ChildrenS Psychological Adjustment To Entry Into Kindergarten E

ChildrenS Psychological Adjustment To Entry Into Kindergarten Michael Burkhardt Page 2 From an ecological perspective, early childhood development occurs within the multiple contexts of the home, the school, and the neighborhood, and aspects of these environments can contribute to the development of adjustment problems (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). A childs psychological adjustment to entry into school for the first time can have a significant impact on the level of success achieved later in life. Children rated higher in school adjustment by their elementary school teachers, as a result of improved cognitive development, showed positive attitudes toward school resulting in better school performance which lead to higher educational attainment and lower delinquency at age 19. Not one factor alone accounts for childrens adjustment problems. Therefore it is important that we take a closer look at a wide range of factors that can affect the psychological adjustment to school in early childhood. Ladd, Birch, s entry factors, behavioral styles, relationships with classroom peers a nd teachers, classroom participation, and achievement. A childs entry factors are those attributes that are present in the child prior to entry into school, but impact the childs psychological adaptation after entry into school. Children that enter school with greater cognitive and linguistic maturity tend to form better relationships with teachers and perform better scholastically. Typically, girls are known to establish supportive ties with teachers, more often than boys (Birch and Ladd, 1997) because of their cognitive/linguistic maturity making gender an entry factor as well. Preschool experience is said to be an entry factor, which is the basis of Arthur J. Reynolds studies in 1996. Reynolds investigated the effects of preschool intervention versus school achievement in the sixth grade. Because of Michael Burkhardt Page 3 cognitive readiness at kindergarten entry due to preschool, children in the sixth grade showed significantly higher reading and math achievement with a lower incidence of grade retention. Evidence suggests that early school adjustment is positively associated with parental education, socioeconomic status, and childrens ethnicity (Ladd, 1987; Reynolds, 1991). These environmental entry factors are relative to the challenges of school and influence early adaptation. Parental education and income may afford advantages that lead to cognitive maturity prior to entry into kindergarten. A low socioeconomic status may produce increased stress in a family as well as diminished resources, and may influence the child through parenting practices and lack of warmth and acceptance. In American society, certain ethnic minorities have increased risk to psychological problems due to race discrimination and prejudice. This results in a higher amount of behavioral problems and lower academic achievement . These environmental entry factors effect a childs psychological adjustment indirectly due to the many contributing factors to be considered. The socioeconomic status includes many demographic factors including: single parent families or larger families which mean decreased attention toward the child, amount of income or resources available toward developing the childs cognitive ability, violence or other social practices within the childs neighborhood that could lead to increased behavioral problems, and the mothers age at childbirth which can affect parenting abilities since young mothers are generally more likely to have had difficulties in school and live in poor neighborhoods as well as emotional difficulties. Behavioral styles are the tools children use to confront challenges in school such as the formation of relationships with new classmates and teachers. Being rejected by a peer group or having a conflict with the teacher may cause the child to feel a lack of security or acceptance and Michael Burkhardt Page 4 promote maladjustment. Children appear to be better adjusted toward kindergarten when they have formed close rather than conflicting ties with their teachers (Birch & Ladd, 1996). Maladjustment is prevalent among children who remain friendless or are rejected by their classmates. The determinants in deciding the behavior type a child will pursue is based upon the notion to maximize rewards such as fun, arousal and common interests and minimize costs such as punishment and negative affective states. Antisocial behavior is found in those children whose style of relating produces a higher ratio of costs, and conversely pro-social behavior is found in those children who style of relating produces a higher

