The Best Advice Essay Example for Free

The Best Advice Essay We receive advice from someone just about everyday. Rather its good or bad , right or wrong , or easy or difficult. The best advice I have ever received would have to that life goes on. Because its true, no matter what mistakes you make in life. Life will go on. People make mistakes all the time. We know mistakes are prone to happen sooner or later. Dont get sad, mad, frustrated or give up what your doing because you failed. Stuff happens and your not going to always get things right the first time around. Just shake it off and keep on moving. When my grandaddy passed away a few years ago from Alzheimers. I thought I would never get passed the grief. I lost my best friend and thought my life would be over. Untill my daddy simply told me that even though grandaddy lost his life, I stiil have my own to live. He said not to dwell on it so much and just accept that he is in a better place now, and try to move on with my own. I also learned this lesson from my aunt Nicole when we recently found out that she had cancer. She is usually a happy go lucky type person, but now she is slow and usually tired. When she found out she had it she was already in stage four. She lost all her hair and looked very tired and sick. I wasnt sure if she would make it or not. I was so scared for her. She told me not to be scared and that she would inform me with any new information the doctors gave her. But most of all she said to me that whatever to her that my life will still go on and to live it to the fullest. She went through two Chemotherapys and it was gone. I was very excited ! ! Till this day I still use the advice that life goes on, and will always. To me its the best advice you could ever give someone when they are down in the dumps or even happy. These are some of the reasons why I choose â€Å"Life goes on†, as my best advice.

Alha Udal Essay Example for Free

Alha Udal Essay Alha-Udal(from Bhavishya Purana-Part-2) 1 Sootjee said:-â€Å"In vaksara village there lived an abhiri girl named Vratapa. She was fond of doing nava durga vrata in every starting year. She worshipped Chandika Mata for a boon that she asked for herself .She said:-â€Å"Please devi please with my worship and give me a beautiful boon of great child like Valarama and Krishna. Only this I ask from you hey mata swetaishwari†.There lived Vasumaan named king.He saw the abhiri girl and got pleased with her beautifulness. He married her . He begat with her and produce two sons namely Deshraj and Vatsraj . Vatsraj was powerfull and so was Deshraj. Vatsraj’s power was equal to 100 elephants. They won Magadhdesam and they ruled there. There was a Mlechchha king named Satayatta and ruled in Vanaras. His son was strong like bhimasena and always follows his father’s words . He was tall like Taalvriksha(Paam Tree). Therefore his name is Talana.Under his command there is 100s of soldier. By wish Talana came to King Jaichandra for friendship.There came king Jaichandra to Talana but only brought three soldiers with him to test Talana. 2 Soot jee said:-â€Å"In Indraprastha there ruled king Anangapala. To have his own sons he started doing yagya to satisfy lord Shiva. Then lord Siva got pleased with him and king Anangapala got two daughters namely Chandrakanti and Keertimalini. Granddaughter Chandrakanti got married with king Devpala of Kanyakubja and smaller daughter Keertimalini got married with Ajmer king Someshwara.Jai Sharma is Anangapala’s brother who went to Himalayas to do tapasya by this juncture Anangapala gained concentration to rule his empire. Chandrakanti had two sons Jaichandra and Ratnabhanu. Jaichandra was handsome good warrior and with his brother Ratnabhanu won many battles and defeated many kings. Jaichandra ruled east side of Kanyakubja and Ratnabhanu ruled northside of kanyakubja.Jaichandra saw in gauda, banga and other states of maru, sins got expanded. There jaichandra went and punished those sinners of their weightage of sins. Agnivamsa’s lineage was king Gangasimha whose siste r is Biramati. Ratnabhanu got married with her and as prediction of Shiva they got a beautiful child named Lakshman. He was strong enough and  was well known for Khhanda yuddha(Strife war).After seven years Ratnabhanu went to swarga and got pitriloka. Kirtimalini got three sons elder was Dhundukar, middle was Krishna Kumar and small was Prithviraj(Mahiraj and also called some times Bhu raj or Bhupati and Mahipati (not the Mahipati of Mahismati )in the purana). Twelve years they pass their childhood days. When their childhood days were over, Anangapala gave his kingdom and went to Himalaya for tapasya. Dhundukara got Mathura kingdom and Krishnakumara got Ajmer kingdom. All kings obey their parents and always think about their state’s peoples. There were two Kshatriyas who were Chandravamsins namely Pradyota and Vidyota. Pradyota’s son was Parimala and under him was 1 lakh soldiers. Vidyota’s son was Bhishma Simha and he was the senani(captain) of elephantry.When Anangapala died Prithviraj got the kingdom of Indraprastha. He loved his kingdom very much. One day Devi Shakti appeared before him said:-â€Å"Donot conquer the abhiras and extent your kingdom beyond that which may create a big problem in your life and your control for kingdom†. Then Devi disappeared. Jaichandra received two great chandravamsin in his army. By them he made aksahini army. Pradyot, Vidyot and Parimala were mantris of Jaichaichandra and Bhishmashimha got chief of elephantry of King Jaichandra of Kanyakubja. There was a circular shaped kingdom named Mahoba. That kingdom’s king was Mahipati.King Mahipati has two sisters Agama and Malana. He was very upset that till now his sisters were unmarried.He went with marriage welcome to different kingdoms. At last he gave Agama to Prithviraja and Malana to king Parimala. He became happy . After the end of ceremony Prithviraj demanded a fort from king Mahipati. Mahipati then built a fort in Indraprastha. Beyond that fort four caste :Brahmana,Kshatriya,Sudras