Essay on Macroeconomic Economics and Gas Oil - 1212 Words

MACROECONOMIC ANALYSIS Russ Graziano ECON 545 Keller Graduate School of Management April 13, 2014 Introduction The idea Edgar has for opening up four new gas stations is based on a well based argument making it viable as a profitable business venture. The evaluation on the American consumer to accept the high price for gas oil prices forms the first approach towards establishing a business. Gasoil businesses in the world run as cartel where it supply and prices are determined by the few stakeholders in the industry. The stakeholders form an agreement among their competitors on the price, making and, marketing of the product (Fredy, 2010). The cartel though the production affects the GDP†¦show more content†¦Convenience goods are those that are distributed widely and are inexpensive and the gas oil forms one of them (Fredy, 2010). Macroeconomic covers the demographic aspect, as these goods are made available to the population. Demography represents human residents statically (Henry, 2008). Startup capital is a needed by Edgar as he plans to buy the four gas oil station. The fund borrowed from a financial institution will be affected by the interest rate and the financial policies. The monetary policy is a tool used to control the supply of money in the society through affecting the interest rate in the society (Tayor, 2007).The estimates of sales to increase in china and India represents the trade cycles. Business cycles are periodic change in the production and affect the Gross Domestic Product of a country. They cause the GDP to fluctuate and thus an expansion and contraction of the level of economic activities in the country (Tayor, 2007). The business sets itself on time of favorable economic benefits as the bank rates are favoring a business positively. Edgar requires a large capital base to start a business and borrowing from a business organization is paramount. Interest is payable on the loan capital that is taking from such institutions. With a low lending rate, the business organizations enable economic growth as a society can borrow a large sum of money for the investment project. InvestmentShow MoreRelatedMicroeconomics : Principles Of Macroeconomics Essay1385 Words   |  6 PagesMacroeconomics 201 Principles of Macroeconomics Term Paper By Mitchell Wright I decided to write my paper on the economy America during the 1970s. I chose this time period because it seemed to really be a major shifting point in the country. Not only did the economy change drastically with a major recession, exports falling and interests rates sky rocketing, but it also changed the way Americans lived their lives. 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Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, King of the Franks (742

Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, King of the Franks (742-814) Essay Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, King of the Franks (742-814), was a strong leader who unified Western Europe through military power and the blessing of the Church. His belief in the need for education among the Frankish people was to bring about religious, political, and educational reforms that would change the history of Europe. Charlemagne was born in 742 at Aachen, the son of Pepin(or Pippin) the Short and grandson of Charles Martel. His grandfather, Charles, had begun the process of unifying western Europe, in the belief that all people should be Christian. Charlemagnes father, Pepin, continued this process throughout his rule and passed his beliefs on to Charlemagne. All three, in addition to the political unification, believed that the church should be reformed and reorganized under the Pope, which helped their rise to power as the Carolingian Dynasty. (Holmes 74) Upon Pepins death in 768, Charlemagne and his brother, Carloman, each inherited half of the Frankish kingdom. Pepin, in the Merovingian tradition of the time, split his kingdom between his two sons. Three years later Carloman died and Charlemagne took control of the entire kingdom. He inherited great wealth and a powerful army, built by his father and grandfather. Charlemagne used the army and his own skillful planning to more than double the size of the Frankish Kingdom. (Halsall 15) The world of Charlemagne was a heathen one, with many warring tribes or kingdoms. Many of these tribes were conquered by Charlemagne, among them the Aquitanians, the Lombards, the Saxons, the Bretons, the Bavarians, the Huns, and the Danes. The longest of these battles was against the Saxons, lasting thirty-three years. Charlemagne actually defeated them many times, but due to their faithlessness nd their propensity to return to their pagan lifestyle, the Saxons lost many lives in the prolonged battles with the Franks. With each conquest the Frankish kingdom grew, and with growth came additional power and responsibility for Charlemagne. In each area of Europe that was taken over by Charlemagne, he removed the leaders if they would not convert to Christianity and appointed new ones, usually someone with high position in the Church. Those people who refused to convert or be baptized in the church were put to death. Holmes 75) The Church played a vital role in the kingdom of Charlemagne. It gave a sense f stability to Charlemagnes rule, and he in turn provided stability in the Church. The people conquered by Charlemagne, after being converted to Christianity, were taught through the Bible a unified code of right and wrong. It was necessary for the Church to play a role in this education of the people, because only the clergy were educated. (Boussard 92) The Church also guided Charlemagnes hand as a ruler, for he took on many conquests as a necessity to spread the Christian religion throughout Europe. Ganshoff 19) Indeed, it appears that Charlemagnes desire to spread his kingdom and government was ntertwined with his desire to spread the Christian religion and have the people live according to the Word of God. (Ganshoff 25) At the beginning of the Carolingian dynasty the Church was suffering from many problems. Paganistic peoples, a degradation of the Latin language, and the decline of power of the Pope or Papacy all contributed to the need for a leader to bring about reformation. Charles Martel, Pepin, and ultimately Charlemagne all took as their personal responsibility the reorganization of the Church. Each one, as king of the Franks, saw it his duty to better the state of his hurches. (Ganshoff 205) Charlemagne, through the monasteries and ultimately the Palace School, required all priests to learn classic Latin. His purpose was to insure that church services were always conducted in the proper form, with correct pronunciation and grammar. The education of the priests also served to provide Charlemagne with a growing number of educated people for his administration, and gave his kingdom a unified written language that could be passed on throughout all of Western Europe. What is the analogy between the city and the soul in Plato’s republic? EssayHe accomplished many goals that would set the stage for the growth of Medieval Europe. Charlemagne took measures aimed at stabilizing the coinage of the day, regulating the amounts of silver and gold to be contained in each. (Boussard 24) After the fifth century, coins had been minted by any number of coiners, and the value of each varied greatly. The reforms of Pepin and Charlemagne saw to the regulation of the amount of precious metals in each coin, as well as the monogram of the king to be embossed on each. These actions gave the idea that money was publicly guaranteed and controlled by one source, instead of many. (Boussard 32) Charlemagne also unified the laws of his kingdom based on the laws of the church. He set standards for administering justice, codified marriage and divorce laws, and gave rights to all men founded in the word of God. There were exceptions, however. People of privilege: ranking officials in the political, juridical, or religious communities were accorded special protection by the king, and had the ability to have their court cases heard in the palace court. Ganshof 93) Outside of the palace, Counts, or the individual heads of states, conducted court to settle civil differences. Interpretation of the law was varied, as each man was able to read his own version of truth. Also, the adage power orrupts was prevalent in the days of Charlemagne. To combat corruption or the misinterpretation of laws, Charlemagne created the missi dominici, or royal commissioners to inspect and inquire into the judgments of the local courts. (Ganshof 93) Charlemagne had a profound effect on the art and architecture of Western Europe. His effect was not new thought, but merely a resurgence of ancient Roman tradition. He commissioned great chapels for the monasteries, providing space to worship for many people at one time. The early constructions were mostly of wood; a material familiar to the nomadic people of the time. The need for ecurity and longevity necessitated a return to stone construction, so the Roman style of temples, monuments, gardens and arches was resurrected. (Boussard 160) Aesthetic decoration also played an important part of architecture during the Carolingian empire. Mosaics, gilding, marble, carvings of ivory, and paintings adorned these new, marvelous structures. Precious gems, gold, and silver were used throughout the churches. Frescos, terra-cotta, and plaster were used to provide background for the walls and pillars of churches and monuments. (Boussard 169) All of these arts were not, however, original. The people of Charlemagnes time were merely adapting Germanic habits and tradition with the rediscovery of Roman tradition, Byzantine art and oriental innovation. Boussard 157) Charlemagne was a enlightened leader who restored the roots of education and order Medieval Europe. His reconstruction of the power of the Pope, the growth of the monasteries in particular those given to the education of priests and general population, and revival of art and architecture was to set the stage for the development of Western Civilization as we know it today. Laws, traditions, and teachings were carried on by the descendants of the Carolingians in their ords and actions, leaving a precedent for the actions of civilization for hundreds of years to come. Charlemagne, a king wiser than any other of his time, was a determined and forceful leader who let nothing stop him once he had begun a task. (Halsall 8) *note One reference not cited in this text portrayed Charlemagne as a gluttonous and superstitious semiliterate with a propensity for brutality. As there were no other documentations to this effect, these opinions were not brought to light in the text. Due to the source (Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia), however, I thought it insightful to include this information at the end of the piece.

