VATICAN CITY A Vatican Panel Issued A Stinging Condemnation Of Huma Essay Example For Students

VATICAN CITY A Vatican Panel Issued A Stinging Condemnation Of Huma Essay n cloning Tuesday and warned against the misuse of genetic information. Human cloning, it said, represents a grave attack on the dignity of conception and on the right to an unrepeatable, unpredetermined set of genes. The Pontifical Academy on Life also warned that using genetic information to suppress malformed or diseased embryos and fetuses amounts to a new form of selective eugenics. We will write a custom essay on VATICAN CITY A Vatican Panel Issued A Stinging Condemnation Of Huma specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The statement came at the end of the academys three-day conference at the Vatican. The report wrapped up a year of study on the potential effects of current research into human genetics. The Vatican has in the past called for a ban on human cloning and also forbids abortion. People should be conceived and born in a human way, it has said. In an earlier report, the academy said human cloning would not result in identical souls because only God can create a soul.

The Bluest Eye Essays - The Bluest Eye, Pecola, Beauty, Blue Eyes

The Bluest Eye Essays - The Bluest Eye, Pecola, Beauty, Blue Eyes The Bluest Eye Beauty is something that a lot of people in life strive for, because everyone has fitted in their mind what exactly beauty is. People know that it can help you out in life. But what most people dont know is that, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Meaning that beauty should not be characterized by what people are told it is, beauty is different for everyone, what is beautiful for you may be ugly to someone else. The characters in Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye are confronted with the ideal of beauty and strive for it whether they know it or not. The two characters that I think were followed the ideal of beauty in Toni Morisons story are Pauline and Pecola. In Toni Morrisons story and in real life, beauty is described by people as having blond hair, blue eyes , perfect figure, etc. Its been said that if you have good looks, you can make it in life with just looks alone. People only strive for becoming beautiful because they want attention. As is the case in Toni Morrisons story. The characters in her story think that they are ugly, by others opinions of them, and want to become beautiful so they will be recognized and be the center of attention. But the harder both characters try, the worse things get. Pauline strived for beauty because she wanted to attention and wanted to be beautiful. Pauline seemed to have just worse case of bad luck, when she was a child she stepped on a nail and she was left with a limp forever. The wound left her with a crooked, archless foot that flopped when she walked (110). She tried to put that behind her but she lost three middle teeth, not all the same time but slowly. It wasnt because her teeth were rotten the tooth just fell out. I was sitting back in my seat, and I taken a big bite of that candy, and it pulled a tooth right out of my mouth. I could of cried. I had good teeth, not a rotten one in my head. I dont believe I ever did get over that (123). After trying so hard to become beautiful and things going bad the harder she tried, she just gave up. Pecola strived for beauty throughout the whole book, she knew that people though she was an ugly child. So she thought if she had blue eyes, things would be different and she would be recognized and become beautiful. Pecola, being a child, did not know that her wish was just not possible. But she was a kid and didnt know any better. She figured that if she had blue eyes like Maurine Pie, she would be popular and beautiful. Pecola asked Soaphead Church for blue eyes, and he told he would. Although Pecola never really got blue eyes, she thought she did and it was enough to fulfill her needs. In Conclusion, the characters did not achieve the beauty they desired. Pauline gave up on her quest to become beautiful, the harder she tired the worse things got. Pecola did not really get her blue eyes, although she thought she got them and that was fulfilling for her. If the characters had not worried about becoming beautiful, I think they would have been better of in the end.

