General business free essay sample

1. Small business marketing involves a number of activities, including 2.A firms marketing mix consists of ____ activities. 3.Traditionally, marketing philosophies have been categorized as 4.U.S. businesses have recently shifted their focus toward a ____ orientation. 5.A firms marketing philosophy determines how strategic marketing activities are used to achieve 6.In recent years, the emphasis in U.S. businesses has been on 7.The ____ marketing philosophy is the preferred approach for all businesses. 8. The decision to produce flavored spring water ice cubes in response to requests from its customers reflects Norway Ice Company’s ____ marketing philosophy. 9.Koldpak has focused principally on the development of revolutionary new ways of containerizing fresh 10.Adopting a consumer-oriented marketing philosophy is most consistent with 11. Max chose to operate his production studio as a sole proprietorship even though his attorney cautioned that he was 12.Which legal form allows owners to contribute no capital but still play a part in managing the business and share in its profits? 13.Which group best defines a partnership? 14.Upon the death of the majority stockholder in a corporation, direct control may pass to 15.What legal form has the smallest percentage of new businesses? 16.Any person capable of ____ may legally become a business partner. 17.Some of the benefits of a partnership form of business include the following except 18.Which suggestion for forming a partnership would have been the most useful for Richard Rhodes’ situation as discussed in the opening Spotlight of the chapter? 19.The legal document that spells out the partners’ rights and duties is called the 20.A key characteristic of a partnership is that each partner 21. Which statement is true about location decisions? 22.A good reason for relocating a typical manufacturing business is to 23. Site-related factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting a retail location include 24.For small service or retail businesses, the top priority in location decisions is 25.Basic considerations that enter into the selection of a location for a manufacturing business normally include 26.An advantage for choosing a hometown as a location for a new business venture include the fact that 27.Which reason is not a potential advantage of establishing a small business in ones home community? 28.Which statement is true concerning business environment conditions for a new business? 29. A nonfamily employee of a family business is concerned about competing with family members for future career opportunities. To protect her personal interests, the nonfamily employee should 30.Which item is not an advantage of a family-owned business? 31.Which family characteristic may be in conflict with a business? 32.A(n) _____ commitment may motivate a person to go â€Å"beyond the call of duty† to protect or extend personal financial interests in the company. 33.A benefit of a strong family relationships is the greater willingness of family members to 34.The three activities that explain the cash inflows and outflows of a business are the selling, investment and financing activities. 35.Liquidity represents the degree to which a firm can meet maturing short-term debt obligations with available working capital. 36.The balance sheet and income statement are separate reports, but actually 37.For MacKenzie and John to understand how their company, The Lemonade Kids, performed during 2011, they must know the firm’s financial position at 38.Fixed assets include 39.Working capital includes all the following except 40. For investment purposes, a manager needing a snapshot of the firm’s financial position at a specific point in time would look at the