Is Justice Truly Blind Essays - Drug Policy Of The United States

Is Justice Truly Blind We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal. Thomas Jefferson wrote these immortal words in the Declaration of Independence in 1776. One has the right to impose the question Are we truly equal? simply by taking a look at American society. Presently, the United States is a country in which thirty-three percent of the male ages eighteen to thirty years old of African decent are in jail, on probation or parole. This is an exceptionally high statistic in comparison to their white counterparts. Some people argue that those statistics reflect high rate of crime, which is prevalent in African-American communities. Specifically the areas of concern are impoverished. The rate of unemployment is higher than the national average. The average income is considerably lower; this leads to a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. In the nineteen eighties unemployment was high and so was inflation, crack became a channel of escape. Powder cocaine, whose usage also gave ris e in the eighties was fashionable in upscale Caucasian neighborhoods and was viewed as glamorous and clean. Just as there is, a difference in the form of a drug that is preferred between the two ethnic groups so is the severity of justice that is meted out. Federal law requires a mandatory sentence of five years for the possession of five grams of crack. To receive the same sentence for cocaine powder form, one must be apprehended in possession of five hundred grams. These disproportionate statistics leads to the notion of the existence of a bias in the justice system to keep the public unequal. If a bias exists why isn't it publicized? This question is valid question with an easy answer. If you, a member of the public are also a member of the white majority, you will not be affected by these biases. Since 1995, discrimination in the court system has become easier to notice. This partially stems from the fact that minorities in general have a history of being unable to afford adequate council. Two examples of these discrimination cases are those of Marvin Green (who barely had a traffic violation) and a young man by the name of Christopher Armstrong. In the first case, Green was the passenger in a car that had been stopped by police. The driver of the car abandoned Green leaving him to take the blame for five grams of cocaine that were found in the car. Facing up to forty years in the federal penitentiary, Green with his family's aid was able to hire a respectable attorney and beat an absurd charge. He was reported to have become the first black acquitted of any crime in the Kansas Federal Courts jurisdiction. The Armstrong case argued that although Armstrong and his co-defendants were not angels by any means, they were selected for federal prosecution because they were black and no other reason. This came during a period of time when the only defendants of federal narcotics charges in California Federal Courts had been minorities. At the same time drug abuse had been relatively parallel in white communities. Policing of the nation's streets is commendable; abusing the power that comes along with it is not. Local prosecutors claim that the high arrest rates are higher in black communities because of a reported lack of secrecy or a so-called open air drug market. Despite the general public's belief, minority convictions relate directly to the fact that they are usually poorly represented by underpaid, understaffed and overworked public defenders. Recent studies have shown that while drug use by whites is at about the same rate as blacks, blacks are five times more likely to be arrested. These alarming rates should call the nation's attention to an obvious bias. No matter what is done there must be a change in how law enforcement handles the delicate race card. These statistics show that America's War on drugs is merely a race war incognito. Do white judges ever consider why there are so many black defendants in criminal cases? Do white judges ever wonder why so few black lawyers appear before them? Do they ever inquire about the history of bar associations that used to exclude Jews and

