governments/ countries are keen on keeping them in their country and employ their citizens. This might even bring countries like the USA and Indonesia closer together and more companies from the US will be ready to go to Indonesia and produce there. Secondly, the workers benefits, life standard and work habits are the most important of all of the alternatives. Nike, Inc. should invest most of their research and development in this field, since the wages are still not as they should be. An idea would be to start raising the wages to at least the countrys standard, so that people can live off their earnings a normal life. Nike started successfully the implementation of programs that involved increasing the workers living standard in the developing world, but still the compensation of the worker is the main problem that needs to be taken on right away. Secure working places, no lay-offs and safe working environments should be steps that must be taken immediately, only then we can see the difference and make a worker a happy  and productive employee. Last but not least, Nike should be watched, inspected and documented upon. It will not only help the factories in Vietnam or Indonesia, but also the company itself. Once outside organizations tell Nike where they need to improve on and do it after being told, then the company will also get into the positive spotlight, which will resume in higher sales and more profit. Nike will then be again the strongest contender in supporting and sponsoring universities, pro athletes and teams and most important a company that everybody wants to work for, regardless where.

Black Death Essay -- History, Plague

The most immediate effect of the plague was that it led to higher wages for the poor. Prior to the Black Death, Europe was in a state of overpopulation, and famines were a frequent occurrence (Herlihy 39). After the arrival of the first outbreak of plague, however, Europe's population dropped somewhere between twenty-five and forty-five percent (Gottfried 77). Not only that, but, repeated occurrences of plague kept Europe's population lowered, and it did not regain its pre-plague levels until the mid-sixteenth century (Gottfried 134). That overwhelming loss of so many lives turned the situation around, and suddenly Europe was facing a labor shortage. That gave laborers an advantage over their employers. With the lack of workers able to fill positions, people were able to negotiate their employment, demanding more money. If their demands were not met, they were often able to find better opportunities elsewhere (Ziegler 233). This led Matteo Villani to complain in 1363 that, à ¢â‚¬Å"Serving girls and unskilled women with no experience in service and stable boys want at least 12 florins per year, and the most arrogant among them 18 or 24 florins per year, and also nurses and minor artisans working with their hands want three times or nearly the usual pay †¦ † (Herlihy 48-49). That shows, clearly, what was happening at the time. Not only did workers want more money, they expected it. What is more important, however, is that they actually received more pay. In fact, wages doubled overall in the period after the plague. Evidence has shown that during the period between the 1340's and 1390's, skilled construction worker's pay rose from 3d to 5d per day in Southern England, and those who were unskilled saw an increase from 1 ½d to 3d... ...cent (Gottfried 97). That led to a new trend in Europe, one where many landlords, unable to obtain a profit from their lands, leased their lands to the serfs for a cash rent, and many became absentee landlords (Gottfried 138). For instance, on one manor in the baliwick of Clare, most of the lands were being leased out by 1380 (Ziegler 239). In another example, in Witchurch England in 1383 the landlord, Richard Talbot, switched to leasing the lands after attempts to directly farm in failed (Platt 50). And those are just a couple of the many examples of that occurring. What that meant for the serfs who received leases was that they were no longer bound by the chains of serfdom. They could farm the lands as they saw fit, keep what they needed for their families, and sell what they didn't. In return for this they only needed to pay a cash rent to the landlord.

