Friday, January 31, 2020
Students Overcoming The Odds Essay Example for Free
Students Overcoming The Odds Essay Needs Assessment and Program Planning A comprehensive study found that students from low-income backgrounds often score low in college entrance exams.à A solution has been introduced called, Students Overcoming The Odds or SOTO.à This program is designed to tutor low-income students toward greater success in the SAT/ACT entrance exams while potentially providing greater opportunity for obtaining scholarships.à The program will be conducted through the recruitment of volunteers to tutor these students to greater success. Job Development and Design à à à à à à à à à à à Permission has been attained to conduct tutoring sessions at local libraries. à The cost for use of these spaces is none.à Local civic leagues have agreed to donate SAT/ACT booklets to students at no cost.à A similar organization has agreed to pay the cost for these students to take the necessary exams.à à à There should be no more than 5 students during a tutoring session.à Each tutor shall choose a section of the exam they feel most confident in teaching.à In this way students can be introduced to different instructional designs and methods. Recruitment à à à à à à à à à à à One means of recruitment is through local universities, either with active or retired professors.à These professionals having dedicated their careers to higher education would be ideal candidates for tutoring sessions.à Another means of recruitment is through the community itself.à Unquestionably, education is key in individuals building a better life for themselves and thus returning knowledge to the community. Interviewing and Matching à à à à à à à à à à à à Without question background checks will be conducted.à The expertise of the volunteers, will be placed in their area of strength to tutor students.à A teaching background in routine classroom environments is strongly desired and encouraged. Orientation and Training à à à à à à à à à à à Diversity will be a focus during orientation.à This idea will be furthered during training.à Sensitivity to the students backgrounds will be emphasized.à If necessary, as the ACT/SAT tests change, refresher courses will be provided. Supervision and Management à à à à à à à à à à à Volunteers should know their role clearly, which is to guide these students toward success.à Supervision and management are to guide and encourage volunteers to the best of their ability.à A key to managing volunteers is reminding them of their sheer necessity to the program, without volunteers there would be no program. Recognition à à à à à à à à à à à A kind word of encouragement is always welcome to volunteers and staff alike.à A suggestion would be recognizing a volunteer from each division on, at the least, a quarterly basis.à This can be done through a special thank you during a planning meeting.à As the program grows and success is realized larger rewards, such as gift certificates could be awarded. à Costs have been kept to an absolute minimum at this time and a budget for rewards needs to be integrated into the program. Evaluation à à à à à à à à à à à Success of the students is likely the most valuable evaluation tool.à Another means to this could be peer evaluations as tutors instruct their students.à This method of evaluation is routine in most, if not every university. Liability/Risk Management à à à à à à à à à à à Parents must sign a contract not holding SOTO liable for the failure of an exam.à Express permission should be given as to the beginning and end of tutor sessions, as well as location.à Should the student be over the age of 18, the student shall sign the same clause. Role of Staff à à à à à à à à à à à The role of staff should be one of guidance and encouragement.à Volunteers do not have to make the sacrifices they do.à Staff should always be aware that among their most valuable assets are volunteers, the very people themselves that make up and support the program. References: Babbie, Earl. (2006). The Practice of Social Research.à Belmont, CA:à Thomson-Wadsworth.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
The Significance of the Townspeople and Emilys Father in A Rose for Em
A necrophiliac is described as a person who has an obsessive fascination with death and corpses (Mifflin 1). Emily, a necrophiliac in the story, ââ¬Å"A Rose for Emily,â⬠is a deranged, lost, and confused woman. A story filled with many symbols that help the stories meaning. The only man Emily knew growing up was her father. He taught her to trust no man, and no man would ever be good for her. He was highly favored through the town and everyone looked to him. The small town of curious and nosey people makes the story of ââ¬Å"A Rose for Emily.â⬠The townââ¬â¢s people are curious to know Emilyââ¬â¢s every step, or wondering what she is going to do next, her appearance, and where the horrible smell in her house comes from. She meets a man in this small town and they become lovers. She then kills him with rat poisoning and sleeps with him every night until finally her time is up and everybody in her town finds out the real truth. Through out the whole story of ââ¬Å"A Rose for Emilyâ⬠no one ever knows who the people are in her town and we never find out there age, size, color, and whether or not they personally know Emily or not. They are just townspeople, townspeople who gossip. We only know what the people are saying about her and how judgmental they are being through out the whole story. According to Faulkner, in his Short Story Criticism he says, ââ¬Å"Miss Emily constantly for fifty or sixty years; they are anonymous townspeople, for neither names nor sexes nor occupations are given or hinted at; and they seem to be naà ¯ve watchers, for they speak as though they did not understand the meaning of events at the time they occurred. Further, they are of undetermined age. By details given the story there neither older nor younger nor of the same age as Miss Em... ...again, her hair was cut short, making her look like a girl, with a vague resemblance to those angels in colored church windows- sort of tragic and sereneâ⬠(Faulkner 31). Emily father was highly favored in the town. Faulkner writes in his Short Story Criticism, ââ¬Å"The Griersons have always been ââ¬Å"high and mighty,â⬠somehow above ââ¬Å"the gross, teeming worldâ⬠¦.â⬠Emilyââ¬â¢s father was well respected and occasionally loaned the town money. That made her a wealthy child and she basically had everything a child wanted. Emilyââ¬â¢s father was a very serious man and Emilyââ¬â¢s mind was violated by her fatherââ¬â¢s strict mentality. After Emilyââ¬â¢s father being the only man in her life, he dies and she find it hard to let go of him. Because of her father, she possessed a stubborn outlook on life and how thing should be. She practically secluded her self from society for the remainder of her life.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Smoking Ban
The Smoking Ban Brandon Samuel January 24, 2013 The Smoking Ban Smoking is a popular pass time. At the same time, it also threatens the lives of millions of people, smoker and non-smokers alike. Smoking kills more people each year than any other disease. Smoking kills 2 out 10 people each year in developed countries. (PAHO, 2007) Secondhand smoke puts non-smokers at similar risk to that of smokers. Retrospectively non-smokers feel their rights are being violated. Smokers want to have a choice to smoke where they want.Smokers claim smoking is a legal act so why ban it? Forty Six million smokers make their own health decisions to smoke. However, the Environmental Protection agency drafted a report, in May of 1992, stating that second hand smoke is a carcinogen. Every state in America should address this problem on a national level and local level. Smoking should be banned from all public facilities. Several states have passed smoking laws making it illegal to smoke in any public facili ty. In California, it's illegal to smoke in a car with children under the age of 18 aboard.Other states such as Maine, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and Arkansas have similar car smoking laws- with different ages that apply. Many variations of policies have been set locally to support a nationwide movement to have smoke free laws in every state. Among these states Michigan is also among these states jumping on board for smoke free environments. The clean air act was established to protect citizens against harmful effects of smoking or second hand smoke. There are currently 13 states that have no statewide ban and simply rely on the clean air act to restrict smoking.These laws of the clean air act are very broad and may restrict per county but it is up to the state to apply specifics to their area. As Smoking has been a habit of choice for many Americans, laws and policies are set in place to protect those who wish not to be affected by second hand smoke. Michigan has been among many state s adapting to the change. Jennifer Granholm signed a bill on December 18, 2009 which was put into place on May 1, 2010 where all public areas including workplaces, restaurants, and bars ill be smoke free. The policy also states, unlike California and other states that you may not smoke on any patio of these establishments as well. Opinions of others feel that this is quite harsh as people feel they should be able to smoke outside on a patio at the establishment. The bill defines and explains all appropriate measures which must be taken in order to uphold the law. The sections describe actions for company owners to prohibit smoking in these areas and to also post signs around the establishment. (Mulder, 2010)There are two exceptions to the smoking ban which includes cigar bars and tobacco specialty stores. Both of these businesses must file an affidavit with the department and