International Accounting Regulations Assignment

International Accounting Regulations - Assignment Example FRS 10 defines the classes of intangible assets that would be covered by the provisions. These intangible assets may include â€Å"licenses. Quotas, patents, copyrights etc and also other assets that are capable of being disposed of or settled separately without disposing of the entity.† (Neil D. Stein 1998)FRS 10 defines the classes of intangible assets that would be covered by the provisions. These intangible assets may include â€Å"licenses. Quotas, patents, copyrights etc and also other assets that are capable of being disposed of or settled separately without disposing of the entity.† (Neil D. Stein 1998)However, FRS 10 has left certain important issues in connection with the intangible assets vague that makes the provisions unserious about the objective it intends to accomplish.  Ã‚  Ã‚  FRS 10 has the following shortcomings which have made the treatment of goodwill and other intangible assets favorable to the firms:†¢ FRS 10 gives the firms the liberty to carry through the value of the goodwill or other intangible assets permanently at the purchased cost. This vitiates the chances of the true and fair valuation of the intangible assets as shown in the financial statements.†¢ Although there are provisions governing the impairment of the value of the intangible assets, the impairment process as detailed in the FRS 10 and FRS 11 are highly subjective and devoid of clarity. This allows the firms to postpone the impairment of the intangible assets as long as they want on the plea that the valuation and impairment procedure is costly and cumbersome.†¢ Moreover, the treatment of the negative value of the goodwill under FRS 10 does not follow normal accounting practices.†¢ The provisions of the Companies Act 1985 are not taken into account while allowing the goodwill to be carried for an indefinite period.

Alzheimer's Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Alzheimer's - Research Paper Example During the autopsy the doctor noted dense deposits of neuritic plaques surrounding nerve cells and twisted bands of nerve fibers inside the cells. The presence of plaques and tangles during a brain autopsy is now taken as a definitive diagnosis of the condition. There have been several additional researches that have been carried out by scientist around the world since the discovery of the disease. In the 1960s researchers found connectivity between the cognitive decline and the number of plaques and tangles present in the brain. Since the 1970s scientists have made major discoveries pertaining to the complex functioning of the nerve cells in these patients and also with increasing developments in the field of genetics, genes responsible for susceptibility to this disease both in the early stages and later in life have also been unraveled. Apart from the genetic factors other lifestyle related and environmental risk factors are also being widely being explored (A History, 2009; Alzhe imer’s disease, 2010). Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease and before the symptoms are noticed sufficient damage to the brain would have already taken place. Studies reveal that this damage could occur anywhere between 10 to 20 years before the onset of the clinical signs and symptoms. Beginning with the development of tangles within the entorhinal cortex and plaques in other regions of the brain, the disease affects the functioning of neurons that eventually results in lost communication between the brain cells. When such damage occurs within the hippocampus region of the brain as the disease progresses, it affects the memory and processing skills of the individual (Alzheimer’s disease, 2010). Thus most prominent early sign of the disease is memory loss (Alzheimer’s disease, 2010; Alzheimer’s symptoms, 2009; Symptoms, 2009). Other common early symptoms include confusion, attention disorders, personality changes, difficulty with languages

Greek city states rise and influence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Greek city states rise and influence - Essay Example The very emergence of Sparta is in large-part concealed from history, but its later rise is well documented in Greek literature and historical accounts. The very emergence of Spartan power and influence is historically linked to their military conquests. The earliest recorded evidence of Sparta arises in around 1000 B.C., but it wasn’t until the 6th century B.C. that Sparta began to gain considerable influence and power within Greece (Morris). This period of time is referred to as the Monolithic period. During this period Sparta gradually gained influence through military conquests. In these regards, there are a number of critical battles that greatly contributed to Sparta’s hegemonic power. One of the major conquests in these regards was Sparta’s overtaking of neighboring Tegea, which was one of the most powerful of the surrounding cities. In 494 B.C. the Spartan invasion of Argos, while unsuccessful, would ultimately result in Sparta becoming recognized as the leading state of Hellas (Kennell). It was during this period that Sparta gained considerable influence within Greece, being recognized as the city-state that would lead the Greek forces. The next major step in Sparta’s rise and influence emerges in terms of their relations with Athens. Sparta became first became influential in Athenian politics after overthrowing tyrant Athenian ruler Hippias in 510 B.C. Through the proceeding years they would go on to gain considerably more influence within Athens. In large part, one of the significant events contributing to this rise in influence came through Sparta’s military support to Athens during the Persian Wars. During this period they were able to stave off invasion and drive the Persian army to a standstill. One such political decision came when Sparta instruction the revolting Ionian Greeks to settle in cities that had supported the invading Persian Empire (Jones). This Spartan influence continued until Athens ultimately sided with

