A Crude Awakening: the Oil Crash

A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash A majority of North Americans depend on oil, unaware of an inevitable oil shortage that threatens to collapse our industrialized nation, in the foreseeable future. If we continue ignoring our dependence on oil and not realizing its significance in almost every part of our lives, it will be the end of our society, as we know it. The documentary A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash focuses on exposing an imminent problem. Revealing that our dependence on oil and insatiable consumption of it threatens to exceed supply, namely focusing discussions on the peak oil theory.The film establishes that oil is a precious, non-renewable, free source of energy that we use for almost everything. The movie illustrates that oil is a catalyst for war and often holds more power than money. The film explains the peak oil theory and provides evidence of our obvious slump in oil supply versus our unquenchable demand for cheap energy. The film concludes that alternative sources of energy are â€Å"band aide† solutions at best and that ultimately if we continue down the path we now tread, without researching alternative sources of energy, life, as we know it will be unsustainable.The directors of the film are successful in creating a convincing argument. Accomplish this by incorporating interviews with professionals whom are specialized in this area; also, the film has obvious emotional appeal using persuading imagery to influence the audiences emotions, and by developing a logical organization of the documentary. Throughout the film, the directors use various expert sources, ranging from professionals in the oil industry, to government officials to university professors. The directors’ post each sources title, causing instant credibility, because the information is from highly qualified sources in the oil industry.These professionals relay their messages in a unpretentious way. Allowing viewers to identify with them, where in some instances these authority figures may seem â€Å"superior†, and not be as trusted. They even describe their own fears and uncertainties regarding the issue, further bridging their connection and commonality with the audience. They make a point of not pretending they know the outcomes of the predicament, providing evidence so the audience can make an informed decision for themselves. The directors make the issue personal by using emotional impact with graphics, exaggerating their point.The directors’ choice to illustrate images of towns that were once flourishing communities, but now are baron wastelands, makes for a powerful representation. These towns once incredibly oil prosperous, now inhabitable and futile, makes the unfathomable real. It is a great tool used by the directors playing on the emotions of the audience, as the images speak for themselves. The directors portray the looming issue as having no apparent positive outcome, never â€Å"sugar coating† the evidenc e. Leaving the viewer with a â€Å"now what? † sentiment.I believe that this creates a sense of urgency and a powerful message that might encourage the audience to look to rectify the situation themselves. The film encompasses the idea of no hope for the future, unless research of alternative energy sources is initiated, resonating a strong message that serious action must be taken. The directors employ a logical structure throughout the film, making it easy to understand and follow. The film presents infinite support, good pace and great editing explaining how peak oil will affect the nations of the world.The film follows a logical pattern, progressing from past, present to future, making it easy to follow, and making a dramatic effect. As mentioned earlier, the directors’ post the interviewees names and titles throughout the film and use a variety of evidence. This foundation of support makes a concrete argument, causing the viewer to follow the linear structure effo rtlessly. The film is organized under logical segments, providing a mental break between sections. These breaks are important for allowing the viewer to ponder what they have just observed.This is imperative to not overwhelm or scaremonger the viewer; rather letting them reflect and consider the evidence throughout the film. The film was successful in convincing the audience that the issue of peak oil should be at the forefront of your consciousness, and that our insatiable dependency on oil will accelerate the fall of the epoch of cheap energy, causing our industrialized societies to become unsustainable unless we do something to repair the problem. The directors’ arguments appeal to the viewers due to the number of credible sources, the use of emotional appeal and by the great use of logical organization.