Atticus FInch Character Analysis Essay Example

Atticus FInch Character Analysis Essay Example Atticus FInch Character Analysis Paper Atticus FInch Character Analysis Paper Only Man Of His Kind The main characters in Harper Lees To Kill A Mockingbird are Scout and Jem but their father Atticus finch is the character the reader should care about the most. Atticus is a great father in many ways, he is loyal, he teaches his children by example and he always does what is right. Because of his age, he has lived through many experiences that have taught him great life lessons that he teaches to his children to help them make the right decisions. The definition of loyalty is: a feeling or attitude of devoted attachment and affection. Jem and Scout are very loyal to their father, they efend him when necessary and they obey every command he gives them. Even after their mother died of a heart attack, Atticus did not give up on his responsibilities in life. He kept up with his Job as a lawyer, he kept up with his bills, groceries, etc, he kept up with everything that was necessary as a single parent. One day Jem and Scout were home alone and wanted to build a snowman but there wasnt enough snow so they dug up some of the yard and molded one out of mud. When Atticus returned home, Jem thought he would be furious but instead, he was impressed with Jems creativity: l didnt know how you were going to do it, but from now on Ill never worry about whatll become of you, son, youll always have an idea (67). Atticus also teaches Jem and Scout to not let what others affect them- mfou Just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anyone says to you, dont let em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change its a good one, even if it does resist learning (76). He is teaches his children that theres always someone that will be Judging you and that you have to keep your head held high and to not stoop down to their level. Walk away and be the bigger person. No matter what obstacles appeared in his life, he always found ways to overcome them and do what was best for his children. Life lessons are probably the most important things that Atticus teaches his children. He teaches them that they are always good enough no matter what anyone tells them. When Atticus sister otherwise known as Aunt Alexandra comes into town, she tries to change scout into less of a tomboy and more of a lady: He said there were already enough sunbeams in the family and to go about my business, he didnt mind me much the way I was(86). Atticus says that Scout is Just ine the way she is and he doesnt want what Aunt Alexandra says to affect the way Scout feels about herself. He also teaches them to always keep your head up and to not let what others say affect you. Mrs. Dubose is a mean woman that doesnt agree with some of Atticus choices and she is always rude and Judgemental to Atticus, Jem and Scout but everyday Atticus decides to be the bigger person: When the three of us came to the house, Atticus would sweep off his hat, wave gallantly to her and say, Good evening, Mrs. Dubose! You look like a picture this evening. I never heard Atticus say like a picture of what. He would tell her the courthouse news, and would say he hoped with all his heart shed have a good day tomorrow. He would return his hat to his head, swing me to his shoulders in her very presence, and we would go home in the twilight. It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived(95). This and it will always make you look better. The most valuable characteristic that applies to Atticus Finch is that he always does what is right. Atticus believes that you must take a step in someone elses shoes before you Judge them- mfou never really nderstand a person until you consider things from his point of view; until you climb into his skin and walk around in it (30). Everyone has their own personal issues in their life, and no one has the right to Judge them based on whats on the outside. Atticus believes that is the right thing to do in every situation. Another thing that Atticus believes is the right thing to do is to never hit his children: Atticus aint ever whipped me since I can remember and I wanta keep it that way (90). Around the time period that To Kill a Mockingbird was written, it was very common for parents to hit their children when they misbehaved. Atticus believed that that was an unfair, useless punishment and used different discipline methods instead. The main reason that Atticus Finch is considered a person that always does what is right no matter what is the fact that he stood up for Tom Robinson, a black man that was accused of raping a white female: And Tom Robinson now sits before you having taken the oath with the only good hand he possesses his RIGHT. I have nothing but pity in my heart for the chief witness for the State. She is the victim of cruel poverty and ignorance. But my pity does not extend so far as to her putting a mans life at stake, hich she has done in an effort to get rid of her own guilt(204). No matter what the situation is, Atticus always does what is right and stands up for others and puts other peoples needs in front of his own. Because Atticus is such an amazing person in Maycomb, he is well known and is respected by many. Although, there are some people that have no respect such as Mayella Ewells husband Bob Ewell: Jem see if you can stand in Bob Ewells shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, thats something Ill gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and Id rather it be me than that household full of children out there(231). Bob is upset with Atticus because he stood up for Tom Robinson, the man that supposedly raped his wife. Throughout the whole book, Atticus always respects people that respect him and he always puts their needs ahead of his as well as not following the people of Maycomb by respecting negros and treating them all equally, making Atticus Finch an overall amazing character in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Authentic Journey Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Authentic Journey Report - Essay Example The core objective of the report is to present an analysis of my authentic leadership journey from my early childhood to date. The report illustrates on how a good number of leaders fall short in performance in their leadership position. The report also talks about how I developed the basic authentic leader qualities. The research included in this report demonstrated the important of value, self awareness, and motivations as the main models relevant for an authentic leader. The report has also analyzed some of the prevailing leadership theory. Those included in the report are the authentic leader theory and the charismatic leader theory. It has presented some critics in the discussed leadership theory. The report has concluded by analyzing my achievement as an authentic leader. In this section, the report has illustrated on the achievement I have acquired so far as an authentic leader. It has also talked about the shortcomings in my position as an authentic leader. Recommendation of the areas which requires improvement is addressed in the recommendation section. The report has suggested five main means of improving my characteristic as authentic leaders. The five main methods include; demonstration of leadership sight, demonstration of leadership initiative, important of leaders impacts to the subjects, and the need for leadership integrity. Introduction Background Over a few decades ago, there has emerged a new theory in management studies. The theory is labeled authentic leadership. Various authors claim that the principal components of authentic leadership are such as moral perspective, self-awareness and relational transparency. Self-certainty and self-knowledge are significant ingredients to the success of an authentic leader (Shamir and Eilam, 2005). The two attributes improves an individual communication skills which are essential components to an authentic leader. In addition to that, it has been contended that leaders who are authentic are always true to themselves and act according to their beliefs for purposes of achieving a common good (Levy & Bentley 2007). However, the above definition fails to acknowledge the fact that, just like authenticity, truth is a concept that is contestable. Thus, it is important to acknowledge what authentic leadership really means. Authentic leadership is founded on the belief that a confident and resolute stance in an individual action and speech is a crucial indicator of a powerful (strong) leadership. On the contrary, theories revolving around leadership such as self are never recognized as neutral. This is because they are often experienced within the systems of authority. Therefore, authentic leadership is perceived to be an example of a privileged discourse that has its roots from a self-worth belief that is intrinsic in nature. For instance, in the western societies, a variety of leadership are more acknowledged than others. In that case, an individual that is self made is conceived as the epitome of the mighty and successful leader. It is often common to read about a person who had the capability to succeed through absolute wheel power. Nevertheless, each and every single individual needs moral support or motivation from others for purposes of achieving his or her goals. In addition to that, the success of a leader is always weighed depending on how well he or she has attained corporate goals (Arendt 1958). However, since actions are unpredictable in nature, an individual cannot have the