Executive summary on the Thornton case study

Executive summary on the Thornton case study This report is subsequent to the Thornton public limited company case study. A little, bit introduction about Thornton public limited company. Thorntons is one of the most prestigious brand names in the business of chocolate in the world and especially in the Great Britain (U.K.). The company has established around 100 years ago and has various products and different sources to marketing their product like own retail shops, cafà ©, franchisees, supermarket, and Thorntons direct, commercial channel etc. In this report, the concept of leadership and management in relation to Thornton will be review. Secondly, their stated aim of placing greater emphasis on retailing will be analyze and then their influence in situational factor on leadership in present and future will be critically examine through several leadership models INTRODUCTION: Before the report began with the Thorntons the report would like to define the term Leadership and Management what does it mean to organization? Leadership: According to http://sbinfocanada.about.com, Leadership means the art of motivating the employees of an organization to achieve their goals and help the organization for development in today competitive time. Management: In simple words generally use in organization to achieve their desired goals effectively and efficiently. Management involves planning, organizing, employees, and controlling the organization to develop business in todays competitive time. In addition, it is the exchanging of knowledge to create, to outsource, or to produce a new strategic or product for the development of organization. The report is dividing into two parts. In the first part of the report will consider the achievements and negligence of the last chief executive Mr. Mike Davies. Moreover, which model of leadership he has use in Thornton during his time along with the SWOT analysis of the company will be analyze and evaluate along with the way he has role in the company is a transactional leadership skills. In the second part of the report the model Mc Kinsey 7 s and contingency: path goal theory on the new leadership will be analyze and evaluate in Thorntons along with transformational leadership skills and how it will support Thorntons to achieve their goals in the field of retail sales of chocolate and other products along with their situational factors. Discussion: Where are we right now? Firstly, we will look at Last Chief Executive Mr. Mike Davies and his role in the Thornton public limited company. During the leadership period of Mr. Mike Davies, he has practice the leadership model Action Centered Leadership and SWOT analysis of Thorntons. Group needs: Strengthened our retail management team new initiatives to arise sales strengthened the senior retail management team with innovative marketing promotional programmes. Task needs: Manufacturing operations, the product range and performance of its commercial channel and innovative new product. Individuals needs: Tough trading environment, Reference: Action Centered Leadership Adair, john.(1983) Effective Leadership. Gower. SWOT ANALYSIS on Thornton public limited company: Weakness: Thornton direct failed to meet the expectations of the company. Clearing of access stock in shops and then selling them with heavy discount. Strength: Change of liabilities into assets, increase in eps (earnings per share) by 20.4% as compared to last year, Strong Balance sheet, and innovative new Products. THREATS: increase in cocoa prices by 25% and butter prices has increased by 66%. Opportunities: Introducing of Haiti charity bloc, new moulding line to increase productivity, design your own box with personal photo printed for consumers. From the above analyzing, Mr. Mike Davies performance in Thorntons public limited company and while looking at his past work experience in mars of 20 years along with his own consultancy, he has performed as a transactional leadership skills in Thorntons plc. During his period of leadership, he has reconstructed the company and made a valid change in manufacturing operations along with innovation of chocolate box for the exclusively customers which had grown up by 84% in the last year and in the current year also increased by 5% in the current year. Now, Thornton has more than 30% of inlaid chocolate box market. Moreover, he shows strong balance sheet during the time of world economic crisis. However, he wants to reduce the dependence of Thorntons public limited company. As the chocolate is a seasonal product large number of staff is temporary staff on production and own stores of Thornton that should a major problem in the management of the company. 2). Where are we going now? Secondly, what company aspects from the new leader in Thornton should observe the situational factors and strategic development of retail sales and management of the company? The report will analyze the Mc Kinsey 7s model in Thornton and evaluate how it will help them to restructuring the management and retail sales along with the overcome of situational factors. Analyze of Mc Kinsey 7 s model in Thornton has to look after the situational factors. Structure: Change of working environment of staff from temporary to permanent staff in production and management. Strategy: How to achieve goals and proposal to overcome with situational factors. System: Innovation of technology, government support etc. Skills: Assets or resources provided by company. Goals: Improvement in retail sales, situational factors and management. Style: Leadership should concern with employees regarding motivation training. Employees should feel free to share new ideas .regarding the new business source. Staff: Looking after the employees. Like rewards and position in company. Evaluation how does Mc Kinsey 7s model work in Thornton. The new leader should adopt the McKinsey 7 s model approach in the Thornton along with transformational skills so that the employees should be able to share new ideas and new business source of development the organization and they should feel free to share their ideas with the leader directly. Therefore, that will help them achieve their goals in retail and over come with the situational factor. In addition, the new leader should overlook at the changes done by the last chief executive, and try to adapt some changes that are good for the company to cover up with the management in Thornton. How contingency: path goal theory does help the leader and employees to achieve the goals. Nature of employees: How should employees perform to cover up situational factors and improve retail sales, with determination or with disinterest in task? LEADER SHIP BEHAVIOUR 1).Directive 2). Supportive 3). Participative 4). Achievement Oriented Nature of task: situational factors and emphasis on retail sales of Thorntons; it is an ambiguous structure task or manageable structure task. Employees approach and motivation towards this situation in Thorntons. Goal Clarity shows the improved performance of the retail sales, situational factor, and job satisfaction of employees. Evaluation how does contingency: path goal model work in Thornton public limited company. From the above analysis of the path goal model in the Thornton public limited company. We can examine that the working conditions of management need to be friendlier between the leader and the employees so that each task should be structure first so that management could complete the task properly within a period, it will give job satisfaction to employees, and company performance will be improve accurately. Conclusion: This report has analyzed and evaluated Action Centered Leadership and SWOT analysis under the leadership of Mr. Mike Davies and he performs as a transactional leader in Thornton. Mc Kinsey 7s and contingency: path goal theory has analyzed and evaluated for the role of new leadership that is require by Thornton and it will help the cover up all the situational factor of management as the employees are on temporary basis they should be on permanent so they will be interested in their work. Recommendations: From the case study of Thorntons and this report, I would like to share my opinion that Thorntons should go for vertical integration process of their daily needs product like milk etc. As this project is a low investment project, nevertheless it will help the organization to improve their strategic goals describe in the case study. They just need some greenery area or farm house to where they can take care of cows, and in return, they will get 100% fresh milk daily. That milk they could make butter, because it prices was arose by 66% in the year 2009. Moreover, milk can be use in the mixing of chocolate. This business is ecological and neither will it occur any global warming. Also with the help of vertical integration, they can improve the quality of chocolate that will stay for a longer period. Besides this, they can sell their own milk in their own brand name as a new product; they can launch different kinds of milk shakes in their own cafà © in the U.K. and Ireland. That could h elp them to increase their own retail sales. It will also turn unemployment into employment that will help the government in terms of tax increase.