await approval. The bill is very specific about what is allowed and what not allowed for these establishment s is. For example, you may not smoke cigarettes in the cigar bar, only cigars. The second exception to the policy is casinos. If the casino was established before the bill was called into action then patrons may smoke in the facility. However, casinos that are established after May, 1, 2010 must be smoke free.Penalties of this bill are determined to be no more than 100 for the first offense and no more than 500 for the second offense. Food establishments that do not permit smoking as according to the law may not discriminate against employees who do smoke. (Mulder, 2010) Below are a list of state and local laws that pertain to the United States and the participation of this policy. â⬠¢ Across the United States, 21,884 municipalities are covered by a 100% smoke free provision in non-hospitality workplaces, and/or restaurants, and/or bars, by either a state, commonwealth, territorial, or local law, representing 79. % of the US population. â⬠¢ 39 states and the District of Colu mbia have local laws in effect that requires non-hospitality workplaces and/or restaurants and/or bars to be 100% smoke free. There are 2,140 states, commonwealths, territories, cities, and counties with a law that restricts smoking in one or more outdoor areas, including 1,056 that restrict smoking near entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of enclosed places; 1,497 that restrict smoking in public outdoor places such as parks and beaches; 253 that prohibit smoking in all outdoor stadiums and other sports and entertainment enues, and 361 that restrict smoking in some areas within outdoor stadiums and other sports and entertainment venues. (ANRF, 2012) â⬠¢ Smoking is a habit that many people engage in throughout America. It can also be thought of as a social activity, and many people who do not smoke normally will smoke especially when they go to bars, restaurants, and casinos. At the same time, smoking is a great health risk, which endangers not only the user, but also eve ryone who is in the same area as the user.In this context, this paper will examine the pros and cons of banning smoking in bars and restaurants and will provide an ethical solution to this debatable issue. Looking at ethical solutions to this problem depends on how you view the issue at hand. Quit smoking in enclosed spaces or continue the way we have always done things. What about giving people the choice not to be engulfed by SHS? Does the smokerââ¬â¢s right to smoke trump the right to not smoke or be affected by SHS? If no, then set rules and regulations. Those who donââ¬â¢t follow will have consequences.Clarks article states that an amazing 88% of Americans feel that smoking is annoying. Too much surprise, most smokers support a smoking ban as well. We could cater to the 88% and develop solutions to these problems such as; make it illegal to smoke in any public facility. Another solution would be to install advanced air filtering systems to enable smokers to continue to sm oke indoors as long ââ¬â as the filtering systems prove to be efficient. This may be the key to help the smokers, less likely to feel isolated and attacked.Another possible solution would be to spend money on outdoor areas (patios) where customers may eat or socialize outside together. This would actually draw non-smokers and smokers together in an environment where they could mingle together without feeling like they are being harmed physically or emotionally. If your business was located in a cold area, the owners could also install outdoors heaters to allow year round patios. To clarify misconceptions even further, the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, written by Michael L.Marlow, reports that the best evidence reported that smoking bans put into place does not pose an economical threat to the any business. (Marlow, 2009) In addition to public smoking remedies, there should be a smoking ban in any vehicle that transports a child under the age of 18 years old. By ma king the age 18, there is no question of rights that are infringed. You have to be 18 to buy and smoke cigarettes, so lets keep it consistent and simple. Given scientific information on the effects of smoking a non-objectivist would agree that sometimes simplicity is the key. Waller, 2008, p. 175) As stated previously smoking is a greater cause of death and disability than any single disease, says the World Health Organization. According to their figures, it is responsible for approximately 3. 5 million deaths worldwide every year ââ¬â or about 7% of all deaths. (BBC News: Smoking) Moreover, the World Health Organization says that by 2020 17. 7 percent of all deaths in developed countries will be the result of smoking (BBC News: Smoking). This means that out of every 10 people who die roughly two people die because of smoking.The WHO is currently working on a global level to achieve 100 % smoke free environment in any enclosed space. This is to include airlines, schools, workpla ce, health facilities, bars, restaurants, and all public facilities. This global organization recognizes the dangers that come from smoking and also would like to help educate our youth on the effects of smoking. This type of action would focus on preventative measures to lower the percentages of smokers in the years to come. WHO, 1999) There was also a recent study done by the United States Societies actuary and it reported that a combination of direct and indirect medical costs estimated about 10 billion dollars in health care costs associated with smoking. To sup port this estimate, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that a clean air act would save US employers 15 billion dollars annually and the workforce productivity would raise about 3. 5 %. (PAHO, 2007) To begin, the argument for allowing smoking in bars and restaurants is that many people go to bars and restaurants to relax and socialize.Historically, smoking has been a part of these activities, espec ially drinking and socializing in bars, pubs and nightclubs. Charles Clark writes in his article about the desperate attempts to cut down smoking in public facilities. Politicians, administrators, and supervisors are looking for policies that they can move forward with- in order to ââ¬Å"crackdown on smokingâ⬠. Clark notes that since the smoking ban issue has been pushed so heavily and been in the forefront of everyoneââ¬â¢s minds, smokers have been feeling publicly humiliated, vilified, and ridiculed. Clark, 1992) The ban of smoking could, in this context, jeopardize businesses by forcing businesses to ban activities in which their customers engage. This economic factor is potentially problematic, since it is often a good thing for businesses to further profits by catering to the wishes and desires of the customer. Secondly, bars are places where everyone knows that people smoke and so they enter into this environment of their own free will. Thus, smoking in this case is n ot a malicious activity, since everyone freely chooses to visit a place that allows smoking.Thirdly, it is potentially problematic to dissuade what is often considered a social activity in a social environment. In the context of the pros to banning smoking in bars and restaurant, these cons to banning smoking in a bars and restaurants hold up different viewpoints. First of all, smoking is a serious health risk both to all customers and the people who serve them. Studies have also proven that the smoking bans have not affected the businesses that are on board. In fact, it has increased business and people are generally supporting the change. PAHO, 2007) This also brings up another issue of whether or not to ban smoking in every workplace establishment and vehicles with children as well. Overall, according to the World Health Organization, smoking kills and disables more people worldwide than any other disease. This means that smoking, which is a chosen habit, kills more people than s erious worldwide disease such as AIDS. Tynanââ¬â¢s article reports that the American Nonsmokers ââ¬Ë Rights Foundation estimated 33% of US residents live in areas where smoking bans have already been set in place. Tynan, Babb,à , 2008,à May). When looking at the smoking ban we can include the smoking ban to incorporate all public facilities, transportation (airplanes, trains, buses), and also vehicles with children aboard. Right now children are suffering from second hand smoke. In many states it is still legal to smoke in your car with children. But what isnââ¬â¢t exploited is that the World Health Organization reports that 700 million children are exposed to second hand smoke. SHS exposure causes upper respiratory infections and increases the chance of asthma. PAHO, 2007) Shouldnââ¬â¢t America fight for protecting adult non-smokers, but also the children too? In regards to SHS in the workplace The Employee Relations Law Journal (2006) Tomkowicz and Lessack make cla ims that workers who smoke, take longer and more frequent breaks. In addition, to longer breaks there is a rise in the cost of health care, which is more expensive for everyone because of smoking and its many effects. The World Health organization supports this claim as well, adding that economically the businesses are at higher risk for fire, more expensive cleaning fees, and higher insurance premiums. PAHO, 2007) Non-smokers feel the smoking ban has a positive impact on the health of everyone, so letââ¬â¢s continue the progression and move forward with a nationwide ban. These reasons alone should show that public establishments and society should support a clean air act. A habit, which kills and injures so many people worldwide and in the US, is hard to embrace. In a larger respect, one could argue that, considering these facts, it is the duty of our United States