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Money, Green, and God Book Review

Introduction

This paper posits to present a review of the book “Money, Greed, and God”. The author, Jay Richards, endeavors to explain that capitalism is founded on the truth in relation to human beings as liberated, morally accountable, and co-creators who are bestowed with the responsibility of stewardship and dominion of the earth. The author puts across an authoritative case in support of capitalism. A clear thesis that summarizes the evaluation of the book posits that wealth generation is the bequest of capitalism. The book is an insightful discourse on poverty and wealth, money and integrity for the 21st century. The author understands the opposition in regard to capitalism and consequently he explains the reasons why the opposition fails to convince him. The author investigates the issue behind why Christians ought to be concerned about economics and why capitalism is the most appropriate economic system.

The book endeavors to explain the way in which capitalism channels self-centeredness in service others first, prior to the achievement of one’s self-interested goals. In opening, the author expounds that while numerous people talk about combating poverty, only a small number engage their minds in devising permanent solutions. Instead, the author argues, people all too frequently content to give handouts to persons in need. While it may be required in emergency circumstances, giving handouts does not offer a sustainable long-term solution. The book argues that capitalism presents the most appropriate means of eradication of poverty. If people became serious in relation to assisting the poor, we ought to promote the strengthening of free market principles in order that other people would benefit from the affluent blessings capitalism provides.

THE BOOK IN CONTEXT AND THE CENTRAL FOCUS OF THE BOOK

The 20th century witnessed a great conflict between communism and capitalism. Early in the 21st century it is apparent that capitalism prevailed over communism. Yet numerous people who live in the successful nations continue being uncomfortable with the capitalism principles. They perceive it as an economic system, a lifestyle that relocates wealth from deprived to prosperous, that takes advantage of the planet, which is in one way or another, inherently prejudiced toward the minority, at the expense of the majority. A rising number of increasingly outspoken Christians even allege that capitalism is in conflict with the biblical teachings. After an analysis of the words of Jesus that the high regard for money is a source of all varieties of evil they conclude that capitalism, which is appears to be based on high regard for money, must as well be evil. Can it be, however, that such allegations are founded on a misinterpretation of capitalism? Can every one these people be fighting against a mere distortion? Jay Richards is of the opinion that is true and he devotes Money, Green, and God to dispelling deception and replacing it with solid facts. In the entire book, the author endeavors to prove that capitalism should not be considered as the problem, but as a viable solution.

Economics is indisputably a field that scores of people undervalue. People may define it partially, but seldom can they really explicate it. According to Richards, economics fundamentally concerns us; what is preferable, contemporary values, what we embody in symbols and language, how we intermingle with one another in a market, and particularly how we manufacture, exchange, and dispense services, goods, wealth, and risk. One requires comprehending these things, and consequently one would eventually know what they need to know in relation to economics. A more conventional definition is that economics is a science which investigates human conduct as a relationship between scarce means and ends which have substitute uses. However, how regularly do people think about what economics is and how frequently do people do so from a particularly Christian perspective?

Primary Contentions and/or Observations about the Subject. Money, Greed, and God is a study that thinks of economics from a particularly Christian perspective. The book is structured around eight mythologies, eight widespread misunderstandings concerning the essence of capitalism. The eight mythologies include the nirvana mythology, the piety mythology, the zero-sum game mythology, the materialist mythology, the greed mythology, the usury mythology, the artsy mythology, and the freeze-frame mythology.

The Nirvana Mythology. In this myth, capitalism is compared with an unrealizable principle rather than with a pragmatic alternative. All people acknowledge that, God at some point in time will prevail over every thing that is wicked. Consequently, we recognize that in the present day, all systems will essentially be imperfect. Consequently people cannot appropriately set their standards at precision. The nirvana mythology supported communism and its vision of construction of utopian nations whereby equality ruled. However, the trial was a miserable failure that cost millions of people’s lives.

The Piety Mythology. In this myth, the focus is on good intent rather than the unintentional consequences of people’s actions. A contemporary case in point of this mythology operating is found when we consider fair trade. The world is growing familiarized, to being offered with the alternative of purchasing fair trade souvenirs, fair trade coffee, and so forth. The assurance is that when people do this they get larger profits to the business at the initial stage of the process. This means the individual who grows the coffee or the individual who produces the jewelry. It is also evident in foreign aid whereby billions or even trillions of US dollars are sent to the third world countries from the first world. Though externally it may come out as though these actions depict love and compassion, the actuality is that people do not perceive the unintentional consequences of these actions. These actions over and over again bring more destruction than good.

The Zero-Sum Game Mythology. In this myth, people are made to believe that any exchange or trade entails that there be a winner as well as a loser. This however, may true whereby markets are loaded with excessive regulations. On the contrary, in the free markets, there can at all times be win-win dealings. Still, individuals are prone to the impression that, only by means of increased regulation will there be a no loss guarantee.

The Materialist Mythology. This myth insists that the prosperity is not generated but simply transferred, and typically from the underprivileged to the affluent. Despite the fact that we are centuries detached from accepting as true that there exist a static quantity of prosperity in the planet, centuries from the appreciating that one individual always acquires wealth at the expense of someone else, we remain predisposed to thinking this is based on the fact. When we reflect on the extraordinary prosperity of the minority, we disregard the fact that, in numerous cases, even the most underprivileged are currently much more contented than they were some time ago. The actuality is that prosperity may be generated, and not simply transferred.

The Greed Mythology. According to this myth, the majority of people are of the opinion that the very fundamental nature of capitalism is voraciousness.

The Usury Mythology. According to this mythology, people are made to accept as true that working with currency is intrinsically immoral. This mythology also leads people to believe that charging of interest on capital is at all times exploitative. Numerous Christians reflect on the laws of the Old Testament on the subject of usury and in one way or another feel, even though only in their conscience, that there is something dishonorable on the subject of dealing with money. But when people come to understand capitalism, they can appreciate that such bible principles, despite the fact that they might direct us in some circumstances, are regularly not as rigid as the majority of people might think.

The Artsy Mythology. According to this mythology, people confuse aesthetic mythologies with economic perspectives. The majority of people are of the opinion that capitalism is intrinsically utilitarian, generating prosperity to the detriment of all that is gorgeous. But in this regard, the author explains that it capitalism in itself is vindicated, but to a certain extent the materialist worldview prevalent in contemporary ways of life.

The Freeze-Frame Mythology. This mythology posits that, all things continue unchanged at all times. This means that the population trend will go on ad infinitum or a natural resource will at all times be required in the same manner that it is in the present day. This leads to a fascinating discussion in relation to the supposed deficiency of resources like oil as well as the prognostications in relation to the impending demise of the world as a result of global warming.

Important Conclusions Identified By the Author. As the author picks eight mythologies, and exposes the flawed philosophies that motivate them, he lifts up a multitude of issues that would cause the person who reads to pause and consider. As one reads the book, there are at least three large takeaways. Firstly, the author brings up the significance of private property. It is evident as one reads the book that, there is something intrinsic in ownership that leads people to value property in different ways. Strong laws that guard private ownership stimulate an economy at the same time as lax laws or legislation that prohibits private ownership would depress the economy. Secondly, the reader learns of the significance of economic liberty. As was evident in the recent financial downturn, the projected solutions regularly entail larger restrictions, and increased government involvement. Nevertheless, on condition that there is some structure of regulation to guarantee economic liberty, an economy can flourish. Disproportionate regulation impedes more than it assists. Thirdly, the reader learns the significance of understanding that prosperity is not motionless. There is no static quantity of prosperity in the earth that ought to be divided among all of the earth’s population. Instead, prosperity can be generated and, as that takes place, it would be proportioned to persons in dire need of it. For this reason, there is something honorable in laboring, in the establishment of capitalistic enterprises and in thriving in them, on condition that the proceeds are utilized in a manner that honors God. The book it is evident that in creating wealth, mankind acts in the image of God. Capitalism according to the author is in the economist’s mind, a unique bequest of providence. In the author’s construal, instead of being a system we are embarrassed of, we can in fact, grant honor and magnificence to God for it. Despite the fact that capitalism may fail to be the most immaculate economic system known to mankind, it seems apparent that it is the most excellent so far. Numerous other economic systems have been attempted and have proven to be seriously imperfect. God, in his divine intervention, has provided mankind with an economic system in which mankind can work and generate wealth to the glory of God.

Evaluation of the Author’s Contentions and Utilization of Evidence. The author takes the objections posed by Christians in regard to capitalism seriously. He provides religiously consistent and intelligent case for the integrity of free markets. The author supports his arguments with statistics, anecdotes, eye-witness accounts, logical arguments, primary as well as secondary sources. Examples of how the author supports his arguments include; the author dispels the mystification that money is equivalent to wealth. He cites Hernando De Soto, an economist in his book “The Mystery of Capital.” the author’s case in opposition to the minimum wage whereby he alleges that it is a structure of price fixing that attempts to allocate wealth prior to its creation. He provides a measure of reality in regard to Bono and Bob Geldof’s ONE Campaign, which sought to persuade the US government to spend at least 1% of its federal budget towards foreign aid. Citing how the wealthy governments send approximately $2.3 trillion to poor nations in the past half a century. According to Richards, realistic empathy is a spiritual bequest.