Geothermal Energy :: essays papers

Geothermal Energy It has come to my attention that your research center gives some helpful information on my desire course of study. Let me explain briefly about my education background. I received B.S degree in 1999 with a major in Mechanical Engineering. (Heat and fluid branch) later, I began new course for M.S degree since 1999 in Energy Engineering (which continues) At present, I am searching and editing my final project. The title of my research would be â€Å" Technical and Economical evaluation of geothermal energy systems†. Also, the subtitle named as â€Å" Geothermal Heat Pump†. The main idea of this project is mentioned below: 1. To collect a technical and energy model consisted of general information such as exploration, drilling, capacity of equipments, etc. 2. to gather economical plans based on technical model. In other words, we should consider the application of heat pump as well as economical point of view. 3. Comparison to geothermal heat pump and traditional air condition systems. Furthermore, to explain advantages and disadvantages of each system. 4. Comparison to geothermal heat pump and traditional heat pump. 5. Conclusions. I’d like to call your attention to this matters, unfortunately in Iran there is no sufficient and reliable sources on renewable energy. So, our references are very limited. All of my professional information was on the basis of searching Internet. The Iranian society of mechanical engineering has published a special magazine titled â€Å"Mechanical Engineering†. As a member of this association, I wrote an article titled Geothermal energy which published. You will see that I thoroughly enjoyed to have all information that would be helpful and constructive in my study. At the end, you are kindly requested to send me, if available, guidelines for following items: 1. General reports on Geothermal Energy by referring to historical analysis as well as the usage of different systems