government to protect people when they go to public places from the awful effects of smoking.The biggest reason, mo reover, that smoking should be banned from restaurants, bars, public places, and transportation is that we need to find a way to protect the rights of individuals asking for a choice to stay healthy. Why should smokers infringe their choice on others? It would be safe to say that the opposing views of the smoking bans derive from a universal ethical egoism viewpoint where as Bruce Wallerââ¬â¢s text Consider Ethics (2008) describes ethical egoism as everybody does what benefits them, not considering others views or values. Waller, 2008, p. 87) Although ethical egoism deserves consideration society should also consider utilitarianism as another ethical viewpoint. Although these negative myths about the smoking ban can be refuted, and smokers understand consequences of smoking tot heir own health, smokers have to also calculate the consequences to non-smokers as well. Assuming the United States Government fights these battles locally, nationally, and statewide, many of the Americans will continue to decline in health and continue to die each year from tobacco and SHS.If society looks at second hand smoke in an ethical manner they could see that SHS is detrimental to ones health and we have a moral obligation to our fellow humans to not impose serious health risks upon others. Another aspect to point out is that most of America does not smoke. There are more non smoker s that there are smokers. Also smokers generally want to quit but still smoke because of nicotine addition. A lot of smokers support a clean air act. There are several myths that are brought about from the tobacco industry.Cleary looking at the difference between right and wrong is this case is key. People should have the right NOT to smoke, even passively. Simply, have rules and regulations on where smokers can and cannot smoke. Based on scientific knowledge, many Americans and organizations that support the smoking ban has begun to campaign against second hand smoke. If the smoking ban does not progress, we may see backlash of an angry population. We could also see US studies providing that second hand smoke increases the number of people with lung cancer and heart disease.People who are addicted to smoking should be treated with compassion in order to help their habit. However, they should not be permitted to harm others by chemical means. If America cannot agree to enforce public smoking laws, then we will continue to see declines in smokerââ¬â¢s health including cancer and fatal deaths resulting from a carcinogenic agent, such as cigarette smoke. In regards to smoking in the workforce, employees who are continually and routinely exposed to a lot of second-hand smoke may end up walking away from their jobs, due to the health risks.In this respect, non-smokers can be subjected to the same ailments and risks that smokers are subject to. This fact in itself makes it plainly evident that smokers endanger others by smoking, and that in view of public health, the governmen t must pass laws which protect its citizens from health hazards, especially ones which kill more people so violently. Conclusion To conclude, the arguments for allowing smoking in bars and restaurants rest on the assumptions of the past, that smoking is a social activity and should be allowed in public places.But since that time in the early 20th century when smoking was much more prevalent among adults, medicine has discovered absolutely that smoking greatly jeopardizes the life and quality of life of millions of people, smokers and non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke alike. M. Tynan says that the 2006 Surgeons Generalââ¬â¢s Report concluded that SHS causes premature death and disease in young children and nonsmoking adults. This means that the government must enact changes in the law to reflect this scientific knowledge.Overall, however, when weighing both the pros and cons, it becomes very evident that smoking is too harmful to peopleââ¬â¢s health and must be publicly c ensured as much as possible. Given all these factors of smoking the US government should provide a universal ban for smoking in public facilities. With the exception of those establishments who provide an area, which is sealed off, and the air current is ventilated away from the general public. Only then would a bar or restaurant owner be able to allow smoking in this space.Millions of Americans chooses not to smoke. However, they are not given the chance to get away from second hand smoke. In most states it is still legal to smoke in restaurants, bars, casinos, and public facilities. Why is the law taking their right away to be healthy, but yet not taking the right away from smokers all the while letting them blow smoke in their way? What is more important the right to smoke or your right to good health? References ANRF. (2012, January 02). Overview list ââ¬â how many smoke free laws?.Retrieved from http://www. no-smoke. org/pdf/mediaordlist. pdf Clark, Charles. (1992). Are ban s on tobacco use unfair to smokers? Crackdown on smoking, 2(45), Retrieved from http://library. cqpress. com. ezproxy. falcon. edu/cqresearcher/document. php? id=cqresrre1992120400=hitlist=0 doi: cqresrre1992120400 Marlow, Michael L. (Summer 2009). Epidemiologic and economic research, and the question of smoking bans. (Essay). Journal of American Physicians and Surgeonsà 14. 2à :à 58(3). Health Reference Center Academic.Gale. Baker College. 23 Oct. 2009à . Gale Document Number:A201551415 Mulder, M. (2010, February 04). Michigan smoking ban exemptions and enforcement. Retrieved from http://www. michiganpolicy. com/index. php? option=com_content=article=693:michigan-smoking-ban-exemptions-and-enforcement=43:health-care-policy-briefs=159 Pan American Health Organization, PAHO (2007, May 23). Smoke free inside. Retrieved from http://www. paho. org/english/ad/sde/ra/Engbrochure. pdf Slovak, Lila E. (Fall 2007).Smoke screens: why state laws making it a crime to smoke in cars cont aining children are a bad idea. Family Law Quarterlyà 41. 3à :à 601(21). Health Reference Center Academic. Gale. Baker College. 23 Oct. 2009à . Gale Document Number:A175284505 Tomkowicz, Sandra M. ,à andà Susan K. Lessack. (Winter 2006). Where there's smoke: employer policies on smoking. Employee Relations Law Journalà 32. 3:à 48(18). Health Reference Center Academic. Gale. Baker College. 23 Oct. 2009 Gale Document Number:A156054991. Tynan,à M. ,à Babb,à S. ,à &à MacNeil,à A.. (2008,à May).State Smoking Restrictions for Private-Sector Worksites, Restaurants, and Bars ââ¬â United States, 2004 and 2007. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,à 57(20),à 549-552. Retrieved October 23, 2009, from ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source. (Document ID:à 1500262111). Waller, N. B. (2008). Consider Ethics: Theory, Readings, and Contemporary Issues (2nd ed. ). Pearson Education, Inc. World Health Organization, WHO, (1999, August 6). Action plan on tobacco or health. Retrieved from http://www. wpro. who. int/NR/rdonlyres/1167BB28-E2D2-4C61-A5CB-234BD303C3BC/0/RC5011. pdf
Monday, January 6, 2020
The differing stages of development in organizations - Free Essay Example
Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1470 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Marketing Essay Type Narrative essay Did you like this example? First stage of strategic planning is mission statement in which company explains its future planning about business. While writing the mission statement of the company it must be kept the following points in its mind. They should state clearly what they are doing now and what will do in future. Donââ¬â¢t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The differing stages of development in organizations" essay for you Create order Mission statement must always be in positive sense. To give a fair review of whole project or business the company should explain the business in small pieces in its mission statement. While developing the strategic planning company should explain its objectives. In which ways the company going to achieve its aims. For example if a garment manufacturer has aim to capture overseas market with his garments then his objective is must to create good relation with overseas suppliers, arrange research work to find out the customers requirements and also required to find out a suit able place for overseas head office. Goals: After collecting the necessary data the purpose of the strategic plan is to setting goals for the company based on mission and vision statements. A goal must be described to achieve within time limits it may be for long term and may be for short term time span. A company or group of companies should start by achieving the short term goals then move to medium term and then long term goals. Action plan: Every business want to go quickly from down to boom. This is the process where company prepare action plans to achieve its goals. To make its action plans more effective it is necessary for company to arrange the goals first and list them according to their importance Q-3 SWOT ANALYSIS OF ZARA Zara: Zara is one the largest fashion companies, it is the subsidiary of Inditex the group of companies and established in 1979. It has a big range of clothing retail store for men, women and children, Zaras a large number of stores in main cities of Europe, America and Asia shows the success of the Zara all over the world. Zaras motive to provide fashionable, trendy designs at reasonable prices. Zara introduces the latest trends and fashions in the market before their competitors that makes it more successful among a big range of people, cultures and generations in presence of large number of competitors in the market. What is Audit? Audit is an assessment of an organization mostly