Death Penalty Essay Example for Free

Death Penalty Essay Roy Brown is a conservative who believes in individual rights and the right to life. He believes there is no deeper violation of a citizen’s right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness than the government killing them when they’re actually innocent. With the use of the death penalty, mistakes are highly inescapable (Brown 1). More than one hundred and forty death row inmates had been set free after evidence was revealed proving they were wrongfully condemned and this often happened decades after they were sentenced to die. Sometimes the mistake was not caught and a few innocents have been put to death. Brown states that the death penalty is also somewhat bad for the victim’s families. The families are brought along to this drawn out legal process and appear in many court sessions reliving the tragedy as it is impossible to make capital punishment quick (Brown 1). Another negative about the death penalty is its cost. Legal expenses alone make each death penalty case much more expensive than a case where a criminal is sentenced to life without the likelihood of parole (Brown 2). Brown values human life and believes that everyone should die a natural death. The same principles that motivate him to oppose abortion also motivate him to oppose the death penalty. All life is valuable and the only way that the citizens can be sure an innocent person is never executed is by ending the death penalty completely (Brown 2). Roy Brown has a type of bias with his opposition of the death penalty. He is a Catholic so his religious views get in the way of his perspective on the use of capital punishment. Catholics believe that the fundamental respect for human life includes even those guilty of crimes. So Brown, as a Catholic, grew up disliking the death penalty as he has been taught in his religion to love human life. So his view with Catholicism might blur out how he truly views the use of the death penalty without religion involved. Brown, Roy. Why Conservatives Should Oppose the Death Penalty. The Daily Caller. The Daily Caller, 16 Apr. 2013. Web. 26 Sept. 2013.