and Vaishyas living places were also built. That place come to be known as Deholi(Delhi).Prithviraj got control over the village named Deholi. Jaichandra to expand his kingdom took 60 lakh soldier to capture deholi. By that time Prithviraja worshipped Shiv-Shakti for winning and took soldiers for fight. Seeing great number of soldiers in front Prithviraj got afraid. He sent message to Mahipati. Getting the message king Mahipati took 20 lakh soldiers and came to the battle ground. Jaichandra heard the news and warned king Mahipati. Seeing that cleverish chandravamsin arranged extra 20 lakh soldiers and put 60 lakh soldiers in front.by order of kings the war began. By order of Chandravamsin the army  got divided into several parts and attacked deholi soldiers and by this many got injured. Many soldiers of deholi died of unnamed arrows. Seeing that King Mahipati stopped the war. The soldiers of Jaichandra said:-â€Å"Jaichandra is stronger and Prithviraj is fearfull and weaker†. Then Jaichandra said :-â€Å"From today Prithviraj’s state is under my control.† Prithviraja accepted that but in mind he took vow that he will destroy Agnivamsa dynasty.† 3 Sootjee said:-â€Å"One day Ratnabhanu served Prithviraja. By seeing the scene everybody was impressed. Ratnabhanu had a nice necklace which wears by his only wife, the beautiful one Viramati.Prithviraja got awestruck by seeing the necklace.They had son named Lakshana who is stronger.Gangashimha’s second daughter named Divyabibhabari got married with jaichandra. There was a woman slave named Surabha. She was a master of Kama. King Jaichandra was attracted to her. They begat themselves and got a daughter named Samyogini. After 20 years she became the eligible one for marriage. For sayamvara, king Jaichandra arranged everything. He welcomed Prithviraja in that Sabha. He made mind that he will give his daughter to lakshmana only. It for insulting he called Prithviraja.He arranged everything for Kanykubja prince Lakshmana.He called his Brahmin general Chandrabhatta and said:-â€Å"For kanyakubja you built a swarna murti(golden statue) for gift and it will be like Prithviraja.†By hearing this Chandrabhatta went to worship Maa Bhavani to start his work quickly.Jaichandra also invited many kings of different kingdoms.Then the sabha started and chandrabhatta had kept the statue in middle of the sabha.Samyogini saw the statue and got inspired the man and he made his mind that she will marry only the man who is like statue.But in the sabha everybody’s mouth was fulled with name of lakshana. Then Chandrabhatta said to Jaichandra:-â€Å" It was awesome scene outside in our place please sir do observe it†.Jaichandra observed as Chandrabhatta said. From Prithviraj there came 1 lakh elephantry and 7 lakh horse men. 1000 charioters and they are all trained arrow mens.1 lakh foot soldiers in them 1200 mens are with strength . 100s of footsoldiers protecting Prithviraja infront .Hundreds of hundred family member came from Prithviraja in which his wife also was present.King of Kanyakubja Ratnabhanu came there . Dhundukara came with his elephantry.There also came Krishnakumara.They were the doorkeeper seeing that if anybody will do mischief will be sent out of the place.In betwwen  200 km the strenghiest army is being placed.In between there was Jaichandra and Prithviraja who were surrounded by 1 lakh elephantry and 7 lakh foot-soldier. There was 8 lakh soldiers protecting the place.Those surrounding soldiers of Prithviraj were Suklavamsin. Everywhere there was standing soldiers for wars. In Ishana direction there were kurmahara who sat and building the vocal musical equipments.There also present Mahipati, Bhishma Shimha,Parimala and Chandravamsin warriors Pradyot and Vidyot.They were surrounded by foot-soldiers who were ready to do a continue war for five days.There were 10 thousand elephantry and horse were in lakhs. Also present there 5 lakh footsoldiers near them.There present 300 chariots. There present king Ratnabhanu who is protected by 100 elephantry , 3 lakh foot soldiers and 1 lakh horsemen. Thus that place creates an illusion of heaven(Swarga puree) . In one side Sanyogita(Sanyogini also called Samyogini) was thinking of getting Prithviraja as her husband.She heared of the name coming around the sabha was lakshana and she saw lakshana was not the person alike the statue.Therefore she became sad and again and again calling Mahadeva and Mahadeva in mind.MahaDeva got pleased with her and released Maya on Prithviraja. Prithviraja got deluded in the maya and looked over Sanyogita and got attracted to her beautifulness. He then arrived towards her and by seeing him she got fainted.He took up her body and arranged all soldiers of him which he brought into the sabha. He forcefully took the body of Sanyogita and fled to his country Deholi with all of his Deholi soldiers. When these news reached to ear of everyone present in the sabha , there started a chaos. Then king Jaichandra kept half of the soldiers in entrance of the state and his house. His soldier chieftain chandravamsin brothers Pradyot and Vidyot reorganize the rest half of the soldiers present in the state.They all declared war on Prithviraja and came to Kurukshetra region for the war.Suddenly the war began.Horsemen fought with Horsemen and elephantry fought their opponent’s elephantry.It started to build a fearful in shape. In the end of the day they lost their strong soldiers.They all feared and with King’s order they stopped the fight and took their respective places to spend the night. In morning with the order of Pradyot , they began the fight with chieftains of Deholi.Vallama(a pointed metal headed weapon) sounded with opponent’s Vallama. Dhundukara continuously shot arrow towards Pradyot. The well-known Varuna-astra when  struck to Pradyot he got senseless and fell down.There came Dhundukara and put pradyot to death.In that mament Krishnakumara was doing war with elephantry.By angry mood Krishnakumara shot Surya-ashtra. With that divine arrow many got dead.Vidyot also died