Avon Products free essay sample

After five straights years of ten percent plus growth and twenty-five percent operating profit growth under CEO Andrea Jung, the company suddenly began losing profits. One of the main reasons of this lost was the fast growth of Avon that couldn’t be supported by its employees. As with many growing organizations the structure, people and processes that were right for a $5 billion company were not necessarily a good fit for a ten billion dollar company (Goldsmith Carter, 2010, p. 2). There were weaknesses that hurt the effectiveness of the employees at the talent management practices. Decisions on talent movement, promotions, and other key talent activities were often influenced as much by individual knowledge and emotion as by objective facts. Neither managers nor Associates have any idea about how the talent practices work. Even the HR department wasn’t sufficient to answer basic questions that might be asked by managers like â€Å"What will happen to me if I don’t do this? † (Goldsmith Carter, 2010). We will write a custom essay sample on Avon Products or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Thus, changing at the talent management practices was a necessity for the company in order to increase the operation profits. The change theory typified in Avon Products case study is the 360 degree assessment process along with performance management and succession planning this would deliver the expected results if they were consistently and flawlessly executed. They used this method to build talent practices that were easy to implement. The proposed talent management model was integrated business and human resources strategy, talent management processes, organizational culture, provides a systemic approach, and results in having talented leaders and individuals available to accomplish the mission of the organization. One of the most simple and powerful changes was to bring transparency to every talent practice. Avon’s 360 degree assessment process was hardly a model of transparency when the turnaround began. The new team leader requested copies of each VP’s 360 degree assessment due to understand common behavioral strengths and weaknesses. A new, much simpler 360 was designed and implemented that explicitly stated that proper managerial and leadership behaviors were critical for a leader’s success at Avon. Helping to make the transition to transparency easier, the new 360 assessments and report differed from typical tools that rate the participants on proficiency in various areas. The type of evaluation information that was collected was from complex to simple, from egalitarian to differentiated, from episodic to disciplined, from meaningless to consequential, from opaque to transparent, from emotional to factual and from meaningless to consequential. Leaders know what is required to be successful, how to measure the situation, how HR and management can assist them, and the consequences of higher and lower performance. They know their performance rating, their potential ratings and how they can change each of those. They actively differentiated levels of Avon talent and provided each level with the appropriate experience. Their highest potential leaders understand how management feels about them, and they see a commensurate investment. Their lower performing leaders get the attention they need (Silzer Dowell, 2010). Managers do the right thing for their associates both because the barriers have been lower than what they previously built and because management helped them with value added tools and information. Processes began to happen on schedule and consistently around the world. Talent decisions are made with an additional layer of qualitative and quantitative information drawn from across many different leader experiences. Leaders know that they must build talent the Avon way for both their short and long term success. When the turnaround began, no global process for understanding or acting on associate engagement issues existed. Select regions or department made efforts of varying effectiveness, but there was no integrated focus on consistent measurement and improvement of engagement (Silzer Dowell 2010). In designing the engagement process, management applied the same three questions: the business benefit, the simple path, to adding additional value. Management accepted the substantial research that showed a correlation, and some causation between increasing engagement and increasing various business metrics. There were two goals established around simplicity. One goal was to understand as much of what drove engagement as possible, while asking the least number of questions. The second goals were to write the questions as simple as possible, so that if managers needed to improve the score on a question, their options for action would be relatively obvious. Management was confident that if managers took the right actions to improve their engagement results, not only would the next year’s scores increase, but the business would benefit from the incremental improvement. The challenge was to determine and imply communicate to the managers what the right actions were. Management with the assistance of a research team developed a statistical equation model that would become the engine to produce the answers. The statistical equation model allowed them to understand the power of each engagement dimension, for example, immediate manager, empowerment, senior management, to increase engagement, and to express that power in an easy to understand statement (Goldsmith Carter, 2010). Avon’s mission is focused on six core aspirations the company continually strives to achieve. They are leader in global beauty, building a unique portfolio of beauty and related brands, striving to surpass competitors in quality, innovation, and value, and elevating Avon’s image to become the world’s trusted beauty company. Empower their employees to achieve economic independence by offering a superior earning opportunity as well as recognition, service and support, making it easy and rewarding to be affiliated with Avon. Deliver superior returns to shareholders by pursuing new growth opportunities while maintaining a commitment to be a responsible, ethical company and a global corporate citizen that is held as a model of success (Avon Products Inc. , 2012). Avon Products Inc. is the world largest direct seller right now. The changes in 2006 set the stage for renewed growth by enabling them to be faster and nimbler, but since then the business has grown significantly and become increasingly complex.  And if there is any adjustment needed, they should mark the areas that they are weak again.