Definition and Examples of Division in Rhetoric

Definition and Examples of Division in Rhetoric In classical rhetoric, division is the part of a speech in which an orator outlines the key points and overall structure of the speech. Also known in Latin as the divisio or partitio, and in English as the partition. The etymology originates from  the Latin, divide. Observations of the Term The partition is of two parts: the speaker can state the material on which there is agreement with the opponent and what remains in dispute, or can list the points to be proved. In the latter event it is important to be brief, complete, and concise. Cicero notes that there are additional rules for partition in philosophy that are not relevant here.(George Kennedy, Classical Rhetoric and Its Christian and Secular Tradition, 2nd ed. University of North Carolina Press, 1999)The Latin term divisio is related to partitio, but indicates that the main heads of the argument are prepared in view of the opposing position. The author of  Rhetorica ad Herrenium describes the divisio as having two parts. The first contains the points of agreement and disagreement between litigants arising out of the narrative. This is followed by a distribution, which is made up of two parts: the enumeration and the exposition. The enumeration involves telling how many points one will make. The exposition is th e giving of the points to be discussed. No more than three points are recommended. Cicero (Inv. 1.31) indicates that the partitio can take two forms: points of agreement and disagreement with a stated problem, or the matters which we intend to discuss are briefly set forth in a mechanical way. In theory, partitio heads should be explicit but in actual speeches this is the exception rather than the rule. Commonly the partitio is much less obvious (at least to modern readers).(Fredrick J. Long, Ancient Rhetoric and Pauls Apology. Cambridge University Press, 2004) An Example of Division/Partitio So you can see what the situation is; and now you must decide yourselves what is to be done. It seems to me best first to discuss the character of the war, then its scale, and finally the choice of a commander.(Cicero, De Imperio Cn. Pompei. Cicero: Political Speeches, trans. by D.H. Berry. Oxford University Press, 2006) Quintilian on Partitio [A]lthough partition is neither always necessary nor useful, it will, if judiciously employed, greatly add to the lucidity and grace of our speech. For it not only makes our arguments clearer by isolating the points from the crowd in which they would otherwise be lost and placing them before the eyes of the judge, but relieves his attention by assigning a definite limit to certain parts of our speech, just as our fatigue upon a journey is relieved by reading the distances on the milestones which we pass. For it is a pleasure to be able to measure how much of our task has been accomplished, and the knowledge of what remains to do stimulates us to fresh effort over the labour that still awaits us. For nothing need seem long, when it is definitely known how far it is to the end.(Quintilian, Institutes of Oratory, 95 AD, translated by H.E. Butler)

Steel office building Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Steel office building - Essay Example As a result, world’s tallest buildings have extensively applied steel to prop up their colossal mass which had been an engineering test. Today, steel is regarded as useful in gargantuan structures in the future like the Tokyo megacity. Steel also has a high strength to weight ratio (Madsen 2005). Compared to other building materials, steel has an ideal strength to weight ratio and its light weight makes it effortlessly moved and directed which translates to reliable constructability. In addition, Reinforced concrete has a shorter floor-to-floor height by about 2 feet per floor compared to steel (Freed 2011). Steel as a building material resists rust and atmospheric corrosion making it reasonably less vulnerable (Freed 2011). When buildings are made using corrosive metals, they weaken gradually and collapse catastrophically. For this reason, steel, a non-corrosive metal, offers permanent structure (Madsen 2005). The construction of permanent structures using steel is due to being non-reactive to oxygen or other components in the atmosphere. In addition, steel does not drench in water even when bare and this means that steel does not rot (Freed 2011). While some building materials like wood have trouble cutting into precise shapes and sizes during manufacturing Madsen (2005) reveals that steel can easily be manufactured into the right shapes and sizes under the guidance of structure specifications. Madsen (2005) points out that reinforced concrete also has numerous design possibilities given that concrete takes form and provides unique aesthetics. As a result, no extra work is needed to shape steel building materials at the construction site . When used in construction, steel is recyclable and reusable which makes it sustainable especially in constructions where building wastes landfill and waste management are problematic. Through the reduction of building waste, steel building materials