Panera Bread Company Essay

Panera Bread Company is regarded as one of the largest company in the United States that has specialized in the production of breakfast and lunch food for its consumers. Panera Bread Company which was in the years back been referred to as An Bon Pain is reported to be producing products such as baked foods, sandwiches, soups among other food products and beverages. The company is reported to have been founded in the year 1987 by Ken Rosenthan with its headquarters situated in Richmond Missouri in the USA. The company operates in divisions namely; franchise segments; who are licensed to carry out business transactions in the name of the company and retailing operations; which covers over five hundred bakery cafes that are reported to be company owned and over six hundred cafes which are franchised operated in more than thirty five states. In the year 1999 it was expanded into a national restaurant. Panera Bread Company has struggled to survive the growing competition and to effectively utilize its opportunities by utilizing the concept of company analysis which is very critical in modern business world. The aim of Panera Bread Company has always been to become a market leader in production of foods and beverages globally by diversifying and reaching to many new markets. In the year 2005, the company was ranked top forty by the Business Week in the annual list of hot growth companies. By that year its earnings was projected at $ 38 Million with an increase of over 40% in profit. In the year 2007, Zagat rated the company to top the list of Overall Food Facilities and Popularity rankings. Panera Bread Company is further recognized for its involvement in community events such as silent auctions, runs and walks by making donations. SWOT Analysis Modern businesses are faced with changing business environments and Panera Bread Company is not exceptional from facing such changes within their business context. By carrying out SWOT analysis, environment analysis is very decisive to Panera Bread Company and it is usually analyzed in two extents; the external environment and internal environment examination within the business perspective. Research reveals that the analysis of external environment illustrates opportunities and threats that exist in the market for a firm that may be either present or impending. On the other hand, internal environment examination depicts the strengths and weaknesses that the business may face in the market place (Anthony, 1998). Strengths Strength in this context can be identified as that distinctive ability posed by a firm and if the company utilizes such an opportunity it can succeed and can gain competitive advantage, over its rivals in the industry. The most common strength associated with Panera Bread Company is that of being a market leader in the food industry and particularly marketing of bread. Research indicates that Panera Bread Company is better placed than its main rivals in the market in that it has significantly acquired larger market share which is attributed to its diversification to various countries in the world, for example it has opened many subsidiaries in Toronto, Canada. It is also reported that the company has a strong brand name of its products which have significantly aided the company in terms of achieving a larger market share. The other strength that the company has is that of the best marketing channels that have aided marketing of packaging solutions products to a wider range of customers (Kotler, 1996). Weakness Weakness in this context can be referred to as any dimension of a firm that possibly will deter the accomplishment of set objectives by the firm and usually considered to comprise the company’s resources, capabilities and assets that are not fully utilized. From the company’s profile it can be noted that Panera Bread Company has weak policies, procedures and regulations that may deter the attainment of target performance of the company in some target markets. It is also reported that recently, the employees are not motivated to work and there has been complains regarding low pay and poor working conditions among others although such reports have not been proved. The management of the company should therefore look for ways in solving such problems that may affect adversely the performance of the employees and thus the overall performance of the company. Also the culture of Panera Bread Company has been under scrutiny and there has been allegation that the company is producing loaves of bread which are of poor quality, an issue that the management should look at it seriously (Anthony, 1998). Opportunities For companies to achieve the set objectives, they have to identify and devise events or features in the business external environment that will give them an added advantage or chance of performing better than their competitors. Such an event or feature can be referred to as an opportunity because it will create more chances to the company by increasing the current proceeds through acquiring a significant market share. Panera Bread Company has opportunities that if utilized will be of great benefit to the firm because it will lead to exploring and reaching to more new markets. Research indicates that there is greater demand for bread products in Africa and the management of Panera Bread Company should open subsidiaries in some of those countries after carefully analyzing the situational analysis in those potential markets. Since Panera Bread Company is among the market leaders in bakery industry; it is perceived to be having a well developed financial foundation and thus does not face any liquidity or cash flow problems. It is for this reason that the company should explore new markets and can compete across the entire market without fearing that its competitors can outdo them financially. However, before competing Panera Bread Company should carry out cost benefit analysis in order to avoid unnecessary expenditure (Brandenburger and Nalebuff, 1995). Threat In business context, a threat is regarded as an event which if not taken care of it may possibly deter the accomplishment of company’s goals e. g. customers declining income and competition among other events deemed to causing danger to the operations of the business. Panera Bread Company is basically faced with intense rivalry in bread and beverages products since many firms have opted to join the market because it is considered profitable. In fact, in some market segments particularly in Canada there has been a significant drop in terms of the company’s market share because new firms has entered the industry. Globalization concept has brought about new inventions and Panera Bread Company is faced with the task of coping with such innovations, for example the task of training and development programs to educate the employees on new technologies might be costly and difficult to acquire; such as the use of on-line marketing techniques and networking facilities (Anthony, 1998). Competitive Strategy According to research, Panera Bread Company has embarked on identification of markets that bread products and beverages can do best and it is through this that the company has sold a lot in the target areas. This strategy is normally referred to as segmentation; where the company has avoided competing entirely across the entire food industry but instead targeting certain markets i. e. bread and some beverages markets. Market segmentation will be an ideal situation for Panera Bread Company since competing across the entire market is expensive and considered to entail a lot of risks that the firm cannot sustain for example unfair competition by its rivals in the market (Bagley and Savage, 2006). This will involve Panera Bread Company marketing staff subdividing the existing market into different subsets of clientele where each division may be chosen as an intended market to be explored with a different marketing mix strategy. In essence, target marketing strategy will involve market segmentation which Panera Bread Company will have to find it on the acknowledgment that any segment comprises of potential buyers of bread products and beverages with diverse needs and dissimilar buying behavior. After carefully developing and subdividing the entire market to segments or the target markets, Panera Bread Company should then position itself on how to carry out the marketing activities in order to meet the overall objective of the corporation. Under this; positioning will imply to the formation of limits for bread products and beverages in the minds of the intended market in relation to the rivalry faced. Positioning of any firm including Panera Bread Company is very essential since it forms the foundation of all the communication of the company that comprise the following; branding, publicity, advertising and packaging among other strategies. Therefore it will be prudent for Panera Bread Company to create a single unique position which will operate as a guide for marketing communications involved thus will aid in transmission of steady image (Cullen and Parboteeah, 2005). HR and its Importance Since the mission statement of Panera Bread Company is clear, that it aims at being the market leader of producing bread products and some beverages not only locally but globally it should implement its marketing strategies particularly in the identified target markets. Implementation is putting in to action whatever plan or strategy that the management had formulated and therefore human resource is the most crucial asset in this stage. Research indicates that any company must motivate and provide clear direction to its human resource in order to attain its objectives. Therefore, Panera Bread Company should clearly identify the needs of its employees and try to meet them in order to give them an ample opportunity to serve diligently and be dedicated to the company. By offering a competitive package and offering performance contracts to the employees; ensures that they perform to the fullest because they will be highly motivated to work. Good leadership and management skills will be essential to Panera Bread Company’s management staff in order to command respect from the employees (Hilltop and Sparrow, 1994). Recommendations Panera Bread Company should note that nowadays, it is possible to use e-business through the internet for distribution purposes especially when dealing with international businesses. Digital innovations coupled with rapid growth in new technologies are changing the way distribution channels for companies and Panera Bread Company is able to use such hi-tech communication channels to monitor progresses in the market places not only in USA but globally. The company should further utilize modern entry market modes which such as Foreign direct Investments and licensing in order to build long-term markets in its target markets. It will be possible to also adopt joint ventures which will make possible for Panera Bread Company to gather enough market information quickly and familiarize itself with the laws, regulations and needs of the customers in the target market (Grant, 2005). Conclusion Panera Bread Company is among the current market leaders in the food industry and therefore stands a better chance of attaining a significant market share as a result of the brand name of its bread products and beverages that are regarded to be of high quality. Every business including Panera Bread Company is faced with challenges and it has to fully adhere to market regulations in order to avoid unfair competition. The concept of globalization cannot be written off either since many firms including Panera Bread Company has diversified to various markets and there are threats and opportunities associated with such globalization. Therefore the company should formulate strategies that are considered global in nature in order to meet the current expectations of the customers in the target customers. Such strategies like build, harvest or divest should be considered by the Panera Bread Company when assessing the performance of its products in its target markets. Management functions of planning, directing, leading and controlling should be adhered to by the management of Panera Bread Company in order to significantly improve the operations of the company by achieving the required targets (Kotler, 1996)

Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center - Essay Example Both men in the vignettes shown exhibit another common trait among the mentally ill: the spiraling of symptoms. They drank to deal with the symptoms of their mental illness, but the symptoms worsened as a result of the alcohol. The first client, although he drank daily, did not drink as severely as he had in the past. He was not completely forthcoming with the interviewer, however, for he admitted that culturally, his family drank to get drunk, but insisted that his drinking was not a problem at the current time. The symptoms of his mental illness were improved due to his medications, though, so he most likely did not use alcohol to control them, at least not as much as he had in the past. He was probably addicted, since he drank to help him sleep at night. The second client used alcohol primarily to deal with the symptoms of his mental illness. His dilemma, however, is common for many clients. He drank to deal with his visual hallucinations, but his paranoia became worse the more he drank. He also watched television to help him ignore the hallucinations. He was also suicidal, and admitted that he drank so much because he hoped that it would kill him. It goes without saying that this man is in great distress. Acton would probably agree that it is likely that this patient also had comorbid disorders; he admitted that he felt anxious due to the paranoia he experienced. Experts in the field of substance abuse treatment have long accepted the importance of treating both substance abuse and mental illness simultaneously. This acceptance has not been as easy for clinicians that primarily treat mental illness, however, and this is apparent in Acton’s article. Fortunately, there has been some recognition in the treatment of mental illness that the taxonomy in the DSM-IV lacks a great deal, and can often be a hindrance in treatment. When a client is dually-diagnosed, for example, what should be treated first? The problem, as Acton seems to