Marketing in Global Environment Essay

Pre school children usually become angry when they are frustrated and they get frustrated when they cant comprehend what is going on and what they have to do in that current situation. Thus when they feel helpless and are unable to express their feelings verbally, they show anger. This is basically the positive sign in a sense that this aggression enables the child to create their own personality, which signals that they are getting growing up because of the learning they obtain from new circumstances. According to Lewis & Michalson, (1983) there are three components of anger; emotional state of anger, expression and then understanding of anger. In the first stage of emotional state the child feels that their needs are not fulfilled or their goal is unattainable. In daily classroom activities there may be conflict over possession of children’s accessories, like some children don’t like to share their things with other children. Moreover there may be fights between children, verbal taunt or teasing, or circumstances when children feel that they are being ignored with peers, parents or teachers and when kids don’t like to do what is ordered by the teacher or parents. All these are the reasons that cause children to get frustrated. The second stage is expression of anger, which children normally display through their facial expression, by crying and sometimes they become stubborn and do not bother to resolve the issue. Some children express their anger by taking revenge physically or through verbal taunting, complain to the teacher what he dislikes or by fighting with his other friends. The third stage address the understanding of anger, it involves understanding, interpreting and then evaluating the emotions because expression of anger is basically linked with the understanding of emotions. At this stage children learn from their teachers and parents on how to manage their feelings of anger, and how to react in those situations. Now I would like to explore the understanding and then managing anger, according to the (Lewis & Saarni, 1985), there is a cognitive process of children’s gradual development which includes memory, language and self referential and self regulatory behaviors. At the initial ages, children always remember in their memory; the situations and their solutions that what they have done at that prevailing situation and then it become very difficult to wash their brain if they are grow up with the wrong perception. Thus the teacher plays an important role in the growing of children because they are the ones who guide them on what they have to do in the situation they come across. Then comes language, as every child thinks differently and they have different perceptions, therefore the teacher has to be very careful and keep in mind the differences when teaching them on anger. The third and last one is self referential and self regularity behavior, now self referential behavior means seeing them as separate, independent and active, while self regulation refers to controlling their wishes and tolerating the consequences. What the teacher is supposed to do to deal with the anger, the most important task is to create a friendly climate where children can express their feelings and problems without being scared, listen to them, motivate them and they must help the children to develop self regulatory skills. Also, let them participate in all the classroom activities to increase their confidence, they can do so by telling them moral stories, with the help of role play or through games and different competitions, and the most important task is to involve parents as they are the ones who remain with them all the day. Hence teacher and parent both must coordinate to better understand the children. Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study was to examine the child psychology, as every child is different. Furthermore, to understand how to treat children, in a way they want to be treated so they can be a better groomed for their future ahead. References: †¢ Marion. M. (April 27, 2009) Helping Young Children Deal with Anger. Retrieved 26th June 09. From the website: http://www. athealth. com/Consumer/issues/childsanger. html †¢ The Parent Report Radio Show. Aggression and Anger in Young Children. Retrieved 26th June 09 from the website: http://www. theparentreport. com/resources/ages/preschool/development/650. html †¢ Center for Mental Health Services. Helping the Child Who is Expressing Anger. Retrieved 26th June’ 09 from the website: http://parentingteens. about. com/cs/youthviolence/a/childanger. htm †¢ Can Anger in Children be a Sign of Something Serious? ( 2008 ). Retrieved 26th June 09 from the website: http://www. help-your-child-with-anger. com/anger-in-children. html †¢ Managing and Coping with the Angry Child. Retrieved 26th June 09 from the website: http://www. angermgmt. com/children. asp

Vikings, Civilized?

In the year AD 789, the Viking Era began. They came across the sea from the region now called Scandinavia. Hundreds of years later, there were many Vikings living in all corners of Europe because their homelands couldn’t support their growing population. The Vikings for a long time had a bad reputation. People feared the Vikings, describing them as vicious vandals and barbaric raiders. That is what the Vikings are mostly remembered for today. Aside from all the raiding and looting of towns the Vikings did, in their homelands, they had a certain level of civilisation in their culture.The name ‘Viking’ translates to ‘pirate’ in Norse; a language spoken by the Vikings. The Vikings were very fierce and brutal fighters. 4 years after the Vikings settled in England/Europe, they violently raided the monks of Lindisfarne. The war party struck quickly and unexpectedly. The monks at first thought they would be safe, living in a monastery and sacred place, but t hey were wrong. The people of Lindisfarne were defenseless, making it easier for the Vikings to steal treasures, burn down buildings and murder monks.The Vikings were violent and heartless towards others. They would torture their victims and did not hesitate to kill anyone†¦ including innocent babies. After raiding the monastery, the Vikings longships would sail home loaded with goods and captives. The Vikings would raid and loot through towns as they travelled. Their swords and axes caused terror and fear wherever they went. They had many cruel and disturbing ways to kill people. One of the most popular ways they used is called a butterfly cut, which ended up with the victim’s lungs hanging out.They would also drown people in the sea until they died. Some Vikings called ‘The berserkers’ were worked up with drugs before and in battles which made them wild and somehow, pain free. Despite the Vikings status as raiders, not all Vikings voyages were violent. Alt hough they might loot and destroy one town, they would go to another in peace and trade goods. While some of the popular belief of Vikings being nothing but ruthless fights are correct, contrary to belief, the Vikings culture and way of life is less barbaric than most may think.In addition, Vikings were very skilled craftspeople. They were expert sailors and shipbuilders. Their longship sailed all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. The Vikings built many types of boats like small rowing boats, trading and transport ships and of course the mighty longship used for raids. The Vikings were excellent navigators, and with their longship, could travel far distances. Furthermore, the Vikings had a very structured and stable society. They had equal rights, their own religion and language which are all signs of a civilised culture.The Vikings honored the dead and evidence from a number of primary sources reveal that the Vikings would bury the dead in mass graves, in deep pits, in wagons and b oats. Cremation was another common burial practice for Pagan Vikings. The Viking’s society was divided into 3 groups. The Jarls who were the privileged, rich and powerful ones, the Karls who were the middle class made up the majority of the Viking society. They were the craftspeople, farmers and merchants. On the bottom of the Viking society were the Thralls.Most of them were slaves and did the heavy work. The Vikings would have festivals with music, storytelling and games In conclusion, saying the Vikings were nothing but ruthless, bloodthirsty savage beasts would be unfair. Yes, they did attack and kill many innocent people but that does not mean their society was uncivilised. The Vikings were the master of the seas and were skilled at many things. They had a structured society and had their own beliefs. In saying that, the Vikings were far less barbaric than most think.