Playing World of Warcraft VS Content and Language Integrated Learning Essays

Playing World of Warcraft VS Content and Language Integrated Learning Essays Playing World of Warcraft VS Content and Language Integrated Learning Essay Playing World of Warcraft VS Content and Language Integrated Learning Essay Based on the three studies conducted by Syleven 2004/2010, Sunqvist 2009, and the joint study aimed at young learners and their extramural English habits, the underlying similarities between playing World of Warcraft (WoW) and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) are established. The studies tend to examine the potential impact on the learners oral proficiency and vocabulary, establish the relationship between what the students do in English when they are free and the learning outcomes in school, and focus on the CLIL and non-CLIL students on the effects of CLIL on their acquisition of vocabulary. The fundamental L2 learning determinants of immersion, authenticity, and motivation all are interconnected in one way or the other. Immersion is used in both computer game theory and in the L2 acquisition theorem. With regard to the computer games theorem, it encompasses the successful nature of computer games in creating experiences of escapism for the gamer. These games provide a content rich immersive environment as the gamer needs to comprehend and be able to communicate in the English language, which is the default language in WoW (Walters, 2007), in order to make significant progress in the games. CLIL involves the introduction of the French language to English L1 children who want to learn French. Authenticity is the core for both CLIL and WoW to L2 acquisition and is intended to create a language situation in the classroom, which is considered dependable by all the students (Nikula, 2007). This fundamental principle ensures that the amount of TL (Target Language) exposure is significantly increased. The students, therefore, are recipients to maximum input and they make progress in their communicative abilities. Motivation is considerably important for successful L2 language learning (Dornyei, 2001). The teachers, students, and the gamers are motivated to achieve good grades and have good results so as to boost their moral in doing so. They are motivated to understand the basic rules of practice with the significant aim of achieving better results. The students need motivation in order to acquire the TL in passing while teaching the specific subject (Dalton, 2007). The similarities between playing WoW and CLIL include: i. Active, Critical Learning Principle. This elaborates how the computer games make the gamers active and be able to critically and creatively think about how to solve different puzzles during the game. The WoW gamers become more active on the uses of authentic materials. The CLIL instructions promotes critical thinking to all the learners and strives to make them more active. The active and critical engagement heightens the level of the required authenticity and would motivate the learners and the gamers to achieve higher performance levels. ii. Psychosocial Moratorium Principle. The learners and the gamers are unlimited to their thinking capacity and can, therefore, try out different ways to solve puzzles and give better and alternative ways of solving issues. They have the sole responsibility in taking the risks and are even able to guess the next procedures or steps to take or make. The WoW players acquire the important skill of guessing, a significant L2 language learning strategy. This facilitates the process of learning to the students and the gamers (Naiman et al, 1996). iii. Identity Principle- in WoW, the players have the abilities to create their own virtual game personas and be able to play different roles as individuals or groups. In CLIL, students are able to come up with the desirable atmosphere in the classroom where every stakeholder in the classroom feels safe. This is a common identity to both CLIL and WoW. The learners and the students, therefore, have the ability to a create personalities that differ from their real-life personalities in order to have a peaceful co-existence with others. They, therefore, have the ability to hide their real identities based on the powerful juxtaposition of their real-world identities. The students thus have an alternative way of expressing their feelings and points of view on a given topic or subject of discussion. iv. Practice Principle- the gamers and the students have the ability to put into practice what they have learned in the virtual environment. They spent a significant time on the tasks to achieve the objects that may be required during the gaming process. These on tasks and activities in immersion school motivate the students to use TL. Since both WoW and CLIL have high degrees of authenticities as they involve the use of authentic materials, they make the contents to the learners very simple and easy to understand effectively. They make games and studies be more practical in nature and applicable in different areas (Broner Tedick, 2011). v. The regime of Competence Principle- this principle encourages every learner and gamer that no task or challenge is deemed undoable. The gamer, therefore, has the ability to critically think and come up with numerous ways to solve a particular problem as there is always a solution to every problem as long as the right resources and the energy are channeled in the right direction. The learners, therefore, have strong convictions to solve puzzles. However, this principle necessitates that the learners and gamers are given some motivation as this encourages them to look for the ways to counter the given problem. These developments are very significant in explaining the L2 developments in the students and gamers. vi. Subset Principle- it expresses that from the earliest starting point learning happens in a (streamlined) subset of the genuine space For instance, amateur players in WoW begin taking in the game mechanics in rather straightforward missions in an obliged domain, by and large all alone utilizing an experimentation approach, before proceeding onward to coordinated effort with others in additionally difficult attempts. There is an incremental configuration as far as game mechanics, which accordingly helps players who need past PC diversion experience to progress in the game. So also, CLIL instructors will give their learners a chance to begin from the level they are at and bit by bit present errands that are more troublesome. In a gaming environment, once began, interest expands on the inspiration to gain ground. So as to do as such, it is important for gamers to work together, mingle, and get to be individuals from societies. Players are relied upon to perform different errands, whi ch are fundamental for the society to progress. vii. Transfer Principle recommends that gamers and learners are given numerous odds to work on exchanging what they gain from the game-related issues to take care of new issues that emerge in the diversion or somewhere else, for example, in a CLIL classroom. The Transfer Principle is exceedingly pertinent additionally to CLIL (Darn 2006), since what is found out as far as the TL in the CLIL classroom are concerned ought to be conceivable to use in extramural and true connections. viii. Affinity Group Principle. Concentrates on the social and subjective sides of gaming. WoW offers a virtual reality specifically every last bit of it to any player entering WoW; i.e., while the game mechanics are presented incrementally, the social world is instantly made accessible in its entirety, personal correspondence). The tight relationship that develops among players sharing common objectives in WoW is underlined. Stenberg truth be told properties a great part of the prominence of WoW to the Affinity Group Principle (Stenberg, 2011). The underlying principles show the similarities between WoW and CLIL. These principles are co-relative and are exhaustive in their applications.

Advertising compan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Advertising compan - Essay Example The targeted gross sales and other numerical goals are listed in graphs throughout the plan, as well as at the end. This plan has been created on the basis of secondary market research utilizing search engines and existing literature on the topic. All figures in the plan are listed in terms of 100,000 U.S. dollars.The following graph depicts projected sales for the years 2008 through 2011. As one can see, the sales goals increase slightly with each additional year that passes. The company strives to maintain continued growth and enter the next phase of the organizational life cycle.Just to Advertise's main objective is to make a fair profit in the advertising industry. This goal is to be reached by attaining the numbers that are reflected in the above chart and in the Financial Plan section. Their secondary objective is to continue to increase profits year after year. They shall achieve this goal through meeting or exceeding their targeted sales forecast.Just to Advertise strives to offer its customers high-quality and cost effective advertising services whenever and wherever they need it. The main clients of Just to Advertise are hotels and bed and breakfasts. The company, however, also services a wide array of small and medium sized businesses throughout the United Kingdom. Currently, the company serves the United Kingdom only and is seeking to branch its services into France. They plan to start serving the French market by appealing their services to hotels and bed and breakfasts that are located in France. Then, they will begin to branch out into servicing other types of small and medium sized businesses. Keys to Success Just to Advertise focuses on two keys to success. The first is Internal Factors, and the second is External Factors. They are both explained in more detail in the subsequent sections. The company believes that these two keys to success must both be present and fully operational in order for them to perform at their maximum level at any given time. Internal Factors Basic internal factors lead the company to believe that it controls its own success. These are: 1. Marketing and Selling Power. The company makes its services attractive in order to attract the widest mix of customers. This approach has proven to be successful for the company's competitors and for the company's United Kingdom operations over the past year. The company plans to continue this practice in the new French market. 2. Overall Excellence in Meeting Promises. Clients purchase benefits rather than features. Both a claim and proof must be presented in order to realize a benefit. This company strives to succeed on every claim. Furthermore, the company believes that failure to do so is severely detrimental to the business. Company management respects the idea that every dissatisfied customer will not only fail to do repeat business with the company, but will also go off and tell a large number of individuals about the poor service that they received from the company. Just to Advertise believes that the customer is always right and that the customer comes first. 3. Generating New Business Leads in Order to Develop Visibility. The company obviously believes strongly in advertising, so they make their name well-known utilizing the vast amount of advertising resources that they have available to them. Developing a strong clientele is very important to the company in order to establish a good reputation in the markets in which they provide services. It is also important that the company builds strategic relationships with other companies and government

Paper analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Paper analysis - Essay Example The surplus agricultural products will feed both the people working in the farm and those in other economic sectors. On the other hand, lack of adequate natural resources is not a limitation to economic growth because; In the process of economic growth, economic activities depend much more on the use of physical and human capital. Countries like Japan and other South East Asia countries have made themselves economic growth with limited natural resources endowments, and have used more of the physical and human capital. Human resource is the physical labour and the stock of labour in the form of skills. A large labour force implies a more productive manpower to offer services to the various industries. A strong education based economy can produce a skilled labour force. This in return will improve the living standards of its employees through the salaries the workers receive from the services they lender. (iii) Capital contributes to the growth by overcoming the bottlenecks in agriculture. The limited availability of fertile land for cultivation can be overcome by raising arable land production via intensive farming. According to Walter Rostow’s, describes economic development to follow a certain order to achieve full development of the economy. He argues that within civilization chronological economic stages of modernization are followed. Walter identifies five stages; these stages include; 2. The precondition of take-off: this is the second stage of development. During this stage of development, the rates of investment are getting high. This kind of development comes as a result of the industrial revolution. The produce from agriculture is, therefore, further processed in the developed industries. Workforce of the primary sector becomes redundant. This stage may last for about a century. 3. The take-off: in this stage there is dynamic economic growth. The main feature in this platform is the capability of the economy to withstand its progression. This