The author provides statistics from “Where is the Wealth of Nations, a World Bank’s survey. The study depicts that, in the US 82% of its 2000 per capital assets are found in intangible capital, whereby 16% is generated capital, and 3% is natural capital. Ethiopia, the poorest nation, receives 50% of its prosperity from intangible capital, 9% from generated capital, and 41% from its natural capital.

Evaluation of the Style of the Book. The author provides the reader with an expansive context of meaning of scriptural text. A case in point is the study on usury, whereby it includes numerous useful exegetical scrutinies, but also concrete background information regarding church history and tradition. The capitalism and greed chapter contain some helpful and thoughtful arguments, mainly when the author discusses the significance of the entrepreneur in the society. The author provides some essential thoughts on honorable acts and conduct expected of the entrepreneur. The book is thoughtful, and avidly argued book, well grounded in contemporary research. It would be recommend economists as well as non-economists. However, the author is imprecise as to whether, in his opinion some compulsory income redistribution is lawful and property rights as the answer to capital expansion. The issue of state participation in caring for the underprivileged is not methodically treated. However, the book is a welcome to the current debate in regard to the economics and moral concerns surrounding capitalism.

 Most historians agree to the fact that Buddhism has originated in the 5th century BCE in the Northern India. Its founder was Siddhartha or ‘Gautam Buddha’, whom we also refer to as Lord Buddha. The word Buddha literally means the awakened or the enlightened one or the one who has attained true ‘Gyana’. Prince Siddhartha observed that there was only pain and suffering in this world and he set out to find its resolution. He attained a state of enlightenment which was the result of continuous meditation for years. He meditated for years and pondered upon the fact that what was the ultimate truth and what could end the sufferings in this world. He also pondered over what was the cause of all the suffering in this world. He attained true Gyan under the Bodhi tree at Gaya in northern India which marked an end from the worldly attachments. According to his teachings, attachment is the source of all evils and every pain.

Buddhism as a religious or spiritual tradition focuses upon the personal spiritual development of the individual. It is said that there are around 376 million followers worldwide of Buddhism and Lord Buddha. Buddha went on his quest for enlightenment around 6th century BC. Buddhists also seek to reach Nirvana following the path of Lord Buddha and as prescribed by his teachings. Buddhists believe that nothing is permanent in this life and that even life itself is not permanent therefore one should instead of wasting his time behind worldly attachments should try to attain true Gyan and instead of getting caught in the cycle of life and death should try to attain Nirvana or liberation of the soul.

People are caught in the cycle of life and death and the only way to be liberated from it is through meditation and self-analysis. Life and existence are endless. They are endless in the sense that living beings die and reincarnate or are born again. Thus again and again a cycle of life and death follows. But life, according to Lord Buddha’s teachings is also impermanent and it is so because no state in life whether good or bad lasts forever. Lord Buddha was born around 2500 years ago in Nepal to a royal family. His name was Siddhartha and he led a life of luxury and privilege until one day he came against an old man, a sick man and a corpse. These scenes changed his view of life. He was stunned to see pain, death and sorrow and started thinking if there could be a way out of it.

He was so disturbed by these scenes that he abandoned the royal life, full of privileges and adopted a monk’s lifestyle. He shunned all the luxuries and became an ascetic who followed the path of asceticism. After attaining enlightenment he was known as Lord Buddha. Today, in its history of 2500 years Buddhism has undergone multiple modifications and there are multiple different sects or schools of Buddhism. The two main and most followed sect6s are the Theravada and the Mahayana. Theravada has its followers in many countries of the world which include Srilanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Burma. Mahayana Buddhism has a very high number of followers in countries including Taiwan, Japan, Tibet, China, Korea and Mangolia.

After attaining enlightenment the first sermon which Lord Buddha delivered is based on the four noble truths. These four noble truths also form the essence of his teachings. He came to understand them while meditating under the Bodhi tree. These four noble truths include:

The truth of suffering

The truth of the origin of all the sufferings

The truth of the cessation of the worldly sufferings

The truth of the path to the cessation of pain, misery and suffering.

Today Buddhism has developed into many different forms and along with there are also diverse customs and traditions being followed by the different sects. There main customs include veneration of Lord Buddha and meditating on his qualities and teachings. The Buddhist monks the Mantra of ‘Buddham Sharnam Gachhami’ which in Sanskrit means I willingly devote myself to the path of Gyan under the aegis of Lord Buddha.

Lord Buddha like many other great religious preachers also preached love, sympathy, brotherhood and non-violence. His teachings mainly emanate from the idea of kindness and sympathy to all human beings. Toady Buddhism has spread to nearly every part of the world from India which is its place of origin. It has taken various forms and everywhere it has also adopted the local customs and traditions.

It is said that Buddha taught to people for around 45 years extensively, but yet, by the time of his death, His words had never been recorded. His preachings were transmitted orally and the earliest Buddhist texts that are available describe a gathering of 500 Buddhist followers after his death to record and standardize his teachings. The earliest texts also serve as religious recitations. Recitation of these texts is considered an essential practice among the Buddhist monks. These texts are divided into three collections also known as Tripitaka. These collections contain Lord Buddha’s understanding of his path of enlightenment.

Karma is one of the fundamental Buddhist principles. Until one is enlightened and liberated from the cycles of life and death his actions will determine his rebirths in future. Apart from the four noble truths Buddha also prescribed the eightfold path. This eightfold path is also regarded as the guideline for correct behavior and the correct pattern of life. Today, Buddhism has spread to nearly every part of the world with millions of followers around the globe.

References:

Buddhism at a glance (n.d.). In BBC Religion. Retrieved September 5, 2013, from HYPERLINK “http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ataglance/glance.shtml”http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ataglance/glance.shtml

Hardy, J. (n.d.). Principles of Moral Thought and Action. In Religion Library: Buddhism. Retrieved September 5, 2013, from HYPERLINK “http://www.patheos.com/Library/Buddhism/Ethics-Morality-Community/Principles-of-Moral-Thought-and-Action.html” http://www.patheos.com/Library/Buddhism/Ethics-Morality-Community/Principles-of-Moral-Thought-and-Action.html

Career Development Plan Summary

HRM 531

University Of Phoenix

As a mid-level manager at Kudler Fine Foods, I have been tasked with the restructuring of my team. This team will take on new responsibilities that require the hiring of additional personnel and will require training for new and current employees. We will also consider better methods for appraising the team’s performance. Below is my composed proposal to be delivered to upper management regarding how this restructure will be designed and implemented.

The job descriptions and qualifications for five new positions

The first step is to develop a job description that clearly defines the duties, responsibilities and tasks for the new and old position stores. The tasks clarity is key elements to the organization success and the staff success.

Manager:

Manage the overall operation of all staff at the Del Mar branch of Kudler Fine Foods store. The manager will focus on the inventory and make sure to have the optimum stock to minimize expiration of products. He or she must develop a weekly inventory list and will be responsible to order all products. On the long run, the manager will be responsible to launch a new automated inventory program. The store manager must be present at least 70% of the time at the store to meet customers and attend to their needs. He or she must also attend to the store staff needs and focus on their productivity and morale and do their evaluation.

Accountant:

The accountant should be able to review and reconcile all invoices submitted by the suppliers and ensure payments are made promptly. She or he should be able to Prepare the profit and loss accounts, and also the monthly closing and cost accounting reports. Coordinates the monthly closes and ensures accurate and timely reporting of all finance issues to Kathy. He or she will also perform standard and special analyses that provide insightful views into the operations and financial performance of Kudler Fine Foods organization. The accountant should also evaluate, analyze and report savings initiatives that will increase revenue for the company.

Marketing coordinator:

A market coordinator should be able to update the company’s website to recommend ideas for possible initiatives. Conduct market research to determine market requirements for existing and future products. He or she should also be able develop and implement marketing plans and projects for new and existing products. Deliver marketing activity within agreed budget and should also be able to develop an accurate pricing strategy that will help eliminate unnecessary cost.

Cashier:

A Cashier at KFF should always maintained outstanding customer service according to KFF standards. She or he should be able to process sales quickly, accurately and efficiently. The cashier should make sure that all customers receive outstanding service by providing a friendly environment. Maintain an awareness of all promotions and advertisements that will create more revenue for the business. Must be vast knowledge with cash registers and maintain all cash and media at the registers.

Shelf-Stock staff:

The shelf-stock staff should check the expiry dates, labels, tags and quality of the goods shelved in the store. Should Ensure that the goods stacked on the shelves comply with the standards of the store and that they are not damaged. Coordinate the work processes with the sales teams and other store departments. Efficiently following all the tasks delegated by the supervising authority. She or he should be able to complete all assigned targets within the specified deadline. This employee should be able maintained a clean store and stockroom environment and also be able to follow all standard operating procedures of the store.