in terms of policies, procedures, system and production. Basically audit is performed to assess to organizations compatibility with standard operating procedures which are pre defined for the smooth and reliable working of an organization. So an organizational audit process starts from planning that how to conduct audit what would be its scope then it moves towards fieldwork which include practical checking of samples which are taken for the purpose of audit, when fieldwork is completed then 3rd stage comes which is reporting which includes findings of audit, and the last step of organizational audit process is follow-up, which is done for the purpose of rectification of finding of audit. SWOT Analysis: SWOT analysis is used to identify and analyze those factors which play a critical role in achieving the organizational objectives which may be external and internal. Basically SWOT stands for following: Strengths: Includes the overall characteristics or achievements portfolio of a company which distinguishes it from other competitors in terms of profitability, market share and brand worthiness. Weaknesses: Includes those characteristics of a company which place disadvantage to it as compared to its competitors. Opportunities: Includes those unveiled external chances which if availed they can boost companys profitability and sales. Threats: Includes all those external elements in business environment which can adversely affect the business. Importance of SWOT in organizational audit Process of Zara: In this assignment I have tried to show the importance of SWOT analysis for Zara a clothing company I have identified and discusses the strengths / weakness of the company and examined the opportunities and threats it may face with reference to is importance in audit process. Basically SWOT analysis is used by companies to access and evaluate the industry and to make and developed strategic policies in order to remain competitive in market. Importance of SWOT in audit process of ZARA is critical as SWOT highlights the key internal and external areas where Zara is doing business. SWOT analysis is used in decision making process, as SWOT indicates the loop holes and strengths of company so it helps a lot in audit process Strengths: Following are the Zaras Strengths Targeting the major market segments Zara is a trend setter not trend follower Strong experienced Marketing Team High Brand recognition Enjoying high reputation in market High quality products Marketing strategies Wide network of stores all over the world Market demand in all seasons Weaknesses: Following are the Zaras Weakness. Prices are relatively high as compared to its competitors. High cost of production. Not much famous brand. Opportunities: Following are the main Opportunities to Zara Growth of internet leads to increase in number of customers who wants to buy online New Emerging markets. Opportunities to expand business in Asia Threats: Following are the potential threats to Zara from external Factors. Rapid change in fashion trends Rising production costs can affect the profitability of Zara. Network Breakdown in distribution causes much more disturbance Launch of new affordable luxury items by competitors on relatively cheaper prices Q-4 POTERS FIVE FORCES MODEL OF ZARA: According to porters five forces model there are five forces that determine industry attractiveness and long run profitability of industry. Following are the five forces of porters model Threats of new entrants. Bargaining powers of suppliers Bargaining powers of Buyers Industry competitors Threats of substitutes Threats of New Entrants Porters five forces model Bargaining powers of suppliers Bargaining Powers of Buyers Industry competitors Threats of Substitutes Threats of new entrant: The threat of new entries depend on barriers to entry, low barriers high entries, high barriers low entries. Higher the entry in the market, more competition in the market. Due to a good brand name and quality products Zara have no threats from new entries if there any new company come to the market that will take some time to make its place in the market but Zara has some threats from existing competitors i: e Next and Marks and Spencers, Zara must to improve its product quality and need to provide good customer services to its customers to retain its market in presence of such a big competitors. Bargaining powers of suppliers: The term suppliers comprise all type of inputs thats required to provide a good customer services. Supplier bargain power will high if the number of Zaras suppliers are low and vice versa. Zara has no threat from clothing suppliers because it has a large number of clothing suppliers but If Zara need skilled labor then there is some threat from suppliers of skilled labor. Bargaining powers of Buyers: In this part of porters industrial model we will discuss about the power of bargain of buyers. If we see in context of Zara in the retail business then we can see that the bargain power of buyers is very strong in this type of market. Any company does not know exactly what customers choice is. Most of the time customers are not agree to with the price on the tags. Customers dont want to pay high prices but still insisting for some better quality products. In all these situations management of Zara need some refined strategic plans to overcome all these problems and try to make maximum of their customers satisfy. Zara got a big brand name, so if Zara cut its price of some products then it could be able to attract most of the customers and could be able to retain them. Industry Competitors: If we see the retail industry market then there is a perfect competition in the market. Basically Zara deals with clothing industry market and if we see the clothing industry market in UK then there are a huge number of retailers in market and in this situation Zara need perfect strategic plans to stay in Market. Zara needs not only its existing customers but needs to attract new customers from the market to survive. Threat of substitute: A threat of substitute is exits if there is an alternative product is available on low prices. In this situation Zara can improve its range of products with high quality if it seems difficult for company then Zara should marginally reduced its prices to capture the customer market in presence of product substitute. But some people may brand conscious and they may not ready to buy other alternative goods even on low prices. And as Zara is trend setter not a trend follower may they introduce new trend in clothing to survive in clothing market.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
The Industrial Revolution Of The Middle East - 1071 Words
For millennia mankind has exhausted endless amounts of energy contemplating the eternally complicated system of war. From Gangas Khan to Americaââ¬â¢s involvement in the Middle East, all successful generals, military leaders, and conquerors have found commonality in their zealous emphasis on, and desire for, possessing the most technologically advanced forms of weaponry. Such a desire was not ignored in America nor England during the Industrial Revolution, but, rather, was seen by many as an opportune investment during a time of extraordinarily progressive innovation. With this in mind the Industrial Revolution became heavily involved with the advancement of weaponry, forever changing the face of war unlike any era before it. The industrial revolution was a time of great change for both Europe and America. Inventions during this time (such as the cotton gin, the steam engine, sewing machine) stemmed from a seemingly never-ending flow of revelation in thought. Thus, paving the way for a more advanced and technological society. This was a time of great accomplishment. With the drastic advancement of economic and technological innovation came the traumatic realization of necessary social adaptation; a change that did not come easy for such a progressive society. The upper class became more wealthy as the number of impoverished citizens increased. Britain set an appropriate stage for the industrial revolution to take place. Britain was a politically stable society and was theShow MoreRelatedThe Commercial Revolution of the Middle Ages 950-1350633 Words à |à 3 PagesIn this book it revealed how the middle ages were not dead times, but mere it was the just beginning of everything, such as it gave people more freedom and independence and allowed to people to explore trading new things with others. Basically in the beginning of the book Lopez starts talking about the Roman world and also about the commerce and the effect of the Barbarian invasion, and after that industry started sky rocketing because there was tremendous commercial growth. Also he states thatRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution Essay635 Words à |à 3 PagesThe Industrial Revolution Industrial Revolution, the shift, at different times in different countries, from a traditional agriculturally based economy to one based on the mechanized production of manufactured goods in large-scale enterprises. The British Experience: The first Industrial Revolution occurred in Great Britain at the end of the 18th century; it profoundly altered Britains economy and society. The most immediate changes were in the nature of production: what was produced, as wellRead MoreKarl Marx And Friedrich Engels974 Words à |à 4 Pagesstruggleâ⬠served as the driving force in the history of all previous civilizations. Marx recognized the distinction between the working class, or the Proletariat and the upper class, or the Bourgeoisie was becoming increasingly clear with the industrial revolution noted as the inciting event of the two new clashing classes. The CM was distributed among the German, communist league and served as the parties platform explaining the main components of the economic theory. The