Work life balance is increasingly used as a strategy to attract and Essay

Work life balance is increasingly used as a strategy to attract and retain employees. Argue the business case for and against implementing Work Life Balance initiatives - Essay Example This is where work-life balance steps in. Work life balance has many facets. Wood describes this as the adjustments that need to be made to ‘working patterns’ in order to allow people to manage other facets of their lives along with the work (2001). Furthermore, the same term is used by other experts to denote the difficulties or the problems that arise in the efforts to carry work life and personal life simultaneously. The ideal, actually, is to achieve a balance between the two. This balance should be unique for every individual as the work priorities and personal priorities of everyone are unique to him or her. However, companies offer a standard set of programs that fall in the work life balance initiative which may or may not satisfy an individual. Therein lies the dilemma that upends this balance and raises the question: is work life balance important after all? This is discussed in detail in this paper. The emergence of this concept has been resulted from a variety of factors which are described by Tausig and Fenwick: â€Å"The notion of a perceived time bind between work and family/personal life (an implied imbalance between them) stems from the changing nature of work and families—e.g., longer work hours, the proliferation of non-standard work schedules, flexible schedules, part time work, increased participation of women in the labor force and the increasing number of â€Å"non-traditional† families.† Having taken a look at the need for this balance, lets take a look at the pros and cons. Companies that offer work life balance are able to attract a growing pool of men and women who are actively seeking a balance in their work and personal lives. This is manifested through a range of work life balance initiatives that come in many forms and offer something to every age group and gender including work that is part time, telecom-enabled or adjusted working days. Furthermore, many companies now make a block