Free Essays on The Cuban Swimmer

Seeing Beyond the Glory In the drama play, The Cuban Swimmer by Milcha Sanchez-Scott, the staging elements play a huge role to the play. The play generally takes place in one scene throughout the play. The main characters, the Suarez family, are on a â€Å"rag tag† boat cheering on the swimming Margarita. There are many events that occur that could take away from the main focus which is Margarita. However, throughout the play all the activities going on are revolving around her. This play uses â€Å"magic realism† which causes unlikely events to happen. The adversities that Margarita had to overcome help the play come to life right before the audiences eyes. The magical realism helps the play come along as well. Margarita has to deal with hardships like an oil slick, hallucinations, and her father’s pride and dream. Margarita was swimming not just for herself, but for the pride of her whole family Swimming from California to Catalina Island is not an easy task to accomplish regardless how strong a swimmer one may claim to be. However when obstacles get in the way, it makes it that much harder for the long swim to be accomplished. While swimming Margarita swims across an oil slick which covers her body in black oil. While reading or viewing this part of the play one would begin to think Margarita might have to get into the boat and be cleaned. The rules of the race forbid anyone from touching the swimmers during the race. Yet, she decides to continue on with the race despite her sticky situation. It was not easy, but she makes out of the oil slick by swimming harder. Eduardo talks about â€Å"the mind over matter†¦the mind controlling the body† and Margarita definitely masters this skill for that moment (1504). The mind begins to turn on her after some time because she begins to be delirious. Margarita shows signs of delusions when she begins to hear things. â€Å"I’m so cold, I [cannot] move†¦I put my face in the... Free Essays on The Cuban Swimmer Free Essays on The Cuban Swimmer Seeing Beyond the Glory In the drama play, The Cuban Swimmer by Milcha Sanchez-Scott, the staging elements play a huge role to the play. The play generally takes place in one scene throughout the play. The main characters, the Suarez family, are on a â€Å"rag tag† boat cheering on the swimming Margarita. There are many events that occur that could take away from the main focus which is Margarita. However, throughout the play all the activities going on are revolving around her. This play uses â€Å"magic realism† which causes unlikely events to happen. The adversities that Margarita had to overcome help the play come to life right before the audiences eyes. The magical realism helps the play come along as well. Margarita has to deal with hardships like an oil slick, hallucinations, and her father’s pride and dream. Margarita was swimming not just for herself, but for the pride of her whole family Swimming from California to Catalina Island is not an easy task to accomplish regardless how strong a swimmer one may claim to be. However when obstacles get in the way, it makes it that much harder for the long swim to be accomplished. While swimming Margarita swims across an oil slick which covers her body in black oil. While reading or viewing this part of the play one would begin to think Margarita might have to get into the boat and be cleaned. The rules of the race forbid anyone from touching the swimmers during the race. Yet, she decides to continue on with the race despite her sticky situation. It was not easy, but she makes out of the oil slick by swimming harder. Eduardo talks about â€Å"the mind over matter†¦the mind controlling the body† and Margarita definitely masters this skill for that moment (1504). The mind begins to turn on her after some time because she begins to be delirious. Margarita shows signs of delusions when she begins to hear things. â€Å"I’m so cold, I [cannot] move†¦I put my face in the...

A Critical Asessment of the Boston Matrix and its practical Essay

A Critical Asessment of the Boston Matrix and its practical application in BMW - Essay Example For the critical evaluation of the strategic competitive strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that face the company, the most recent and reliable management and marketing literature will be used in order to provide an overview of the operations of BMW. BMW is a global leader in the luxury car market segment and has attained high brand recognition and customer loyalty due to its superior manufacturing technology that aims at satisfying the premium market with stylish, quality and comfortable cars. The report has identified that the concept of marketing has shifted from the time the BCG model was developed to the current marketing concept that is characterized by customer relationships management and societal marketing. The advancement in car manufacturing technologies, the shifts in consumer preferences and decline in natural resources has provided companies with opportunities for product differentiation, formation of strategic relationships and re-organization of the prod uct portfolio. The strategic audit has revealed that BMW is endowed with high technology, high financial resources and customer loyalty and thus it is possible to overcome the market challenges. The automobile industry is faced with scarcity of raw materials, increased global warming awareness, shifts in consumer preferences towards eco-friendly cars, ... increase in global warming†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.5 4.2. Intense competition in the industry†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..5 4.3. Possible product recalls and lawsuits†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.6 4.4. Scarcity of raw materials †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.6 5.0. Critical evaluation of the Boston Matrix†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 5.1. Cash cows†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 5.2. Stars †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢ € ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...7 5.3. Question marks/problem child†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦8 5.4. Dogs†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦8 5.5. Traditional views of marketing †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦9 5.5. Positive perspective of BCG in modern marketing concept†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦9 5.6. Negative perception of BCG in modern marketing concept†¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦11 6.0.Recommendations for the next three years†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦11 6.1. Formation of strategic partnerships†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.11 6.2. Product differentiation †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦12 6.3. Maintain customer relationships†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...12 7.0. Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦12 8.0.Bibliography†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..14

What can we get on the web on our mobiles Is it worth having Essay

What can we get on the web on our mobiles Is it worth having - Essay Example This paper will look closely at mobile phones and internet as two aspects of modern technology. It will look into how these two technologies have changed the way we interact with one another in life. The growth in technology has revolutionized not only the way we live but in also the way we communicate. Mobile phones and internet have been one of the leading devices that have revolutionized communication technology. Communication technology has been the backbone of the current revolution in the way we live. Information and communication technology have contributed in a great way to the wave of globalization that has changed the way we interact in the world. The concept of globalization has reduced the world to a global village. In its simple definition, globalization can be simply said as reduction of distance between different parts of the world. This means that one can easily get in touch with someone in another continent same as once can get in touch with someone in the neighborho od. This has been a great achievement in life since it has affected the way people interact.As we have seen, information and communication technology have been in the forefront in enabling globalization to take root in the world. Both have enabled people to interact and communicate with one another in a much simpler way than ever before. There have been some aspects of information and communication technology that have been the most influential. ... Both are recent technology in life and they are very influential in the way we talk and communicate with one another. Apart from their initial intention of providing communication and information to people, development in technology have enabled them to be used for many other purposes in normal life and in business world. Mobile phone and internet industry in one of the rapidly growing technologies in modern life. The industry has been driven by increased use of the two technologies in life. The industry has grown in all part of the world unlike other industries which records growth only in some geographical regions where they are relevant. This means that there has been increased use of the technology in all parts of the world. Let us look at what we can get from each of the technology and evaluate how relevant is what we get from each. This will help us to dig deep in each technology and understand how it functions and how important it is to the concept of information and communication technology. Mobile phones Mobile phone can be defined as a small and portable communication device the is used by people to make phone calls in any place they are. Mobile phones receive and gives out signals with are provided through a service provider's transmitting satellites. Mobile phones have enabled people to communicate in any location they are in without limitation of time and regions. The basic concept of mobile phones is transmitting of signals. It uses radio wave theories similarly as they are used by ordinary radios. However, mobile phones uses stronger frequencies and are higher compared to those of the common radios. Mobile phone technology started in the mid twenties and the first mobile phone service was used in Sweden used