main idea of the CM was thatRead MoreHistory Of The World. Arguement: Throughout All Of Human1642 Words à |à 7 Pages History of the World Arguement: Throughout all of human history, each major revolution or major event has lead to an even more important event or more significant revolution following it. During the Paleolithic period, humans grouped together in small societies such as tribes, and survived by gathering plants and hunting wild animals.The Paleolithic is characterized by the use of stone tools, although at the time humans also used wood and bone tools. Humankind gradually evolved from early membersRead MoreThe Ottoman Empire Of Islam1350 Words à |à 6 PagesThe Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Turks who initially relocated from Central Asia, rose to control in the late 1300s mid 1400s to pick up administration over a large portion of the Middle East. In 1453 the armed force of Mehmed II, The Conqueror, conveyed their massive siege cannons to the entryway of Constantinople and raged the Christian capital. Subsequent to catching Constantinople in 1453 the Ottomans had built up a genuine domain, contemporary with the Habsburg. The Ottoman was the remainderRead MoreThe Economic System Of Capitalism1639 Words à |à 7 PagesThe Industrial Revolution in Western Europe provided the context for economists and political writers of the nineteenth century to promote three different economic plans designed to meet the needs of workers and entrepreneurs. Capitalism was first proposed by Adam Smith as a reform plan for the existing economic system of mercantilism. The major tenets of capitalism included: free enterprise, competition at every level, and private property . Although there were many advantages including new inventionsRead MoreCCOT And CC Essay1549 Words à |à 7 Pages600 bce, 600 bce ââ¬â 600 ce Africa Compare and contrast life in foraging societies with life in agricultural societies after the Agricultural Revolution Identify two key changes in early African history that resulted in a new period in the history of the region The Middle East Analyze the political changes in the Middle East from the Agricultural Revolution to 600 c.e. Compare and contrast the basic features of TWO of the following religious systems prior to 600 c.e. Polytheism Judaism ChristianityRead MoreSocial Consequences During The Industrial Revolution923 Words à |à 4 Pages The Industrial Revolution was the transmission process of manufacturing, this took place in the 1700s and the 1800s. Before this time, manufacturing was done in a small level, usually done in peopleââ¬â¢s homes, using the truest and basic forms of machinery. But in the Industrialization age, there was a shift to powerful, multi-purpose machines, and big factories. This Industrial age brought forward thousands of jobs for the men, women, and children. The Industrial Revolution did bring a surplus andRead MoreRub957 Words à |à 4 Pagesthe USA and Mexico? 2. Why does the author say that the term ââ¬Å"Industrial Revolutionâ⬠is misleading? 3. In our last unit we learned that the Second Agricultural Revolution was the result of many new techniques and tools, not just the steam engine. Other than the steam engine, what techniques, patents, policiesâ⬠¦ contributed to the Industrial Revolution? 4. Why didnââ¬â¢t the Industrial Revolution diffuse rapidly from Britain to the rest of Western Europe? 5. ListRead MoreWorld history: The change in Imperialism Essay658 Words à |à 3 Pagesup to by the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution altered the course of history in numerous ways but the most significant is certainly that of imperialism. The industrialization created a rise in population and thus a rise in demand. This in it of itself did not lead to the need for conquest but it was certainly a contributing factor. The Industrial revolution began to produce goods that were cheaper and faster to make. Countries associated with the Industrial Revolution needed material
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Recycling Or Converting Waste Of Energy - 1379 Words
Syed Basit Hussain Dannielle Laws English 1110 November 25, 2015 Recycling or Converting Waste to Energy? In todayââ¬â¢s growing world we are using our natural resources way more than we used them ever before and because of that we are slowly but substantially running out of them. So to save our environment we should first learn how to manage waste. To do so there are two ways first to recycle which everyone knows and which is significantly cheap and does not affect our environment at all or the second is convert the waste to energy which in fact emits greenhouse gases, is not at all cheap and not good for our environment. Although some people would argue that converting waste to energy and using incinerators as a method of managing waste is better than Recycling. I on the other hand am against the whole idea of converting waste to energy and using incinerators because if we look at the facts and how good converting waste to energy and using incinerators is if we want to save the environment we will find that it is not at it emits toxic gases like methane and carbon monoxide which are not only toxic for us but are considered greenhouse gases too. People who support waste to energy and the use of incinerators are not considering the fact that it emits way more greenhouse gases although it manages a lot of waste at once. The waste to energy plants continuously emit manyShow MoreRelatedWhat Makes The Geography Enjoyable?1450 Words à |à 6 PagesHyperloop which is a fast traveling train that travels through tubes at approximately 375 mph in the city. Itââ¬â¢s not far from our way of a train station or bus stop. Another form of transportation is that our vehicles are all solar powered. All of our energy comes from our solar panels, wind turbines, and incinerator complexes. We donââ¬â¢t control our cityââ¬â¢s pollution because we have little to no pollution. The education system in our city is Pre-k through College. The health care in our city is cheap, andRead MoreTh e Pros And Cons Of Recycling1486 Words à |à 6 Pagesthink it doesn t save energy, people should take recycling into consideration to help the world they live in because it creates less needs for raw materials, creates job , and reduces the pollution caused by waste. You learn more and more about the basic concepts of recycling and the benefits it holds. Not many see the purpose in recycling or the good in it but there is a lot of good in recycling . Growing up I m sure you always saw in school the text in logos for recycling to be reduce reuse andRead MoreRecycling Is A Vital Part Of Making The Recycling Program801 Words à |à 4 PagesRecycling Educating the community is a vital part of making the recycling program more successful, reduce landfill waste, preserves limited resources and encourage community involvement. Recycling is the process of converting waste material into reusable objects. Actually, recycling and using recycled materials has proven to be advantages to the landfill; it conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and it helps create more well paid jobs in the recycling andRead MoreRecycling research paper1409 Words à |à 6 PagesRecycling Research Paper Ever since elementary school, weââ¬â¢re taught to recycle. They usually do not tell us why itââ¬â¢s so important to recycle or what it does for the world, but they just say to recycle. So some adhere to what weââ¬â¢re told and others just pass it by as if it were nothing. Maybe if we were told why we should do it, more people would actually take the time out of their day and recycle. When we here the word ââ¬Å"recycle,â⬠we think of soda cans, water bottles, and plastic material, but whatRead MoreRecycling Is The Process Of Converting Waste Into A Reusable Form1398 Words à |à 6 PagesRecycling is the process of converting waste into a reusable form, which also helps to reduce the use of other fresh raw materials and energy. Recycling is of a major concern today and every individual, household, business, organizations etc. should be aware of it and actually practice it. Recycling is among those topics for which people take for granted as a positive action, however t here are people who have a different view and might debate about the position for either being positive or negativeRead MoreThe Breathtaking City Of Urbem Hortus1743 Words à |à 7 Pages Our city has low energy use, and almost all renewable energy. A reason we are able to keep such low energy use is because of the way we transport people up the mountain. We use a machine called a funicular to transport the people, using almost no electricity. The way we can do this is because the funicular powers itself. It consists of two cars, one on each end of the mountain. When the one on top goes down, it pulls the other up using it s momentum, therefore using no energy. But, Incase it doesnRead MoreWaste Reduction, Or Waste Prevention1298 Words à |à 6 Pages3/4 29 April 2015 Technology Sector Report Waste reduction, or waste prevention, is critical in todayââ¬â¢s growing world population. In a society with so many people, and an ever-growing population, resources need to be saved and used sparingly. Waste reduction is a method of managing the waste created and how it is disposed of. Waste reduction means that less waste is produced, which equals less waste removal costs, and helps keep the environment clean. Waste reduction can be achieved through the usingRead MoreThe Benefits of Recycling1726 Words à |à 7 PagesRecycling is one of the easiest and best ways for people to help the environment. More people need to recognize and take recycling seriously, because it can prolong the survival of humanity on Earth. The basic concept of recycling is the process of converting used materials or waste into reusable material for production. It is essential that people start realizing that recycling is necessary now, and going to be more necessary in the future because of the new, hig her quality lifestyles people areRead MoreOutline Of A Article On Plastics Essay1342 Words à |à 6 Pagesand reduce the need for alternative means for plastic waste disposal. Such recycling operations have been only marginally profitable. A concern is the proper disposal of waste plastics. A reduction in the number of different plastics used for car construction. Plastics owe their name to their most important property, the ability to be shaped to almost any form to produce articles of practical value. Facilities for converting trash to energy in an environmentally acceptable way are expensive andRead MoreSustainable Development For Future Generations Essay1395 Words à |à 6 Pageshumanity to employ other uses of energy to be sustainable. To have sustainable development for future generations efforts need to be directed toward the implementation of wind energy, solar energy, and better waste management in our daily lives. For energy to be sustainable it must exist within a certain set of criteria. These include energy that can be ââ¬Å"naturally replenished, technology that should improve energy efficiency, and the long-term availability.â⬠(Conserve Energy, 2016). Knowing this, it is