from that arrow with his soldiers.Ratnabhanu then came to that pace and started the fight.Then Prithviraja arranging 1000 elepnahtry and went to do war with Lakshana.With Shiva’s boon King Prithviraja was strong and agry with Bishmasimha and Parimala he shot fearful Rudra-astra to Lakshana.To save Lakshana Ratnabhanu went there and took the arrow in his body and got fainted and fell down.The illusion of Rudra-ashtra had deluded Dhundukara which is seen by his brother Prithviraja. He then to cut off the illusion shot Vaishnava-astra.Therefore by maya-cutter vaishnava-ashtra Ratnabhanu also got his sense.He got up and fought with Krishnakumara violently.Both were dead under the paws of elepha nt.Others were died by naga-ashtra(snake creating arrow) and Kharga(rounded shaped big knife).Many paths opened in the fierce full war but the path of winning is still very far. After the end of the day the deadbodies of great warriors were carried off in their resting region region. The soldiers of Kanyakubja when saw teir king was dead they got feared.About five lakh died soldier’s wives were present there crying in grief ,falling and fainting by seeing their family membersare dead. Kings of both side got fear by the scene .Ratnabhanu and those who were dead were cremated by hidu dharma(were burnt in fire).The army of Jaichandra want to surrender themselves in the next morning to Prithviraja.When Suryadeva appeared in the morning and it’s rays fall every-where. Both-sided flags were raised again. Bhishmasimha, Parimala and Lakshmana were in sadness as their fathers were dead.They came out and laid friendship with Dhundukara.There army of Prithviraja sang Prithviraja won and king Jaichandra lost. Therefore Jaichandra and others laid friendship with Deholi king Prithviraj. Jaichandra of kanyakubj and Deholi king started a big ceremony with happiness in mind. 4 Sootjee said:-â€Å"In ganga dynasty the first worshipped god is Indra. Bhishmasimha also after birth ,started to worship Indra.(Shakra deva).Oneday he started to do strong tapasya of Indra by worshipping Surya deva.He prayed:-â€Å"Please god give me a divya (magical) boon and please with my  prayer god Indra!†.Indra got pleased and gave him a divne female deer(divya harini).Bhishmasimha was very happy with this and every day to satisfy Indradeva praised Indra with his stotra(prayer) and meditate on him.One day king Parimala was very sad because his father was dead.He praise the earth and stated to worship Shiva.Shiva to examine him gave him a strong disease named Sarparoga.After five months went the strength of the king Parimala broke down.† He knows that if he did pray lord Shiva in mind , many strong diseases will get vanished.Therefore he did not stop praying lord shiva in mind.With his fatal health,king took his own family to Kashi.Under the banyan tree they spend their night.King said in mind :-â€Å"Your name is always in my mind†.Hearing this beautiful words lord shiva took form of snake and went there.King to get well praising shiva again and again falling on the floor of kashi temple saying:-â€Å"If you lord did not remove the disease from my body,I will not drink water and take food†.Hearing this lord shiva immediately healed the disease.The happiness got filled in his mind and body.Expressing the happiness he said everybody present there what had happened to him and how did he got cured? . Then king Parimala tells to bring oil to bath Shiv linga.†Sootjee then said :-â€Å"Who will hear this story will get cured from sins attached to body.† Sootjee said:-â€Å"Painting a picture of snake bearing shiva in mind,king Parimala started bathing linga of Shiva situated in Kashi temple.The the king did Sashtanga pranayama- mudra to praise lord Shiva.His wife gave Bhoga(a hindu belief of giving food to god ,so that god may eat and touch the food and make it a divine one) to Lord Shiva. Then King sarted to praise shiva with this stotra:- â€Å"Thatho jaatam sayam lingam mam gushtavyam sanatanam. Jyoti rupam sarva laksha samanvitam. Nishi thhe tha maththadadha the dikshu suryatvam aagatham.† By this for one month of worship king pleased lord Shiva.He painted lord Shiva in mind to please Shiva.Having pleased with king lord Shiva appeared before him and told to ask a boon from him.By hearing this King Parimala said:-â€Å"if you god truly pleased with me then please stay in my house always.†Shiva blessed him with the boon and vanished in the linga.Every day king distribute gold to peoples.Having pleasing everybody king with happy mind went to mahavati-puree.Every-body was astonished to see the fully cured king.After the end of the year he went to the state of kanyakubja to meet king Jaichandra.Seeing king Parimala everybody got happy and  over-joyed.Every body is seeing the miraculous king who had cured the fatal disease.Seeing the cured king Raja jaich andra was also overjoyed.He said to Parimala:-â€Å"The peace will not stay for so long in the states and you caused happiness to every of my subjects also me ,hence I assure you of future help when you will be in need. †By hearing the pleasant assurance of help from King Jaichandra, King Parimala went to his kingdom.† Sootjee continued :-â€Å"To get boon Lakshmana everyday worship Lord Vishnu and every day pray by these words:-â€Å"I you were not there ,I may not be alive today.You are the real protector O Vishnu!.Please give me a divya (divine) vahana(carriage,in hindu, an animal who used to carry men from one place to another) by which every enemy can be destroyed easily.†Then Jagannath dev from his leg created a divine chariot carried by elephant named airavat sent it to lakshman through king.After that with everybody king Parimala went to Mahavati puree.There great Talana the son of king Venarasa was drinking a sweet intoxicating drink made of honey. Mahavatee puree’s king Mahipati was sitting in his own place.Then Talana went there and said to king :-â€Å" Hey rajan please kind with me and give me what I want.