Training Program

Research shows that the more time and money invested in an employee in the form of continuing education and skills development will make that employee a beneficial asset to the company. With that been said, we have to implement a welled structured training program that will enhance the skills and qualifications of the new and current employees at Kudler Fine Foods. The objectives for the training programs will first explain an overview of what is expected from trainees. Once training is complete, trainees will be given a test on the new knowledge gained.

The depth and scope of the training program will be determined through accurate feedback received through surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and job evaluations. To know the areas that needs fixing, improving, or removed from the training program. The system must rely heavily upon inputs from supervisors, trainees and others that are directly affected by the training.

The way training is delivered goes a long way in determining the effectiveness of the team. Some distinctive variables are taken into consideration before training delivery method is chosen. Management and trainers must take into consideration the number of employees to be trained; the level of understanding of trainees, the diction in management training might be different from the entry level employees. Trainers must also be ready to demonstrate to employees so that they can see how it is being done. There are some employees that learn by practice, when they do it, they understand it better.

The training program should run for two weeks for new employees, whilst current employees should do a four hours in house training to bring them update of new procedures. The training must also prepare the team for direct involvement with customers, suppliers, managers in the industry.

Method for Evaluating Employee and Team Performance

Evaluating each employee and team performance should be done by feedback and performance appraisals. A positive and constructive feedback is the key when supporting an employee desire to perform well. Feedback is given in regard to client transaction experiences to provide a measurement of employees’ performances against standards set through the job analysis and organizational goals. By creating an appraisal form for each employee allows me to “observe the player’s performance, make an appraisal of it, and then provide real –time feedback to build sound habits and eliminate unsound ones.”(Cascio, 2005)

For the employees to reach a higher level of performance a timeframe should be specified and goals should be observable and measurable. Some employees may not meet the standards of the job requirements; therefore, these individuals will need to be part of a discipline process. A development action plan through skill improvement will be created. The plan requires solid coaching and communication from a mentor who is a leader and able to assist the employee in his or her development. The mentor program will be mandatory if the employee is on an action plan.

Challenges of Team Performance Evaluation

Differences between the two appraisal systems:

The difference between the two appraisal systems is trying to effectively monitor the success of the individual and the team at the same time. It is sometimes difficult to view the individual and team performances separate of one another and truly assess a person’s talent. Trying to measure an individual’s success by the team performance can result in inaccurate assessments. On the other hand measuring the team’s success is dependent on the interaction and roles the individuals take on within the group. One needs to properly assess the individual personalities and the team dynamics to properly qualitative the reasons for their outcomes.

Difficulties of evaluating team performance:

When evaluating a team’s performance, the biggest challenge for a manager is that he or she is reviewing a team as opposed to an individual. If using a graphic rating scale as a team evaluation tool, the problems a manager may face will develop from having to generalize the teams’ performance, knowledge, or ability to fit one of the performance levels. The problem is being able to select the appropriate ranking based on several employees’ performances.

Unique needs of a team appraisal system:

A team appraisal is unique because management has to take into consideration more than one person input into the project. The team appraisal can be an enhancement of the individual appraisal. Individual performance must be assessed and appraised to avoid under performance of team members. This behavior could also result in the decreased performance of high performing team members. The team appraisal system is unique because of the difficulty of the project.

Strategies to discourage social loafing:

Kudler Fine Foods management must ensure that there will be no social loafing at the stores. To discourage this from happening is to understand the skill sets of your team so that you can assign the right task to the right member and create a system for measuring individual performance and rewarding those who excelled above and beyond team goal.

Incentives and benefits packages

To ensure retention of our competent staff and attract out of company talent, a well structured, systematic incentive and benefits packages must be developed. Attractive compensation and rewards are vital to maintain morale, job satisfaction, encourage peak performance and will also reduce turnover at Kudler Fine Foods.

Benefits

By providing benefits for the employees, KFF will benefit through increase revenues, and the employees will benefit through the total rewards package.

The company’s Benefits objectives are to:

Instill sense of ownership in KFF and its customers

Motivate the employees to improve customer satisfaction levels

Build teamwork and improve the relations between the team, the company and customers

Each employee salary will be based on years of experience, title they hold with the company, educational level and the complexity of the position they hold. Incentives will be given to employees in form of commissions, bonuses, gifts, profit sharing and awards. Commissions will be based on sales or gross profit based on the performance of an employee or how well the company excels in a particular year. Also benefits will be a big part of the compensation package. Kudler Fine Foods also provides the following benefits for all its employees.

Retirement plans 401 (K)

Medical and Life insurance for all employees.

Dental insurance for all employees.

Flex time. The sales person will have the option choose the set of hours he or she wants to work in a given day (coming late and leaving late for example)

On-site child care facility.

Strategy for Managing Employees’ Career Development

The challenges associated with the changing nature of work and the workplace environment is real. Rapid change requires a skilled, knowledgeable workforce with employees who are adaptive, flexible, and focused on the future. As a manager, one of your key responsibilities is to develop your staff. Encourage growth and career development of employees by coaching, and by helping employees achieve their personal goals, providing adequate training, encouragement of staff development, and opportunities for growth.

A fair and appropriate compensation plan

It is important that we consider also restructuring the compensation plan that we are currently using. This plan will encourage and reward performance that will increase returns on all fronts. “An organizational reward system includes anything an employee values and desires that an employer is able and willing to offer in exchange for employee contributions more specifically such compensation includes both financial and non financial rewards.” (Cascio, 2005) Motivating employees to work hard is a much easier challenge when the benefits of doing so are appealing. Designing an effective pay plan requires a mix of financial rewards and nonfinancial rewards that link company objectives with employee expectations. The individual needs of each employee should be considered to guarantee a sufficient level of rewards is being offered. Therefore, I am proposing a compensation plan that includes consideration for each of the above-mentioned objectives in which I know will prove to be effective. Designing and implementing an effective compensation program is a critical activity. It may be not be easy to predict the effect of such a program and the influence it will have at InterClean, but it is essential. This new compensation plan for the sales team will include both financial and non financial benefits. Financial rewards include direct payments to salary as well as indirect payments to salary such as employee bonuses. Non financial rewards include day to day work environment appearances that will enhance an employee sense of self respect; an example of this is, training opportunities and involvement in decision making. The new compensation plan will be a market – based pay structure for the employees. When an employee understands their specific detail of their job description it is a key tool in the destination of their pay system. We have already identified the important characteristics of each job; next step is to determine how much InterClean is willing to pay for such a skill

In conclusion, I believe that Career Development Plan I created for Kudler Fine Foods Company will motivate employees to reach performance peak and advance their careers. It will also create benefits for all employees, give the company competitive edge over it rivals, and boost sales margins upward.

Reference:

Managing human resources: Cascio, W. (2006).

University of Phoenix, Web link: Business/Kudler/Internet/Kudler

Mcdonalds Marketing Plan

Student’s name

University affiliation

Date

Mcdonalds Marketing Plan

Executive Summary

This is a consulting company which mainly specializes with the marketing of product with high technology in the international markets. The company is an expert in market research and personal computers in the entire national market.

Situation Analysis

Acme consulting provides expertise of high level to the international development of high technology business, distribution strategies, channel development as well as marketing the products of high tech. It mainly aims at offering two types of international triangles. One is to provide the clients in the United States with the Latin American and European development markets and two, offering the clients in European with development for the Latin American and United States Markets.

The main aim of the company is to continue taking the consulting work to markets which are related and to be specific, the Latin America together with the other places such as far East. The company on the other hand will look into additional leverage through having representation positions and brokerage positions with an aim of creating percentage holdings on the result products.

2.1. Market Summary

The company aims at manufacturers of computers with high technology software and hardware, networking and services who require to sell in the Europe, Latin America and United States markets. These are the main large companies or the medium sized ones.

The very main customers comprise of large corporation executives who are sales managers, general managers as well as marketing managers who have the responsibility of focusing on specific channel, market and international focus. These executives would not want a situation they are risking losing money or wasting time searching for questionable expertise or bargaining information. The executives are very much sensitive on risking the reputation and company’s name as they get into the market to search for new opportunities (Ruef, 2002, p74-95)

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2.1.1. Market analysis

Demographics

The very important segments in the market comprise of the high technology large manufacturers of products like Hewlett- Packard, Apple, Siemens, Olivetti and Microsoft. The companies will always call Acme for the development functions which are essential spun off as compared to the managed in house for market forums and market research (Palo alto.com. 2006).

Companies with growth of medium size: Especially the multimedia, software and other related growth fields, Acme always will provide very attractive developments alternative to the management constrained companies or those that are not in a position to address new market opportunities and segments in new market (Poulfelt, 1997, 65-70).

The table below shows market analysis for the company

Potential customer Growth 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 CAGR

US High Tech 10% 5,000 5,500 6,050 6,655 7,321 10.00%

European High Tech 15% 1,000 1,150 1,323 1,521 1,749 15.00%

Latin America 35% 250 338 456 616 832 35.07

Other 2% 10,000 10,200 10,404 10,612 10,824 2.00%

Total 6.27% 16,250 17,188 18,233 19,404 20,726 6.27%

2.1.2. Market Trends

The company benefits from some of the market trends;

There is a trend on internationalization. The coming up of internet has led to direct communication in the large world with manufacturers. Europe for instance, has been able to create a unified major market for real. On the other hand, the Latin America is growing and healthy while Asia, even though it had setbacks recently, it is a very good market. The potential client base, as well as manufacturers requires moving into the new market and expanding.