Friday, December 13, 2019
The Da Vinci Code Chapter 10-12 Free Essays
string(86) " out into an expansive vista, and tumbling down a barren mountainside into the woods\." CHAPTER 10 Silas sat behind the wheel of the black Audi the Teacher had arranged for him and gazed out at the great Church of Saint-Sulpice. Lit from beneath by banks of floodlights, the churchââ¬â¢s two bell towers rose like stalwart sentinels above the buildingââ¬â¢s long body. On either flank, a shadowy row of sleek buttresses jutted out like the ribs of a beautiful beast. We will write a custom essay sample on The Da Vinci Code Chapter 10-12 or any similar topic only for you Order Now The heathens used a house of God to conceal their keystone.Again the brotherhood had confirmed their legendary reputation for illusion and deceit. Silas was looking forward to finding the keystone and giving it to the Teacher so they could recover what the brotherhood had long ago stolen from the faithful. How powerful that will make Opus Dei. Parking the Audi on the deserted Place Saint-Sulpice, Silas exhaled, telling himself to clear his mind for the task at hand. His broad back still ached from the corporal mortification he had endured earlier today, and yet the pain was inconsequential compared with the anguish of his life before Opus Dei had saved him. Still, the memories haunted his soul. Release your hatred, Silas commanded himself. Forgive those who trespassed against you. Looking up at the stone towers of Saint-Sulpice, Silas fought that familiar undertowâ⬠¦ that force that often dragged his mind back in time, locking him once again in the prison that had been his world as a young man. The memories of purgatory came as they always did, like a tempest to his sensesâ⬠¦ the reek of rotting cabbage, the stench of death, human urine and feces. The cries of hopelessness against the howling wind of the Pyrenees and the soft sobs of forgotten men. Andorra, he thought, feeling his muscles tighten. Incredibly, it was in that barren and forsaken suzerain between Spain and France, shivering in his stone cell, wanting only to die, that Silas had been saved. He had not realized it at the time. The light came long after the thunder. His name was not Silas then, although he didnââ¬â¢t recall the name his parents had given him. He had left home when he was seven. His drunken father, a burly dockworker, enraged by the arrival of an albino son, beat his mother regularly, blaming her for the boyââ¬â¢s embarrassing condition. When the boy tried to defend her, he too was badly beaten. One night, there was a horrific fight, and his mother never got up. The boy stood over his lifeless mother and felt an unbearable up-welling of guilt for permitting it to happen. This is my fault! As if some kind of demon were controlling his body, the boy walked to the kitchen and grasped a butcher knife. Hypnotically, he moved to the bedroom where his father lay on the bed in a drunken stupor. Without a word, the boy stabbed him in the back. His father cried out in pain and tried to roll over, but his son stabbed him again, over and over until the apartment fell quiet. The boy fled home but found the streets of Marseilles equally unfriendly. His strange appearance made him an outcast among the other young runaways, and he was forced to live alone in the basement of a dilapidated factory, eating stolen fruit and raw fish from the dock. His only companions were tattered magazines he found in the trash, and he taught himself to read them. Over time, he grew strong. When he was twelve, another drifter ââ¬â a girl twice his age ââ¬â mocked him on the streets and attempted to steal his food. The girl found herself pummeled to within inches of her life. When the authorities pulled the boy off her, they gave him an ultimatum ââ¬â leave Marseilles or go to juvenile prison. The boy moved down the coast to Toulon. Over time, the looks of pity on the streets turned to looks of fear. The boy had grown to a powerful young man. When people passed by, he could hear them whispering to one another. A ghost, they would say, their eyes wide with fright as they stared at his white skin. A ghost with the eyes of a devil! And he felt like a ghostâ⬠¦ transparentâ⬠¦ floating from seaport to seaport. People seemed to look right through him. At eighteen, in a port town, while attempting to steal a case of cured ham from a cargo ship, he was caught by a pair of crewmen. The two sailors who began to beat him smelled of beer, just as his father had. The memories of fear and hatred surfaced like a monster from the deep. The young man broke the first sailorââ¬â¢s neck with his bare hands, and only the arrival of the police saved the second sailor from a similar fate. Two months later, in shackles, he arrived at a prison in Andorra. You are as white as a ghost, the inmates ridiculed as the guards marched him in, naked and cold. Mira el espectro! Perhaps the ghost will pass right through these walls! Over the course of twelve years, his flesh and soul withered until he knew he had become transparent. I am a ghost. I am weightless. Yo soy un espectroâ⬠¦palido coma una fantasmaâ⬠¦caminando este mundo a solas. One night the ghost awoke to the screams of other inmates. He didnââ¬â¢t know what invisible force was shaking the floor on which he slept, nor what mighty hand was trembling the mortar of his stone cell, but as he jumped to his feet, a large boulder toppled onto the very spot where he had been sleeping. Looking up to see where the stone had come from, he saw a hole in the trembling wall, and beyond it, a vision he had not seen in over ten years. The moon. Even while the earth still shook, the ghost found himself scrambling through a narrow tunnel, staggering out into an expansive vista, and tumbling down a barren mountainside into the woods. You read "The Da Vinci Code Chapter 10-12" in category "Essay examples" He ran all night, always downward, delirious with hunger and exhaustion. Skirting the edges of consciousness, he found himself at dawn in a clearing where train tracks cut a swath across the forest. Following the rails, he moved on as if dreaming. Seeing an empty freight car, he crawled in for shelter and rest. When he awoke the train was moving. How long? How far?A pain was growing in his gut. Am I dying? He slept again. This time he awoke to someone yelling, beating him, throwing him out of the freight car. Bloody, he wandered the outskirts of a small village looking in vain for food. Finally, his body too weak to take another step, he lay down by the side of the road and slipped into unconsciousness. The light came slowly, and the ghost wondered how long he had been dead. A day? Three days? It didnââ¬â¢t matter. His bed was soft like a cloud, and the air around him smelled sweet with candles. Jesus was there, staring down at him. I am here, Jesus said. The stone has been rolled aside, and you are born again. He slept and awoke. Fog shrouded his thoughts. He had never believed in heaven, and yet Jesus was watching over him. Food appeared beside his bed, and the ghost ate it, almost able to feel the flesh materializing on his bones. He slept again. When he awoke, Jesus was still smiling down, speaking. You are saved, my son.Blessed are those who follow my path. Again, he slept. It was a scream of anguish that startled the ghost from his slumber. His body leapt out of bed, staggered down a hallway toward the sounds of shouting. He entered into a kitchen and saw a large man beating a smaller man. Without knowing why, the ghost grabbed the large man and hurled him backward against a wall. The man fled, leaving the ghost standing over the body of a young man in priestââ¬â¢s robes. The priest had a badly shattered nose. Lifting the bloody priest, the ghost carried him to a couch. ââ¬Å"Thank you, my friend,â⬠the priest said in awkward French. ââ¬Å"The offertory money is tempting for thieves. You speak French in your sleep. Do you also speak Spanish?â⬠The ghost shook his head. ââ¬Å"What is your name?â⬠he continued in broken French. The ghost could not remember the name his parents had given him. All he heard were the taunting gibes of the prison guards. The priest smiled. ââ¬Å"No hay problema.My name is Manuel Aringarosa. I am a missionary from Madrid. I was sent here to build a church for the Obra de Dios.â⬠ââ¬Å"Where am I?â⬠His voice sounded hollow.â⬠Oviedo. In the north of Spain.â⬠ââ¬Å"How did I get here?â⬠ââ¬Å"Someone left you on my doorstep. You were ill. I fed you. Youââ¬â¢ve been here many days.