Starbucks. PESTLE and Porter five force analyses Assignment

Starbucks. PESTLE and Porter five force analyses - Assignment Example It sells both cold and hot drinks, salads, sandwiches, snacks, pastries, coffee beans, and also other items like mugs, tumblers, etc. The revenue generated by the company in the year 2012 is $13.29 billion, and the operating income is $1.99 billion. The total number of employees is 149,000 till 2011. Starbucks was also the first to introduce the system of Starbucks Express. Through this system Starbucks can order online, so that when they visit the store their order would be ready for them and they would not have to wait. Even a Starbucks Card Apps was introduced for the iPhones and Android users to make payments online. This study aims at discussing the market environment of Starbucks through the strategic tools such as PESTLE and Porter five force analyses. An evaluation of the critical success factors would also be helpful in assessing the business environment further. In the next section the strategic analysis would be further done in details by identifying the strengths and weak nesses, resources, core competencies and the value chain of Starbucks. Finally the strategic fitness of Starbucks would ascertain the sustainability of the company.PESTEL is the macro environmental analysis tool, which is used for scrutinizing the political, economical, social, technological, legal and environmental factors. In this study the in-depth PESTLE analysis of UK would assist in understanding the business environment of Starbucks.... The present prime minister of UK is David Cameron, who has taken several initiatives in dealing with the ongoing recession and for diminishing the fiscal deficit of the country. Economical Factors Due to the economic slowdown and a decline of 0.8 percent in the growth rate, the rate of job cuts is also increasing in UK. The rate of unemployment was recorded to be 8.1 percent in 2011, and expectation of an increasing unemployment rate was high. It has been projected that by 2012, the unemployment rate would be 8.3 percent, which is the highest in 16 years. So it can be said that the economic conditions would also affect the customers who visited coffee shops and restaurants because the purchasing power of people has decreased. Social Factors The government of the country has to face many challenges for maintaining the stages of public services on recommendation. Since the budget deficits, slowing economic condition and other economic issues, so the authorities were not in a condition to maintain the level of expenditure on the projects associated with social welfare. (Marketline, 2012a, p. 4). In UK people prefer to have coffee more than tea, so though economic conditions are adverse, but people would not change their preference for coffee, which would also benefit Starbucks. Technological Factors UK has the second largest aerospace after US. The manufacturing sector of the country supports about 276,000 employees. The government of UK has also stated that the level of knowledge in science and innovation has increased in the country by 1.9 percent in the year 2004, and it is expected to rise to 2.5 percent by 2014. Even coffee shops in the country are technologically well equipped. It can be understood by

