Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Future Essay example - 1859 Words

â€Å"By 2020, Hawaii is aiming to generate 20 percent of its energy from non-fossil fuels† (Brown et al. 2008, 11). According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Arent et al. 2009, 1-2), petroleum accounts for 90% of Hawaii’s energy consumption and 75% of their electricity. Since Hawaii has no pipelines or oil fields, they are forced to import petroleum to accommodate their energy needs (Arent et al. 2009, 1). Hawaii is disconnected from the rest of the United States, which means that Hawaii has to take care of its own energy needs (Croucher 2010, 79).How can alternative energy sources reduce the need to import of petroleum? Hawaii’s geography is optimal to make use of biofuel, solar, and geothermal resources (Brown et al. 2008,†¦show more content†¦Hawaii has the bioavailability to support biofuels as a renewable resource. In addition to fuel crops, Hawaii also has abundant resources for biomass heating. During their research Turn et al. (2002, 4) found that the biomass resources for Hawaii include: swine, dairy, and poultry manure, sugarcane bagasse and trash, pineapple processing waste, macadamia nut shells, municipal solid wastes, food waste from commercial food preparation facilities, sewage sludge, and fat, oil and grease wastes from food preparation activities. One of the main advantages is that biomass energy can use municipal solid waste. Hawaii also produces about 10 pounds of trash per person coming to about 1.8 million tons of trash per year (Yap 2008). Hawaii has a power plant that can use over 2,000 tons of garbage a day to generate electricity (Covanta Energy 2011). Hawaii has decided to start exporting its garbage to give it enough time to expand the power plant’s capacity (Yap 2008). Smaller scale biomass fueled power generation can help get rid of agricultural and municipal refu se, while alleviating the strain on the electricity grid and providing a cheap locally based source of electricity (Turn, Keffer, and Staackmann 2002, 17). If Hawaii develops biomass as a renewable resource, it can reduce the need to import petroleum and export garbage. Biomass is not the only renewable alternative option for Hawaii, ethanol can also be produced in Hawaii. According Keffer et al.(2009, 253), usingShow MoreRelatedSustainability in Hawaii847 Words   |  4 Pagesclimate change, habitat destruction and exploitation of resources threaten the â€Å"pale blue dot,† the demand for sustainable development that meets our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs grows every greater. However, sustainable practices promise a future where economic and environmental needs can coexist in harmony. 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Essay on REL 133 week 4 Daoism Worksheet - 985 Words

Daoism Worksheet Carrie Shellie Cobbs World Religious Traditions I REL 133 Robert Mossman July 20, 2014 Daoism Worksheet University of Phoenix Material Daoism Worksheet Complete the following questions in detail. Answer each question with a 1- or 2-paragraph response that includes a reference citation. Make use of Experiencing the World’s Religions and other sources in your research as you complete the questions. 1. Describe the principles of yang and yin. As stated by the Shen-nong website, â€Å"Ancient people were greatly interested in the relationships and patterns that occurred in nature. Instead of studying isolated things, the viewed the world as a harmonious and holistic entity† (Yin yang, 2005, p. 1). Yin and yang†¦show more content†¦This creates discussion about whether Laozi was an actual person who wrote the Tao Te Ching as some Western scholars have concluded or if the Tao Te Ching is just a collection of work from various authors. Chinese scholars have accepted that Laozi was an actual person and that there are exaggerated stories and folklore about him. 3. How are Daoist ideals expressed through art? Offer several examples. Paintings are a common vehicle for expressing Daoism ideals through art. The Consumer Guide states, â€Å"Although these arts are often profound in their expressive ability, they are not encumbered by the restrictions of intellectual content† (Taoist Arts, 2014, p. 1). Taoist art also involves calligraphy. Painting and calligraphy were not considered professions but yet a practice that indicated one maturity in the beliefs of Taoism. Carvings, pottery, and fine linens are also considered art. However, meditation can also be seen as a form of art in Taoism. 4. What challenges does Daoism face in the modern world? Daoism is a daily guide to living so a person can experience the most of their own self. Daoism teaches the follower to look inside and to gain knowledge through self-exploration and to connect with our inner nature. The yin and yang shows the complementary sides of objects and nature, even the human body. The Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego states, â€Å"All is Tao. All opposites are in actuality part of one whole, giving rise to one another. Neither is

John Lewis and Management System