Communication technology has been an explosion in the new industry. Due to internet, the communication technology growth of items has been explosive. The network cards, connectors, modems, cables, routers and communication software are growing with a rate of 35% in every year. The margins however are not very much great in the standard categories of hardware though there is enormous growth (Mintzberg et al, 2005, p1).

There is a trend in consulting, contracting and management of ad hoc. Even big companies and businesses are very frequently turning to the temporary expertise other than fixed and permanent cost employees. There are the new applications which are latest for the ‘scalable’ buzzword. Acme consulting is therefore an attractive alternative when it comes to the clients as we offer variable economic advantage vs. the fixed costs as well as overhead and growing liability for taking on employees for longtime period.

2.1.4. Market Growth

The association of US in market consultants has reported a growth of 30% in the average revenue in the consultants which focus on the high tech marketing of products. Acme consultants is a subset of the said market mainly due for the higher growth ever as compared to the mainstream(Mills et al, 1995, p 17-49). The industry dealing with local electronics in California has reported a trend on solutions of additional consulting just like the manufacturers convert onto the solutions of variable cost.

The industry associations in Europe and Japan show that the overall growth in the interest while moving to the new markets is seen to be very phenomenal. The growth of projects in the new market internationally is more that 100% in every year (Palo alto.com. 2006).

2.2. SWOT Analysis

This covers the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and also threats. The weaknesses and strengths are internal attributed and may be addressed through changing the business. The threats and opportunities are mainly external.

2.2.1. Strengths

All the principles in this area have true expertise. The experience as well as expertise is better as compared to any other person known in this area.

The communication technologies dominance from the user’s view. Acme consultants have the best website, a file Transfer Protocol which is secure and also facilities comprising of password protection which are involved in receiving and sending documents from customers, automatic links and major bandwidth to train the allies in assisting clients get the required speed on the offered facilities(Sterne, 2002, p1). It is also possible to have meetings held via the internet with shared visuals and interface.

Acme consultants has a manageable size. There is no need for very large overheads. The clients however know the fact that we are in a position to provide whatever we have promised. The bigger consulting houses as well as competition, may build on the major partner structure concerned with young associates and selling, with much less experience and consulting delivery (Business Plan Pro.2001).

Contacts are well kept. The experience of many years means there is a lot of contacts, networking and marketing through word of mouth.

2.2.2. Weaknesses

Resources for marketing are a major challenge. Now that we are a group, we tend to be very good in making sales directly. However, the required resources in doing the general marketing sometimes are inadequate. We therefore rely on word of mouth as the main way to generate leads (Sodhi &Tang, 2001, p 40-48).

Without having staff, it is not possible to leverage people in developing presentations and documents, detailed research as well as complete the blank spaces. We have inadequate support staff to handle the email, fax and telephones from our clients.

Our brands. In most cases, McKinsey or Booz Allen is a better purchase for executives in that there is no single person who was fired because of hiring the IBM. We are very new in the market and we may be seen as very innovative hence a risky choice.

2.2.3. Opportunities

Growth of internet. Most of the companies nowadays are being forced into the marketing worldwide without an option. The rates of growth are much higher and also obvious opportunities.

Market growth internationally. The Latin America and Europe are very much booming. Asia is recovering though it was suffering. The manufacturers are therefore very much anxious waiting to take their very new technologies to the new markets across borders (Soriano, 2003, 409-416).

The red tape which is growing is involved with employing full time workers mainly internationally at the level of executives.

2.2.4. Threats

Internet is an opportunity and also a threat. Our very expertise involves managing several markets, crossing borders and therefore the solved problems are reduced when it comes to their importance through the information growing availability(Soriano, 2001,p40-48). For instance, software companies in the recent past charged very huge premiums for available software in smaller markets though the customers currently are very likely to observe the prices available elsewhere and make a decision to purchase through the net.

The branded and large competition is slowly recognizing our area. Nowadays they have started competition in our area and therefore we are not left alone as they have recognized the niche (Alio & Fahey, 2012)

.

New competitors are coming up in the new market especially now that the European market has grown; the major competitors in the area are very much significant.

2.3. Competitor analysis

The main element in the decision of purchase made at the level of Acme client is trust in the reputation of profession and the consulting firm reliability. Competition is in various forms.

One, the very much significant competition involves no consultation. The companies which choose to start development of business, make in house market research and channel the development (Fletcher,Crawford, 2010, p25). Their managers are involved in this privately which is part of their business functions. The key advantage which we hold onto in the in house development is the fact that managers are very much full of responsibilities. The managers lack time to undertake new market responsibilities and also the development of new channels. The Acme may approach the channels, vendors and alliances on the confidential basis to make the initial contacts and gather information in ways (Palo alto.com. 2006).

Second is the prestige on high level management consulting. These can be said to be generalists who obtain a management consulting name brand on specialty areas. Their weakness which is very much important is structure management which has the partners being involved in selling jobs. The inexperienced associates are also involved in work delivery. We therefore compete against these individuals as experts in the certain fields with a guarantee that the clients will have atop level people performing the actual work.

Third is the research company in the international market. The companies are said to be formidable competitors in the market research published as well as market forums though they do not offer high level consulting as Acme could be able to offer(Poulfelt, 1994, 421-436).

Other types include smaller house market specific like Japan’s Nomura research and the brokering, deal catalysts and sales representation which are an ad hoc business.

2.4. Organizational capabilities

Acme provides services of expertise in channel development, market development channel distribution, packaged and sold in several ways which give way for the clients to select the relationship preferred. These include the consulting of retainer relationships, project based alliance brokering and relationships, market representation and sale representation, market research which is project based, information forum events and also the market research which is published (Groß, & Kieser, 2006, p 69-100).

3.0. Market strategy

This is also known as focus. The Acme consulting strategy aims at focusing on a certain expertise area where we are a group which is strong just like other groups in the world. The company comprise of true experts in coming up with new products in technology, mainly in the distribution channels (McKenna, 2012, p 153).

Acme therefore intends to focus on 3 geographical markets which are Latin America, Europe and United States. We aim at reduced product segments like software, personal computers, telecommunications, technology integration, personal organizers among other products. The customers targeted are mainly the larger corporation managers and sometimes the owners of the corporations which are medium sized in a period of high growth.

3.1. Target Markets

We should focus on thousands of potential customers who are well chosen international markets (Lesson notes) such as in Europe, Latin America and United States. The high tech companies involved in manufacturing are the major customers for the Acme consulting.

3.2. Strategy Pyramids

The company’s strategy is to focus on the expertise area. We have much competition emanating from international market as well as expertise in the product introduction. However, nobody is in a position to match our status if only we remain focused in the introduction of products of high tech on channels of international markets.

Some of the tactics we use in making it real include the best work quality, marketing based expertise and the fact that we are mainly using the very new technology on international communication

3.3. Marketing Mix

The marketing mix is usually placed together

3.3.1 Product

The very important aspect is when menu items are being offered to the potential customers, there is a large choice for the potential customers to select from in relation to the way they intend to make use of their money and where. Mcdonalds therefore place much emphasies on having a menu which the customers would want. The requirements by customers however change with time. Whatever seems nice today could be discarded later on. Marketing monitors the preference of the customer continuously. So as to meet the changes, Mc Donalds has come up with products which are new and also phased out the old ones. This will continue to happen. However, care must be taken not to affect the existing sales by coming up with an option that will canibalise the sales.

5. Company Objectives

1. We want to make ourselves experts. This is to mean that we be quoted in the trade press, gain recognition and speak in the industry events.

2. We should have a brand name to reference our clients. We need three brand names to always cite to the clients to be in a position to reference using a name and phone number for contacts.

3. We require having at least a client in each region. In United States, Asia or Latin America and also In Europe.4. We should have a net sale 10% and above by the end of three years.

6.0. Economic evaluation

Our plans is to have sales close to $600,000 by the end of the year which should grow to $1.8 million in 2015, on the expenses on marketing which is more than $200,000 an approximate value of 35% sales. Our marketing expenses of about $500,000 will be 25% of the sales made (Proctor, 2013, p1).

The plan assumes two trends which are very essential. One is the steady decline in the sales cost and growth in the percentage gross margin as we tend to build several resources to be fixed costs and full time personnel other than outside consultants and contractors.

Second is the reduction in marketing expense like the sales percentage. The projected figure of 35% is quite high such that we are coming up with a reputation as well as marketing even without leverage of initial marketing, where we start from 0 (Palo alto.com. 2006).

7. 0. Marketing Implementation and control

On the action plan, we project the marketing expenses and sales to increase times two from $215,000in the first year to about $480,000 in the fifth year (Acme Insurance,2010, p1). This is in relation to the sales increasing over the same period three field. We therefore hold a believe that an effective marketing needs a higher percentage of marketing and sales expenses to the sales in the first years together with the time at which we may be in a position to reduce the percentages to a lower level which is acceptable. The graph below shows the marketing expenses for the year 2005.