Issues in Human Sexuality Unit 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Issues in Human Sexuality Unit 3 - Essay Example Despite this fact, I would state my agreement with the statute based on objective arguments culled from empirical evidence and not because of some emotional bias and the influence of popular sentiment. To understand my standpoint, it is imperative for us to explore the rationale behind the chemical castration. Here, using drugs such as the Depo-Provera or the Tamoxifen, the law seeks to prevent sexual molestation by inhibiting hormones that produces the testosterone or the aromatase enzyme in male offenders. The idea is that when the sexual urge in the offenders are lessened it is expected that the likelihood of committing the crime again is also reduced. Background The Megan’s Law has been the statute that we relied on to keep our children safe from child molesters. The statute requires the identification of sex offenders publicly mainly for preventive purposes. Unfortunately, as years passed statistics reflected a disturbing experience as the logistical demands of enforcing the law is difficult for state governments. A 1998 federal court ruling in New York is one of such illustrations. Here, the state is required to provide the court with the determination of the risk level identification of sex offenders. However, by 2004 the huge number of cases that needed hearing in line with such directive created an unwieldy backlog and in an attempt to fast track the hearings, the risk levels of all offenders were reduced to Level 1, the lowest risk level. (Schultz, p. 185) The effect is that justice is delayed and there is a risk of error in its dispensation.

Transactions Costs (Devolpments & Definitions) Opportunity Costs Essay

Transactions Costs (Devolpments & Definitions) Opportunity Costs (Devolpments & Definitions) finally link both ie Opportunity Costs should be considered as a T - Essay Example theoretical area there are plenty of models and empirical evidence that can help the management team to formulate a well grounded plan, in real terms the changes and the turbulences that tend to characterize the commercial markets create significant obstacles towards the establishment of an appropriate and effective business strategy. This paper examines particularly the influence of two economic variables, the transaction costs and the opportunity cost on the planning of the corporate strategy to the level that the above two elements can often interact and have therefore a more decisive role in the relevant process. The definitions and the particular characteristics of the above two criteria of ‘financial measurement’ are presented using a series of examples from their applications in practice. The findings of the literature are also been considered as crucial to the validity of the assumptions made. On the other hand, the reference to the work of Coese and Williamson h as been proved valuable to the explanation of these elements’ existence and role in the business environment. In economics and related disciplines, a transaction cost is ‘a cost incurred in making an economic exchange; a number of kinds of transaction cost have come to be known by particular names, like a) Search and information costs are costs such as those incurred in determining that the required good is available on the market, who has the lowest price, etc., b) Bargaining costs are the costs required to come to an acceptable agreement with the other party to the transaction, drawing up an appropriate contract and so on, and c) Policing and enforcement costs are the costs of making sure the other party sticks to the terms of the contract, and taking appropriate action (often through the legal system) if this turns out not to be the case’. Today, transaction cost economics is used ‘to explain a number of different behaviors. Often this involves considering as "transactions" not only