Psychoanalys Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Psychoanalys - Essay Example Hypocrisy is the false claim to virtue. It always refers to consciously intended deception by a person in a position of trust. Making use of literary examples, the investigation starts with the delineation of three readily apparent preconditions for falling prey to hypocrisy. Idealization of the hypocrite is seen as a defense against a dread of uncertainty on the part of the person who succumbs to hypocrisy. The addition of a third precondition, the force of powerful desire, completes the introduction. A selective review of historical and philosophical studies of hypocrisy over the past twenty-five hundred years situates the problem of the susceptibility to hypocrisy. Must idealization lead to credulity I do not think so. Belief, even strong belief, need not be credulous, and idealization, though it always involves some substitution of wish for judgment, is not always used as a defense. But when idealization and belief are fueled by anxiety, independent judgment, fragile under the best of circumstances, may fail. So idealization as defense against the dread of uncertainty may be expected to create the credulity that is one precondition for successful hypocrisy. But unrelenting credulity may come about also from great desire, especially in those inclined to magical thinking and other immaturities of consideration by playwrights and philosophers, a

T Cell Receptor and the B Cell Receptor: Comparison

T Cell Receptor and the B Cell Receptor: Comparison The entire world is full of pathogens which we need to fight off to leave a normal life. Due to this, we have an immune system that helps us fight off and prevent/manage subsequent infections. Our immune system can be classified into two, the innate and acquired immune responses. The innate immune response is broadly specific and provides the first defensive action against any infection. Their response to any subsequent infection stays the same as the initial infection. In contrast, the acquired immune response is highly specific such that it provides defence by generating antibodies specific to an antigen. They also have the capacity of keeping infection memory such that there will be a more powerful response to future infections. Innate immune response is mostly provided by macrophages, dendritic cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, mast cells, natural killer cells, erythrocytes and platelets. The acquired immune response is provided by lymphocytes, the T (T cells) and B lymphocyte s (B cells). The lymphocytes are derived from hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the bone marrow. That form MLPs (myeloid-lymphoid progenitors). If the HSC and MLP stay in the bone marrow they form B cells and if they migrate (via blood) to the thymus they form T cells (see figure below). Initiation of immune response by the lymphocytes first requires recognition of the antigens and this is achieved by cell surface receptors called BCRs (B cell receptor) and TCRs (T cell receptor). These two receptors have great similarities and differences in their structure complexes, antigen recognition, cell activation and genetic recombination. A) STRUCTURE OF BCRs AND TCRs Both the BCR and TCR have great similarities and differences in the structure. They both exist as multi-chain complexes as seen in the diagrams below: i) Antigen recognition components In the figure above, section A shows the structure of a BCR. The BCR antigen recognition medium is an immunoglobulin (Ig) molecule (a transmembrane antibody). The antibody is modified via alternative splicing that adds a hydrophobic transmembrane domain and a short cytoplasmic domain (~3 aminoacids) at the C terminus of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (Wall Kuehl 1983). All naà ¯ve B cells only express both IgM and IgD classes of immunoglobulin but do switch to other classes upon activation by antigens (Goding, 1978). The antibody (figure 2C) is a highly specific Ig that can adopt any one of the 5 immunoglobulin isotopes, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE. The antibody has 3 regions of which 2 regions (FAB) vary from antibody to antibody and bind to antigens and 1 region (FC) that binds to effector molecules. The antibody is composed of 2 light and 2 heavy chains held together by inter and intra disulphide bonds. The heavy chains depending on the Ig isotypes can be any one of ÃŽÂ ³, Ã⠀šÃ‚ µ, ÃŽÂ ±, ÃŽÂ ´ or Ɇº chains. The variable domains (VH and VL) bind to antigen and also bring about variability and antigen recognition specificity. This specificity is mainly due to the presence of 3 hypervariable regions (Complementary Determining Regions), namely CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 in the variable regions. Similar to BCR, the antigen recognition medium in TCR is an immunoglobulin heterodimer made from ÃŽÂ ± and ÃŽÂ ² Ig chains (in most T cells) or ÃŽÂ ³ and ÃŽÂ ´ Ig chains. Unlike in BCRs where the IG can be of 5 types, in TCRs the Ig heterodimers are only of 2 types. The two Ig chains in TCRs are (also like BCRs) held together by intra and inter disulphide bonds. As seen in section C, each Ig chain folds into 2 domains, the variable and the constant domain. This folding greatly resembles the FAB region of the antibody in BCRs. Likewise antibodies, the ÃŽÂ ±ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ² and ÃŽÂ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´ heterodimers also have hypervariable regions (CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3) in variable domains. The variable regions in both BCRs and TCRs bring about specificity and diversity The BCR antibodies have a hinge joint (connecting FAB and FC) that makes the Ig molecule very