Feminist critique on a street car named desire Essay

Although the play itself would have made huge strides in the feminist movement at the time the message behind the play brings out a crucial and relevant message to the audience today, and asks bigger questions to young people in a generation that questionably has made very few steps forward in the past few decades. It questions how gendered stereotyping controls our society and how little both sexes care to amend it in an apathetic civilisation. Blanche as a character although resembling, at times, the potential to be of more substantial character and command the recognition she deserves, is trapped into a bubble of what can be considered feminine and is convinced by her own sub conscience and those around her that the only way to get what she wants is to act within certain stereotypes to find herself any man to provide the stability she craves, Stella alike takes the role in a less exaggerated manner but this in some ways is more powerful as she has the power over Stanley to conduct him as she wishes but herself deems it only acceptable to run back to him every time he calls. Self-destruction in its simplest form because society has condemned her to our four walls of femininity. A Streetcar Named Desire presents a sharp observational critique of the way the institutions and attitudes of postwar America placed restrictions on women’s actions and lives. Williams uses Blanche’s and Stella’s dependence on men to expose and evaluate the treatment of women during the transition from the old to the new South. Both Blanche and Stella see male companions as their only means to achieve happiness, Blanche and Stella throughout the play remain in the mindset that to acquire a male companion is their only true and justified path to happiness, consequently they form a dependency to men for both their sustenance and their self-image. Blanche criticizes Stella for staying in a physically abusive relationship with her brooding husband Stanley, thus in turn criticizing Stella for depending on Stanley for emotional support and sexual relief, Stella declares she is ‘not in anything she wants to get out of’ this moment in the play shocks Blanche as she realises that someone she loves and respects so completely could choose this life for herself . However the way Blanche leads her life—contacting Shep Huntleigh for financial support—still demonstrates a complete uncompromising dependency on men. At the end of the play, when Stella makes the conscious decision to remain with her husband, Stanley, she has chosen to rely on love, and put her faith and reliance in a man instead of her sister. Williams chooses not to present this decision as a mistake or a female falling as it is clear that Blanche’s behavior does not offer nor demonstrate a secure future for Stella or for her newly born child. One of the most prominent communications within the play is that posed by Blanche, as a character we find it incredibly hard to sympathize with her, she appears on the surface manipulative and unhinged masked clumsily by nauseating girlishness . She comes across in so many ways barely a woman at all with her shrill demands and constant awkward giggling, however her past reveals she is far more of a woman than Stella or Blanche would ever like to believe, her shaded life in Bellereeve leaves trails of fragmented womanhood behind her which later manifests itself in the form of vicious gossip that consequently sparks Blanches downfall. Within herself, Blanche views a quick marriage to Mitch as a manner of absconding destitution. Blanche’s sexual exuberance is criticized by Stanley and exploited by all the other men in her life excluding Mitch, tarnishing her name, and providing her with a promiscuous reputation. This reputation, by nature of society, brands Blanche an unfit and unattractive marriage prospect, however, as she is destitute, Blanche perceives marriage as her only probability for survival in a bible belt that condemns women be pure in order to be a possibility for wedlock. When Mitch discards Blanche based on the slander painted by Stanley about her licentious past, Blanche instantaneously turns to another man—the millionaire Shep Huntleigh—in hope of another miraculous rescuing. Because Blanche is blinded by her dependence on men, she loses sight of a realistic concept of saving herself from being pushed down, this view has been embedded in her by humanity condemning her to believe her only discharge will be if a good honest man will wed her, thus somehow erasing the shadows of her past in Bellereeve. Blanche fails to come to terms with the fact that by putting so much emphasis and reliance in men she no longer controls the outcomes of her future as she puts her fate in the hands of a man, thus ultimately leading to her descent into insanity. One of the most important aspects of feminism is that gender is a social construct and if womanhood is defined purely through the chains of society rather than through natural causes, few societies have enforced it more forcefully and with such vigour as the American South. The saga that is the southern woman began in the mid 1800’s which saw a white woman of a certain standing put on a pedestal. The southern gentleman and society enforced that a woman be a non-sexual creature, helpless and fragile, this is concentrated and highlighted in Blanche’s behaviour as she believes the only way for her to appear attractive to the opposite sex is to manifest herself as pathetic and incapable. As a Southern lady, Blanche’s narrowly defined social role has kept her from admitting her natural appetites and pursuing them forthrightly. She has felt obliged to lie to herself and to others. However throughout the play these hidden desires have revealed themselves in private company, for instance her heavy drinking would be seen as impure by southern society and this is evident by both Mitch’s and Stanley’s reaction to this trait. Blanches greatest scandal from belle reeve is that she let her sexual nature control her actions thus ‘spoiling’ her and rendering her a ruined woman. To express one’s sexuality or desires instantaneously reduces a woman to tainted and impure. Williams has said that he considers Blanche’s character liberated, she has lived such an autonomous life in such a repressive time she could almost be considered heroic were she not so ashamed of her fierce former independence. In the play she seeks stability after the tragedy of her life in Belle reeve – ergo her attraction to Mitch – his incessant and ceaseless tedium results in Blanche being capable of fulfilling her central hunger in this time of her life, to find a good husband. She regularly discourages masculine behaviour in Mitch, rendering him the submissive co-part of the relationship, Blanche subconsciously maculates herself by doing this. Both sisters have felt the full force of marrying for love (Stella through the physical abuse omitted by Stanley and Blanche through the affair of her bi-sexual late husband) it could be argued that Allan’s sexual ambiguity led Stella to choose an overtly heterosexual working class man. Some criticise Williams writing of Stella as she fails to release herself from the grasp of her abusive husband, expressing that Williams presents Stella (and blanche) as weak and incompetent however this criticism is unjust as Williams would have been writing before any form of feminist movement arose, meaning that Williams himself was writing purely from observation of his Southern America. Williams himself as a homosexual male experienced the same struggles as these women being considered a second class citizen or an ‘other’ The ending of the play, finishes controversially for feminists addressing the issue of rape, however Williams does not present Blanche as victim, although the tone of sympathy primarily lies with the women of the play Blanche manifests herself as a worthy opponent, she has allured Stanley with provocative comments and engaged in verbal battles with him throughout the play. She has not proved a weak adversary at any moment and at the climax of the play smashes a bottle and threatens to ‘’twist it into his face’’. Stanley does not rape Blanche in order to re-instate his power in the house rather than as a battle for position of alpha-male, as from the beginning of the play Blanche has threatened this position, she has drunk his alcohol, manipulated his wife and this pinnacle marks the end battle of this ongoing power-struggle. Stanley is not belittling Blanche or women in general by raping her rather he feels it is his last resort in order to have victory thus proving he sees her as a genuine intimidation. Stanley says ‘we’ve had this date with each other from the beginning’ showing that she was a direct threat from the beginning and the fact that it could imply that the act was pre-meditated is the only indication of deliberate cold- blooded cruelty on Stanley’s behalf. Williams challenges the traditional view of marriage as posed by cultural standing, assuming that marriage is the end of the story, and that marriage is synonymous with a lifetime of joy, erasing all pain from behind that moment. Williams sees marriage as the start of a life for a man, far from the bliss that is advertised. Mitch and Stanley represent realistic portraits of men who will constantly cram their women into gendered stereotypes and Stella and Blanche will always oblige to protect their own stature and (in the case of Stella) to shelter their children.