Death in Cross Cultural Perspectives Essay Example for Free

Death in Cross Cultural Perspectives Essay There are different mourning ceremonies, traditions, and behaviors to express grief, but the concept of permanent loss remains unchanged in cross cultural setting. With this paper I will identify cross-cultural perspectives on death and dying, and will analyze multiple beliefs relating to death phenomenon. Furthermore I will identify different cultural mourning ceremonies and will analyze their impact on grieving process and coping mechanisms. Death is a universal phenomenon, but individual responses to death vary widely from culture to culture. In effort to explain the concept of death, many different cultures bring a significant symbolic meaning to the dying process in terms of rituals, ceremonies, and bereavement practices. Grieving and funeral rituals vary greatly across cultures and, in most cases, are associated with religious practices and beliefs. People tend to look at the death phenomena through the scope of their religious beliefs and often relate their personal experiences with death to cultural norms and traditions. Our culture affects the length of grieving process, mourning ceremonies, and even influence the way we cry during funerals. The mystery of death is often associated with fear and anxiety, thus it is easier for people to relate indefinite death concept to something that makes sense and brings comfort. Death in Latino culture According to Lobar, Youngblut and Brooten (2006), Latino death rituals are heavily influenced by religion, especially Catholicism, which underlines an importance of connection between the living and a deceased person, through prayer. Death is not something the majority of Hispanics fear, because many of them perceive death as a journey. The dying process is closely related to religious practices, such as prayers, hearing the confession of the dying, communion, and a blessing. Ongoing support is essential element of dying and grieving process, and in this particular culture it is unacceptable to let people die alone. The loyalty to a dying person and care that ill person receives during the last journey is very prominent in Latino culture. Death concept in Hispanic culture is closely related to family obligations, which is evident by the care that Hispanic family renders to a dying person during last moments. After death occurs, the family still prefers to stay with the body during burial preparation to pray and to watch over the body. Prior funeral a wake is held, which is a very social event where an extended family has a chance to get together, serve food and drinks, and enjoy each others’ company. Candles and flowers are essential decorating attributes of wakes and funerals. A funeral follows a wake, and during funeral family has a chance to say last goodbyes to their loved one. Emotional expression of grief is important attribute of Latino cultures which is often evident during funeral ceremonies where women cry loudly and use their body language openly. It is not unusual to put personal items into the casket with the person who has passed away for their journey in the afterlife, which also serves as an example of a finial gift from a family (Lobar, Youngblut Brooten, 2006). Burial follow a funeral, because majority of Hispanics oppose cremation, which is also related to their religious beliefs and importance of placing a body in the ground. Most Hispanics believe that someday the dead will arise and return to life, which significantly influences their burial preferences. It is crucial for Hispanics to be buried next to other family members to keep them company and to arise together someday (Lobar, Youngblut Brooten, 2006). Spiritual connection with the dead is also one of the important elements of Latino culture, which is demonstrated by frequent gravesite visits and praying to spirits. Death is always associated with separation, which leads to sorrow, and grief; however cultural perceptions and beliefs help to look at death from a different perspective and perceive death as a natural state that can be approached with love, respect, dignity, and tremendous family support. Latino culture supports their dying people during the last journey, and believes in afterlife, which gives them hope and helps to overcome unbearable grief of permanent loss. Death rituals in Africa African culture demonstrates a strong connection with deceased person, and believes that only a correct burial will bring a dead person peace. People n Africa strongly believe in spiritual life, thus their main goal during burial ceremonies is to address a spirit of a deceased person. An African funeral begins with removal of the body from home, which is done through a previously made hole in the wall of the home. Africans remove a dead body through the hole, instead of a door, to confuse a spirit and m ake sure that a spirit of a deceased person will not return back home, as a hole in the wall is immediately closed after removal of the body. In effort to confuse a spirit even more, they place thorns and sticks in a zigzag pattern along the way as body being taken to the place of burial. Blackely et al, 1994). In the religions of Africa, life does not end with death and people tend to believe in power of the dead, thus many families often pray to spirits and ask them not to come back and cause any trouble. Death is perceived