The Kinetics of Dental Liquid in Odontogenesis

The Kinetics of Dental Liquid in Odontogenesis The kinetics of dental liquid in odontogenesis in the concept of the functional acid resistance of the enamel Abstract The phenotypical characteristics of teeth and namely the caries resistance essentially depends on the particularities of odontogenesis. They determine the structural and functional stability of the enamel to the micro flora of the oral cavity. Resistance of hard dental tissues to caries depends on the degree of mineralisation, in its turn depends on physiological processes of these tissues. Processes, which majority of them is controlled and guided on distance by specific cells – odontoblasts, through interstitial liquid. Clinically the degree of resistance to caries, could be appreciated only using the Test of Acid Resistance of enamel. Objectives: The identification of morphological elements that assure the dental flow’s kinetics of the dental germens from the crypt. Methods: We prepared macropreparations using â€Å"phased congelation†, â€Å"contrastation† and â€Å"maceration† methods. Conclusions: All permanent teeth in mammals, including humans, develop in crypts Crypt’s channels open close to the corresponding temporary teeth The topography and structure of the described crypts indicate upon their possible role in collecting and eliminating the dental liquid The functional insufficiency of the crypt’s drainage mechanism at different stages of odontogenesis as a result of the particularities of development may serve as a predictive and preventive factor of the morbidity of dental caries . Keywords: dental crypt, dental flow, acid resistance of enamel. Introduction The phenotypical characteristic of teeth and namely the caries resistance essentially depends on the particularities of odontogenesis. They determine the structural and functional stability of the enamel to the micro flora of the oral cavity. At the same time, the study of the processes that determine the formation of the tooth as well as its function after the eruption is practically inexistent. All medical disciplines, including the surgical ones, except, maybe, only the traumatological ones have a therapeutical treatment stage. Only stomatology things are upside down. Why? We do not have elementary knowledge about the physiology and the pathological physiology of teeth. All the medical disciplines are based on vast physiological knowledge that are exposed in a tremendous number of scientific books. We do not. Although the clinical dentistryenjoys a great success and the patients cannot complain about a lack of services form the part of dentists our specialty cannot guarantee the prediction of dental caries and their complications. The cause is obvious: we don’t know the causes of the apparition of dental caries. We immediately resort to treatment actions, namely surgical actions only when the hard tissues are affected. When they are not, we do not have the diagnostic nor the motive to get involved. Why do we have this situation? Is this the specific of our activity? Why don’t we interfere with therapeutical remedies at the stage when the physiological processes in teeth progress to the pathological stage, when the changes in the hard tissues are just at the beginning, when the tissue is still intact? Because we can neither identify nor foresee this stage. We talk a lot about the tooth’s environment, about the aggressiveness of bacterial flora, about the composition of saliva forgetting that the tooth is a living organ with its own physiology. The enamel is an acellular tissue and just like the other tegumental tissues it is formed, sustained and restored directly by the internal resources of the organism. All these processes are coordinated by specific cells of the organ (in the case of the tooth by the odontoblasts). The latters, not having a direct contact with the whole enamel, can only coordinate the processes through the liquid flow , which moves centrifugally pushed by the dental pump-the pulp. But still in that sphere there are concrete factual proofs of existence and functioning everything above described, and these proofs have been existing for a long time. There is enamel liquid in the enamel and it centrifugally moves through special transporting structures, providing biologically necessary changes in all its strata. These facts are directly connected with caries problem and its possible prediction and control. Below we will talk about the data, and first of all, about four cardinal scientific facts. Inside enamel an essential volume depends on fraction liquid. Nobody knows the name of the first researcher who has noticed that enamel is wet and while being dried loses water becoming easier. Weight index counting due to volume has led to the proving that at teeth eruption up to one tenth belongs to free transferring liquid. Immediately after eruption the volume is much bigger than at old age. We don’t need hi-tech laboratories for discovering that fact. It is a problem for a high –school student. But in the whole special literature ( known to us) that basic fact is being smoothed over even to the direction that the discussed volume makes 0,1-0,2%, i.e. there is a â€Å"mistake† in 2 orders, almost in 100 times. There is no doubt that between the internal environment of the organism (dental pulp) and the external layers of the enamel there is a column of liquid that moves towards the exterior and later appears as small liquid drops on the surface of the enamel. This was known well back in the 1930’s and has been proved and confirmed by many researchers including A. Bertacci. [1. 2.] The speed of the flow is different in different parts of life and even in different parts of the day. Fig. 1. Liquid drops on the surface of the enamel depending on the age of the person (1. immature enamel, 2. mature enamel, 3. senile enamel). (Drawn by prof. V. Okushko) 3. Liquid transporting transfer ways existence , their â€Å"absence† served a reason to talk about surface strata autonomy, depending today exclusively on new environment. But the problem Is finally solved: there is a regular transporting structure connecting a tooth pulp with all dentine and enamel strata. Nobody doubts that there arepores on the tissue surface. And finally wonderful watery branch-looked tubular structures were found which surely refer to liquid movement. [4, 5.] 4. This phenomenon is a scientific one close to clinics. Functional mobility of acid resistance is typical for tooth enamel. The ability of enamel surface to acid damage (â€Å"pickling†) turned out to be dependent not only on stable chemical structural peculiarities of minerals and organics but also on enamel micro-pores, which are protected by functional liquid stream. At experiments on rats and further in clinic research it was proved that tooth devitalization leads to enamel surface acid resistance reducing. In an alive tooth acid resistance can fluctuate in significant limits, being minimal in cariogenic conditions. [5. ] Structural ( on the devitalized tooth) and structural-functional resistance determination (on an alive tooth) was made on the basis of numerical evaluation of the enamel surface disorganization degree under the influence of acid pickling certain doses at an incisor vestibular surface sector. The roughness was measured maximum objectively by the prophilometer – prophilograph and was expressed in commonly used units of measuring.[ 7, 9. ] Such are in general the almost not recognized fundamental scientific facts concerning real tooth physiology concept. In the theories of development of the carious process are thoroughly described the external factors that lead to the demineralisationand loss of the hard dental tissues, but the internal processes of the tooth are ignored. In the chemical concept of caries the leading role is attributed to the microbial flora and its metabolical products. In the biological concept the accent is put on the mineralisation of hard tissues , on the physiological processes and especially on the central control through the liquid flow. The goal of the research The identification of morphological element that assure the dental flow’s kinetics of the dental germens from the crypt. Materials and research methods: The â€Å"phased congelation† method of the maxillaries’ native preparates. This method allows us to visualise the liquid in solid form. We section the frozen preparate with a diamonded disc. During the sectioning the preparate is heating. To avoid this, the sectioning process is interrupted to freeze the preparate once again. Usually the congelation phases are repeated thrice. The sectioning is made 1/3 at a time, after which the preparate is congealed at -18 or -24 degrees Celsius. The â€Å"contrastation† method- the insertion of the Methylene Blue solution in the invagination using a needle. The volume of the solution varies from 1 ml to 3 ml, until the surplus leaks thrugh the interosseous channel of the crypt. The maceration method- the preparate is obtained after boiling by horizontally sectioning the maxillary at 13-15 mm below the neck of a temporary tooth Fig. 2. A sagittal section with dental follicle in a crypt. Fig. 3. A crypt cavity with contrast solution. Fig. 4. Scheme of limits of dental follicle and dental crypt. Fig. 5. Macerated dental crypt in different mammals. Fig. 6. Opening of crypt’s channelsin different mammals The experimental data allowed us to conclude that the components of dental follicles analysed and studied previously and appreciated as elements of the drainage system, that have the biological mission to evacuate the liquid from the area where the hard dental tissue forms perhaps genuinely perform this task. We have objective data that talks about the possible residual liquid drainage system, which gaveforconstruction necessary ingredients to odontoblasts and enammeloblasts. In our experiments, we had to exercise a force that generated pressures of about tens of grams per square centimetre. The crypt’s cavity in all preparates were bigger than limits of dental follicle, whichagainshowsaboutthepressureinside of it. Obviously, this data does not have complete veracity that would prove the affiliation of the previously described formations to the drainage system, which are utilised in the formation of dental tissues. But, at the same time, the clinical and experimental data gathered till this very moment, allow us to speak more confidently about this hypothesis. Its confirmation has a key role in finding the missing link that could help us appreciate the epidemiological status of dental caries. The insufficiency of this mechanism could be seen as an important factor in the spreading of caries and however different the local biological mechanisms of a tooth’s vitality and the global epidemiologic phenomenon may seem their bond is truly genuine. They are caused by the contemporary’s man biological living conditions that are far from normal. Conclusions: All permanent teeth in mammals, including humans, develop in crypts Crypt’s channels open close to the corresponding temporary teeth The topography and structure of the described crypts indicate upon their possible role in collecting ad eliminating the dental liquid The functional insufficiency of the crypt’s drainage mechanism at different stages of odontogenesis as a result of the particularities of development may serve as a predictive and preventive factor of the morbidity of dental caries .