Budgeting issues in criminal justice systems Essay Example for Free

Budgeting issues in criminal justice systems Essay One of the reasons why jails still exist despite overcrowding is the budget allotted for the criminal justice administration. But the sudden rise in the number of prisoners posed a problem when it comes to budgeting. The article on policies and procedures of correctional facilities operated by the Multnomah County clearly shows that it has been experiencing financial shortage due to faulty budgeting. The article shows that it is very expensive to accommodate a prisoner, which costs $157/day in Multnomah County. This is expensive compared to the rate of jail systems in other counties. This was attributed to the labor contracts which resulted to raised labor costs, extraordinarily high medical costs which led to high cost of the overall system in jail, ineffective jail staffing pattern, abuse of sick leave, overtime and compensatory time and increase in the Sheriff’s budget. Aside from all of these, the Multnomah County has a very expensive juvenile detention facility. It costs $401/day to accommodate a juvenile. The article further shows that the Sheriff’s Office has practiced budgeting techniques which hid the management practices of the organization. This resulted to difficulty of finding out the different organization functions. Even the district attorney’s office has to seek the help of a financial analyst to make sense of the financial outline of the jail system. What the county requires is a program called â€Å"priority-based budgeting. Each department of the jail system must present program offers for the county commissioners to fund. However, some of these program offers are rejected. The Sheriff’s office has a total of 66 funding program offers that the county commission has approved. The priority-based budgeting was applied so that the commissioners can make an informed decision from an accurate financial picture of the different programs. This enabled the commissioners to be knowledgeable in whether funding or rejecting a particular program. The article concluded that the outside help of a financial consultant was necessary to analyze the Sheriff’s costs and budgets. It was noted that â€Å"it is a natural and understandable inclination of a government agency† to do the budgeting practices discussed in the article. The DA’s office thought that similar practices have been done by other government agencies in the county. It was suggested that the commission should collaborate more with the Sheriff. The county commissioners should understand the operations that they fund so that the problems might not occur again. The workgroup of the jail systems should focus on the Sheriff’s cost reporting and budgeting practices so that they can partake in any decisions to make. The commission should also found a work group that will inspect the jails and report frequently to the commissioners. This work group must consist of representatives from the law enforcement agencies in the county, the County Chair, the County Commissioner, the United States Attorney, the administrator for the federal facility at Sheridan, representatives from the business community, a representative from the medical community, the Department of Corrections, an independent financial analyst and the District Attorney. The law also requires that the county should include the state Department of Corrections in every operation of the local jails. However, whatever responsibilities the Department of Corrections is assigned by the law should not be carried out by the Sheriff’s Association. The article strongly advises that a healthy relationship must be established between the county Sheriff and the Board of Commissioners. Any solution to the problems must start from this perspective since all other problems stemmed from a breakdown to that relationship. The other article addressing budgeting issue is titled â€Å"Will part-time prison cut crime or costs? † by Nick Morrison. The article says that British Home Secretary David Blunkett proposed that some inmates be given freedom on weekends to relieve the growing population of prisoners in jails. Those inmates who are dangerous could be provided with electronic tags and they could stay out of jail for a month. They could also work during the week and spend the weekend in jail. Many questioned this proposal whether it is a way to fight the crimes or to cut costs, particularly Norman Brennan, director of the Victims of Crime Trust. He sees this proposal as the government’s admission to defeat in solving crimes, even though Blunkett promised to be tough on car-jackers and phone thieves. Brennan thinks that it has to do with money problems and not reducing crime why Blunkett allowed this kind of arrangement for the prisoners. It was hard for the government to spend a lot of money in keeping prisoners. Moreover, Brennan argued that it is more important to keep the prisoners in jails and out of the streets to protect the victims of crimes and the public, even though it is expensive to do so. Apparently, Blunkett’s proposal did not make this possible. Criminals were allowed on the loose, and they could strike again since they have freedom. With the growing population of prisoners in jails, Brennan says that the criminal justice system is no longer effective. A crisis in the criminal justice system has to appear before people do something to solve it. He recognizes that the problems will be harder to solve later on. Even more, there were less police officers on the beat to prevent crimes even though these crimes have been getting worse for many years now. The government also has not done something to reduce crime. He couldn’t see how Blunkett’s proposal could solve any of the problems. Brennan mentions that the country has more people inside prisons than any countries in Europe. He says it is so because there are more crimes here than anywhere else. The government, he adds, has resorted to different measures to solve the rising number of crimes. Sadly, none of these measures worked, and this showed a â€Å"disgraceful record on crime and law and order. † On the other hand, the Howard League for Penal Reform agreed with Blunkett’s proposal. The spokeswoman says that â€Å"anything †¦to reduce the prison population is a good thing. † She added that the programs set to keep the prisoners with a two or three months term away from their criminal behavior are not often available, that’s why they offend the second time after they are released. The article recommends that a community penalty is more effective as a form of punishment for the prisoners than sending them over to prison. The article quotes Brennan recommending that the government should deal with the crimes head on rather than making lots of promises and pledges that it cannot meet. People should also be aware of these problems and how serious they are so that they can be a part in solving them. Brennan is correct in saying that criminals should be sent to prison whether it is expensive or not. The most important thing to consider here is the protection of the public from these offenders. The government should look more into these problems because this is getting worse every year and it has bad records of crime. The government should also look into the budgeting systems of the federal and local governments. It should consider that budgeting systems can be a part of the ineffective services it offers to the public. Changes in budgeting systems should be an important part in reform. REFERENCES Morrison, Nick. (2002, February 05). Will part-time prison cut crime or costs? Newsquest (North East Ltd. , p. 8. Available at: http://yukon. actx. edu:2083/libweb/curriculum/do/document? set=topicgroupid=1requestid=conquesttopicresultid=48ts=57673F035D3E975120F685A75E3514BA_1187860483640urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B76740234. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. (2006). Independent review of policies and procedures of correctional facilities operated by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Available at: http://www. mcda. us/articles/GJ_CORRECTIONAL_FACILITIES_2006. pdf.