â⬠The ghost studied his young caretaker. Years had passed since anyone had shown any kindness. ââ¬Å"Thank you, Father.â⬠The priest touched his bloody lip. ââ¬Å"It is I who am thankful, my friend.â⬠When the ghost awoke in the morning, his world felt clearer. He gazed up at the crucifix on the wall above his bed. Although it no longer spoke to him, he felt a comforting aura in its presence. Sitting up, he was surprised to find a newspaper clipping on his bedside table. The article was in French, a week old. When he read the story, he filled with fear. It told of an earthquake in the mountains that had destroyed a prison and freed many dangerous criminals. His heart began pounding. The priest knows who I am! The emotion he felt was one he had not felt for some time. Shame. Guilt. It was accompanied by the fear of being caught. He jumped from his bed. Where do I run? ââ¬Å"The Book of Acts,â⬠a voice said from the door. The ghost turned, frightened. The young priest was smiling as he entered. His nose was awkwardly bandaged, and he was holding out an old Bible. ââ¬Å"I found one in French for you. The chapter is marked.â⬠Uncertain, the ghost took the Bible and looked at the chapter the priest had marked. Acts 16. The verses told of a prisoner named Silas who lay naked and beaten in his cell, singing hymns to God. When the ghost reached Verse 26, he gasped in shock. ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ And suddenly, there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and all the doors fell open.â⬠His eyes shot up at the priest. The priest smiled warmly. ââ¬Å"From now on, my friend, if you have no other name, I shall call you Silas.â⬠The ghost nodded blankly. Silas.He had been given flesh. My name is Silas. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s time for breakfast,â⬠the priest said. ââ¬Å"You will need your strength if you are to help me build this church.â⬠Twenty thousand feet above the Mediterranean, Alitalia flight 1618 bounced in turbulence, causing passengers to shift nervously. Bishop Aringarosa barely noticed. His thoughts were with the future of Opus Dei. Eager to know how plans in Paris were progressing, he wished he could phone Silas. But he could not. The Teacher had seen to that. ââ¬Å"It is for your own safety,â⬠the Teacher had explained, speaking in English with a French accent. ââ¬Å"I am familiar enough with electronic communications to know they can be intercepted. The results could be disastrous for you.â⬠Aringarosa knew he was right. The Teacher seemed an exceptionally careful man. He had not revealed his own identity to Aringarosa, and yet he had proven himself a man well worth obeying. After all, he had somehow obtained very secret information. The names of the brotherhoodââ¬â¢s fourtop members! This had been one of the coups that convinced the bishop the Teacher was truly capable of delivering the astonishing prize he claimed he could unearth. ââ¬Å"Bishop,â⬠the Teacher had told him,â⬠I have made all the arrangements. For my plan to succeed, you must allow Silas to answer only to me for several days. The two of you will not speak. I will communicate with him through secure channels.â⬠ââ¬Å"You will treat him with respect?â⬠ââ¬Å"A man of faith deserves the highest.â⬠ââ¬Å"Excellent. Then I understand. Silas and I shall not speak until this is over.â⬠ââ¬Å"I do this to protect your identity, Silasââ¬â¢s identity, and my investment.â⬠ââ¬Å"Your investment?â⬠ââ¬Å"Bishop, if your own eagerness to keep abreast of progress puts you in jail, then you will be unable to pay me my fee.â⬠The bishop smiled. ââ¬Å"A fine point. Our desires are in accord. Godspeed.â⬠Twenty million euro,the bishop thought, now gazing out the planeââ¬â¢s window. The sum was approximately the same number of U. S. dollars. A pittance for something so powerful. He felt a renewed confidence that the Teacher and Silas would not fail. Money and faith were powerful motivators. CHAPTER 11 ââ¬Å"Une plaisanterie numerique?â⬠Bezu Fache was livid, glaring at Sophie Neveu in disbelief. A numeric joke?â⬠Your professional assessment of Sauniereââ¬â¢s code is that it is some kind of mathematical prank?â⬠Fache was in utter incomprehension of this womanââ¬â¢s gall. Not only had she just barged in on Fache without permission, but she was now trying to convince him that Sauniere, in his final moments of life, had been inspired to leave a mathematical gag? ââ¬Å"This code,â⬠Sophie explained in rapid French,â⬠is simplistic to the point of absurdity. Jacques Sauniere must have known we would see through it immediately.â⬠She pulled a scrap of paper from her sweater pocket and handed it to Fache. ââ¬Å"Here is the decryption.â⬠Fache looked at the card. 1-1-2-3-5-8-13-21 ââ¬Å"This is it?â⬠he snapped. ââ¬Å"All you did was put the numbers in increasing order!â⬠Sophie actually had the nerve to give a satisfied smile. ââ¬Å"Exactly.â⬠Facheââ¬â¢s tone lowered to a guttural rumble. ââ¬Å"Agent Neveu, I have no idea where the hell youââ¬â¢re going with this, but I suggest you get there fast.â⬠He shot an anxious glance at Langdon, who stood nearby with the phone pressed to his ear, apparently still listening to his phone message from the U.S. Embassy. From Langdonââ¬â¢s ashen expression, Fache sensed the news was bad. ââ¬Å"Captain,â⬠Sophie said, her tone dangerously defiant,â⬠the sequence of numbers you have in your hand happens to be one of the most famous mathematical progressions in history.â⬠Fache was not aware there even existed a mathematical progression that qualified as famous, and he certainly didnââ¬â¢t appreciate Sophieââ¬â¢s off-handed tone. ââ¬Å"This is the Fibonacci sequence,â⬠she declared, nodding toward the piece of paper in Facheââ¬â¢s hand.â⬠A progression in which each term is equal to the sum of the two preceding terms.â⬠Fache studied the numbers. Each term was indeed the sum of the two previous, and yet Fache could not imagine what the relevance of all this was to Sauniereââ¬â¢s death. ââ¬Å"Mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci created this succession of numbers in the thirteenth-century. Obviously there can be no coincidence that all of the numbers Sauniere wrote on the floor belong to Fibonacciââ¬â¢s famous sequence.â⬠Fache stared at the young woman for several moments. ââ¬Å"Fine, if there is no coincidence, would you tell me why Jacques Sauniere chose to do this. What is he saying? What does this mean?â⬠She shrugged. ââ¬Å"Absolutely nothing. Thatââ¬â¢s the point. Itââ¬â¢s a simplistic cryptographic joke. Like taking the words of a famous poem and shuffling them at random to see if anyone recognizes what all the words have in common.â⬠Fache took a menacing step forward, placing his face only inches from Sophieââ¬â¢s. ââ¬Å"I certainly hope you have a much more satisfying explanation than that.â⬠Sophieââ¬â¢s soft features grew surprisingly stern as she leaned in. ââ¬Å"Captain, considering what you have at stake here tonight, I thought you might appreciate knowing that Jacques Sauniere might be playing games with you. Apparently not. Iââ¬â¢ll inform the director of Cryptography you no longer need our services.â⬠With that, she turned on her heel, and marched off the way she had come. Stunned, Fache watched her disappear into the darkness. Is she out of her mind? Sophie Neveu had just redefined le suicide professionnel. Fache turned to Langdon, who was still on the phone, looking more concerned than before, listening intently to his phone message. The U. S.Embassy.Bezu Fache despised many thingsâ⬠¦ but few drew more wrath than the U. S. Embassy. Fache and the ambassador locked horns regularly over shared affairs of state ââ¬â their most common battleground being law enforcement for visiting Americans. Almost daily, DCPJ arrested American exchange students in possession of drugs, U. S. businessmen for soliciting underage Prostitutes, American tourists for shoplifting or destruction of property. Legally, the U. S. Embassy could intervene and extradite guilty citizens back to the United States, where they received nothing more than a slap on the wrist. And the embassy invariably did just that. Lââ¬â¢emasculation de la Police Judiciaire, Fache called it. Paris Match had run a cartoon recently depicting Fache as a police dog, trying to bite an American criminal, but unable to reach because it was chained to the U. S. Embassy. Not tonight, Fache told himself. There is far too much at stake. By the time Robert Langdon hung up the phone, he looked ill. ââ¬Å"Is everything all right?â⬠Fache asked. Weakly, Langdon shook his head. Bad news from home, Fache sensed, noticing Langdon was sweating slightly as Fache took back his cell phone. ââ¬Å"An accident,â⬠Langdon stammered, looking at Fache with a strange expression. ââ¬Å"A friendâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He hesitated. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll need to fly home first thing in the morning.â⬠Fache had no doubt the shock on Langdonââ¬â¢s face was genuine, and yet he sensed another emotion there too, as if a distant fear were suddenly simmering in the Americanââ¬â¢s eyes. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry to hear that,â⬠Fache said, watching Langdon closely. ââ¬Å"Would you like to sit down?â⬠He motioned toward one of the viewing benches in the gallery. Langdon nodded absently and took a few steps toward the bench. He paused, looking more confused with every moment. ââ¬Å"Actually, I think Iââ¬â¢d like to use the rest room.â⬠Fache frowned inwardly at the delay. ââ¬Å"The rest room. Of course. Letââ¬â¢s take a break for a few minutes.â⬠He motioned back down the long hallway in the direction they had come from. ââ¬Å"The rest rooms are back toward the curatorââ¬â¢s office.â⬠Langdon hesitated, pointing in the other direction toward the far end of the Grand Gallery corridor.â⬠I believe thereââ¬â¢s a much closer rest room at the end.