Starbucks Pricing and Promotion Strategies

Starbucks Pricing and Promotion Strategies Starbucks has always been the venue one would receive the best coffees. However, in the 1970s, one had to travel all the way to their one and only store in Seattle Historic Pike Place Market. The name Starbucks rose from the classic American novel, Herman Melvilles Moby Dick. Thanks to Howard Schultz, Starbucks eventually expanded out of Seattle in the 1990s. First to the United States and eventually out to the rest of the world. Now, Starbucks has more than 9000 locations in over 30 countries. Not only that, Starbucks now serves espresso, lattes, Frappucino and many other interesting beverages. MARKET TARGETING Starbucks initially targeted young college students, social classes, and neighborhoods that would be ready to the idea of buying a $6 coffee and spending time with friends at their stores. With rapid growth and expansion, Starbucks target market expanded rapidly to include every individual of every age. In the foreign countries, they began targeting small towns, rural communities, ethnic neighborhoods, highway rest stops, etc. In Singapore, Starbucks started their target from the office workers who would need a good coffee while in a rushing to work. Following that, practically every individual of every age became their target. However, in Singapore, we still can see that only those very sociable, well-aware of good coffee and young tend to hang-out at Starbucks. We rarely see the elderly or a family sitting in Starbucks for coffee. Starbucks marketing strategy involved positioning its outlets as a place where consumers can spend time other than their home or work. Each of its stores was made as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Not only that, they tried to make it accessible and readily available where most people go to relax. For example, shopping malls, where most friends choose to hang-out especially the ladies. And, ladies as we all know, are very sophisticated people who would like everything good and of top-class qualityThe coffee giant achieved the comforts through comfortable furniture and relaxing music. Over the past several years, Starbucks also included offerings such as wireless internet, handicapped access, complimentary books, and common areas for collaboration. While Starbucks stores are positioned as locations where customers can spend time in a comfortable setting, their product lines are positioned at the higher end in regards to prices and quality. PRICING STRATEGIES Starbucks products are priced higher than most other brand coffees due to the image its brand carries. However, they knew just how to put a higher price and yet get their targeted market to buy their coffees without thinking twice. Starbucks began to offer $1 bottomless 8 oz. cup of coffee, with unlimited refills that cost approximately 50 cents less than any other Starbucks products. They also implemented value strategies that emphasized more on inexpensive products rather than being perceived as unaffordable to price-skittish consumers. For example, the introduction of the $3.95 breakfast pairings, including popular breakfast items paired with a coffee, and highlights $2 brewed coffees instead of the more expensive specialty drinks. When quality becomes the desire of the target market, then pricing is no longer much of an issue. That is somewhat the case for Starbucks. They have created such an experience the Starbucks experience that most of their customers go back to them for their coffees because of the ambience, comfort and their great coffee, even if they could get an almost similar coffee for half the price at some other coffee outlet. PROMOTIONAL STRATEGIES Starbucks has implemented numerous promotions to reach its targeted market. One of the promotions that Starbucks has used is the Starbucks Card. Starbucks Card is a technique that gives customers the opportunity to promote Starbuckss products through a referral system. When a customer purchases a gift card, it not only shows brand loyalty, but it also provides the company with free advertising, and brings in new customers. Starbucks also provides a card for corporate sales, which are used for extrinsic rewards to show employee appreciation for a job well done, or a gift to a client. Another promotional implementation is that they deliver coffees to offices or work places without any coffee size restrictions. There are very few or rare coffee outlets that are willing to deliver without placing any conditions or restrictions. Thirdly, they appeal to a diverse customer base by offering international teas and coffees to accommodate those customers that want a taste from home or for locals that enjoy tea. Lastly, using the aid of performing a good deed as a means for promotion Starbucks contributes to several non-profit organizations as a way to improve brand image and awareness in local communities. DISTRIBUTIONAL CHANNELS Starbucks formed some business alliances with certain organizations to further promote its brand. One of these alliances formed was Barnes Noble Bookstores in the year 1993. Both companies were able to promote their brand and at the same time improve their image. Starbucks also formed alliances with United Airlines in 1996 and now, their coffees are served on the United Airlines. Not only that, Starbucks has made alliances with many other organizations through which, it has improved its branding, sales and image. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS Starbucks should continue to carry their rare and unique variety of food and drink products. New and different combinations should be introduced frequently and the products that deliver the best results should be retained and added to the permanent menu. The line of personal equipment products by Starbucks can be extended and offered at the retail level or on the companys web site. Starbucks could introduce a line of premium fruit drinks. Starbucks could re-design its outlets at the more popular places to be larger and cozy at the same time. They could change the size of the outlet thats most popular to hold at least double the number of customers their normal outlets do. These new designs should incorporate a comfortable feel for the customer and encourage large gatherings. In the targeted areas, the new store should be able to accommodate a small conference of up to 15 people. Ultimately, what they should achieve is the ability to host business meetings, book signings and much more. Thirdly, customers can be rewarded with free cups of coffee for accumulating a certain amount of points on their Starbucks card and coupons could be issued. Another recommendation is that television commercials be shown creating a distinct difference between Starbucks and their closest competitors. The point must be driven that premium coffee shipped from around the world cannot be substituted by others. Starbucks could also sponsor events that are in line with the interests of customers who purchase premium products. This would include sponsoring professional golfing events, college games, the arts and business conventions. College students, young professional adults and those with more disposable income should be targeted. CONCLUSION In conclusion, Starbucks has made quite a benchmark in its coffee business through thoughtful marketing strategies. Despite not being very upfront in terms of its service, they still are a brand that is not comparable with any other coffee brand. This is because, the ambience and atmosphere that one finds in a Starbucks outlet is rarely found in any other coffee outlet. Not only that, their extensive and unique coffee is another very attractive marketing strategy.