(Acme Insurance,2010)

8.0. Control Mechanisms

This plan is for changing the business, implementing and making it best. It is not worth anything if in any way not implemented. Some of the implementation programs include contingency planning involved in increasing the traffic of internet website as well as the need for website marketing. Marketing organization is a department that maintains the professional integrity beyond and above specific partners while looking into the goals of marketing and implementing the programs of marketing as it fits the strategy.

References

Acme Insurance,2010. Financials, Budgets and Forecasts. Insurance agency Marketing Plan.

Allio, R. J., & Fahey, L. (2012). Joan Magretta: what executives can learn from revisiting Michael Porter. Strategy & Leadership, 40(2), 5-10.

Business Plan Pro.2001. Business Plan; Acme Consulting. Palo Alto software. Fletcher, R. Crawford, H. 2010. International Marketing. An Asian Pacific Perspective, 5th edition. Pearson, French’s Forest

Groß, C., & Kieser, A. 2006. Are consultants moving towards professionalization?. Research in the Sociology of Organizations, 24, 69-100.

Lilien, G. L., & Rangaswamy, A. 2004. Marketing engineering: Computer-assisted marketing analysis and planning. DecisionPro.Lesson notes. Technology and Contemporary environments researching international; markets

McKenna, C. 2012. Strategy followed structure: Management consulting and the creation of a market for “strategy,” 1950–2000. Advances in strategic management, 29, 153-186.

Mills, J., Platts, K., & Gregory, M. (1995). A framework for the design of manufacturing strategy processes: a contingency approach. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 15(4), 17-49.

Mintzberg, H., Ahlstrand, B., & Lampel, J. 2005. Strategy Safari: A Guided Tour Through The Wilds of Strategic Mangament. Simon and Schuster.

Palo alto.com. 2006. Acme Consulting sample plan. Palo Alto software.Proctor, T. 2013. Strategic marketing: an introduction. Routledge.Poulfelt, F. 1997. Ethics for management consultants. Business Ethics: A European Review, 6(2), 65-70.

Poulfelt, F., & Paynee, A. 1994. Management consultants: Client and consultant perspectives. Scandinavian Journal of Management, 10(4), 421-436.

Ruef, M. 2002. At the interstices of organizations: The expansion of the management consulting profession, 1933-1997 (pp. 74-95). Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.

Rust, R. T., Zeithaml, V. A., & Lemon, K. N. 2001. Driving customer equity: How customer lifetime value is reshaping corporate strategy. Simon and Schuster.

Soriano, D. R. 2003. The impact of consulting service on Spanish firms.Journal of Small Business Management, 41(4), 409-416. (Soriano, 2003, 409-416)

Soriano, D. R. 2001. Quality in the consulting service–evaluation and impact: a survey in Spanish firms. Managing Service Quality, 11(1), 40-48.

Sodhi, M. S., & Tang, C. S. (2012). Application—Scenario Planning for Mitigating Supply Chain Restructuring Risk at a PVC Manufacturer. In Managing Supply Chain Risk (pp. 135-145). Springer US.Sterne, J. 2002. World Wide Web marketing: Integrating the web into your marketing strategy. John Wiley & Sons.

Careers Description

Student’s Name

Institution Affiliation

Course Name and Code

Professor’s Name

Date

Careers Description

Introduction

Everyone across the world has access to a variety of occupations. Three of these occupations that I find interesting include Registered Nurse (RN), Human Resource Management (HRM), and Lawyer. This paper presents different information regarding these careers, including the tasks involved in each job, the type of knowledge, and the skills and abilities required for doing these jobs. It also covers the type of work activities involved in these jobs. Other areas covered include how the careers relate to my assessment results, values important for these occupations, related occupations, California wage and employment trend for these occupations, and educational preparation required for these occupations.

Registered Nurse

Tasks Involved

The tasks involved in the RN occupation include observing and recording patient behavior, collecting the health history of patients, administering medication, dressing wounds, performing physical examinations and diagnostic tests, and counseling and educating the patient and their family members on treatment plans. Other tasks include supervising and directing nurses, reading and interpreting patient information, and consulting with doctors and health care providers (Swanson et al., 2020). Although these are the most common roles of RN, the tasks may vary based on the work environment.

Knowledge Required

RN is required to have medical knowledge in order to be able to provide quality patient services. Also, they need to be tech-savvy. This is because, with technological advancements, nurses are on the frontline of applying the latest healthcare technology to serve patients with increased effectiveness and efficiency. For instance, healthcare technology awareness also allows nurses to handle smart wearables such as smart shirts, which monitor patients’ vitals, weight, and movement to prevent injuries, bedsores, and misdiagnoses (Lopez et al., 2020).

Skills and Abilities Required

Firstly, RNs need to be organized. This is because they are tasked with caring for several patients at the same time; thus, being organized will help them avoid confusion and medical errors. They also need outstanding interpersonal skills in order to build healthy relationships with patients and other health care providers. RNs also require excellent decision-making skills in order to make informed decisions regarding a patient based on the situation they are in. RNs also require physical strength since they spend most of their time on their feet and also need to lift and help patients.

Work Activities Involved and Places of Work

RNs provide in-person services, which entail providing medical support to patients and doctors. RNs provide in-person services since they provide patient care, and most of their roles require direct physical interaction with patients. Such services include dressing wounds and performing assessments, dressing wounds, among others. RNs serve in various work settings, including healthcare clinics, hospitals, care homes, or rehabilitation centers.

How the Career Relates to My Assessment Results

The assessment results indicate that I possess most of the skills and abilities required for this career. Thus, there is a strong relationship between this career and my assessment results.

Important Values/Work Styles

The nursing profession is founded on ethics and ethical values, and the performance of all nurses is based on these values. Core values of nursing include autonomy, social justice, integrity, altruism, honesty, and human dignity (Poorchangizi et al., 2019). Thus, these are important values for the RN.

Related Occupations

Occupations related to RN include Nurse practitioners and Certified Nursing assistants (CNA). Nurse practitioners are responsible for coordinating patient care and providing specialty and primary healthcare. On the other hand, CAN assists in meeting the nursing needs of patients by providing basic nursing care.

California Wage and Employment Trends

California has the highest average pay for registered nurses in the country, at 49.8% more than the national average. California’s RNs make an average yearly income of $124,000 and an hourly pay rate of about $60 (NurseJournal.org., 2022). While this is the average wage rate, it is important to note that the rates of pay vary depending on the type of the employer, years of employment, location, and degree level.

Necessary Educational Preparation

Candidates must have at least an associate’s degree in nursing, although many RNs go on to achieve a bachelor’s or master’s degree. An applicant must obtain state licensure after receiving their degree. To earn this license, candidates take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLERN). In order to do their jobs effectively, RNs must have the appropriate training, which varies depending on the workplace.

Human Resource Manager

Tasks Involved

The tasks involved in doing this job include leading and directing the routine functions of the HR department, which include hiring and recruiting employees, administering employee payment, enforcing policies and practices of the company, training, and developing employees, and administering employee benefits (Conrad & Newberry, 2011).

Knowledge Required

HR managers require to have both data-driven and analytical knowledge (Gurusinghe et al., 2021). Analytical and data-driven knowledge assists HR managers in understanding the key HR metrics, which include recruitment, retention, and engagement of employees. This knowledge also helps in evaluating employee value based on their performance. Since HR managers deal with human labor, they also need to be knowledgeable of laws and regulations that relate to employment.

Skills and Abilities Required

HR managers should possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills (Ritter et al., 2018). These skills allow them to communicate effectively with their subordinates. They also require effective interpersonal, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills. Furthermore, they require excellent problem-solving and analytical skills (Ritter et al., 2018). These skills allow them to find effective solutions for problems facing the HR department. Since their department deals with human labor, HR managers are also required to have the ability to prioritize tasks and delegate tasks appropriately.

Work Activities Involved in this Job

HR managers work in for-profits, non-profits, government, and education organizations. They offer the indoor type of work activities since they serve in offices and they mainly oversee the HR department functions from the office. They tend to relay information to the other members of the department from the office, and if meetings are held, they are always held within the organization.

How the Career Relates to My Assessment Results

This career relates to my assessment results since I possess the required skills and abilities needed for this career.

Important Values/Work Styles

Important values for HR managers include integrity, honesty, social responsibility, quick decision-making, leadership, effective communication skills, patience, and a sympathetic attitude. These values are important to HR entails creating value for others, leadership, and managing talent (Ramlall & Melton, 2019).

Related Occupations

Occupations related to HR managers include Employee Relations Manager (ERM) and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) specialist. The role of the ERM is to provide a link between an employee and the management of the organization. On the other hand, HRIS is an expert in HRM systems, and their role is to collect data and analyze it to improve HR processes and strategies.

California Wage and Employment Trends

California HR managers earn an average salary of $68,986 per year. That comes out to almost $5,749 per month, $1,327 each week, and $33.17 per hour, although this varies greatly (ZipRecruiter, 2022). The wide spread in the average compensation for HR managers implies that there may be numerous prospects for pay increases and promotion based on experience, location, and skill level.