Supply chain initiatives at Apple Inc

Supply chain initiatives at Apple Inc For reasons as various as its philosophy of comprehensive aesthetic design to its distinctive advertising campaigns, Apple has established a unique reputation in the consumer electronics industry. This includes a customer base that is devoted to the company and its brand, particularly in the United States.[10] Fortune magazine named Apple the most admired company in the United States in 2008, and in the world in 2008, 2009, and 2010.[11][12][13] The company has also received widespread criticism for its contractors labour, environmental, and business practices, 4 COMPETITIVE PRIORITIES AT APPLE INC. APPLE has managed to increase its market price by introducing new products to attract the customers. The recent products are APPLE Ipod and APPLE IPHONE 4G. Usability and Product design are the main key trends and competitive priorities of apple. The key element in manufacturing strategy are to identifying competitors manufacturing strategy research. In this study, Im gonna find which competitive priorities that APPLE used and which one helped APPLE the most in the areas of supply chain, quality and peformances. 1.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW APPLE INC. (NASDAQ: AAPL; previously APPLE COMPUTER, INC.) is an American multinational corporation, which produces consumer electronics, pc softwares and laptops. STEVE JOBS, STEVE WOZNIAK and RONALD WAYNE are the founder of APPLE INC, established in Cupertino, California on april1, 1976 and incorporated January 3 1977, and then the company was known by APPLE COMPUTER, INC. It leads the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, ILife and its range of professional applications. Apple also spearheads the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store. The company recorded revenues of 65.07 billion in the fiscal year ended March 2010, an increase of 34.06% over 2009. The companys operating profit was 18.27 billion in fiscal 2010, an increase of 35.74% over 2009. Its net profit was 14.01 billion in fiscal 2010, an increase of 41.23% over 2009. 1.2 OPERATIONS STRATEGY OF APPLE INC. The Operations Strategy of APPLE INC. Limited has changed as their business has evolved over time. The section below tracks the various key operations strategy such as the Manufacturing ( processes involved and locations), the Supply chain initiatives over the years, Inventory Management, Quality Management, Research and Development Initiatives, Procurement procedure, Vendor Management etc . The section highlights the key defining operational strategies adopted by the company during this period. 1.2.1 MANUFACTURING: When Steve Jobs launched the iMac in 1998, he was quoted as saying, these new product lines give people what they want most, a lightning fast laptop and a striking new consumer Macintosh. Is Jobs correct in this assessment? Is speed, look, and brand really the main drivers for consumers? Did Jobs strategy to capture market share in the personal computer industry focus on the right aspects? This paper will venture to say no and suggest the following alternative strategy: Apple should build a new business in Wintel PCs, while continuing to sell Macs to the design and publishing segment of the market. In order to support this conclusion, Apples competitive advantages and industry forces must be analysed. Apple has been in business since 1976, and released a number of new brands in competitive way. The four key tactis and differentiations are branding, new innovation in hardware design, high expectation in market shares and user friendly. In 1998, the consumers didnt want a MACHINTOSH. APPLES branding to the market is strong and has been since the1970s when APPLES customers waiting for their new innovations. The main component of apple is user friendly to the customers. Adding extra hardware and software to a Mac was almost easy as plugging speakers to the mobile phone. Because of this loyalty, apple was able to form a close relationship with its customers, particularly with the education and design publishing industries, which felt as 80% of APPLEs market position in 1998(Exhibit A). Furthermore, the 1998 Think Different campaign propagated Apples image as inventive and trendy. It enabled Apple to become a substitute based on design alone, giving it a particular edge over its khaki-clad competitors. Albeit these advantages, Apple still managed to lose a large amount of profit, and its market share dwindled from 8% to 3.4% from 1995 1998 (Exhibit B). The company also slipped in the education sector during this time by as much as 14% per year. In order to understand why Apple was losing so much ground, we must look into the power of suppliers and buyers in the industry. Most notably on the suppliers side are microprocessors and operating systems, where Intel and Microsoft are the dominant names. Because of their quasi-monopolies, which enable them to control commodities and manipulate pricing, these two suppliers have tremendous influence. Buyers, who also have strong influence because of the wide array of products available, were drawn to the Intel/Windows package (Wintel) because of the brand names, lower costs, and the wide proliferation of the products. Apple, however, chose to implement a PowerPC/MAC OS combination over the standard Wintel package. The main fallacy in Jobs o utlook was following this proprietary strategy. As a result, Apples reach to customers diminished. In 1998, Macintoshs operating system market share was at 5% compared to Microsofts dominance of almost 90%. Furthermore, this strategy can aid in the foreign arena, where Apple has the recognizable brand name and Wintel is the dominant platform. With analysts predicting the largest increases in growth rates through 2005 to be in the Asia/Pacific and the rest of the world , Apple will have a greater outlook for global success. Overall this strategy calls for Apple to focus on their competencies and move away from inefficient practices of the past. Allowing themselves to think outside of their proprietary boxes will no doubt increase their abilities to see ahead on the road to profitability. 1.2.2 Supply Chain Initiatives at APPLE INC. For reasons as various as its philosophy of comprehensive aesthetic design to its distinctive advertising campaigns, Apple has established a unique reputation in the consumer electronics industry. This includes a customer base that is devoted to the company and its brand, particularly in the United States.[10] Fortune magazine named Apple the most admired company in the United States in 2008, and in the world in 2008, 2009, and 2010.[11][12][13] The company has also received widespread criticism for its contractors labour, environmental, and business practices, The supply chain of the new Apple iPhone and, at some point, the supply chain of the Apple TV, hoping that this might help to demonstrate the complexity involved in manufacturing the Apple iPhone a feature-rich product I wish I could have, if I could afford it (update: Ive had several iPhones now). 1.2.3 Linking the supply chain to the business strategy The supply chain improvements described indicate that supply chain management has the potential to improve a firms competitiveness. Supply chain capability is as important to a companys overall strategy as overall product strategy. Supply chain management encourages management of processes across departments. By linking supply chain objectives to company strategy, decisions can be made between competing demands on the supply chain. Improvements in performance are driven by externally-based targets rather than by internal department objectives. Managing the supply chain means managing across traditional functional areas in the company and managing interactions external to the company with both suppliers and customers. This cross-boundary nature of management supports incorporating supply chain goals and capabilities in the strategic plan of the company. This focus on integration can then lead to using the supply chain to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage over competitors. The impact of managing overall product demand and the supply of product will impact the profitability of the company. The supply chain strategy can be viewed as the pattern of decisions related to sourcing product, capacity planning, conversion of finished product, deployment of finished product, demand management and communication, and delivery. Linking supply chain strategy to the business strategy involves defining the key business processes involved in producing a companys product or service. 1.2.4 Procurement Apple is known for its innovative thinking. They have developed a product line that is both functional and attractive. Their product line has recently expanded to another level. Their iPods will soon be able to communicate with specially designed Nike running shoes where you could receive data such as calories burned and distance ran. This project can benefit both companies and boost the demand for iPods. Apples iPod line will have a clear advantage over all the other mp3 players in the market. In addition to Apples integration with other products, many cars models from all major automakers have equipped their new models with iPod connectivity. In regards to their desktop and notebook sectors, Apple has developed new lines that are less expensive while maintaining its high quality standards. These less-expensive computers should help increase sales in the future. Apple has also changed its chip supplier from IBM to Intel. This change would make Apple more compatible with other systems. It enables Apple to run the Windows operating system, which gives the user more flexibility. 1.2.5 Quality Apple Computer Inc. is one of the oldest hardware manufacturers that control over the product by manufacturing both computers and their operation system. It is known that Apple has a high Quality product which makes Apple different than its competitors. Apple creates its product with unique designs to attract the consumers eyes and increase its market share because Apple success is based on fulfilling customers desires. Apple has one of the top brand names within the technology industry all over the world, and 54% of their profits are from foreign markets. Apple is dedicated to develop new products which will make the use of technology easier and more efficient. Apple always provides easy-use product to the hand of the consumers. Most of its products are light, small, and easy to carry around which make them more competitive. One of the great things about Apple is product diversification; Apple has a large number of product lines to target everyone in the world. In addition, there ar e a huge number of consumers who are loyal to Apple even though the prices of Apple products are higher comparing to its competitors. 