†At the end of the month the great Talana repeated the same word,then rajan realized of his want.To please him and to remove sadness from his mind he went to Venaras and gave the kingdom to Talana after consulting to Venras king Satayatta. Mahipati then came to his home and gave a fort to Deshraj and Vatsraj ,the abhiri kings .That fort was situated in between mountains and decorated with flowers ,creepers.The gentle winds blows there making the place lively. The two sons :- Vatsraj and Deshraj was like his parents strong and brave. Then Talana the mlechcha king of venaras having declared as Yuvaraj of his kingdom was very happy.He was fond of Rakshashas. Therefore he called the mlechchas of his kingdom to have a great ceremony in mahavati puree for worship of May danava(a famous danava created by Vishnu,does works like Vishwakarman in rakshasha kula and a famous character in Ramayana).To attained that ceremony there came Deshraj and Vatsraj after crossing mountains.Many kings came to attained the ceremony.There present 60,000 warriors surrounding Talana.There present ministers,brothers,and kings who are chandravamsins.Everyone praising the great Talana. 5 Sootjee said:-There was a king named Jambuka ruled in Mahismati who is  freared of Prithviraj .With prince Kaliya he lived in the place which is situated near Narmada river.He is the friend and general of Prithviraj.King Jambuka does worship of the earth and different dev devis(god and goddesses) .Then he started to do worship of lord Shiva.For want of boon King Jambuka everyday does worship of Lord Shiva. The king said:-â€Å"Hey Mahadev what boon you want you give it to me.†Then Lord Shiva appeared before him and said:-â€Å"Hey king you are the best worshipper of me.Let you and your soldiers be undefeated.†The lord Shiva disappeared.The Rajan to show his love towards Lord Shiva ,he went to Maheshwaram teerth with his prince Kaliya and took his soldiers there. Seeing the beauty of the place everybody got wonderstruck and they all praised that place. Rajan said:-â€Å"Everyday we must worship Pritri deva† and by saying this he went to ganga for tarpan(an hinduic tribute to pitri deva i.e forefathers) .King said :-â€Å"hey pitri dev please keep my body and soul purified†.By doing sradhdhic tarpan rajan praised Mata Ganga with vidhis the king went to his own house.Kaliya’s sister name is Vijayasini.Kaliya asked his sister :-â€Å"what should I give you that is beautiful and precious in your eyes†. Then his sister said:-â€Å"Give me necklace and precious jewels.†Kaliya then went with lakhs of horsemen and did bath in ganga.Then after doing bath in ganga implying all vidhis(rituals) he gave many danas(gifts) to brahmanas. Afterbathing, Kaliya looks for the necklace, first in Kanyakubja (Kanauj), but learns Kanauj is wealthless.He saw king is strong but the state is filled with dues and there is shortage of wealth. Then he then learns to attack Mahoba as he saw that Mahoba is filled of wealth and j ewels.Prince Kaliya then went with 1 lakh Horse men to Mahavatee puree to get necklace and jewels for his siter.There went general Mahisena with king and his soldiers and warned that to give all the wealth they has or fight with them. Mahipati got feared and called Lord Shiva again and again saying either you give welth or please protect me and my soldiers from wrath of king Jambuka.Then Lord Shiva appeared and said to king :-â€Å"Hey king please say the thousand names of Mata Chandika to protect you and your Soldiers.†Then king said the thousand names of Mata Chandika and protected him and his soldiers.Then kings send his generals for fight.He took help of Kanyakubj ruler Jaichandra. Another side for not getting their demand Mahisena and his soldiers get ready to fight.Then king Jaichandra came to fight with the soldiers.There came Deshraj with thousand Naga  warriors.There came Vatsraj with 16000 horsemen.At last came the soldiers of big Talana.There started a fierce full war between them.It goes on till night.Jaichandra was about to win the war. Suddenly there entered the friend of Prithviraja, Jambuka with soldiers of mahismati.The soldiers,Kaliya and king Jambuka went everywhere and started fighting .Jambuka went middle of the battlefield with half of the soldiers and put Mahadeva(Lord Shiva’s) Moha(illusive) arrow in his bow and shot it to the opponent soldiers. The arrow is full of Sidhdha mantra by which the opponent soldiers fell down to ground.Then with sword they started to kill the opponent soldiers. The soldiers of mahismati started to praise their king.Everywhere spread fear.There came Bhisma Shimha with soldiers.With Surya-datta(Surya-astra) arrow he cut of the maya i.e illusion. Then everybody of his friendly soldiers got up but getting their senses.Then taking sword they cut off the opponent’s soldier’s body. Many fall senseless,other got pressed under the paws of elephant and many got wounded by number of arrows.Then mahismati soldiers accumulated themselves and started fating with opponents.Sword tore and fell to the ground and many got killed and fell to the ground.There came big Talana and stared stomping over his opponent and tearing them apart with sword. He defeated his opponent Kaliya and his soldiers.Many got killed and King jambuka was injured and fall to the ground. With very strength he prayed to sankara(shiva).By that time both side’s half of his soldiers are dead.Shiva spread his maya.Then King Jambuka got up and gathered his half of his soldiers and went from the battlefield.Thus king Parimala defeated his opponents.Everybody sang of their win.Seeing they have won the battle Jaichandra was surprised. Talana organized their half of the army. Then Bhishma Shima went to his house. After five months all kings went to house Bhishmasimha. Because his wife ,the daughter of Gurjara(gujrat)king named Ravyadaalasaa gave birth to a divine child .Every king gave number of wealth to Bhisma-simha.By the order of lord shiva the portion of Sahadeva took birth in the house of Bhismashimha.The child’s name is Deva-simha, a well-known warrior and knowledge-able person of the future.