Necessary Educational Preparation

The minimal educational requirements for one to become an HR manager include a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, and Labor Relations. A Master’s degree in these fields is an added advantage to candidates.

Lawyer

Tasks Involved

Law is an occupation that I found interesting based on my assessments and research. While doing law several tasks are involved which include; preparation and filing of legal documents such as wills, appeals, and contracts. Other tasks involved are research and analysis of legal problems, advising and representing defendants in courts, and interpreting rulings, laws, and regulations for businesses and individuals.

Knowledge Required

In pursuing a law career, one should have adequate knowledge of all law practices. This will help an individual promote legal culture by understanding the set of rules followed by various societies.

Skills and Abilities

To be a qualified lawyer, an individual should possess the following skills and abilities; analytical skills which will enable the lawyer to help clients solve issues and problems. Interpersonal skills which helps lawyers to build trusting relationships with their clients. Another important skill that lawyers should possess is problem-solving skills where all lawyers should be able to separate their prejudice and emotions from their clients. In addition, lawyers should have efficient speaking skills to be able to clearly explain and present evidence to a jury and judge. Lastly, writing skills are also essential as they help lawyers to be specific and precise when preparing documents such as trusts, wills, and powers of attorney.

Work Activities Involved in this Job

Several work activities are involved in law which include defending the clients which takes place in-person in courts. Other activities include interpreting laws which also takes place in-person, and rulings which takes place in-doors.

How the Career Relates to My Assessment Results

I believe that I possess the necessary skills and abilities required in law occupation

Important Values/Work Styles

Lawyers need to possess several work styles and values such as teamwork, creativity, commercial awareness, initiative, working under pressure, and integrity

Related Occupations

Some of related occupation to a lawyer are legal assistants and paralegals who perform various tasks to support lawyers, Hearing officers and judges who apply the law by guiding legal processes in courts. Other related occupations include working as a mediator, investment consultant, fund manager, and financial analyst.

California Wage and Employment Trends

In California the average salary for lawyers is around $ 162,700 per year.

Necessary Educational Preparation

To work as a lawyer an individual should possess a bachelor’s degree; the individual should have done courses in English, history, public speaking, economics, government, and mathematics. Besides, an individual is required to take a Law School Admission Test before being enrolled in a law school.

References

Conrad, D., & Newberry, R. (2011). business communication skills: Attitudes of human resource managers versus business educators. American Communication Journal, 13(1), 4-23.

Gurusinghe, R. N., Arachchige, B. J., & Dayarathna, D. (2021). Predictive HR analytics and talent management: a conceptual framework. Journal of Management Analytics, 8(2), 195-221.

Lopez, X., Afrin, K., & Nepal, B. (2020). Examining the design, manufacturing, and analytics of smart wearables. Medical Devices & Sensors, 3(3), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds3.10087NurseJournal.org. (2022). Average RN Salary in California 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2022, from https://nursejournal.org/state/california/rn-salary/.

Poorchangizi, B., Borhani, F., Abbaszadeh, A., Mirzaee, M., & Farokhzadian, J. (2019). The importance of professional values from nursing students’ perspective. BMC nursing, 18(1), 1-7.

Ramlall, S., & Melton, B. (2019). The role and priorities of the human resource management function: Perspectives of HR professionals, line managers, and senior executives. International Journal of Human Resource Studies, 9(2), 9-27. http://dx.doi.org/10.5296/ijhrs.v9i2.14492Ritter, B. A., Small, E. E., Mortimer, J. W., & Doll, J. L. (2018). Designing management curriculum for workplace readiness: Developing students’ soft skills. Journal of Management Education, 42(1), 80-103.

Swanson, M., Wong, S. T., Martin‐Misener, R., & Browne, A. J. (2020). The role of registered nurses in primary care and public health collaboration: a scoping review. Nursing Open, 7(4), 1197-1207. https://doi.org/10.1002%2Fnop2.496ZipRecruiter. (2022). HR Manager Salary in California. Retrieved 22 July 2022, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/HR-Manager-Salary–in-California#:~:text=While%20ZipRecruiter%20is%20seeing%20salaries,making%20%24102%2C946%20annually%20in%20California.

Experiment 4

Acid-Base Extraction of Organic Compounds

Background:

Acid-base extraction is a technique used for purifying acids and/or bases from organic mixtures. This technique takes advantage of differences in the chemical properties of acids, bases, and nonacid/base organic compounds. Acid-base extraction is most commonly performed during the work-up of a chemical reaction. The isolated product is largely free of impurities that are unlike it (neutral, acidic or basic). A major limitation of this technique is that it is not possible to separate chemically similar acids from each other or chemically similar bases from each other.

The fundamental theory behind why this technique works is that salts, which are ionic, tend to be water soluble while neutral organic molecules are generally not. The addition of a strong inorganic acid to an organic mixture consisting of an organic acid and an organic base will result in the acid remaining uncharged, while the base will become protonated. As a result, the base will become positively charged. If the organic acid, such as a carboxylic acid, is sufficiently weak, addition of the stronger acid will suppress the weak acid’s ionization. The weak acid will then be neutrally charged while the base becomes positively charged. The charged base will now be soluble in the aqueous layer, while the neutral acid will remain in the organic layer.

Conversely, the addition of a strong inorganic base to a mixture of an organic acid and organic base will result in the base remaining uncharged, while the acid will be deprotonated, making it negatively charged and more likely to partition into the aqueous phase of a two-phase system. Once again, the self-ionization of a weak base is suppressed by the addition of the stronger inorganic base.

The acid-base extraction procedure can also be used to separate very weak acids from stronger acids and very weak bases from stronger bases as long as the difference of their pKa (or pKb) constants is large enough. For example: Very weak acids with phenolic OH groups like phenol or 2-naphthol (pKa around 10) can be separated from stronger acids like benzoic acid (pKa around 4 – 5) by adjusting the pH of the solution. Usually the pH is adjusted to a value roughly between the pKa (or pKb) constants of the compounds to be separated. Weaker acids like citric acid, phosphoric acid, or diluted sulfuric acid are used for moderately acidic pH values and stronger acids like hydrochloric acid or more concentrated sulfuric acid is used to achieve strongly acidic pH values. Similarly, weaker bases like ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) are used for moderately basic pH values while stronger bases like potassium carbonate (K2CO3) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are used to achieve more strongly alkaline conditions.

Major Limitations:

The procedure only works only for acids and bases with a large difference in solubility between their charged and their uncharged form.

The procedure does not work for:

• Zwitterions with acidic and basic functional groups in the same molecule such as amino acids that tend to be water soluble at most any pH.

• Very hydrophobic acids and/or amines that are not soluble in the aqueous phase in their charged form.

• Very hydrophilic acids and or bases which are miscible or highly soluble in water at most pH such as acetic acid, citric acid, ammonia, methylamine

• Inorganic acids and bases that are insoluble in most organic solvents like sulfuric acid

or phosphoric acid.

General Procedure:

The mixture to be separated is dissolved in the desired solvent such as ethyl acetate or diethyl ether (the solvent MUST be immiscible with water). This solution is then poured into a separatory funnel containing an aqueous solution of the acid or base. The pH of the aqueous phase is then adjusted to ensure the compound of interest is fully ionized. After placing the lid securely on the separatory funnel, it is shaken and the phases are allowed separate. The phase containing the compound of interest is collected. The procedure is then repeated with this phase at the opposite pH range. The order of the steps is not important and the process can be repeated to increase the separation. However, it is often convenient to have the compound dissolved the organic phase after the last step, so that evaporation of the solvent yields the product.

Safety Concerns:

Do not allow any of the chemicals (organic acids and bases or inorganic acids and bases) to come into contact with your skin or eyes.

Safety goggles and gloves must be worn at all times.

Mixing acids and bases generates gas. Be careful when mixing solutions in your separatory funnel, as pressure can build up rapidly.

Vent the separatory funnel often by pointing the spout of the separatory funnel slightly up at the back of the hood and turning the spout 90 degrees. Never point the separatory funnel at anyone.

Procedure Observations

Obtain 30 mL a solution of ethyl acetate (solvent) containing a mixture of dissolved 1.5 g of benzoic acid and 1.5 g of biphenyl, in a 100 mL beaker.

Pour the contents of the beaker into a separatory funnel.

Add ~10 mL of 1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and place the stopper in the funnel.

Take the separatory funnel to the hood, with the stopper firmly secured and the separatory funnel pointing to the back of the hood, gently shake the separatory funnel for approximately 1 min, stopping to vent after about 5 seconds, then vent again every 10 seconds. Note: when venting your separatory funnel ensure the spout is angled up and to the back of the hood. Quickly turn the plastic stopcock 90 degrees, allowing the gas to escape.

Make sure the funnel is closed before returning it to the upright position.

Allow the two layers to separate.

Separate the aqueous layer from the organic layer (which is which?).

Repeat this process by adding another 10 mL of 1M NaOH to the organic layer then separate

Add the 2nd aqueous layer to the first.