How Small Business Drives US Economy

How Small Business Drives US Economy What really drives the U.S. economy? No, it is not war. In fact, it is small business firms with fewer than 500 employees that drives the U.S. economy by providing jobs for over half of the nations private workforce. In 2010, there were 27.9 million small businesses in the United States, compared to 18,500 larger firms with 500 employees or more, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These and other statistics outlining small business contribution to the economy are contained in the Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories, 2005 Edition from the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA Office of Advocacy, the small business watchdog of the government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal government agencies, Congress, and the President of the United States. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats and it funds research into small business issues. Small business drives the American economy, said Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy in a press release. Main Street provides the jobs and spurs our economic growth. American entrepreneurs are creative and productive, and these numbers prove it. Small Businesses Are Job Creators SBA Office of Advocacy-funded data and research shows that small businesses create more than half of the new private non-farm gross domestic product, and they create 60 to 80 percent of the net new jobs. Census Bureau data shows that in 2010, American small businesses accounted for: 99.7% of U.S. employer firms;64% of net new private-sector jobs;49.2%   of private-sector employment; and42.9% of private-sector payroll Leading the Way Out of the Recession Small businesses accounted for 64% of the net new jobs created between 1993 and 2011 (or 11.8 million of the 18.5 million net new jobs). During the recovery from the great recession, from mid-2009 to 2011, small firms led by the larger ones with 20-499 employees accounted for 67% of the net new jobs created nationwide. Do the Unemployed Become Self-Employed? During periods of high unemployment, like the U.S. suffered during the great recession, starting a small business can be just as hard, if not harder than finding a job. However, in March 2011, about 5.5% or nearly 1 million self-employed people – had been unemployed the previous year. This figure was up from March 2006 and March 2001, when it was 3.6% and 3.1%, respectively, according to the SBA. Small Businesses Are the Real Innovators Innovation – new ideas and product improvements – is generally measured by the number of patents issued to a firm. Among firms considered â€Å"high patenting† firms – those being granted 15 or more patents in a four-year period small businesses produce 16 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms, according to the SBA. In addition, SBA research also shows that increasing the number of employees correlates with increased innovation while increasing sales does not. Do Women, Minorities, and Veterans Own Small Businesses? In 2007, the nation’s 7.8 million women-owned small businesses averaged $130,000 each in receipts. Asian-owned businesses numbered 1.6 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $290,000. African-American-owned businesses numbered 1.9 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $50,000. Hispanic-American-owned businesses numbered 2.3 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $120,000. Native American/Islander-owned businesses numbered 0.3 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $120,000, according to the SBA. In addition, veteran-owned small businesses numbered 3.7 million in 2007, with average receipts of $450,000.