flexible. Unlike antibodies, the flexibility of the TCR Ig molecule is very limited at the elbow region (junction of constant and variable region) (Degano et al, 1996). ii) ACCESSORY PROTEINS Both the BCR and TCR have very short cytoplasmic domains that restrict the binding of any signal transduction factors to the receptors. Due to this the receptors are unable to transducer signals into cells upon antigen recognition. Signal transduction is achieved via the accessory proteins. BCRs (figure 2 section A) accessory proteins consists of one or more dimmers of one each of Ig-ÃŽÂ ± and Ig-ÃŽÂ ² chains held together in the cell membrane by a pair of disulphide bonds. The cytoplasmic domains of these chains have phosphorylation sites called ITAMS. Unlike BCR accessory protein, the TCR accessory proteins (figure 2, section C) is composed of a complex know as CD3. It consists of 3 types of invariant chains, namely ÃŽÂ ³, ÃŽÂ ´ and Ɇº. A ÃŽÂ ³ or ÃŽÂ ´ chain couples up with one Ɇº chain (by formation of disulphide bonds) each to form two dimmers (ÃŽÂ ³Ãƒâ€°Ã¢â‚¬ º and ÃŽÂ ´Ãƒâ€°Ã¢â‚¬ º). In addition to this, a dimmer of 2 zeta (ÃŽÂ ¶) chains is also present. Together, these 3 dimers make up the CD3 complex. The ÃŽÂ ¶ chains have a much longer cytoplasmic tail than the ÃŽÂ ³, ÃŽÂ ´ and Ɇº chains and have 3 ITAMs as compared to one in the ÃŽÂ ³, ÃŽÂ ´ and Ɇº chains. Therefore for both BCR and TCR accessory proteins are dimmers that all contain ITAMs. B) GENERATION OF RECEPTOR DIVERSITY There are millions antigens and we need to produce millions of antibodies against them. However, we do not have millions of Ig genes so how are we able to produce all these different antibodies? The answer is antibodies are produced in developing B cells via genetic recombination of genes encoding the immunoglobulins (Hozumi and Tonegawa, 1976). The figure below shows the gene segments coding immunoglobulins. Figure legend: The human heavy chain locus as shown in the last row, consists of about 38-46 functional VH genes, 27 DH and 6 JH genes. The light chain can be either made of ÃŽÂ » or ÃŽÂ º chains. The ÃŽÂ » locus consists of about 30 functional V ÃŽÂ » genes and 5 J ÃŽÂ » genes each separated by a J segments. The Kappa locus has about 34-40 functional VÃŽÂ º genes and 5 JÃŽÂ º genes. The variable heavy chain region of the antibody is made from the joining of the V (variable), D (diversity) and J (joint) gene segments and the variable light chain (which can be either ÃŽÂ º or ÃŽÂ ») is formed from the joining of V and J segments only. A process called V(D)J recombination involves joining different gene segments and as a result bringing about antibody diversity. At the heavy chain locus, any one of the 27 D and 6 J gene segments are first joined together and then any one of 46 V gene segment is joined to this DJ segment. This rearranged DNA is then transcribed to form a primary mRNA. This mRNA then undergoes splicing to bring the VDJ segment close to the constant gene segment. Additional diversity is achieved as any 1 of the two types of light chains can be formed. Random insertion of nucleotides either side of D segments also creates N-nucleotide diversity. In total about 106 possible immunoglobulin gene combinations can be formed. This recombination process is driven by recombination signal sequences that flank the coding gene segments. Certain enzymes (RAG-1 and RAG-2) help mediate this somatic recombination process. The antibodies produce undergo a processs of clonal selectin where only the antibody specific to the antigen preferentially proliferates to make many antibodies. Binding affinity of BCR is greatly increased after antigen recognition where the variable regions of both heavy and light chain undergo somatic hypermutations. This is where point mutations are put in the variable regions of rapidly proliferating B cells. These mutations produce antibodies that may have good, moderate or good affinity for the antigens. The antibody with good affinity will have a selective advantage during clonal selection. The gene segements encoding TCR ÃŽÂ ² chain follow the similar V,D,J and C arrangement of BCRs. The recombination process involves of of the two DÃŽÂ ² genes rearranges next to one of JÃŽÂ ² genes. Then one of the ~50 V genes arranges next to the preformed DÃŽÂ ²JÃŽÂ ² genes. As seen , this is also similar to the B cells where a DJ segement forms first and then joins up with a V segment. There is also random insertion, just like in B cells, of nucleotides either side of D segments to create N-nucleotide diversity. Unlike in B cells, there is no somatic hypermutation in T cells after antigen recognition. If this occurs, the TCR will loose its ability to recognise MHC and the peptide it presents. C) ANTIGEN BINDING/RECOGNITION BCR and TCR have similar immunoglobulin antigen recognition receptors but the types of antigens they recognise are very different. BCR can recognise naÃÆ' ¯ve (as a whole) antigens and TCR can only recognise a single antigen peptide sequence presented onto cell surfaces by MHC (Major histocompatibility complex) molecules. The antigens recognised by B cells are naÃÆ' ¯ve and therefore the antibody in BCR mostly recognise discontinuous epitopes on the antigen and antigens recognised by the TCR is in form of linear peptide sequences and therefore they mostly recognise continuous or linear epitopes. Antigen recognition by BCR is very simple where the antibody variable region simply recognises specific epitopes on antigen and bind to it. The BCR can recognise 3 types of antigens, Type 1 thymus independent antigens (where bacterial lipoproteins can bind to mitogenic bypass molecules on B cells surface and this allows non-specific antigen B cell activation), Type 2 thymus independent antigens (appiles to antigens that have well spaced