Performance-Enhancing Drugs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Performance-Enhancing Drugs - Essay Example Nowadays, sportsmen and women will go to extreme lengths to improve their athletic abilities (Mottram 18). Many sports personalities admit that the competitive desire to be victorious is unusually severe. Apart from the pleasure of benefiting individually, sports individuals share a dream to participate in large sporting events, high class teams, and the young athletes pursue the school scholarships. The common, competitive situation, made by the human culture, has caused the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs such as stimulants, sedatives, lean mass builders and painkillers among individuals taking part in sporting activities (Bahrke and Yesalis 8). The people who use the substances for enhancement may appear to have acquired gains that are physical. There has not been a thorough study on the long-term effects of performance-enhancement drugs, but evidence suggests that the short-term effects are destructive with numerous consequences like loss of scholarships, medals, el igibility, side-effects, and sometimes death. This paper will look at the performance-enhancement drugs that should be accepted in sports, and whether creatine should be illegalized in Major League Baseball Several performance enhancement drugs should be legalized in sports, they include: Lean Mass Builders This are the types of performance-enhancement substances that are used to amplify or facilitate the enlargement of lean body mass and muscles, and from time to time to lessen fats in the body. These drugs may include several human hormones, anabolic steroids, and Chromium Picolinate. Chromium Picolinate, for instance, helps an individual to make use of the body glucose. It helps an individuals’ body to access fats and convert it to energy. This drug is more useful to people who have additional body fat and they would like to lose it (Mottram 23). Stimulants They are used to stimulate an individual’s mind and body to function at the top level by increasing energy, aggression, and focus. The examples are amphetamine and caffeine. Caffeine has been for a long time been used as an aid for muscle endurance by many athletes. Caffeine lengthens the duration of fatigue that occurs in the muscles at the heightened power levels. Nowadays, caffeine is a performance-enhancing drug that is not listed as illegal for use by sports personalities. In addition it is proven that stimulants can promote endurance, enhance accuracy, and improve reaction time. The dose of caffeine and the athlete’s condition and exercise determine if the person’s performance is enhanced or not (Mottram 26). Painkillers Painkillers cover up pain that is experienced by the sportsmen so that they can keep on performing and competing without their normal pain limit. Painkillers used in sports vary from over-the-counter administered drugs to prescriptions that are powerful, such as narcotics and NSAIDs (Mottram 28). Sedatives The drugs in this category are mostly used by people who take part in sports which have the need for being steady, accurate and overcome too much discomfort and nervousness. Examples include valium, alcohol, and marijuana (Jeffrey, Jose, and Douglas 34). Diuretics These are drugs that remove water from the body. Diuretics are most often used in different t ypes of wrestling and contact sports because the sportsmen have to conform to weight restraints (Jeffrey, Jose, a

Consumers' experiences of stigma Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Consumers' experiences of stigma - Essay Example The same research also found out that at least 450 million people in the world suffer from mental health problems (Thompson and Thompson 1997, p.6). Another research also established that at least one in every 12 people suffer from depressive disorders. Like any other disease, a majority of those suffering from mental health disorders are capable of recovering fully when subjected to the right treatment and management and live a normal life like any other person. However, this is only possible when such people are helped at early stages. However, since people with mental illnesses cannot make rational decisions regarding their life, it is important that they receive the best care and physical and moral support from friends and families to enable them manage their health conditions. Nevertheless, research indicates that a majority of those experiencing mental health problems tend to experience strong social stigmatization from those who help them manage their health conditions because of their mental status. Byrne (2000) defines stigma as a sign, discredit, or disgrace, which separates a person from the rest. In other words, stigma is the negative view of someone based on his or her condition or status. Stigma is always accompanied by discrimination, since those who are experiencing stigma experience discrimination at the same time. Stigmatization is not good as everyone irrespective of mental status need equal treatment from others (Pande 2009). This is because stigmatization is likely to worsen the condition of the person thereby hindering recovery. Research has also shown that stigmatization of people with mental illness has many effects on the person being stigmatized (Thompson and Thompson 1997, p.8). This paper will explore the sources and effects of stigma for people experiencing mental health problems. To begin with, Corrigan and Watson (2002, p.16) argues that patients with mental disorders suffer doubly. This is because whereas they struggle to cope wi th the symptoms and disabilities occasioned by their health status, they also face the challenge of stigmatization that results from misconception regarding their mental illnesses. Research indicates that stigmatization effects adversely affects people with mental illness and acts as one of the chief barriers to their recovery process. Study has also shown that stigmatization against people with mental illnesses is real in the society (Thompson and Thompson 1997, p.6). This is after a research found out that millions of people with mental disorders experience stigmatization. The research found out that close to nine out of ten individuals with mental health disorders reported having been stigmatized and discriminated because of their mental health problems. Such people also reports having suffered negative consequences as a result of stigma and discrimination. To make matters worse, Coubrough (2008) also found out that stigma is being extended even to those taking care of people wit h mental health problems. As a result, this has made people shy away from taking care of people with mental health disorders. During the research, Coubrough (2008) noted that stigma originated mainly from immediate family members of the mentally challenged, which stood at 36%. This was followed by employers at 35%, 31% from neighbors while friends posted the least at 25% (Coubrough 2008). This is a clear indication that the mentally chal