Decant the organic layer into a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask.

Add 1 or 2 spatulas of anhydrous Na2SO4 (note CaCl2 may be used as a substitute) to your flask containing the organic layer and swirl gently, allow the sample to sit for 5 minutes.

Using a funnel and a plug of cotton, filter the Na2SO4 from the solution, collecting the dried organic layer in a clean, pre-weighed 50 mL or 100 mL round bottom flask.

Rinse the Na2SO4 residue with 10 mL of ethyl acetate .Actual Volume:

Appearance:

Top Layer:

Bottom Layer:

Mass of RB flask:

RECOVERY OF ACID AND BASE

Cool the beakers labeled “AQUEOUS ACID” in an ice bath.

Add 5-10 mL of 6 M HCl to the “aqueous acid” tube NOTE: if crystal do not appear you may need to add more of the acid or base. The solution should become cloudy and the products should begin crystallizing.

Allow the beaker to sit on ice for ~ 5 minutes to complete the crystallization.

Isolate the crystals using vacuum filtration using a Buchner or Hirsch funnel. Filter your aqueous layer to collect the precipitated benzoic acid.

Use ~10 mL of cold water to dislodge any remaining crystals in the beaker and pour onto the filter paper.

Collect crystals and transfer crystals to a pre-weighed watch glass.

Dry the crystals in an oven at 90oC. Actual amount:

Appearance:

Mass of Filter paper:

Watch glass Mass:

Evaporate the ethyl acetate from the round bottom flask using a rotovap.

Cool the flask and weigh the flask and contents.

Calculate the percent recovery of biphenyl (assume 1.5 g biphenyl in 30 mL).

Determine the melting point of the biphenyl crystals (remember) Mass of flask and crystals

Mass of crystal (biphenyl):

Mp range:

Weigh the watch glass with the dried crystals.

Calculate the percent recovery of benzoic acid (assume 1.5 g benzoic acid in 30 mL).

Determine the melting point of the benzoic acid crystals

Mass of watch glass and crystals:

Mass of crystals (benzoic acid):

Mp range:

Clean your biphenyl out of the beaker using 1 mL of ethyl acetate. Dispose of the ethyl acetate in the organic waste. Dispose of all filter paper, and crystalline products in the solid waste beaker under the hood. Procedure

Obtain 30 mL a solution of ethyl acetate (solvent) containing a mixture of dissolved 1.5 g of benzoic acid and 1.5 g of biphenyl, in a 100 mL beaker. Pour the contents of the beaker into a separatory funnel. Add ~10 mL of 1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and place the stopper in the funnel. Take the separatory funnel to the hood, with the stopper firmly secured and the separatory funnel pointing to the back of the hood, gently shake the separatory funnel for approximately 1 min, stopping to vent after about 5 seconds, then vent again every 10 seconds. Note: when venting your separatory funnel ensure the spout is angled up and to the back of the hood. Quickly turn the plastic stopcock 90 degrees, allowing the gas to escape. Make sure the funnel is closed before returning it to the upright position. After ~1 min of gentle shaking, allow the two layers to separate. Separate the aqueous layer from the organic layer (which is which?). Repeat this process by adding another 10 mL of 1M NaOH to the organic layer then separate and add the 2nd aqueous layer to the first. Decant the organic layer into a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask.

Add 1 or 2 spatulas of anhydrous Na2SO4 (note CaCl2 may be used as a substitute) to your flask containing the organic layer and swirl gently, allow the sample to sit for 5 minutes. Using a funnel and a plug of cotton, filter the Na2SO4 from the solution, collecting the dried organic layer in a clean, pre-weighed 50 mL or 100 mL round bottom flask. Rinse the Na2SO4 residue with 10 mL of ethyl acetate .

RECOVERY OF ACID AND BASE

Cool the beakers labeled “AQUEOUS ACID” in an ice bath. Add 5-10 mL of 6 M HCl to the “aqueous acid” tube NOTE: if crystal do not appear you may need to add more of the acid or base. The solution should become cloudy and the products should begin crystallizing. Allow the beaker to sit on ice for ~ 5 minutes to complete the crystallization.

Isolate the crystals using vacuum filtration using a Buchner or Hirsch funnel. Filter your aqueous layer to collect the precipitated benzoic acid. Use ~10 mL of cold water to dislodge any remaining crystals in the beaker and pour onto the filter paper. Collect crystals and transfer crystals to a pre-weighed watch glass. Dry the crystals in an oven at 90oC.

While you are waiting on your crystals to dry, weigh a round bottom flask to the nearest 0.01 g. transfer your organic layer to the flask and evaporate the ethyl acetate from the round bottom flask using a rotovap. Cool the flask and weigh the flask and contents.

Subtract the weight of the flask to obtain your yield of biphenyl.

Weigh the dried product and subtract the weight of the boat to obtain the mass of your benzoic acid.

Determine the melting point for each of your compounds and compare them to the melting point of the pure substances.

Calculate the percent recovery of each compound (assume 1.5 g of starting material).

Pack melting point tubes with your two compounds, and determine the melting point of each. How does the melting point range compare to the published values?

Clean your biphenyl out of the beaker using 1 mL of ethyl acetate. Dispose of the ethyl acetate in the organic waste. Dispose of all filter paper, and crystalline products in the solid waste beaker under the hood.

Acme Petroleum

132, Victoria, Texas 12401. U.S, 321-577-8474

www.acmepetroluem.org

John M. Roberts,

Publisher, Victoria Advocates

101 W. Goodwin Ave., Suite 1200, Victoria, TX

Dear John,

Recently, we bought a land at Route 59 south Victoria which we intend to build a tank farm, a facility which is likely to have multiple oil terminals. We are aware that Route 59 is designated to become the future interstate 69. We are also aware of the local opposition to the construction of the tank farm. This is because of the statements made in the City Council meetings and several letters addressed to the Victoria Advocates newspaper. The opponents claim that all petrochemical companies are irresponsible polluters and Acme is no exception.

Acme has however shown in its economic benefit statement how a major fuel distribution node in Victoria will generate employment at the tank farm itself and by supplying gasoline that Crossroads companies need to develop how the new tank farm will contain state-of-the-art precautions against leaks. We are requesting you to hold a public forum on Acmes proposed tank farm so as to weigh out the advantages and disadvantages.

Your consideration will be highly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Communications Director, Acme Petroleum.

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Introduction

In the article “Home” by Mok, the author describes the experience of how she stayed in her real hometown-Mainland China. The author was born in Hong Kong, so she wanted back to her hometown, a village in Canton. However, she felt as if she had landed on another planet. The author felt uncomfortable when she was at train station because the people wanted to sell something to her or suggested many inns to her. The author’s uncle and aunt just asked her if she had brought any gift or money for them when they met at the station. The author was so disappointed that she decided to stay for only three days. In addition, she seldom went out within the three days.

When I graduated from high school, our family decided to let me study in the U.S. I chose to study in the University of Oregon, which is located in Eugene, Oregon. I imagined a lot of views about Eugene before I landed. However, I felt like I had landed on a small village rather than a big modern city.

The first moment I went out of the airport, there was only a handful people outside and there appeared to be no taxi on site. This made me feel helpless and lonely. Nevertheless, I asked one of the airport staff if he could call a taxi for me. He helped me to find a taxi and, finally, I arrived at my place. Every day, I would take the bus to go to the University. It is quite disappointing that the bus would only operate once every half an hour, which is very different from China. Indeed, this proved extremely inconveniencing especially in instances where I missed the bus as I would have to wait until the next thirty minutes. In addition, the supermarket was too far from my place, which was extremely inconveniencing as I could only manage to go to the supermarket on the weekends. Before I came to the U.S., I thought it was easy to live alone in the U.S., but when I started to living in the U.S. by myself, I realized it was a very difficult thing to me.

Even more disappointing was the level of inefficiency that Americans, contrary to my thoughts, exhibited. The first time I came to the office to submit my applications, the officer told me I should wait for 8 weeks. I had no problem waiting for 8 weeks, but when I went back and asked the officer whether the application had been approved, he stated that I had to wait for another 4 weeks. Upon enquiring why I had to wait for another four weeks, he just stated that he was sorry but there was nothing more he could do for me. I was so angry and speechless because I thought Americans were extremely punctual.

As much as Eugene presented me with an extremely hard time, it was a memorable and good experience. It taught me how to take care of myself and enhanced my independence. Of course, my life in the United States was not the same as I had imagined, which was quite disappointing. However, I was grateful that I had a chance to study in the country as it enhanced my independence. It is imperative that individuals take more challenges when in undesirable situations.

Most Human Behavior And Most Of Our Decisions Are Rational

Options play a vital role in influencing decisions, which human beings make. This is what forms the basis of decisions, which human beings decide upon and they are of a rational nature. Most times, human beings are faced with challenges and they have to make decisions, which will benefit them. Processes of emotions also contribute to rationality and decision making. Often, decision making by individuals, occur when they are accorded with many alternatives and they have to choose. This is normally based upon their beliefs as well as preferences. The behavior, which human beings display, is as a result of the rational choices that they make. The latter is viewed as being a model that is extremely descriptive (Newell & Lagnado & Shanks, 2007. 33). Rational intently, is the word that describes people who engage in decision making. It must be known that at the same time, human beings are adaptive and also goal oriented in all their actions. The factors, which often make them not make decisions that are rational, are emotional architecture and human cognitive. The latter is often experienced when human beings are in a situation whereby, they have to make decisions, which are extremely vital.