and repetitive polysaccharides that bind to multiple antibodies in BCR and activate the B cell) and Thymus dependent antigens (require helper T cells). Thymus dependent antigens when bind to TCR, instead of causing activation normally cause anergy. Due to this, once the binding has occurred, the whole antigen+TCR comples is endocytosed, the antigen is hydrolysed by enzymes and processed to small linear peptides and then presented onto the B cell surface via MHC2 molecules. Helper T cells then recognise this peptide-MHC complex. B cells have loads of C D40 on their surface that binds to CD40L present on Th helper cells. In response to this Th cells secrete IL-4, 5, 6 that also help activate other costimulatory molecules in the BCR coreceptor complex. All these events provide costimulation of the B cells and it is activated. ÃŽÂ ±ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ² heterodimer TCRs in comparison can recognise any type of antigen that is processed and presented as a single peptide on MHC1 on target cells and MHC2 on B cells, macrophages and dendritic cells (all professional antigen presenting cells). The non-covalent forces that help TCR bind to the peptide-MHC complex are similar to the forces that enable the antibody bond to the antigen i.e. noncovalent. Unlike BCR that only have to recognise epitopes on antigens, the TCR has to both recognise the presence of both MHC molecule and antigen peptide. The TCR VÃŽÂ ± (variable alpha region) overlays ÃŽÂ ±2 helix of MHC1 or ÃŽÂ ²1 helix of MHC2 and the VÃŽÂ ² domain overlays ÃŽÂ ±1 helix in both MHC1/2. The CDR1 and CDR2 bind to ÃŽÂ ± helices of MHC and the CDR3 (which is more variable), binds to the antigen peptide on MHC. This concept is summarised in the picture below: Figure legend: The picture shows how the TCR variable complementarity determining regions (CDR) which are the binding sites interact with peptide-MHC complex. The CDR1 and CDR2 bind to the MHC alpha helices and CFR3 binds to the peptide. The ÃŽÂ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´ TCRs are more similar to BCR antibody as they can recognise naÃÆ' ¯ve antigens without the requirement of processed antigen presentation. Another similarity of BCR and ÃŽÂ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´ TCRs is that in the antibodies of BCRs, the CDR3 regions on heavy chain are shorter than the CDR3 in heavy chains and also the same in ÃŽÂ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´ TCRs is seen where the ÃŽÂ ³ are shorter than the ÃŽÂ ´ CD3. COSTIMULATIONS Both lymphocytes do not get activated (but undergo anergy) once they recognise and bind to an antigen. They require costimulatory signals that will eventually lead to the activation of the lymphocytes. The B cells have BCR co receptor complex consisting of CD19 and CD21 (complement receptor), CD81 and LEU13 (interferon induced transmembrane protein 1). All these molecules are stimulated in presence of interferons and complements that give a costimulatory signal to B cells and activate it when it has recognised an antigen. The precise details of how these costimulatory molecules stimulate B cell signalling are still under investigation. In contrast to the 4 main costimulatory molecules in B cells, the primary costimulatory molecule in T cells is CD28 (figure besides) The binding of peptide-MHC to TCR causes up-regulation of certain molecules (e.g. CD28). T cells, like B cells can be costimulated by either cytokines or costimulatory molecule interactions. APC have surface molecules such as the B7.1 and B7.2 (or the CD80 and CD86) that recognise and bind to a molecule on the surface of the T cells called CD28 found on CD. This interacting provides co stimulation. The CTLA4 molecule is highly expressed after proliferation of the T cells. Once it binds to B7, instead of co stimulating T cells, it turns the T cells off. This is helpful in preventing excessive immune responses. No such regulatory mechanism is seen in B cells. A unique feature of T cells is that they have co receptors (CD4 and CD8) that help recognise the MHC molecules. CD4 molecules act as co receptors for MHC2 and are found on helper T cells and CD8 molecules present on cytotoxic T cells help recognise MHC1 molecules. ACTIVATION OF B AND T CELLS The activation of B and T cells following antigen recognition is somehow similar as it involves the phosphorylation of the ITAMS of accessory proteins. In B cells, antigen binding and co stimulation recruits the BCR+antigen to lipid rafts that brings protein tyrosine kinase Lyn close to the ITAMs of the cytoplasmic tails of the BCR associated proteins. Lyn phosphorylates ITAMs and triggers a signal cascade that results in increase of cytoplasmic calcium levels that activate transcription factors that control the entry of B cells into cell cycle. Eventually activate the B cells which then form plasma cells (that make loads of clones of antibodies to the antigen) and memory cells that will help manage subsequent infections. The initial proliferation of the activated B cell is accompanied by somatic hypermutation of the rearranged antibody variable genes that lead to the production of antibodies that may have poor, moderate or good binding capacity to the antigen. The good binding antib odies will be preferentially selected during clonal selection and they will further undergo proliferation to produce plasma and memory cells. A similar situation also occurs in T cells where there is activation of lipid rafts that bring the zeta chain ITAMS close to Lck (a protein tyrosine kinase) that phosphorylates the ITAMs and therefore create opportunity for other factors to bind to it and eventually cause mobilization of calcium that causes proliferation of T cell into Helper T cells, Regulatory T cells and Cytotoxic T cells.