as the beginning of connection with visible and invisible worlds. One of the funeral rituals include special preparation of a home, such as smearing windows with ashes and turning pictures and other reflective objects face down to ensure that deceased person is detached from a living, and to promote smooth transition into different world. The beds are usually removed from deceased’s bedroom and mourning women sit on a floor or a mattress. According to African culture, if correct funeral is not observed, a dead person may come back and bother the living. The funeral preparation takes approximately from seven to thirteen days, which gives the community members a chance to visit and give the last respect to a deceased (Mbiti, 1969). The funeral ceremony usually begins before the sunrise, because people believe that bad spirits usually sleep early in the morning. The pastoral care during funeral preparation is very important for comfort and encouragement. According to Blackely et al (1994), African funerals simultaneously mourn for the dead and celebrate life. An animal is usually killed during funerals to avoid bad luck, but it also has a practical purpose, such as providing food for family and neighbors. In many communities women and unmarried adults are not allowed to attend funerals, as well as close family members are not allowed to speak or take any vocal part in the funeral ceremony. The community involvement during African funerals is a great example of psychosocial and emotional support during mourning process, which draws people together and promotes healthy grief. Jewish rituals There are many different beliefs in Judaism, thus funeral rituals and ceremonies vary greatly. According to Jewish laws, practices, and beliefs, a soul returns to heaven immediately after death, thus the body has to be buried as soon as possible, usually within 24 to 48 hours (Lobar, Youngblut Brooten, 2006). Mourners show their grief by wearing a black ribbon and by performing only minimal grooming and bathing. Mirrors or other reflective objects may be covered and family remains with a deceased and talks about a deceased. Prayers, citations of Psalms and learned passages from the Talmud are essential elements of the Jewish funerals (Ribner, 1998). According to Clements et al (2003), a body should be treated with respect due to belief that it is a temple of a soul. There is a special ritual of body preparation, where women prepare a female body and men are responsible for preparing a male body. All jewelry must be removed from the body, and the body is washed twice, and is treated almost if it was still alive. The prepared body is laid on the floor with candles around it, and the body is never left alone. There is no embalming and the body is clothed or wrapped and put into wooden coffin, so the body and the box can return entirely to earth. Traditional Jewish funerals are symbolic representations of spiritual connection with God. The funeral ceremonies are based on purity, simplicity and dignity. According to Jewish tradition, wealthy and poor are equal before God, thus the body must be buried in the same type of garment regardless of financial and social status. According to Jewish religion, death is only a part of a process, and after death a soul continues on. Jewish people believe in afterlife, which gives them hope and helps to deal with grief. The importance of family is recognized throughout Jewish mourning ceremonies, which value family privacy during first seven days of mourning process, where close family gets together and have a meal of condolence that include eggs and bread. According to the belief, eggs symbolize life, which is a great example of attitude towards death and strong belief in afterlife (Madsen, 1999). Cross cultural perspective Death is a universal phenomenon, but funerals ceremonies and rituals vary greatly across cultures and religions. Many cultural groups carry their own beliefs and perceptions, which help them with the grieving process and adaptations strategies. Death carries a feeling of a permanent loss, which is very difficult for people to accept. According to Kastenbaum (2007), bereavement is a universal experience, which carries many painful responses, including depression, distress, fear, and misery. Our inner state feelings are universal, however or external expressions are different. Our culture and religious beliefs are essential elements of adaptation strategies and coping techniques. Believing in afterlife in Christianity, Judaism, and many other religious groups gives people hope, helps to alleviate grief, and promotes healthy adaptation process. Strong extended family support during mourning process helps to share unbearable grief among family members and serves as an excellent source of encouragement. Strong community involvement is extremely beneficial during bereavement, which helps to take care of financial struggles and provides psychosocial support. Cross cultural rituals help people express their grief according to their beliefs. Almost every funeral ceremony is family oriented, which is designed to bring extended family together, to celebrate life, and to set the background for healthy grief. There are many similarities and differences in beliefs and practices on death and dying. But for many cultures and religious groups a funeral is a final act of love, respect, devotion, and family gathering.