Politics is an area where people have to constantly make decisions, which are rational. This is in accordance to a model that is utility classic expected. Evidence that supports this model is of a scientific nature. It has been proven through research, that decisions which are rational are not always possible. A person’s environment plays an essential role in determining whether people make decisions that are rational (Hastie & Dawes, 2001. 42). There is a misconception, which exists between the decision maker responsible for making choices and the environment where decision making occurs. A factor, which may take the form of incentives, can either be negative or positive and it affects decision making. The existence of techniques that are statistical as well as standardized, enable people to distinguish between factors, which are random, and those that are systematic. In turn, it is possible for rationality to be present in making decisions.

According to Jonathan Baron (2008. 65), when people are thinking, as is the norm, it is then referred to as rational. Later on, people will want to achieve their goals based on how it will benefit them most. Furthermore, he claims that goals, beliefs and decisions referred to the process of thinking. There are times when choices, which are subjective, and others that are irrational contribute to decisions making. In arguments that are irrational, an equation such as 1=0 is used as a justification. The equation means that through circular definition, rationality has influenced goal achievement. It is extremely illogical to think that irrational thinking leads to irrational goals.

Quality movement is due to the efforts of Edwards Ward (1954. 385). He also came up with the theory, which is today recognized in matters related to decision making. According to him, decision making is vital in any organization particularly people who are in positions of management. In many organizations, people often want to be identified by the decision, which they make. This means that before decisions are agreed upon, everyone’s opinion must be heard. Judgment is another issue, which is involved in influencing decision making. When goals are being established, judgments are made. The objectivity approach often fails based upon the judgments, which people make. Moral choices also influence rationality in terms of the goals, which people make. People are often influenced when they are thinking and this is based on ideals. Thus the theories by Ward are extremely useful in knowing about rational decision making by human beings.

Herbert Simon (1978. 12) gave his research concerning decision making and well as the process involved. Those in authority such as managers should solve problems and make decisions. Decision making involves designing actions, fixing agendas and setting goals. Later on, there has to be choosing and evaluating of the existing choices (Robbins, 2002. 23). Computers have now taken over the work human beings used to do. They make decisions based on the information they are provided with. The world is believed to be extremely uncertain and this is according to the theory of subjective expected. Human rationality has been experimented through various researches which are empirical. This is because it has the ability of solving problems as well as to make decisions (Mescon & Bovee, 2002. 36). During the beginning of the 21st century, the theory of SEU was extremely significant. It gave meaning to matters that are rational, and consistent. A function of utility was possessed by the person who makes the decisions. A logical order is followed in a process, which is cognitive that takes place in decision making that is rational. Options have to be weighed before a conclusion and result occurs. In conclusion, rationality is determined during decision making by the behavior, which human beings display.

Work Cited

Simon, H. Rationality as process and product of thought. American Economic Review, 68, 2, (1978): 1-16. 

Baron, J. Chapter 3, Rationality, in Thinking and deciding (4th edition). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Print. 61 – 76.

Edwards, W. The theory of decision making. Psychological Bulletin, 41, (1954): 380-417. 

Hastie, R. & Dawes, R. Chapter 2, what is Decision Making, in Rational Choice in an Uncertain World. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. 2001. Print. 25-46.

Mescon, M. & Bovee, C. & Thill, J. Business Today. 10th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2002. Print.

Robbins, Stephen. Essentials of Organizational Behavior. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2002. Print.

Newell, B. & Lagnado, D. & Shanks, D. Chapter 2, Stages of Judgment I: Discovering acquiring and combining information, in Straight choices: the psychology of decision making, New York: Psychology Press, 2007.Print. 25-46

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Money growth and inflation

Introduction

Allan Meltzer, a great economist, made an observation that most staffs of Central Bank, majority of working economists as well as market practitioners hardly make use of money growth for prediction of inflation and that most of them rely on a theoretical relations or the Phillip’s Curve. The perception that growth of money is entirely not relevant for inflation is quite surprising. One of the ancient and most held economics propositions is the idea which suggests that persistent variations in level of prices are directly linked with money supply. Several economists have repeatedly observed that continuous increase in prices of goods is directly attributed to the nominal quantity of money.

This essay will major on the subject of money growth and inflation. For instance, it will analyze economic news reports like the News Release by the Bank of England which sought to establish the role played by monetary policy regarding Inflation and Growth.

Discussion

Monetary inflation is an economic terminology that refers to sustained rise in the supply of money in an economy of any given country. It normally leads to price inflation, that is, general increase in price levels of products. Economists generally agree that there exists a causal relationship between the demand and supply of money, as well as prices of services and goods often quantified in monetary terms. However, there is no overall consensus pertaining the exact relationship and mechanism between monetary inflation and price inflation. There is a sophisticated system and various arguments put forward towards the issues that are involved, for instance how accurately determine monetary base, and or how other factors like money velocity impact the relationship and the most appropriate monetary policy.

Review of previous literature shows that price levels and nominal money quantity variations are closely interwoven. Although the debate has been going on for long with substantial evidence being given, there still remains some dispute between the predicted link between inflation and money. One of the possible explanations given towards this is that the said relationship holds only over periods of time which are so long thus making the relationship uninformative for policymakers and practitioners, who concern themselves with inflation in the future, say like the next five months or a year. However, the said relationship can not be overlooked because it has been backed with substantial evidence. Economists have to make monetary policies bearing in mind this consideration.

Monetary policies have to play significant roles in enhancing economic growth and development in any economy. Spenser Dale, when addressing the Chinese Business Association and Asian Business Association of London Chamber of Commerce and industry, gave out his opinions regarding the monetary policy objectives. Particularly, Dale considered the monetary policy’s flexibility to support employment and growth and also control inflation. He also considered the possibilities of presently having scope for additional growth without creating extra price inflation. Spencer welcomed the present interest in such crucial issues, and noted that the financial crisis was partly associated with failure of the monetary policies. In many nations like the UK, monetary policies failed to activate the growth people longed to have.

Some players have often asked if the UK’s regime that targets inflation does force the MPC to emphasize too much on inflation, instead of supporting growth recovery. In tackling this, Spenser noted that from its generation the core mission of MPC was to hit a target of 2% inflation, but in manner that it will support employment and growth. The MPS, he explained, has always done achieved that and brought recovery after the economic financial crisis aftermath. According to his report, Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been over the set 2% target for majority of the past five years with and over the same period, Bank Rates were cut to 0.5% all the way from 5%. He went on to explain that there had been launched a special scheme for funding entrepreneurs through lending as a way of stimulating growth in the economy through availing credit. Spencer noted that it is because of credibility that monetary policies got the flexibility for supporting the real economy.

Other people have asked if the setting of policy of the MPC has actually not been adequately based on inflation, that the aim is a “sham”. To this, Spenser noted that the flexibility that MPC’s remit allowed is dependent on the bottlenecks that inflation has to be taken back to the set target and this is to be done in such a manner which maintains credibility of the target. As such the target is a crucial anchor rather than a sham. And should this credibility be lost, the challenge on supporting employment and growth will be much more tightly binding some years to come. Low inflation provides the means to sustained economic growth and thus improved standards of living. It should therefore be a concern of the makers of monetary policies to evaluate their actions implications towards the real economy- for the strengthening of employment and output growth. It is therefore enticing and seductive to argue that it is possible to have the economy grow without significant rise in inflationary level.

Conclusion

However, it is not economically justifiable by the inflation behavior about ignoring growth of money in attempts to predict future inflation. A proportional relationship that is positive between money and price level relative to real income has been found to be consistent with literature review from previous researchers in this subject. The relationship between money growth and inflation is evident in data that has been made available for long periods of time as well as over shorter durations for many nations. In the United States, the divergence between money growth and price level relative to income in the early 1990s looks to be transitory in nature and it is not unusual especially when view is made in a longer perspective. To adhere to economic goals of fostering growth and employment through proper utilization of resources, emphasis is made that monetary policies have to factor in the relationship between money quantity and inflation. Although some inflation is necessary for economic growth, it should consider the living standards of citizens.

Work cited

Leamer, Edward E., 1985. “Vector autoregressions for causal inference?,” Carnegie-Rochester Conference Series on Public Policy, Elsevier, vol. 22(1), pages 255-304, January.

Granger, C W J, 1969. “Investigating Causal Relations by Econometric Models and Cross-Spectral Methods,” Econometric a, Econometric Society, vol. 37(3), pages 424-38, July.

Stanley Fischer, 1993. “The Role of Macroeconomic Factors in Growth,” NBER Working Papers 4565, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

Fischer, Stanley, 1993. “The role of macroeconomic factors in growth,” Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 485-512, December.