Honest Numbers about an Amazon Indie Ebook Giveaway

Honest Numbers about an Amazon Indie Ebook Giveaway One problem facing indie authors is the lack of honest sales figures. Self-reporting is often vague or exaggerated. While Hugh Howey’s Author Earnings page is a good source, more data are needed. I recently did a five-day free promotion on Amazon and would like to share my results. I’m writing a series of post-apocalyptic novels titled the Toxic World. Book One, Radio Hope, came out in February. In March I published a 10,000-word short story titled The Scavenger. The series is in the KDP Select program so I can take advantage of free giveaways and countdown deals. The Scavenger is priced at 99 cents. It’s not intended to make money, but to advertise the series, so I use my free days. I get five days to offer it for free every ninety-day period. My first promotion was from Friday, April 4 through Tuesday, April 8. I did little promotion. I mentioned it on my blog and several times on my Twitter feed. Several blogger buddies mentioned it. A few nice people tweeted. Here’s the daily breakdown, with the number of downloads for each country in parentheses. Friday, April 4: US (79), UK (13), Spain (5), Germany (2), Canada (3), India (1). Total: 103. Saturday, April 5: US (82), UK (9), Germany (1), Canada (1), Australia (1). Total: 94. Sunday, April 6: US (58), UK (2), Germany (1), Canada (3), Australia (1). Total: 65. Monday, April 7: US (61), UK (11), Australia (1). Total: 73. Tuesday, April 8: US (47), UK (8), Spain (1). Total: 56. Grand Total: US (327), UK (43), Canada (7), Spain (6), Germany (4), Australia (3), India (1). Grand Total for all markets: 391. The giveaway numbers mirror my sales - the U.S. is My first day was my biggest. Fridays and Saturdays are good sales days as people look for weekend reading. There’s a severe drop off at the beginning of the week. This was reflected in my giveaway numbers. That good first day got me into the top 20 in the Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian categories on Amazon UK and into the top 20 â€Å"Kindle Short Reads† on Amazon US. This increased visibility and encouraged more downloads, creating a positive feedback loop and getting the attention of some â€Å"free ebook† websites and Twitter feeds, which presumably helped keep numbers up. Reader reaction was prompt. While the giveaway was still on, someone added The Scavenger to Goodreads and I got three reviews. What about sales of Radio Hope? During the giveaway I sold six, twice what I sold in the same five-day period a week earlier. I have since had several sales of Radio Hope to people who said they’d been pulled in So what did I learn? Don’t expect astronomical numbers. As a little-known author in a flooded genre, you won’t hit number one. The friend factor only goes so far. Few downloads were The first day is essential. Getting those numbers up quickly makes you visible. This encourages more downloads that will keep you visible. Weekends are better. Split it across two weekends instead of a single five-day block. You’re building a tower, not launching a rocket. While this giveaway didn’t get me lots of sales, it did get my series onto nearly 400 Kindles. That’s a start.

Case Study Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Social Psychology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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