Home Schooling Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Home Schooling - Research Paper Example This project stresses that the family which study together stays together. Home schooling is the common thread woven throughout their lives that pulls the family together. It also allows giving quality education to the children .Home as always been the heart of a child’s education. One need not be a professional teacher to home school a child as they are natural learners and parents are natural teachers. Parents are the best teacher a child could have as no one knows the children better than them. The parents knows the strength and weakness of their children and can train them accordingly .Rather than teaching home schooling should be treated as a guiding a child for their future development. This report declares that from the earliest days, a child’s education took place inside the home. Children learned from parents, from a large extended family, and from everyday life. In his book writes that â€Å" History shows that today’s home education sprang from a rich heritage of family based learning† Families made sure that the children learned important life skills, reading, writing, math skills and socializing skills. In the beginning times, school education was not mandatory for children. Many children were taught home as they could not walk the distance to and from school and mass transportation was not yet an option. Some children were kept at home by bad weather, snowstorms and floods. As industrial revolution swept the country, school transportation improved and so did attendance at public schools.

Bodies, Sexualities and Identities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Bodies, Sexualities and Identities - Essay Example Keywords: body, child masturbation, mind, sexuality Introduction I would like to use varying theories regarding Bodies, Sexualities and Identities. How have these theories transformed my understanding of some aspect of gender, sexualities, or identities from experience or the world around us is the main focus of this paper. There are varying theories presented by Locke, Freud, Rousseau and other theorists regarding bodies, genders, sexualities, and identities. Regarding this, it is important to integrate personal experience and other’s encounter with these aspects in order to somehow prove or justify the importance and relevance of the theorists’ ideas on the subject matter involving bodies, sexualities and identities. It is the intention of the proponent to justify that these theories are not hopelessly outmoded in today’s modern society, but in fact, would actually help the people understand the complexity and richness of ideas within the intricate subjects emb odied within bodies, sexualities and identities. Regarding this, the issue about child masturbation is discussed in detail. ... This is the first time that the very act of masturbation is illustrated in the scripture. This literature remarkably gave birth to a coined word â€Å"onanism† which in the modern times is strongly associated with the very act of masturbation or self-sex pleasure. This is of no surprise that masturbation was mentioned to be initiated by an adult. Onan was of the right and advanced age when he initiated masturbation by withdrawing his semen from the womb of his brother’s wife. Even in the times of Locke, Freud and Rousseau, masturbation was considered prevalent among adults as integral issue about sex. In fact, the idea about masturbation was strongly opposed within the classical period as it would strongly contradict with the ultimate view within religious principle. Even until today, religious individuals would most likely view at it as an act of immorality before God. Surprisingly, masturbation and even addiction with it in the 18th century was also associated with ch ildren (Egan & Hawkes, 2011). Today, masturbation is reportedly initiated by some children even at the age below 12 years old. Even then, this paved the way for taking into account child sexuality as an important area of concern among theorists like Locke, Freud, and Rousseau. It was of great interest to understand child sexuality in the first place as things in line with sexual matters would concern most about adults who are considered to be mature in this area. However, there are many things that need to be learned more about child sexuality as they are also humans who could be potentially sexually aroused at some specific point in time. This is the very point