Essay --

Overcome Dyslexia and Become a More Comprehensive Reader Reading comprehension is a skill that has to be learned by most of the population. This includes adults that have been reading for many years. There is a difference between reading and reading comprehension. Read is defined as, â€Å"to look at and understand the meaning of letters, words, or symbols† (Read, 2014). Comprehension is defined as, â€Å"the act or action of grasping with intellect† (Comprehension, 2014). Even as an adult, people may have difficulties with reading comprehension. There can be visual learning disorders such as dyslexia. There are many learning techniques and strategies that can negate or even overcome these visual learning disorders. This paper will discuss a few techniques and strategies that when used can improve reading comprehension such as vocabulary building, effective reading, and reading strategies. With these techniques the road block of dyslexia may no longer be an issue. Dyslexia Misconceptions of Dyslexia The largest misconception is that dyslexia changes the word to read backwards in the reader’s brain. While this is one possible effect, dyslexia covers a wide range in the visual learning disorders. While dyslexia is not limited to a specific gender, race, or age group; it does tend to affect males more than females. Males make up 75 – 80% of people diagnosed with dyslexia (Chivers, 2006, p. 20). Dyslexia has various symptoms that can help diagnose children, students, and even adults. Identifying Dyslexia There are various symptoms that help identify dyslexia; such as poor reading and spelling abilities, switching the directions of letters in words, and problems building short-term memory (Thomson, 2009). There are many other sym... ...ed by most, and how dyslexia can cause problems with reading comprehension. It also discussed ways that we can mitigate these problems for dyslexic people, but these skills can and should be used by all learners. Reading comprehension is a perishable skill, one that if you don’t work on increasing your reading ability by building your vocabulary, learn to read effectively, or using the correct reading strategies for the type of reading material being studied will diminish. Even with the largest vocabulary, if the words are not understood literacy cannot be achieved. Literacy is the key to comprehensive reading. It also gave some of the tools for reading and understanding different types of literature and how to get the important information out of each one. Edmund Burk said â€Å"To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting† (Gallagher, 2003, p. 11).

Community Teaching Experience Paper Essay

It was merely a decade ago that the obesity epidemic was thought to only be a minor problem and had only alarmed a small number of endocrinologists interested by the size of the situation (James, 2008). However today, the problem of obesity is vast with more awareness of its presence by doctors and individuals alike. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states, â€Å"More than one-third (34.9% or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults are obese (CDC, 2014)†. These numbers are outrageous and eye opening, leaving millions looking for a solution to this troubling epidemic. Obesity is not simply a cosmetic flaw as some might think, but is actually a very dangerous state of being for any individual to sustain long-term. Mentioned further in this paper, obesity leads to several debilitating diseases and disorders such as, type 2 diabetes. The teaching summary provided offers an understanding into the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes as well as information given to assist those who currently struggle with obesity. Obesity is not simply an inconvenience or a cosmetic issue but a very dangerous and potentially deadly circumstance. In fact, one source explains, â€Å"Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death (CDC, 2014)†. Although obesity is preventable and reversible, it is not easy for most to do. The task of sheading unwanted pounds is not entirely determined by will power alone, defeating cravings and the decrease in the metabolic rate that complements weight loss are also factors (Skolnik & Ryan, 2014). The fact that will power is not the single factor in weight loss, this task is very difficult to achieve, especially with life stressors involved. The teaching summary includes diet and e xercise recommendations as well as information on weight loss surgery. The relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes’ existence has been scientifically proven and continues to remains a real threat for millions. The recognized meaning of obesity, globally, is centered on body mass index (BMI), and is a superior connection of total body fat than body weight alone, particularly on a populace basis (Skolnik & Ryan, 2014). According to one source, â€Å"†Over ­ weight† is defined as having a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 and â€Å"obesity† applies to patients with a BMI >30.0 kg/m2 (Skolnik & Ryan, 2014)†. As previously stated, obesity has a high likelihood of leading to  co-morbidities such as type two diabetes; but what you may not know is how. Having excess weight, especially belly fat, makes the insulin our bodies produce resistant to fat cells. Therefore, our bodies are making the insulin and because of the adipose (fat) cells, the insulin cannot find the receptors. Furthermore, insulin resistance is due to hered itary, environmental influences and saturated and trans-fat high intake, obesity and an inactive routine (Servan, 2013). Once the insulin is unable to find the receptors, our bodies are no longer able to regulate glucose (sugar) consequently, our blood sugars rise causing havoc in the body over time. Individuals may ask the question, â€Å"Why not just lose the weight?† Unfortunately, for many, simply losing the weight is not a hop, skip, and a jump away! However, weight loss can be achieved through, diet modifications, exercise, or possibly weight loss surgery as a last resort. Quantifiable studies have credibly presented that lifestyle change is the greatest approach in the deterrence or suspension of type 2 diabetes. For overweight and obese individuals, a slight weight-loss goal of 5-10% can considerably decrease the diabetes threat (Servan, 2013). Weight loss surgery is also an option for those who feel they have tried everything and still yet struggle. Weight loss surgery is not a â€Å"quick fix†; its recipients must also change their diets forever. The teaching power point was pre sented in a group setting with other nurses as well as bariatric patients. I felt that it was important to teach the information to other nurses so that they could go and teach others afterwards. During the presentation I was very nervous and dislike speaking in front of crowds; I feel I did well simply because I am passionate about the topic. My own evaluation of the experience was overall a positive one. The information presented to the audience was over thirty-minutes, several individuals had questions, primarily regarding the weight loss surgery. However, the next time a teaching experience such as this one is conducted, I feel that a measure to test the audience would be beneficial. I feel like a fun group quiz or a trivia game would have been valuable in testing the audience’s knowledge. The only complaint I have is the time restriction. I had thirty minutes to present an introduction and the power point and feel I could have went more in depth if given more time. Overall, I feel this teaching experience was a success. The community response was a mixed one. I delivered the power point as planned and about  half of my audience turned out to be really focused on obtaining more information regarding weight loos surgery. Although I provided information in the power point about weight loss surgery, it was not my focus. Answering questions, to the best of my knowledge, about weight loss surgery took up a lot of my time. I did not have the â€Å"know how† to get the presentation back on track after the weight loss surgery slide. However, I did have a lot questions from the audience regarding the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes that I felt very comfortable answering. Although I did not have a means of measuring the audiences’ knowledge pre and post presentation, I feel the presentation was effective in teaching about the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes, and how to prevent such co-morbidities with obesity. As for my thoughts on improvement, the provider, as well as myself feel I could have used more eye contact while presenting. The daunting task of speaking in a group setting is nothing less than terrifying. However, I feel like I could have made more of an effort to make eye contact and be more engaging. As previously stated, a pre and post quiz would have been helpful in determining the effectiveness of the teaching. Although the crowd appeared appreciative of the knowledge, I have no way of knowing wheatear or not the audience actually learned the information. The provider complemented my on the variety of information I provided, as well as my confidence in my knowledge. I do agree that I feel adequately knowledgeable on the topic of the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes however; I feel that if I would have shown more eye contact towards the audience I could have displayed further confidence. The provider also mentioned that I had a keen attention towards the sensitivity of obesity. I personally do not feel inclined to dislike or disrespect any population for any reason whether they be a different race other than my own, extremely short or tall, or obese. The provider also complimented my thorough explanation of disease process in easy to understand way of explaining. Explaining medications and disease processes in non-technical language, or easy to understand ways of explanation is important to ensure the patients understanding. As a nurse, it is sometimes easy to forget that we know medical terminology only because we have taken courses to teach us this as well as working in the medical field. The patient may often times feel inferior to the medically educated professional, leaving the patient to  agree to understanding information when in reality they have no idea what you are saying. My goal as a nurse is to help anyone and everyone I can, through education and encouragement. I realize that change, whether it be smoking cessation, losing weight, or increasing activity; changing our routine that we are comfortable with is not easy. However, if it is harming our health, change is necessary. Health care providers cannot make anyone change but what we can do is educate on the harmful effects of what the patient is doing and provide encouragement. More importantly is to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere. The patient will be more willing to listen to the nurse’s education as well as have trust in that nurse when they feel like an equal and are not being judged. References Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2014, September 9). Obesity and Overweight for Professionals: Data and Statistics: Adult Obesity – DNPAO – CDC. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html James, W. P. (2008). The epidemiology of obesity: the size of the problem. Journal of Internal Medicine, 336-352. Retrieved from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=9ede2d6d-4d02-42e9-aff7-dd9b2486a3c3%40sessionmgr4004&vid=8&hid=4203 Servan, P. R. (2013). Obesity and Diabetes. Nutricion Hospitalaria, 28(5), 138-143. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=11&sid=57543655-ca3d-4380-8d2c-28a71d3ce225%40sessionmgr110&hid=120 Skolnik, N. S., & Ryan, D. H. (2014). Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, and Assessment of Obesity in Adults. Journal of Family Practice, 63(7), 3. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=57543655-ca3d-4380-8d2c-28a71d3ce225%40sessionmgr110&vid=8&hid=119