Servant Leadership Benefits Both Organizationas and Employees Essay

In the traditional view of leadership, service is the job of the follower. However, servant leadership puts the leader at service. In servant leadership, the leader focuses on servicing their followers; they empathize, nurture, and provide attention so that the followers can develop their full personal capacities (Northouse, 2013). Spears (2002) identified 10 servant leader characteristics: Listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, and commitment to the growth of people. Listening involves the interactive process of communication between leaders and followers (Northouse, 2013). In the traditional world of leadership, we think of leaders as instructing, ordering, or ruling. In servant leadership, leaders listen first to understand and acknowledge their followers. Empathy is the ability to put ourselves in someone else’s position and see where they are coming from. This makes the follower feel unique and validated (Northouse, 2013).Healing does not involve mystical powers, however it does involve offering support to followers by overcoming their personal problems and caring about their well-being (Northouse, 2013). Awareness is similar to emotional intelligence in that it includes the understanding of oneself and the impact one has on others through being attune and receptive to one’s physical, social, and political environments (Northouse, 2013). Persuasion, not coercion, is a servant leadership quality. Persuasion involves the use of gentle non judgmental argument, not force-like coercion (Northouse, 2013). Conceptualization and foresight are similar in that they both require a looking into the future. Conceptualization is visualization to help prepare for complex organiza... ...eir followers can result in ethical and efficient leadership.â€Å"When individuals engage in servant leadership, it is likely to improve outcomes at the individual, organizational, and societal levels (PSU, 2014)†.The servant leadership actions of Charlie Kim and Bob Chapman depict how the proper use of servant leadership creates trust, and inspires productivity; benefiting their organization, their employees, and those around them. References Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and practice (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. PSU WC. (2014). PSYCH 485: Lesson 11, Servant leadership. Retrieved November 8th, https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/fa14/psych485/001/toc.html Sinek, Simon. (2014, March). Why good leaders make you feel safe [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_why_good_leaders_make_you_feel_ safe#t-627531

A Letter from Ponyboy

Greetings to you! How are you, older brother?   It’s been quite a while since I sent you a letter. My mistake. Sorry for that. I’ve been busy for the last few weeks here insane Diego. My study is eating up most of my time. Right now, we are approaching already the finals week.A lot of requirements are already on my list. But don’t you worry brother, I am okay. I manage to keep healthy and strong despite the conflicts of time in my part-time job and schooling. And speaking of work, I have some good news for you. The manager of the food chain I am working at was impressed by my dedication to my job. In fact, I was chosen to be the crew of the month.Because of that, I got an additional compensation in my salary. Not too big, but large enough to spend for my thesis. It was a big help since I badly needed to finish my thesis as the final submission of it is nearing. Of course, I have to graduate this semester. That was my promise to you, right? Don’t worry, D arry. All of your spending for my schooling will finally come to an end. A month from now, I will be called â€Å"Lawyer Ponyboy Curtis†. However, I will not be able to reach this status if not because of you.Thank you so much, Darry. I really appreciate all the things you have done and sacrificed for me. I know that you don’t want to marry your fiancà ©e Lindsay until I haven’t finished my studies. But I told you for several times that you don’t need to do that. You don’t have to sacrifice your own happiness just for my sake. I can manage myself now. I am a man now.Being thirty years old is no longer young. But what did you do? You still insisted to pay half of my tuition. I told you to keep them for yourself and for your future. You, too, are no longer young. You must build a family of your own, just like what Sodapop did. You’re such a stubborn. No wonder why they called you Superman back then. You’re such a strong-willed person. But no matter how strong-willed you are, you must promise me that after my graduation, you will take care of your personal life.By the way, how’s work after being promoted as chief lieutenant of the Oklahoma Police Department? Doing well? How’s peace and security there? You know what, I’m very happy with your current situation, actually, with the situations of us three—you, Sodapop, and I. After the long battle between the Socs and the greasers, I was glad that you decided to study and be a cop.I haven’t told you this, but I want you to know now that you are my greatest idol. When I saw how you managed to study while working, I admire you. Aside from that, you managed to raise me and Sodapop well after that horrible loss of our parents. Thank you for that.What’s up with Sodapop, by the way? Have the two of you seen each other lately? I had the chance to meet him personally last month after he visited his in-laws here in California. I also ha d the chance to meet the kids. Oh, Paul was so cute.He’s so like Sodapop—charming and good-looking. I bet when he grows up, he will be a Sodapop the Second. And have you heard about the good news? Sandy is three- month old pregnant! Boy, you should see the happiness in their eyes—a picture of a complete and a happy family. Aside from that, Sodapop is planning to put up a branch of their bookstore here in San Diego. Looks like he and Sandy are meant for business.I really wanted to be with you now, Darry. How I miss my adolescent days. Right after my graduation, I will spend some time with you. You take care of yourself. Until next time.Your younger brother,Ponyboys