Question: To identify the component activity for an organisation of " john lewis" ( this is the organisation that i have chosen). Evaluate the performance objectives used by each and critically examine and suggest ways in which the performance could be improved? Answer: Introduction The component activity of the business is an important factor, which contributes towards the successful business operational activities. Every company differs from others in production activities and values. The strategies adopted vary and depends upon various factors. This is one of the reasons, the components activities have to be identified and differentiated from the other business that is indulged into the similar production activities. Component activities includes the below mentioned factors Analysing the long term goals of the company Identifying the organizational goals for the company like the values, mission, brand image, and production activities. Development of the staffs and managing the organizational culture. This report has been has been prepared on John Lewis one of the upmarket department store is located in the UK. The stores are owned by the John Lewis, and have been in operations since in Oxford Street London. Due to strategy development and growth, the company has been able to develop new stores across England. The success of the store has been contributed to the successful operational planning executed by the stores (Turban et al., 2007). Components activities of John Lewis Some of the important components of the John Lewis partnership are Setting out the operational activities by highlighting the vision and mission of the company Analysing the environmental factors Developing partnership strategies Conduce of the SWOT analysis Mission of John Lewis The mission statement is associated with the goals that are proposed to be achieved by the company. John Lewis believes in rendering unique services to the potential clients from different parts of the country and the world. The unique factor is associated with handling the needs of the customers, providing quality services, and implementing better strategies for increasing the quality of the services proposed to be rendered to the clients. The success of the store has been also contributed towards the staffing process, through which the business sustainability plan has been implemented in an effective manner. The vision and the mission of the company have been discussed with the clients and the stakeholders, as this helps in achieving the set target ( Rachel et al., 2010). Component associated with the business strategy John Lewis offers branded and cost effective services to the clients. The prime objective of the store is to render the better services and share information with - Marketing department HR department Such factors are required to earn profit, which is one of the prime objectives for the company. At the time of sharing the information, the management ensures to highlight the unexplored opportunities and the strategies through which the challenging tasks at the business place can be achieved (Scheer et al., 2007). Marketing department are provided with accurate and reliable information about the business performance. Through this process, an attempt is made to develop long term and positive relationship with the organization. Detailed information about the business conduct and other activities related to the business needs to be discussed with the members on a timely manner. Such sharing of information secures the partnerships and makes the employees confidence about the business conduct (Ya-Fen and Tzai-Zang, 2009) In the HR factor, the partnership of the store ensures to render the best possible services to the existing and potential clients. The queries faced by the customers are handled in an effective manner. This has been done to introduce strategies for improving the value of the customers and include honesty into the process. For this, the HR management provide quick and reliable services to the clients. Query handling and the benefits associated with the customers are shared in an effective manner (Kruppke Bauer, 2005). Technology changes The quality of services has been proposed to be improved through the introduction of latest and efficient technology. The process includes for handling the below mentioned factors Supply chain management system Keep a track of the sales (Pugna et al., 2008) Develop staff retention process Analyse the quality of the products and services sold by the company Introduce inventory system Analyse the budget and objectives of the company Analysing the environmental factors It is necessary to analyse the external environmental factors which is one of the most important factors that would contribute towards the successful business conduct. Through this process, an attempt is made to improve the quality of services and standards that are intended to be provided to the clients. There are different factors that could impact the strategic decision making process of the stores. It is recommended to consider the factors through which the quality of strategic management and the procedure that has to be followed for earning goodwill (Hays and Hill, 2001). Strategic management plan for increasing the production process and analysing the changes intended to be implemented by the managers of the stores are an important factor. Through this method, the decision regarding the business development, introducing changes with the production and sales process, and others are analysed. This is required for improving the organization decision regarding the business development and intruding new technology for serving the clients with the better options (Heizenberg, 2009). Some of the factors that are analysed in this process include Social - It includes implementing different strategies through which the changes in the production process can be introduced. Fair-trade and other factors are considered to be essential for setting out the standards that are necessary for the conduct of the business. The prices and the quality of services promised by the company are analysed in an effective manner. The changing needs or the expectations of the clients are analysed, s this will help in the business development plan (Holton, 2009). Training of the staffs - The store ensure to recruit qualified and experienced staffs that would provide the best customer service to the clients. Staffs are put through rigours training process, which enables the employees to learn better methods to increase the relationship with the clients of the stores. In this process, strategies are prepared to retain the best working staffs with the stores. For this motivational factors for the staffs are analysed. Through this method, the members are encouraged to work towards the goal achievement that