1.2.6 Research and Development Apple can definitely expect a prosperous future especially in the near future. Over the past five years, net sales have been steadily increasing with almost a 200% increase from 2004 and 2005. Correspondingly, net earnings have been increasing as well. Apple owns over 80% of the market share with its iPod product. With such favorable trends, it is reasonable to assume that Apple will continue to increase in its sales, earnings, and market share just as long as it keeps developing and acquiring new strengths. For example, Apple has established its name as one of the leading, innovative forces in the computer industry that has a much diversified, high quality products that appeal to many markets. Competitors will find it difficult to compete against the company if Apple continues to strive for innovation, as it is its mission, continuing its well-developed marketing plan, further developing more high quality products, and taking advantage of its opportunities. Thus, the threat of produ ct substitution and high levels of competition would be decreased. However, although it seems that Apple is not in a position where its favorable future outlook is threatened, it is best that Apple works on its weaknesses so as to further increase its sales and decrease the possibility of losing its customers to its competitors. For example, Apple is known for its high quality products, which puts them into a competitive advantage. However some components of its products such as the iPod batteries and the iPod Nano screens are of lesser quality. Apple must increase its RD efforts to really minimize the number of products with faulty components. Thus, customers would not be lost and customer loyalty would be maintained. Another weakness that must be addressed is the high prices of its products. For example, the iPod nano ranges from $150 to $250 depending on the size, the iPod ranges from $300 to $400, and a Mac desktop is at least $1300. Such high prices discourage potential customers from purchasing Apples products. The solution to this weakness is to decrease the prices to the point where profits are still increasing. Likewise, the cost of sales should be decreased but only to the point where the quality of the products is not sacrificed. 1.3 CONCLUSION: With its already well-established name brand and its positive sales/market share growth, Apple will without a doubt continue to increase their earnings and market share. However, by working on at least some of its weaknesses through minimizing the number of faulty components in its products, decreasing its prices, and paying dividends, Apple can tremendously gain a competitive advantage over its competitors II CORPORATE STRATEGY AT RELIANCE RETAIL LIMITED 2.1 INTRODUCTION The Reliance group is founded by DHIRUBHAI H. AMBANI(1932-2001), is Indias one of the largest private sector enterprise, with businesses in energy and materials of value chains. Reliance Retail Limited (RRL) is one of the business sectors in retail chain division of RELIANCE INDUSTRIES OF INDIA, which is headed by MUKESH D. AMBANI. The company is strongly focused on future growth in Indian economy and planned to invest Rs. 25000 crores in the next 4 years in the retail divisions and plans to begin retail stores in 784 cities across the country. RRL launched its first store in November 2006 through its convenience store format Reliance Fresh. Since then RRL has rapidly grown to operate 590 stores across 13 states at the end of FY 2007-08. In each of these store formats, RRL is offering a unique set of products and services at a value price point. Overall, RRL is well positioned to rapidly expand its existing network which operates in 57 cities. 2.2 Corporate strategy CORPORATE STRATEGY is the direction an organization takes with the objective of achieving business success in the long term. Recent approaches have focused on the need for companies to adapt to and anticipate changes in the business environment, i.e. a flexible strategy. The development of a corporate strategy involves establishing the purpose and scope of the organizations activities and the nature of the business it is in, taking the environment in which it operates, its position in the marketplace, and the competition it faces into consideration; most times analyzed through a SWOT analysis. 2.2.1Operation Support Systems: 2.2.2.1 ERP System Various ERP vendors have developed retail-specific systems which help in integrating all the functions from warehousing to distribution, front and back office store systems and merchandising. An integrated supply chain helps the retailer in maintaining his stocks, getting his supplies on time, preventing stock-outs and thus reducing his costs, while servicing the customer better. 2.2.2.2 Advanced Planning and Scheduling Systems APS systems can provide improved control across the supply chain, all the way from raw material suppliers right through to the retail shelf. These APS packages complement existing (but often limited) ERP packages. They enable consolidation of activities such as long term budgeting, monthly forecasting, weekly factory scheduling and daily distribution scheduling into one overall planning process using a single set of data The major reasons behind the development of new trends are:  Ã‚ ¶ Scalable and profitable Retail models are well established for most of the categories  Ã‚ ¶ Rapid Evolution of New-age Young Indian Consumers  Ã‚ ¶ Retail Space is no more a constraint for growth  Ã‚ ¶ Partnering among Brands, retailers, franchisees, investors and malls  Ã‚ ¶ India is on the radar of Global Retailer Suppliers 2.3 Proposed Supply Chain Strategies for Retail Industry 2.3.1 Supply Chain Strategies in Retail 2.3.1.1 Breaking Bulk-: can be done in smaller lots with a good understanding with the supplier. This can be achieved by following ways: Spatial Convenience: Strategically locating the outlet with distribution networks and warehouses located proximally. Supplier holds inventory. 2.3.1.2 Vendor Managed Inventory: In this case, the vendor himself is given the responsibility to handle the inventory. A space for the vendor is rented in the outlet, and he takes care of the shelves and the space. It is a 2-way agreement wherein the vendor gets the space to market his product by interacting one-to-one with the customers. 2.3.1.3 Point of Sale Information System: As soon as one stock keeping unit moves out of the store when purchased by a customer, the information readily flows to the supplier. He is given access to the inventory database. A re-order point can be imposed based on consumption pattern and the supplier is asked to fill the shelf upon inventory reaching the re-order point. 2.3.1.4 SRM Supplier Relationship Management: Relationship with supplier should not be a marriage of convenience. Supplier has to act in ways more than what is required. By providing special offers, discounts and incentives, the supplier savors the relationship. This also serves as a promotion strategy for the outlet. 2.4 Competitive Areas of Importance 2.4.1 Fulfillment: Stock filling is taken care of at both customer end (end product) and at the end of shelves at the shop. Reaching the customer at the right time and constant check on stocks and making sure right quantity is ordered at the right time. 2.4.2 Logistics: Safe and reliable transport at as much low price as possible. Constant contact with distribution teams (trucks, trains, etc.) and track where material is. Partnership with transportation firms so that cost and transport can be shared if the shipment does not occupy the whole truck space. 2.4.3Procurement:  (Vendors side points to take care) Strong Relationship Information sharing and updating plan change Combine vendors by minimizing transportation cost Choose vendors in proximity Optimum lot size taking vendors into confidence 2.4.4Production: Line should run smoothly without delays due to ordering and transportation (fulfillment and logistics have to be met first). 2.5 7 PS OF SERVICES 1st P: PRODUCT Product- refers to the merchandise i.e. the range of clothes. Supplementary services -include a component of fashion, life style and Ambient shopping as an addition to the core product. Today, customers buy experiences and not brands or products. 2nd P : PRICING Cost plus price and Percentage method pricing: Most widely used technique to price apparels. Ex:- COLOR PLUS and IN-HOUSE brands like those of SHOPPERS STOP or WESTSIDE use this technique. 3rd P : PLACE Apparel Retailing Business is driven by one crucial factor: Location Approachable Parking 4th P: PROMOTION Print medium. Loyalty programs In-store Visual merchandising 5th P: PEOPLE Every second a customer spends inside the store has to be viewed as Moment of Truth People is that aspect of the marketing mix which adds tangibility to the service of creating an experience 6th P: PROCESSES 7th P : PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Managing Appearance of the building Location Maintaining Temperature , Music, Lighting and Fragrance inside the store Availability of services like Prams, Wheel Chair, Valet Parking etc Stylish Stocking of Merchandise 2.6 CONCLUSION: The benefits of time-phased inventory planning are numerous. The bulk of benefits contribute to improved gross margins by minimizing inventory carrying costs, reducing lost sales through improved in-stock, reducing markdowns and store-to-store transfers with more timely product availability, and improved productivity at the distribution centers and stores. It is not uncommon for retailers to experience double-digit percentage reductions in inventory while sustaining or improving service levels. Additional benefits are increased sales and customer service as the inventory plan more readily responds to changes in the demand forecast.