Saddam Husseins Iraq essays

Saddam Hussein's Iraq essays Throughout the last thirty years, many of the people of Iraq have been tortured, forced to relocate their families numerous times, arrested and murdered. Those who stood against Saddam Hussein were punished, in most cases by death. All of this happened under the control of Suddam and we have neither found, nor has he offered a sound explanation for his actions. By the early 80s, hundreds of thousands of citizens were deported to Iran. And even now people are still being repressed, persecuted and denied their human rights. He does not deserve to live so luxuriously, while his people are dying from malnutrition and lack of medical attention. He does not deserve the political power that he has aquired by having people killed and forcing others to resign their authority to him. What he does deserve is a fair trial for the many war crimes he has committed and for being responsible for an unknown, yet large number of assacinations of innocent people. As a result of the Gulf War in 1991, the United Nations has enforced sanctions on Iraq to limit their ability to make more weapons of mass destruction (WMD). These sanctions are based on an oil-for-food system. Iraq can export limited amounts of oil to buy food and medical supplies only. Hussein is using less than the prescribed amount of money available for humanitarian purposes for buying the much needed medical supplies. Instead, he has used it to buy extremely expensive medical equipment that is rarely used. And as if he is not wealthy enough, every month he smuggles oil out of Iraq that is worth millions of dollars, which goes straight toward his personal spending pleasures. He has built monuments and palaces for himself instead of meeting the necessary health and sanitary needs of his people. It is bad enough that he has terrorized his own people, but he goes crawling to the press saying that the U.N. needs to lift its sanctions because his people are in such a desperate nee d ...

READ THIS Before You Enroll in KDP Select!