â⬠Fache realized Langdon was right. They were two thirds of the way down, and the Grand Gallery dead-ended at a pair of rest rooms. ââ¬Å"Shall I accompany you?â⬠Langdon shook his head, already moving deeper into the gallery. ââ¬Å"Not necessary. I think Iââ¬â¢d like a few minutes alone.â⬠Fache was not wild about the idea of Langdon wandering alone down the remaining length of corridor, but he took comfort in knowing the Grand Gallery was a dead end whose only exit was at the other end ââ¬â the gate under which they had entered. Although French fire regulations required several emergency stairwells for a space this large, those stairwells had been sealed automatically when Sauniere tripped the security system. Granted, that system had now been reset, unlocking the stairwells, but it didnââ¬â¢t matter ââ¬â the external doors, if opened, would set off fire alarms and were guarded outside by DCPJ agents. Langdon could not possibly leave without Fache knowing about it. ââ¬Å"I need to return to Mr. Sauniereââ¬â¢s office for a moment,â⬠Fache said. ââ¬Å"Please come find me directly, Mr. Langdon. There is more we need to discuss.â⬠Langdon gave a quiet wave as he disappeared into the darkness. Turning, Fache marched angrily in the opposite direction. Arriving at the gate, he slid under, exited the Grand Gallery, marched down the hall, and stormed into the command center at Sauniereââ¬â¢s office. ââ¬Å"Who gave the approval to let Sophie Neveu into this building!â⬠Fache bellowed. Collet was the first to answer. ââ¬Å"She told the guards outside sheââ¬â¢d broken the code.â⬠Fache looked around. ââ¬Å"Is she gone?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s not with you?â⬠ââ¬Å"She left.â⬠Fache glanced out at the darkened hallway. Apparently Sophie had been in no mood to stop by and chat with the other officers on her way out. For a moment, Fache considered radioing the guards in the entresol and telling them to stop Sophie and drag her back up here before she could leave the premises. He thought better of it. That was only his pride talkingâ⬠¦ wanting the last word. Heââ¬â¢d had enough distractions tonight. Deal with Agent Neveu later, he told himself, already looking forward to firing her. Pushing Sophie from his mind, Fache stared for a moment at the miniature knight standing on Sauniereââ¬â¢s desk. Then he turned back to Collet. ââ¬Å"Do you have him?â⬠Collet gave a curt nod and spun the laptop toward Fache. The red dot was clearly visible on the floor plan overlay, blinking methodically in a room marked TOILETTES PUBLIQUES. ââ¬Å"Good,â⬠Fache said, lighting a cigarette and stalking into the hall. Iââ¬â¢ve got a phone call to make. Be damned sure the rest room is the only place Langdon goes.â⬠CHAPTER 12 Robert Langdon felt light-headed as he trudged toward the end of the Grand Gallery. Sophieââ¬â¢s phone message played over and over in his mind. At the end of the corridor, illuminated signs bearing the international stick-figure symbols for rest rooms guided him through a maze-like series of dividers displaying Italian drawings and hiding the rest rooms from sight. Finding the menââ¬â¢s room door, Langdon entered and turned on the lights. The room was empty. Walking to the sink, he splashed cold water on his face and tried to wake up. Harsh fluorescent lights glared off the stark tile, and the room smelled of ammonia. As he toweled off, the rest roomââ¬â¢s door creaked open behind him. He spun. Sophie Neveu entered, her green eyes flashing fear. ââ¬Å"Thank God you came. We donââ¬â¢t have much time.â⬠Langdon stood beside the sinks, staring in bewilderment at DCPJ cryptographer Sophie Neveu. Only minutes ago, Langdon had listened to her phone message, thinking the newly arrived cryptographer must be insane. And yet, the more he listened, the more he sensed Sophie Neveu was speaking in earnest. Do not react to this message.Just listen calmly.You are in danger rightnow.Follow my directions very closely.Filled with uncertainty, Langdon had decided to do exactly as Sophie advised. He told Fache that the phone message was regarding an injured friend back home. Then he had asked to use the rest room at the end of the Grand Gallery. Sophie stood before him now, still catching her breath after doubling back to the rest room. In the fluorescent lights, Langdon was surprised to see that her strong air actually radiated from unexpectedly soft features. Only her gaze was sharp, and the juxtaposition conjured images of a multilayered Renoir portraitâ⬠¦ veiled but distinct, with a boldness that somehow retained its shroud of mystery. ââ¬Å"I wanted to warn you, Mr. Langdonâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Sophie began, still catching her breath,â⬠that you are sous surveillance cachee.Under a guarded observation.â⬠As she spoke, her accented English resonated off the tile walls, giving her voice a hollow quality. ââ¬Å"Butâ⬠¦ why?â⬠Langdon demanded. Sophie had already given him an explanation on the phone, but he wanted to hear it from her lips. ââ¬Å"Because,â⬠she said, stepping toward him,â⬠Facheââ¬â¢s primary suspect in this murder is you.â⬠Langdon was braced for the words, and yet they still sounded utterly ridiculous. According to Sophie, Langdon had been called to the Louvre tonight not as a symbologist but rather as a suspect and was currently the unwitting target of one of DCPJââ¬â¢s favorite interrogation methods ââ¬â surveillance cachee ââ¬â a deft deception in which the police calmly invited a suspect to a crime scene and interviewed him in hopes he would get nervous and mistakenly incriminate himself. ââ¬Å"Look in your jacketââ¬â¢s left pocket,â⬠Sophie said. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢ll find proof they are watching you.â⬠Langdon felt his apprehension rising. Look in my pocket? It sounded like some kind of cheap magic trick. ââ¬Å"Just look.â⬠Bewildered, Langdon reached his hand into his tweed jacketââ¬â¢s left pocket ââ¬â one he never used. Feeling around inside, he found nothing. What the devil did you expect? He began wondering if Sophie might just be insane after all. Then his fingers brushed something unexpected. Small and hard. Pinching the tiny object between his fingers, Langdon pulled it out and stared in astonishment. It was a metallic, button-shaped disk, about the size of a watch battery. He had never seen it before. ââ¬Å"What theâ⬠¦ ?â⬠ââ¬Å"GPS tracking dot,â⬠Sophie said. ââ¬Å"Continuously transmits its location to a Global Positioning System satellite that DCPJ can monitor. We use them to monitor peopleââ¬â¢s locations. Itââ¬â¢s accurate within two feet anywhere on the globe. They have you on an electronic leash. The agent who picked you up at the hotel slipped it inside your pocket before you left your room.â⬠Langdon flashed back to the hotel roomâ⬠¦ his quick shower, getting dressed, the DCPJ agent politely holding out Langdonââ¬â¢s tweed coat as they left the room. Itââ¬â¢s cool outside, Mr.Langdon, the agent had said. Spring in Paris is not all your song boasts.Langdon had thanked him and donned the jacket. Sophieââ¬â¢s olive gaze was keen. ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t tell you about the tracking dot earlier because I didnââ¬â¢t want you checking your pocket in front of Fache. He canââ¬â¢t know youââ¬â¢ve found it.â⬠Langdon had no idea how to respond. ââ¬Å"They tagged you with GPS because they thought you might run.â⬠She paused. ââ¬Å"In fact, they hopedyou would run; it would make their case stronger.â⬠ââ¬Å"Why would I run!â⬠Langdon demanded. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m innocent!â⬠ââ¬Å"Fache feels otherwise.â⬠Angrily, Langdon stalked toward the trash receptacle to dispose of the tracking dot. ââ¬Å"No!â⬠Sophie grabbed his arm and stopped him. ââ¬Å"Leave it in your pocket. If you throw it out, the signal will stop moving, and theyââ¬â¢ll know you found the dot. The only reason Fache left you alone is because he can monitor where you are. If he thinks youââ¬â¢ve discovered what heââ¬â¢s doingâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Sophie did not finish the thought. Instead, she pried the metallic disk from Langdonââ¬â¢s hand and slid it back into the pocket of his tweed coat. ââ¬Å"The dot stays with you. At least for the moment.â⬠Langdon felt lost. ââ¬Å"How the hell could Fache actually believe I killed Jacques Sauniere!â⬠ââ¬Å"He has some fairly persuasive reasons to suspect you.â⬠Sophieââ¬â¢s expression was grim. ââ¬Å"There is a piece of evidence here that you have not yet seen. Fache has kept it carefully hidden from you.â⬠Langdon could only stare. ââ¬Å"Do you recall the three lines of text that Sauniere wrote on the floor?â⬠Langdon nodded. The numbers and words were imprinted on Langdonââ¬â¢s mind. Sophieââ¬â¢s voice dropped to a whisper now. ââ¬Å"Unfortunately, what you saw was not the entire message. There was a fourth line that Fache photographed and then wiped clean before you arrived.â⬠Although Langdon knew the soluble ink of a watermark stylus could easily be wiped away, he could not imagine why Fache would erase evidence. ââ¬Å"The last line of the message,â⬠Sophie said,â⬠was something Fache did not want you to know about.â⬠She paused. ââ¬Å"At least not until he was done with you.â⬠Sophie produced a computer printout of a photo from her sweater pocket and began unfolding it. ââ¬Å"Fache uploaded images of the crime scene to the Cryptology Department earlier tonight in hopes we could figure out what Sauniereââ¬â¢s message was trying to say. This is a photo of the complete message.â⬠She handed the page to Langdon. Bewildered, Langdon looked at the image. The close-up photo revealed the glowing message on the parquet floor. The final line hit Langdon like a kick in the gut. 13-3-2-21-1-1-8-5 O, Draconian devil! Oh, lame saint! P. S.Find Robert Langdon How to cite The Da Vinci Code Chapter 10-12, Essay examples
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