What determines a successful niche strategy

Niche marketing is a very important marketing tool that is defined as â€Å"focusing on sub-segments or niches with distinctive traits that may seek a special combination of benefits (Kotler & Armstrong, 1997) Niche strategy or sometimes-called focus strategy is a marketing segmentation strategy that concentrates or focuses on a few target markets. Users of this strategy hope that by focusing on a few (one or two) markets segments that are narrow, they would be in a better position to meet the needs of that market. Therefore the company strives to tailor make its marketing mix to suit these specialized markets that it has identified. By using the niche strategy the company easily stands to gain or have a competitive advantage by being effective rather than efficient. (Kotler & Armstrong, 1997) Niche strategy in most cases is suitable for small firms although it is open to any company which would want to utilize it in selecting targets with lesser substitute vulnerability or where there is weak competition. (Kotler & Armstrong, 1997) There are several factors that greatly enhance a successful niche strategy and include: – 1) Market –research Before developing any niche market it is very important to conduct a comprehensive market research of the desired market before embarking on any marketing program. Towards this end, a SWOT analysis that highlights the strength and weaknesses of the company vis-à  -vis the market it desires to segment is very necessary. (Chisnall, P.M.1997) The market research will enable the company determine the market characteristics that will enable it serve this particular segment in a better way. Such characteristics would include, customer preferences, desirable price ranges level of competition, product differentiation, distribution channels, the marketing mix and various other important marketing variables.   (Chisnall, P.M.1997) When these characteristics have been established and defined the company on its part designs a marketing model that should suit the target market and be a profitable venture for the company. The market research in itself will enable the company not only identify a market but will give it more information on the demographic history of the market as well. (Chisnall, P.M.1997) 2) Create customer loyalty. One major threat to establishing and growing any niche is competition. Competition may eat up a share of the company’s market, reducing the profitability or worse still drive out the company from the market. Towards this end it is very important for the company to make it its priority to listen to the customers. When the company makes it its goal to carefully listen to the customers, it will have the ability to create products or services that will not only meet customer expectations but will meet their needs as well. Listening to the customer will enable the company differentiate its product range to suit the needs of the niche. This will in turn create loyalty that will enable the company weather any form of competition, in fact when customers are loyal it will be very difficult for them to seek other alternatives or switch to the competitors. (Peter, J.P. and Olson, J.J., 1996) 3) Develop two or more niches By developing two or more niches it will prove quite advantageous to the company in several ways. The experiences and lessons gained in other niches will give the company the ability to tackle the challenges that would likely to occur in a different niche. (Baker, M. 2000) Two or more niches on the other hand may work towards supporting each other especially in the advent of any form of competition; for example when one niche is faced with competition other niches can be of great support especially if price competition would be necessary. Two or more niches supporting each other gives the company a leverage that would enable it sustain any form of marketing campaign to maintain high market penetration. By maintaining two or more niches, the company lowers the risk of closing shop just in case one of the niches collapses or is faced with competition and there’s a reduction in profitability levels.   By developing more than two niches the chances of success are increased tremendously as well. (Baker, M. 2000) 4) Focus on a particular region To achieve successful specialization, it is important for the company to address those geographic markets that other competitors ignore. By focusing on a particular region, it is easier for the organization to design a distribution channel that will not only be effective in terms of logistics but will ensure timeliness in the distribution of goods or services. By focusing on a particular area, it enables the company to create or design an effective marketing strategy to promote and create awareness of its goods and services. The company also stands a better chance of interacting with the customers more deeply and freely to which case it would be easier to predict the buying trends and the customer preferences. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) Gamma Plc Gamma PLC produces very high quality motors for garden mowers and this fact gives it an edge over its competitors in this particular niche. However the company can not sit back and sit on its laurels, It is imperative for company to work extra hard to ensure it commands these niche especially with the competition of such established organizations like Yamaha and Honda.   To guard itself from this onslaught there are certain challenges that the company will face which might force it out. Competition As it is, already the company is facing competition from such world acclaimed names like Yamaha and Honda. For such names to be attracted to such a market, then it follows that the market is very lucrative. Gamma PLC is not quite renown, apart maybe for this particular market segment, unlike the competitors who are well established and with renowned brands. The big players if they would decide to flex their muscle, this might drive out Gamma from this niche. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) They can do this in various ways including powerfully utilizing the 4ps (Price, promotion, product and place) of marketing. The kind of marketing or promotion blitz they would likely conduct, would obviously be superior compared to Gamma’s with a lesser budget. Besides, these companies’ would likely introduce price wars that would have adverse effect on Gamma Plc, whose budget would likely be comparatively small. The latter’s prices cannot compete with those ones of the more established firms. This kind of competition would prove to be a nightmare for Gamma whose niche is under threat. After all, the bigger companies’ bottom line would not be affected in any way because their presence is worldwide and are more experienced and advanced especially with the marketing capabilities. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) The competitors may also decide to adopt or even copy how Gamma Plc is producing its high quality motors, thereby claiming some of the market share. Competition may also come in terms of remuneration and staff training where the other organizations may be attractive to employees in Gamma. The niche strategy may be limiting By adopting and relying on this particular niche the company would be faced with another challenge of future growth. Because it might expend all its energies trying to defend this niche from Yamaha and Honda it might lack the resources to venture in other markets thereby limiting its own growth. This is always foreseen especially if the market is relatively small. As time goes by Gamma’s market share might shrink which might eventually affect its continued production of highly quality motors. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991) Is the market defensible? This should be the question that should be ringing in the minds of Gamma Plc’s management. It would not be worthwhile to cling to one niche especially if it is not defensible. Most small companies like Gamma will find it challenging to judge this especially bearing in mind that this is the market that supports the organization. The company may lack the resources to get out if the competition becomes unbearable and establish another niche elsewhere. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991). The market would be defensible if the customers within the niche have shown the willingness to support the company regardless of who comes to compete, which is to mean they are strictly loyal to Gamma. It would also mean that the market would be big enough to warrant any fight over it. However if the market is small and shrinking there’s not need to waste the resources to defend it. Substitute Products Gamma Plc manufactures quality products and as stated before this might be the edge it might be having over the competition. However, it is worth noting that quality in most cases comes at a higher price. Thus consumers would likely to be charged more compared to similar products from other companies. Yamaha and Honda may take advantage of this by providing cheaper alternatives that the customers can select from. This means that not all consumers use quality as the driving purchasing factor. Most consumers will go for cheaper products provided the offer similar functions. This would force Gamma either to lower quality so that the product becomes cheaper or seek for more efficient ways of production. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991). Gamma Plc most probably specializes in the production of motors for garden mowers, which in essence means that they lack any other product line, unlike Yamaha and Honda who have a very wide product range, that ranges from generators to motorbikes. The range could be a very crucial marketing entry point for consumers who might not necessarily want motors for garden mowers yet they possess them. (Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. 1991). REFERENCES Baker, M. (2000) Marketing Management and Strategy, 3rd edition, Macmillan Business. Chisnall, P.M. (1997) Marketing Research, Fifth Edition, London: McGraw-Hill Kotler, P. and Armstrong, G. (1997) Marketing An Introduction. Fourth Edition. New  Ã‚   Jersey. Prentince Hall International Linneman, R.E. and Stanton, J.L. (1991) Making Niche Marketing Work, New York:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   McGraw Hill Peter, J.P. and Olson, J.J. (1996) Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Strategy, USA:  Ã‚  Ã‚   Irwin            

Respecting the environment Essay

Respected Principal and teachers, my dear friends. Assalaam alaikum Today I am going to talk about ‘Respecting the environment’. When we talk about the environment we mean everything in the world around us that surrounds and affects all life on earth, including the air, food chains, the water cycle, plants, animals and other humans. The oxygen we breathe comes from our environment, We get water from the rain which fills our wells and sea, We get food from the plants, animals, fish and birds. We get shelter from the materials we take out of the earth and from plants that grow in the earth to make our homes. We get warmth from the sun, fire, electricity and our clothing, these all come from our planet. The planet we call mother earth. Today the human population has grown to nearly 7 billion. The main reason our environment is changing is because people are adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The most important greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide, which is released whenever people burn fossil fuels to do everyday activities like driving cars, and making electricity. When greenhouse gases build up in the atmosphere, they cause the Earth to heat up, making our planet warmer. As a result the air we breathe gets polluted and too hot for plants and animals to survive. Our planet is changing. We need to help it change for the better and I’m asking for your help to do that!. A very simple thing you can do is to use less plastic bags. Plastic is very harmful for environment- once we use it, it will be thrown away –it then goes to the waste collection centre where it takes 500-1000 or more years for it be completely destroyed. Some people throw it to the ocean- when turtles eats it thinking its jellyfish, it kills them. It takes a lot of money and energy to destroy plastic bags, therefore, instead of plastic bags, choose to use paper bags. What else can we do? We can plant more trees. Trees are extremely important to human life on earth. Trees give us food, produces oxygen and help us to survive. But today people cut down trees to make room for new building, roads and cities. Trees are used to make newspapers, computer paper, furniture, houses and many other products. If we love planting trees instead of destroying it we could contribute in saving the environment. Did you know that planting trees help to make the ground stronger- Many islands of Maldives have weak land – if we plant more trees, we could save islands from getting completely eroded. Another very important thing we can do to help save our environment is to use less electricity. The simplest thing is to remember to turn the lights off when you leave a room! Even if you’re not using it, leaving something plugged in takes up energy from the Earth! Save Water. Water is life. Without water we cannot survive. Something as simple as turning off the water while brushing your teeth makes a HUGE difference for Planet Earth. Doing this one thing can help save up to 25 gallons of water each month! By just doing such a simple thing, you are doing a huge part to save Earth! Keep Your School Free of Garbage. The more we keep our Earth clean the happier it will be. Do your part by making sure you don’t leave your garbage lying around †¦ put it in the recycling or garbage where it belongs. Today I ask you, my dear friends to do your part to protect our environment. I ask you, my friends to be the superheroes who will protect our planet by .because I believe if the environment is safe†¦we are safe. Thank you