Fedex Competitors Analysis and Customer Retention Strategies

Fedex Competitors Analysis and Customer Retention Strategies Introduction It is apparent from FedEx Corporation’s (FedEx) track record of success; it is clearly a leader in the industry. Ranked the world’s #1 express transportation company with 3 million packages delivered daily, FedEx surely knows what it is doing to keep the business growing and prosperous (Williams 2005). However, like most businesses these days, there are always trials and tribulations. Important decisions must be made everyday, it is critical that quick thinking and a clearly defined method of operations management must be followed to keep things running smoothly. Of course, the true test to whether or not a solid operations management flow is in place is how the company is able to deal with the unexpected. This brief will examine who makes up FedEx’s complete customer base and how the company attempts to satisfy and retain its customers. As well, the risks taken in day to day business will be evaluated coupled with the manner FedEx is able to manage the chances it must often take. Another item for discussion is the impact of sudden demand for the industry and specifically for FedEx. Finally, FedEx’s top competitors will be studied, weighing strengths and weaknesses of each company. An evaluation will be presented as to how FedEx would fair if one of its main competitors would try to win a valued client based on the strength and weaknesses outlined. The Customers As with most successful businesses, FedEx is aware that it has a variety of different customers, including internal and external. Both external and internal customers need to be satisfied with the performance of the company to keep things on track. Reviewing the importance of both external and internal customers is critical. The internal customer for FedEx is obviously its own employees. 250,000 strong in 2005 with a 27 percent growth rate from 2004 shows that FedEx is growing quickly (Williams, 2005) and that type of growth needs to be managed appropriately. To maintain employee satisfaction, FedEx offers a competitive salary, fair working conditions, and the ability to â€Å"climb the corporate ladder† if desired. Employees boast of their success at FedEx and their true delight at working for this company throughout the company website (Fed Ex Company Website 2005). Externally, there a few more customers to consider including corporate, consumer, shareholders and stakeholders. Corporate clients, including Dell and Hewlett Packard, expect their products to be delivered on time and in good condition. As well, consumer clients expect to receive their products on time and in good condition. Shareholders, since FedEx is a public company, expect profits to be up and costs to be down. Finally, stakeholders are those people affected by the corporate actions of FedEx. Are its operations interfering with something in the community? Are its airplanes breaking noise ordinances? The bottom line is that the customers for FedEx are many and their needs are different so FedEx must consider the management of its operations from many angles. The risks There are many risks that one of FedEx’s packages not to arrive at its intended destination on time including unexpected volumes, weather, misrouting, and bottlenecks at customs. Luckily, FedEx has put into place the appropriate controls to prevent a delay of any package. As mentioned earlier, in efforts to prevent the loss of clients, FedEx has adopted policies and practices that have proven successful. To address the issue of unexpected volumes and weather problems, FedEx has built in quite a bit of redundancy into its systems. Its contingency planning is superior with proactive monitoring of weather and air traffic. As well, managers stay in close communication each day to plan, always staying one step ahead of the game. Additionally, FedEx actually has multiple hubs across the world in the case that packages need to be redirected. The automation of the sorting process keeps packages that are misrouted to a bare minimum. Packages that need special customs attention are also proactively reported to local authorities so there is minimal opportunity for those packages to slow the process. Even with these modern forms of automation in place, FedEx still prides itself on providing a human touch and treating each package as a â€Å"golden package†(FedEx Company Website 2005). Of course, if packages are delayed or do not ship to the accurate address, the company runs the risk of losing clients. Corporate clients can decide to take their contracts elsewhere and consumers will lose their feelings of loyalty if FedEx does not deliver the service it promised. FedEx’s philosophy of â€Å"Absolutely, Positively, Whatever it takes† (FedEx Company Website 2005) as discussed on its website is a direct reflection of what FedEx is willing to do to get the job done. In the unfortunate case where something goes awry with a package, FedEx also wants it customers to know there is a place to go for help and someone available at the end of the line to help work through issues. Indeed, FedEx offers many online tools to track packages as well as a phone number with live support staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (FedEx Company Website 2005). The effects of sudden demand The effects of an unexpected and sudden demand increase can be challenging for any company. In not managed correctly, a myriad of problems can result in the express service industry. This is a direct result of the company not being able to inventory products when the demand arises (Melnyk Denzler 1996 p.447). Specific issues that can arise when sudden demand occurs include late shipments, incorrect shipments, bottlenecks, scheduling difficulties, cost increases, and capacity issues. Externally, late or incorrect shipments affect the customer relationship and have a negative impact on future business. Internally, bottlenecks can cause major issues in making shipment deadlines. In addition, without appropriate notice, staffing can be off and there can be inadequate human resources available to meet the unexpected demand. Directly, if staff needs to be scheduled at the last minute, there is a good chance that overtime wages will be required and costs can skyrocket. Finally, capacity issues are created by the unexpected demand and lack of equipment to actually transport the additional packages. Overall, to regulate unexpected demand, the operations manager needs to focus on mastery of forecasting coupled with having a flexible base of resources (Melnyk Denzler 1996 p.448). Luckily, FedEx is well positioned with its contingency plans. Like David Rebholz, executive vice-president of FedEx’s US operations and systems states â€Å"Ninety percent of the package flow is predictable – but that other 10 percent can really throw you†. All FedEx, like any other company, can do is have the procedures in place to manage that 90 percent perfectly and have the contingency plans to deal with the other 10 percent when it happens. The Competition According to a recent article in the World Trade publication (The Big Three: UPS, FEDEX and DHL 2005 p.20), FedEx, UPS, and DHL are referred to as â€Å"the big three† in the express service industry. Another formidable competitor in this market space is TNT Logistics. To consider what type of threat each one of these competitors may pose to FedEx, it is important to review each of its competitor’s strengths and weaknesses as well as their market positions. Specifically, it is important to analyze each company’s history, leadership, market presence, and potential for future growth. UPS History The United Parcel Service (UPS) began in 1907 as the American Messenger Company and has continued to grow and flourish every since (UPS Company Website 2005). The company’s ability to continually reinvent themselves to fit the markets needs has kept them at the top of its game. Leadership Michael Eskew, the current Chairman and CEO for UPS, has been at the helm in his current post since 2003. Although relatively new in this leadership role, he has served with the company since 1972 as a faithful and forward