READ THIS Before You Enroll in KDP Select! READ THIS Before You Enroll in KDP Select! We get it: writing a book requires a lot of your time, effort, and money. Taking a book from inception to completion is intense work, and by the time you’re ready to publish you might find yourself referring to your manuscript as â€Å"my baby.†Of all the big decisions you have to make in your journey as a self-publishing author, one of the biggest is whether or not to enroll your ebook in Amazon's KDP Select: a program which offers authors bonus incentives in exchange for granting Amazon exclusivity.But going exclusive is a big deal. Are you sure you want to let Amazon put a ring on it before your book has had a chance to test out the other options? Is Amazon's Select program the right choice for you? That’s what we’ll answer in this post, covering all the points in the table of contents (to your left).Let’s get started with the basics. The great "KDP Select or not" debate: where do you stand? What is Kindle Direct Publishing?Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s ebook publishing unit, which allows authors to sell their books directly to Amazon’s readers. The Kindle and KDP were launched concurrently in 2007, laying the groundwork for Amazon’s ebook empire which now holds more than 80% of the market in the United States and United Kingdom.Success stories from authors self-publishing through Amazon KDP began to roll out around 2011, with the popularity of Andy Weir’s The Martian and Wool by Hugh Howey. But they’re not without company: in 2018, Jeff Bezos revealed that over 1,000 authors had earned over $100,000 through Kindle Direct Publishing.While numbers like these are not the norm for the average writer, KDP has become the heavily preferred route for self-publishing authors - many of whom also decide to enroll in Amazon's Select program. Speaking of which...What is KDP Select?KDP Select is a program available to all authors willi ng to grant Amazon exclusive rights to sell their ebook through the Kindle store only.By agreeing not to sell the digital file of their book through any other retailers, authors are given access to a variety of promotional tools - the most significant of which is Kindle Unlimited -   and the opportunity to earn higher royalties (in some cases, more on that later).The KDP Select program lasts 90 days, after which authors can either choose to opt out of the program, or auto-renew for another 90-day commitment.While digital copies of the book must only be sold through Amazon:A 10% sample of the book can be made available outside of the Kindle Store;Print (or any other non-digital) versions can be distributed elsewhere; andCopies of the book can be emailed to reviewers for editing purposes.So, a higher percentage of sales and additional book marketing tools: sounds pretty good, right? Why would an indie author not want those things? Well, the question of whether to grant Amazon exclu sivity or to â€Å"go wide† is a constant talking point amongst self-publishing authors, as both options come with their own sets of pros and cons. The biggest and most important pro of enrolling in Amazon's Select program is undoubtedly the access to Kindle Unlimited. So before we get too far into discussing pros and cons, let's quickly cover exactly what Kindle Unlimited is.What is Kindle Unlimited?Kindle Unlimited (KU) is an â€Å"all-you-can-read† service that allows subscribers to read as many ebooks as they’d like for $9.99 a month (if you’re thinking â€Å"Netflix for books,† you’re on the money). When authors enroll in Amazon's Select program, their books are automatically made available to readers on KU. (For a comprehensive guide to KU, check out our post right here.) With all of this in mind, remember that whether you decide to go with KDP Select or open publishing, you’ll get out of it what you put into it. If you use KDP Select’s Countdown Deals or Free Promotions but don’t spend any time advertising your promotions, they won’t lead to much exposure - the whole point of these tools.If you decide to forgo the increased visibility that can come with Kindle Unlimited, make sure you spend time getting acquainted with the aggregators out there or developing various book marketing strategies - or else the benefits of going wide will end up falling flat.We hope this post has been helpful in considering the pros and cons of KDP Select vs. going wide, and that you feel more confident in leveraging the route you choose for your book’s success.Are you enrolled in KDP Select or considering it? Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

Ethics and the Canadian Wheat Board Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ethics and the Canadian Wheat Board - Essay Example The Canadian Wheat Board has faced the incorporation of CSR theories since its conception on the early prairies; today the Board still operates as a dynamic organisation focused on trading high quality produce while giving farmers the best money for their efforts. Fisher and Lovell believe that Corporate Social Responsibility is something that every business, great and small, should be keeping in mind throughout the daily transactions and trade (Fisher and Lovell, 2006). They know that every country is built not directly on its government structure, but instead on its internal business structures, including those smaller organisations that make up a basic business infrastructure at the community level. According to these authors, CSR can incorporate any of three major ideologies into its structure: libertinism, universalism and utilitarianism. Each of these encompasses a different perspective of social justice and therefore will have a different method of identifying and dealing with perceived issues within a corporate structure. Libertinism theory will put the emphasis on the right of the researcher to try any new methods within farming, regardless of the criticisms of other individuals or government bodies. It is, Libertarians will argue, the right of the individual to pursue his or her own theories and try out new methods of seed manufacturing if these theories are basically positive. Scientists and other researchers who promote genetic modification are not singularly focused on the destruction of agriculture, after all; they simply believe that their methods will prove the most viable in the near future. Although at its core, libertinism in CSR aims to free the developer from government restriction for the good of technological advancement, in terms of real social responsibility it is better to use past successes and failures as a guideline when creating new corporate theories (Otsuka, 2003). Universal theory has a different approach to CSR. Promoters of this school of thought believe that the best way for corporations to better serve their customers and communities is for them all to adopt a universally accepted set of rules and laws for operation. This would mean that corporations of any size in the UK, Canada, the United States or in Africa would all have to meet the same guidelines as set out by an intermediary and international governing body. Because of a universal set of rules, corporations would not be able to argue that they can't compete with other similar bodies because of national restrictions; this lets each business come to terms with the same human rights and environmental guidelines within its own organisation and as such, there can be no question whether one business is morally better than another. In contrast to Libertinism and Universalism, Utilitarianism promotes yet another approach to Corporate Social Responsibility. Primarily, this ideology holds that the most crucial aspect of any business endeavour is to bring in new ideas and equipment as they are

Change and Culture Case Study II Part TWO Essay

Change and Culture Case Study II Part TWO - Essay Example As shown in the organizational chart in the previous assignment, departmental heads have been appointed in such a way that representation from both the merged organizations is equally distributed. In order to avoid any ego problems; the CEO of ABC Healthcare was an efficient and an outside person who was previously employed as a vice-president of a well-known health service provider in the country. Six months after the merger, it was seen necessary by the management to implement some major changes within the organization in order to be more competitive in terms of cost of service. One of the features of this organizational change was reduction in the number of employees and the introduction of the concept of ‘universal workers’ who will be trained to perform multiple tasks. This concept will involve major changes in job design across several classes of employees especially among the nursing and administrative staff. Apart from the above, it was decided to implement the concept of organizational learning within the organization as a part of its strategy. The strategy involves the concept of ‘learning organization’s conceptualized by Peter Senge which was first published (and widely accepted) in his bestselling book The Fifth Discipline. This paper reviews the implementation of the concepts of universal worker and organizational change in ABC Healthcare in order to remain efficient in terms of costs, resources, service, and management. Employees are an integral part of any organization and are often referred to as one of its most important assets. The management of any organization has to have a balance between employee efficiency and employee satisfaction. In a sense, there is an inherent contradiction between the aims of employees and the management. Employees are concerned with concepts like job security, and adequate compensation while the management is concerned with maximization of efficiency and profits. This contrast needs