Ethan Frome essays

Ethan Frome essays Naturalism is commonly understood as an extension or intensification of realism. The intensification involves the introduction of characters of a kind... (Baym 1248). The novel Ethan Frome is an example of a naturalist work. Many factors are involved by the author in the structure of the book that relate it to this. The characters, and the deformities they suffer, are one aspect that depict a naturalist work of literature. "Characters from the fringes and lower depths of contemporary society, characters whose fates are the product of degenerate heredity, a sordid environment, and a good deal of bad luck" (Baym 1248). The characters, especially Ethan Frome, experience much bad luck throughout the course of the book. Upon appearance, it was apparent that his body was badly deformed. It often made people who did not know him and his story shocked and left in wonder. There was something bleak and unapproachable in his face; and he was so stiffened and grizzled I took him for an old man (Wharton 4). "The pressures of biology, environment, and other material forces in making people...who they are" (Baym 1249). The same smash-up that left Ethan with a malformed body, also affected Mattie Silver. The other woman was much smaller and slighter. She sat huddled in an arm-chair near the stove...Under her shapeless dress her body kept its limp immobility, and her dark eyes had the bright witch-like stare that disease of the spine sometimes gives (Wharton 118). She is also left deformed after the accident, or the rash and thoughtless decision Mattie and Ethan made to crash their sled. Each characters deformity, in actuality, is a result of or affected by the affair between them. Mattie and Ethan were distorted because of their decision, and Zeena had to deal with her illness while no one cared for her. ...but because they had successfully adapted to changing environmental condit...

Batman Horror Films Essay

Batman Horror Films Essay Batman: Horror Films Essay For me, choosing a favorite movie is like choosing which parent I love more. It’s impossible! I am a movie junkie and signing up for Netflix was probably the best decision my family has made. I enjoy anything from comedy to mystery and from romance to horror. When I was a little girl, mom never allowed scary movies to be played and†¦.well, let’s just say the rules were broken a few times, particularly on the nights she worked. I didn’t watch movies a typical 6-year-old girl would be interested in. Dad and I watched Friday the 13th, Psycho, The Shining, The Haunting, and so many others. It’s alright if you have never seen or even heard of them. All you have to understand is that after viewing those movies you probably wouldn’t be sleeping for the next couple of nights. Apparently, whenever there was a scary scene I would cover my eyes and ask dad to turn it, but right when he changed the channel I would beg for him to turn back! It is a lot like a car accident. You want to look away, but you just can’t; all thanks to your curious mind. Now that I am a little older, dad has said that my attitude toward horror films is exactly the same. No matter how scary the movie becomes, I just can’t turn it off. If you are thinking that this is going to be all about horror films, you are wrong. First of all, R rated movies are not allowed to be reviewed, but secondly, it would be a waste of time because nothing is better than the Batman trilogy. I know, â€Å"that’s three movies NOT one!† Well,

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Evaluate the book Fast Food Nation, arguing its value (or lack of Essay

Evaluate the book Fast Food Nation, arguing its value (or lack of value) for a specific group of citizens of the United States - Essay Example This paper aims to evaluate this book and determine whether it contains or lacks value to a specific group of citizens in the US. The US fast food industry started after the Second World War when the country came out of the Great Economic Depression. These times saw the country experience an economic boom that led to massive gains on all fronts of the economy. More jobs were created by the many industries, factories and corporations that were founded on the basis of this economic boom. This led to urbanization, which was characterized by people moving from rural areas to urban centers where there were job opportunities. The lifestyle in the city necessitated for there to be a system that could offer fast food services to the busy metropolitan population. This was because lifestyle, in cities, did not allow a lot of time to be spent on meals at the expense of working hours. Thus, the fast food industry was borne, out of this necessity, to offer fast and convenient food services and de livery to consumers on the go due to time constraints (Talwar 58). The book offers valuable lessons, insights and information, to parents, which enable them to make informed choices about the source of food they allow their children to consume. The information contained in the book can help parents realize the detriments of fast food in the diet of their children. U.S. parents are given insights on how to recognize marketing gimmicks and ploys that are aimed at ensnaring their children onto fast foods. They can use this newly gained information to protect their children form advertising campaigns directed at their children. Apart from the negative impact that fast foods have on health, which the book does not keenly elaborate on, there other crucial features in the book that are important. The use of marketing campaigns directed at children poses a significant risk to children. According to Schlosser, this is in the sense that it serves as a form of indoctrination because it leads t hese children to becoming lifetime loyal customers. This is despite the fact that habitual consumption of fast food meals is a key causative agent for a myriad of health problems. This advertising predisposes children to becoming loyal customers who are blind to the detrimental benefits of fast food meals (Nestle 208). Fast Food Nation provides vital information, to parents, which is utilized to shield the innocent minds, of children, from advertising that might have an impact on the rest of their lives. The chapter about the chemical compounds used, by fast food companies, to flavor their food stuffs offers crucial information that can be used by health professionals. The book gives an account of some chemical food additives with known harmful implications that are used to give these food stuffs that unique taste. These substances are used to give fast foods their unique aroma, taste and appearance so that they are appealing and attractive to their customers. Some of these chemical substances have recognized abilities to promote the development of diseases and conditions like diabetes and cancer. The impact of these chemical substances is especially magnified if consumed for a long time from a tender age. This is because these chemicals build up in the body, raising their concentrations to levels that can cause toxicity. The effects of these chemicals can have far-reaching effects that can last through generations where damage