thinking employee. Ninety percent of the company is owned by managers, employees, founders, and families. This ensures that those with a vested interested in the company are represented from the front lines to upper management (UPS Company Website 2005). Market Presence UPS has established itself as the largest package delivery company in the world. To grow its express delivery services, it recently purchased Overnight and is also committed to provide its customers a full line of supply chain management services. Potential for future growth As mentioned, UPS has a strong history of positioning itself for growth during times of change and shifts in the marketplace. Last year, employee growth was 8.2% and Net Sales Growth was 9.2% (Williams, 2005). DHL History Thirty Five years ago in 1969, DHL Worldwide Network took shape as the â€Å"low cost delivery service† as it entered the marketplace and attempted to carve a niche for itself as the low cost provider. Since then, the company has been working hard to gain new customers and convince them that with lower costs, quality need not be sacrificed (Hannon 2005). From the start, DHL has committed itself to providing what it customers need. As early as the 1970s, the company realized that the globalization of trade was playing a key factor in the current business climate and adapted itself to be able to provide the services required for success in the international arena. Leadership Dr. Klaus Zumwinkel, current Chairman of the Board, is leading the way to establish DHL as a premier service with the highest quality at competitive prices (DHL Company Website 2005). Market Presence Ranked as the world leader in cross border express deliveries, DHL is spreading its wings to capture even more of the delivery services market. Setting its sights on winning more of the ground delivery business, it recently acquired Airborne. In addition, DHL seems to be stepping it up a notch in focusing on its human touch for customers as Karen Johns reports, â€Å"customers say we are much more responsive, flexible and human to deal with (Hein 2005).† Potential for future growth Another company that seems positioned as ready for growth, DHLs net sales grew by 21.6 percent last year while the employee count grew by 7% (Williams 2005). TNT History Thomas Nationwide Transport (TNT) began back in 1946 as the first express delivery service. In the 80s, the company began to offer more logistical services as they understood the market demand for it. In the 90s, the company also began to offer supply chain solutions and looked to establish themselves as innovators in the total supply chain arena (TNT Company Website 2005). Leadership Dave Kulik, Group Managing Director, is at the forefront of leading the company with new ideas in the supply chain and express delivery services industry. Leadership in the company seems to embrace advancement from within and reflects a true commitment to employee growth through many initiatives, including â€Å"Investors in People† ( TNT Company Website 2005). Market Presence Although TNT offers only about 1/6 the sales numbers of its major competitors like DHL, UPS, and Fed Ex, their customer list is impressive. A key to TNTs focused success is the targeting of specific industries. Their client list includes big users such as BMW, GM, and Proctor and Gamble (TNT Company Website 2005). Potential for future growth Although TNT appears to be flexible in adding new products and services to offer its client base, it does not seem to be as aggressive in earning additional market segments as some of its competitors. However, for the last six years, the company has recorded 22% revenue growth each year (TNT Company Website 2005). In addition, back in 2004, TNT launched a $115 billion, six-year improvement program to keep its business up to speed (Keane 2004). FedEx History Frederick W Smith had the vision for FedEx while attending Yale back in 1965. His dream became a reality in 1973 when the company first became incorporated (Journal of Business Strategy 1988, pp.15-21). Leadership FedEx’s original founder is still the CEO, Chairman, and President of the company. Since the beginning, Smith has positioned FedEx as the industry standard setter and has given all others a bar to reach for in terms of overall performance. Market Presence FedEx is the #1 express transportation company in the world and continues to grow and diversify. Its recent purchase of Kinko’s has helped to expand its retail presence as well as the supply chain management services it can provide to its customers. Potential for future growth FedEx has enjoyed exponential growth each year since the beginning and has always been able to manage the growth with ease. Last year alone, FedEx supported an 18.8% boost in sales and a jump in employees of 27.7% (Williams 2005). How does FedEx measure against the Competition? After review of FedEx and its main competitors, it is interesting to consider what may happen if one of its competitors would try to win clients from its customer base. Cleary, FedEx is a strong player in its field but the competition is fierce. In a competitive bid against its foes, FedEx would need to go on the offense, highlighting all of its attributes that make it stand out above and beyond. The best sales pitch is always a positive one, focusing on your company’s strengths rather than bad mouthing the competition. In an effort to keep important client relationships, FedEx could highlight the following: It’s original visionary and founder is still at the helm and directing the company that is still considered the industry standard setter. FedEx is the #1 express transportation company with sales revenue growth of 18.8% over last year, and net income growth 72.9% over last year (Williams 2005). FedEx’s commitment to do â€Å"Absolutely, Positively Whatever it takes† to keep the customer satisfied. It’s positive track record in the industry and ability to adapt to meet the growing needs of its client base (i.e. the purchase of Kinko’s). The commitment FedEx has to not only deliver on time but to treat each package like a â€Å"golden package†. In the case that questions arise regarding a delivery, there is always live support staff ready and available to field phone calls from consumers. Of course, packages can always be tracked on line. A competitive price offered for a competitive service with high quality standards. It appears that FedEx and UPS are both making plays to meet the end customer’s needs from both ends of the spectrum. FedEx got its start with the idea to guarantee delivery of overnight packages anywhere in the US. UPS, however, ramped up as a company focusing on ground deliveries. Both now are trying to get a piece of the other’s pie, and both are attempting to do it through acquisitions (DNS Retailing Today 2005, pp35-37). Many analysts and recent articles have placed FedEx and UPS in a direct competition for each others market space. In the article â€Å"Can FedEx Deliver More Than UPS?†, it is reported that both companies are projected to do very well but there is a belief that FedEx will do better (Tsao 2005). Specifically, the more positive outlook for FedEx has much to do with their expansion into ground deliveries where margins are higher. Conversely for UPS, it is looking to expand into a market with lower margins. Conclusion After review of FedEx’s specific customer base, the risks that it takes, the problems of sudden demand, its rivals, and a possible scenario of stolen customers, it is evident that FedEx is well positioned for success in the future. Existing competition in the marketplace will continue to put pressure on FedEx to provide high levels of service at a competitive rate. Overall, Fed Ex is well positioned to serve as an industry leader. References DHL Company Website 2005, http://www.dhl.com. ‘Federal Express Spreads its Wings’ 1988, Journal of Business Strategy, vol.9, issue 4, pp.15-21. Retrieved on October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. ‘FedEx and UPS deliver much more than mail’ 2005, DSN Retailing Today, vol.44, issue 10, pp.35-37. Retrieved on October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. FedEx Company Website 2005, http://www.fedex.com. Hannon, D 2005, ‘DHL to focus on quality, not low-cost in US market’, Purchasing, vol.134, issue 12, p.113. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. Hein, K 2005, ‘DHL Delivers Message: We’ll Serve You Better’, Brandweek, vol. 46, issue 32, p.4. Retrieved on October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. Keane, A 2004 ‘TNT Express Growing Plans’, Traffic World, vol. 268, issue 26, p.30. Retrieved on October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. Melnyk, S Denzler, D 1996, Operations Management; A Value-Driven Approach, William Schoof. Slack, N Chamber, S Johnston, R 2004, Operations Management, 4th Edition, Prentice Hall. Terrill, C Middlebrooks, A 2000, Market Leadership Strategies for Service Companies, NTC Business Books, Lincolnwood, IL. ‘The Big Three:UPS, FEDEX and DHL’ 2005, World Trade, vol.18, issue 8, p.20. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. TNT Company website 2005, http://www.tntlogistics.nl. Tsao, A 2004 ‘Can FedEx Deliver More Than UPS?’, Business Week Online, 9/10/2004. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. UPS Company Website 2005, http://www.ups.com. Williams, R 2005, ‘Hoovers DHL Worldwide Network S.A./N.V Corporation Overview’. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from http://www.hoovers.com/dhl. Williams, R 2005, ‘Hoovers Fed Ex Corporation Overview’. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from http://www.hoovers.com/fedex. Williams, R 2005, ‘Hoovers TNT Logistics Holdings B.V. Overview’. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from http://www.hoovers.com/tnt-logistics. Williams, R 2005, ‘Hoovers United Parcel Service, Inc. Overview’. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from http://www.hoovers.com/ups.

Is America Bashing warranted? :: essays research papers

America bashing is not warranted in the world, it is based on loose facts that have been manipulated. America is blamed as the source of all the world’s problems because it is seen as the most prominent country. Through the analysis of two works- Richard Neville’s Oh Say, Can’t You See? and Chris Middencorp’s God Diss America- this paper will prove this to be the case. Richard Neville begins his argument for America bashing by citing George W. Bush’s decision to renounce the Kyoto treaty as an example of the poor decision making the American government has made that hurts not only itself, but the entire world. In his article Neville seeks to denounce several myths that America still possesses. He starts by arguing against the myth that America is the land of the free. He states that America in actuality has the highest percentage of its citizens imprisoned over any other country. In fact, a quarter of the world’s prisoners are incarcerated in the United States. He goes on to diminish the idea that happiness is honored. He argues that if this is true, how can the country exhibit one of the highest rates of clinical depression. He cites Eli Lilly as saying â€Å"Prozac changed everything, and that’s just the beginning? America promotes global expansion and human rights is his next target. Neville points out that the United State s spurned vital treaties on war crimes, as well as land mines, the prohibition of juvenile executions, arms controls, test bans and the Rights of Children. Neville then goes on to discuss the myth that America is the land of the free. If this is true, Neville argues, then it is unjust that the richest one percent of the population have more wealth then the lowest ninety percent, the largest inequality in the world. He points out that over forty million Americans are without health insurance, a number which increases every year. While these facts do not shed a kind light on America, Neville does point out some of its brighter aspects. Neville goes on to discuss some of the good and admittedly â€Å"irresistible?parts of American culture. Austin Powers, jazz, and the first amendment are among these. He even admits to enjoying McDonald’s on occasion although he is quick to assert that they are destroying the world’s crop varieties by making every country they have a store in grow their standard potato- Idaho Russer.

My Best Friend Died Essay -- Friendship Essay Personal Narrative

My Best Friend Died Dr. Munter's comments: The purpose of this assignment was to relate an event that changed the direction of your life. Not only does this student successfully accomplish this task, he does it with a certain amount of understatement. The instruction â€Å"to show, not tell† is beautifully and subtly completed. There is also a nice balance of long and short sentences, unusual similes, and the sense that the author allows the reader to view this event through the eyes of an eight-year-old. Overall, the writing is clean, simple in technique, yet powerful in its message. I remember the van. It was the gray of dry clay, and it had maroon stripes on the sides that were the same color as maple leaves during the fall, but it was winter now. It was my mom's van, and I was riding in the back seat. I was eight years old, and she had pulled over on the side of the road because she had â€Å"some sad news† to tell me. My legs didn’t touch the ground. They just dangled with my sorrels about to fall off. I was all bundled up in the puffy winter clothes that mothers dress their chi...

Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye - Pecolas Mother is to Blame Essay

Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye  - Pecola's Mother is to Blame A black child is born and twelve years later that same child asks, "How do you get someone to love you?" The answer can't be found in Mrs. MacTeer's songs or in the Maginot Line's description of eating fish together, and even Claudia doesn't know because that question had never entered her mind. If Claudia had thought about it, she would have been able to explain to Pecola that although she didn't know exactly how you made someone love you that somehow she knew that she was loved. That love was expressed on those cold autumn nights when Claudia was sick and loving hands would gently touch her forehead and readjust her quilt. Those were the same loving hands that told Claudia that they did not want her to die, and those were the loving hands of her mother, Mrs. MacTeer. Unfortunately, Pecola had no loving hands to comfort her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In America, in the 1940's, white supremacy reigned and the values of the white dominant group were internalized by the black community in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. These images were reinforced in children's literature, on billboards and even on the giant theater screens. Although the effects of this propaganda rippled throughout the black community, its most devastating consequences were inflicted by Pauline Williams. Perhaps it was because she had always been a dreamer and she had to fantasize in order to escape her daily grind that the silver screen was able to captivate her. Once her education was complete, and she had been indoctrinated by the standards of this medium, she could never look at the world the same way again. Everything was now assigned a category; there was good and evil, white and black, beauty and ugliness, a... ..., she became Mrs. Breedlove in name only. She did not breed love; instead she procreated shame, guilt, and ugliness. Although it is true that Cholly's behavior was ugly, and he was dangerously free to gorge his own appetite, I believe that it was Pauline who forced the family to wear their ugliness. Pauline cultivated her child, Pecola, with ridicule and shame, and so she ripened, and felt unworthy. Pauline, more than anyone else, knew Cholly's character, yet she refused to believe, and protect her child from his lustful advances. As a consequence, Pecola turned to Soaphead Church for her protection, and his path led her into insanity. However, Soaphead Church was just her guide, Pecola's road to madness had already been paved the day she was born, by her mother! Works Cited: Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. Afterward by Toni Morrison. New York: Penguin, 1994.