has been set forth by the company (Kiraka Manning, 2005). Traceable products - In this method, the traceability of the goods and services rendered by the stores are analysed. This forms an important part of the component activities for the organization. John Lewis has been serving clients for more than a century now. The increase in the level of competition and expectations of the clients has encouraged the stores to introduce better methods to improve the sales and productivity. The steps involved in the process are critically evaluated through the strategies adopted by the management. In this method, the management work towards gaining the confidence of the consumers from the national and international market. Product safety - This is another type of component activity, where the products are integrated with the mission and objectives of the company. The standards are evaluated and the same is communicated with the members. Safety measures include analysing the quality environment, animal welfare, and other factors that are associated with the execution of the task. The components considered to be essential for the success of the business are Strategies adopted for increasing the sales and productivity for the organization Implementation of the technology through which the desired task can be achieved by the management (Kaplan Norton, 2001) Staff management Corporate social responsibility In this method, the management work towards improving the quality of the services which would affect the environmental factors. This includes controlling the wastages of the products that has been sold by the company. For packing the goods, the company ensure to use reusable or recycling materials. Such a factor reduces the wastages that are involved with the products and services rendered by the company to the clients (Albescu et al., 2007). Technological factors In the technological factors, the implementation of the latest process to manufacture and sell the products and services is adopted by the company. The technology is expected to help the management in introducing the better strategies for analysing the stocks, handling the staffs report, and others. The prime objective is to minimise the delay in the process of execution of the tasks or reduce the wastages (Ballard, 2006). Training of the staffs Trained and experienced staffs of the company tend to perform better for the company. The store ensures to recruit the best staff that would be able to handle the challenging tasks at the workplace. The training program has been designed and implemented by the management after analysing the future goals. Through this process, an attempt is made to minimise the labour turnover, which increases the operational expenses for the company. Recruitment process is done after evaluating the job analysis process. In this method, the strategies adopted by the company have to be analysed as this will help in selecting the qualified and experienced staffs for the stores. Advertisement for the job is done through online and offline method. Through such process, an attempt is made to recruit the suitable candidate who will be able to handle the challenges involved at the workplace. SWOT analysis Through this process, the store analyse the strength and weakness of the management. Strength Commitment towards the goal achievement Provide the best possible services to the clients. Effective strategies which enables the company to handle the challenging tasks even during economic downfall (Devis Brabander, 2009) Management through proper business plan has developed and implemented effective strategies through which the cost for the products has been controlled. Weakness Economic factors affect the profit earning margin for the store Increase in the competition and demand change of the customers Develop effectives strategies through which the business could be developed and customers can be served with the better option (Ekerson, 2007) Opportunities Proposal to expand business to different parts of the global market Brand image building Development and retaining positive relationship with the clients Adopt transparent method for increasing the sales and goodwill for the company Threat Handling the changing needs of the clients Increasing competition in the industry Performance management The success of the company or the store depends upon the effectiveness of the performance management that has been adopted and followed by the stores. In this process, the strategies are prepared to increase the quality of the products and render the best possible services to the clients. The changes required in the form of the production, marketing, and promotional activities has to be planned and introduced in the right manner (Eleni et al., 2007). However the challenge arises when the management are loaded with huge expectations of the clients and the stakeholders. Performance management is associated with the objectives drafted by the company, availability of resources like the staffs and funds, and other factors that are considered to be important for the business success. In this case, the management needs to plan and introduce effective strategies, and has to evaluate the same. The changes in the production activities have to be evaluated and related with the objectives that have been outlined by the company. The expectations of the store with different stores vary and depend upon various factors. Thus, an effective planning strategy has to be developed. Through online sales, the management plan to increase the sales and goodwill for the stores. Steps to improve the performance 1. Planning - The steps required to be followed for implementing the changes in the production process has to be planned. This will help in reducing the losses that can affect the business performance.2. Execution - Planned activities has to be executed in the planned manner. This will help in increasing the production activities (Harmon, 2003). 