Multiple Chioce Quiz on Transfer Pricing

Multiple choice questions Try the multiple choice questions below to test your knowledge of Chapter 18. Once you have completed the test, click on ‘Submit Answers for Grading' to get your results. If your lecturer has requested that you send your results to them, please complete the Routing Information found at the bottom of your graded page and click on the ‘E-Mail Results' button. Please  do not  forward your results unless your lecturer has specifically requested that you do so. This activity contains 10 questions. ————————————————- Top of Form | | | | |When a perfectly competitive market exists and the firm uses market-based transfer pricing, the firm can achieve all of the following except for:| | | |   Ã‚  | subunit performance evaluation. | | management effort. | | goal congruence. | | price monopoly. | | | | | | | | | | | | Bob is the manager of th e Beta division. He is accountable for only the sales generated by the division. Beta is a(n):| | | |   Ã‚  | cost centre. | | profit centre. | | investment centre. | | revenue centre. | | | | | | | | | | | | A company that uses a separate transfer price for each division in a single transaction is employing:| | |   Ã‚  | dual pricing. | | market-based pricing. | | negotiated pricing. | | full cost pricing. | | | | | | | | | | | | If the selling subunit is operating at full capacity and can sell everything produced either internally or externally, it will only be willing to use a transfer price set by:| | | |   Ã‚  | cost plus a mark-up. | | the market. | | negotiation. | | variable costing. | | | | | | | | | | | | Optoca has 2 divisions, A and B. A makes a component for tables which it can sell only to Division B. It has no other outlet for sales.Current information for the divisions is as follows: Incremental cost for Division A| â‚ ¬100| Incremental cost for Division B| â‚ ¬200| Transfer price for component| â‚ ¬175| Final Table selling price| â‚ ¬425| The transfer price is based on 175% of incremental costs. What is the profit per table for Optoca? | | | |   Ã‚  | â‚ ¬50| | â‚ ¬75| | â‚ ¬150| | â‚ ¬125| | | | | | | | | | | | Optoca has 2 divisions, A and B. A makes a component for tables which it can sell only to Division B. It has no other outlet for sales. Current information for the divisions is as follows: Incremental cost for Division A| â‚ ¬100| Incremental cost for Division B| â‚ ¬200|Transfer price for component| â‚ ¬175| Final Table selling price| â‚ ¬425| Unit sales| 300| The transfer price is based on 175% of incremental costs. What is the amount of profit recognized by Division B? | | | |   Ã‚  | â‚ ¬15,000| | â‚ ¬45,000| | â‚ ¬22,500| | â‚ ¬37,500| | | | | | | | | | | | Optoca has 2 divisions, A and B. A makes a component for tables which it can sell only to Division B. It has no other outlet for sales. Current information for the divisions is as follows: Incremental cost for Division A| â‚ ¬100| Incremental cost for Division B| â‚ ¬200| Transfer price for component| â‚ ¬175|Final Table selling price| â‚ ¬425| The transfer price is based on 175% of incremental costs. Acotpo has offered to sell Division B the same component it currently gets from Division A for â‚ ¬150 per unit. If Division B accepts Acotpo’s offer, the firm as a whole will be:| | | |   Ã‚  | â‚ ¬25 per unit worse off. | | â‚ ¬25 per unit better off. | | â‚ ¬50 per unit better off. | | â‚ ¬50 per unit worse off. | | | | | | | | | | | | Optoca has 2 divisions, A and B. A makes a component for tables which it can sell only to Division B. It has no other outlet for sales.Current information for the divisions is as follows: Incremental cost for Division A| â‚ ¬100| Incremental cost for Division B| â‚ ¬200| Transfer price for component| â‚ ¬175| Final Table s elling price| â‚ ¬425| The transfer price is based on 175% of incremental costs. Acotpo has offered to sell Division B the same component it currently gets from Division A for â‚ ¬150 per unit. Given this information, what is the minimum amount that Division A would be willing to sell to Division B? | | | |   Ã‚  | â‚ ¬100 per unit. | | â‚ ¬150 per unit. | | â‚ ¬125 per unit. | | â‚ ¬175 per unit. | | | | | | | | | | | If Minnico, which uses cost based transfer pricing, finds that Division A has costs of â‚ ¬100 per unit, and Division B has divisional costs of â‚ ¬125 per unit, what will Division B recognise as total cost per unit if the mark-up rate is 40%? | | | |   Ã‚  | â‚ ¬100 per unit. | | â‚ ¬265 per unit. | | â‚ ¬225 per unit. | | â‚ ¬140 per unit. | | | | | | | | | | | | Which transfer pricing method will preserve the subunit autonomy? | | | |   Ã‚  | Cost-based pricing. | | Negotiated pricing. | | Full-cost pricing. | | Variable-co st pricing. | | | | | | | Bottom of Form