3. Monitoring - The steps followed by the management has to be monitored. Through this process the management intends to improve the quality of the production process. Conclusion Performance management and effective planning system is considered to be essential for the business management. In this process, the challenges involved in the execution method needs to be analysed. This will help in introducing the required changes through which the changes can be introduced by the management. The process followed by the management is planned and implemented in the planned manner. The changes can be introduced after analysing the challenges involved in the process of execution of the task. References Albescu, F, Pugna, I., Paraschiv D., (2007), Business Information engineering an approach integrating business and information technology, 2nd International Conference Accounting and 2., Management Information Systems, Buchares Ballard, C (2006), Business performance management meets Business Intelligence available on line at https:/www.ibm.com/redbooks Devis, B., Brabander, E. (2009). ARIS Design Platform Getting Started With BPM. Berlin: Springer. Ekerson W.W.(2007) Best practices in operational BI Converging analytical and operational processesavailable on line at www.tdwi.org/ Eleni T. Stavrou, Christakis Charalambous and Stelios Spiliotis, Human resource management and performance: A neural network analysis, Elsevier Publications, European Journal of Operation Research, 181, (2007), 453-466 Harmon, P. (2003). Business process Change, A Manager`s Guide to Improving, Redesigning, and Automating Processe. San Francisco: Morgan Kaufman Publishers Hays J and Hill V, 2001. A preliminary investigation of the relationships between employee motivation/vision, service learning, and perceived service quality, Elsevier Publications, Journal of Operations Management 19 (2001), 335349. Heizenberg J. (2009) BI predictions 2009: The paradox between demand and supplyavailable on line at www.bi-guru-nhm.com Holton C, Identifying disgruntled employee systems fraud risk through text mining: A simple solution for a multi-billion dollar problem, Elsevier Publications, Decision Support Systems 46 (2009), 853864. Kaplan, R. S. Norton, D. P. (2001) The Strategy-Focused Organization. Boston, Harvard Business School Press. Kiraka, R., Manning, K. (2005). Managing Organizatios Through a Process-Based Perspective: Its Challenges and Benefits. Knowledge and Process Management, 12 (4), 288-298. Kruppke, H., Bauer, T. (2005). No Business Intelligence Without Process Intelligence. In A. W. Scheer, W. Jost, H. He, A. Kronz (Eds.), Corporate Performance Management. Berlin: Springer. Pugna I., Albescu F., Zaharie D., (2008), Business Intelligence for strategic and performance measurement Business Performance Management, 4th International Conference of ASECU- Development: Cooperation and Competitiveness, Bucharest Rachel W.Y.Yee, AndyC.L.Yeung and T.C.EdwinCheng, An empirical study of employee loyalty, service quality and firm performance in the service industry, Elsevier Publications, Int. J. Production Economics 124 (2010), 109120. Scheer, A. W., Kruppke, H., Jost, W., Kindermann, H. (2007). Agility by ARIS Business Process Management. Berlin: Springer. Turban,E Aronson, J.E. Liang, T.P. Sharda, R. (2007), Decision Support and Business Intelligence Systems, New Jersey, Pearson Prentice Hall Ya-Fen Tseng and Tzai-Zang Lee, Comparing appropriate decision support of human resource practices on organizational performance with DEA/AHP model, Elsevier Publications, Expert Systems with Applications 36 (2009), 65486558.

Introduction to College Grading Curves

98% accuracy may not be a realistic goal in college; luckily, professors may use curves to save your 68% from destroying your GPA. As a high school student, you are probably accustomed to raw scores being final scores on exams and in course averages. Perhaps your overall GPA is even reported as a percentage. However, in college, there is often a â€Å"curve† that alters raw scores into more palatable final scores. Curves are usually assigned in one of two places: either on individual assignments, or at the end of the course. If individual assignments are curved, it is similar to the entire course being curved in that your raw score will not be the same as your final score. However, the two types of calculations may yield different final letter grades depending on individual and class performance. Why are curves used? Well, they’re meant to normalize grades in order to adhere to some standard of grading. For example, perhaps a university or specific department aims for a certain grade distribution (e.g. 20% A-range, 30% B-range, 20% C-range, 30% D and below), or a certain average grade (e.g. the average student received a B- in the course). This standardization is meant to control grade inflation or grade deflation (such that not all students will fail the course, or ace the course based on their raw scores). However, sometimes curves or scales are predetermined, and thus don’t force students to compete directly against one another. If, for example, the course syllabus says that a raw average of 70% or above correlates to an A grade, your performance alone will stipulate your final grade. However, if the syllabus says that the 70th percentile and above will receive an A grade, then your final grade assignment is contingent on your performancerelative to your classmates. Such courses are often more competitive, and students are forced to project their grades by benchmarking against class statistics like mean and standard deviation. Sometimes, grade distributions on individual assignments will be released intermittently to help students forecast how they are performing in the course. Hope this helps understand college grading curves. If youre just starting your freshman year this fall, dont forget to create your profile to help future applicants get into college! Plus, youll earn some money while doing it.