UK Insurance Industry Analysis

UK Insurance Industry Analysis Discuss the background to change that exists in todays economy Abstract: This case study focuses upon AEGON in the UK, AEGON specializes in the insurance sector which was created in 1983 in the United Kingdom, as a result of merger between a Netherlands based Dutch insurance company called AGO Ennia. AEGON has a long history for instance it operates in the United States, which is based in Baltimore and has been insuring people since 1858, while in the United Kingdom, AEGON Scottish Equitable has been in existence since the early 1830s and since then it has a remarkable history of providing excellent insurance packages to the general public AEGON has recently expanded its international presence, gaining access by providing its services in new growth markets such as the Americas, the Central and Eastern Europe and Asia in particular, presently AEGON has its business interests in more than 20 countries across the globe AEGON is one of the worlds largest leading providers of life insurance, investments and annuities companies which also specializes in pensions, life insurance, asset management and adviser businesses in the UK. This particular case study basically illustrates the success that embracing and pursuing change has brought to AEGON in the UK. AEGON has a motive goal of becoming the best long-term savings and protection business within the UK. The AEGON Group has more than 27,000 employees and more than 25 million customers worldwide. The major share market for AEGON is in the United States of America and Netherlands. Since 1994, United Kingdom has become another major and increasingly important market for AEGON, In recent years mainly due to recession the life insurance and pensions industry, in which AEGON operates, has had a poor reputation. Some organizations have been accused of mis-sellingby not providing consumers with the best product for their needs. To prevent similar situations arising in the future, (FSA) the Financial Services Authority has put significant amounts of regulation on the industry, many of the service products which falls within the financial sector are quite often difficult to understand. Most of the People who choose the range of financial products and services are not sure where to seek support advice for their investments. Keeping in mind the falling values on the Stock Exchange have considerably affected the investment return on some of the insurance products, namely mortgage, endowments etc. that is to say for instance some people the product they bought has not delivered the financial return which they have expected, due to which it has created uncertainty in regards to the financial services industry. Industry has also been characterized by intense competition. AEGON faces competition as in other businesses which sell directly to consumers which are better known in the UK. AEGON who distributes its products services to customers mainly through its appointed financial advisers, AEGON with its reputed brand image had to overcome and address these industry related issues in order to remain competitive over its competitors Historically AEGON had been successful however with the Government imposed restrictions related to price controls which had reduced its profitability, comparing with its competitors, AEGON had developed good products and services and had a good reputation with distributors specially in the pensions sector, unfortunately other than pensions AEGON was not well recognized in other areas such as offshore investment products which were more profitable. Today if a consumer wants to invest for a product in the long term, first they want to make sure and know more about the organization which they are going to deal with for example they would like to recognize the brand understand more about the brand, its value which it represents, AEGON is financially strong which is rated AA by Standard Poors rating agency Evaluate the strengths and weakness of the organization Abstract: The strength and weakness related to a business or organization is its positive elements, which they do something well and within their control, the strengths and weakness of a company or group is based on its values which gives it the edge in areas over their competitors Following is an outline and main strengths of AEGON Making alliances with strong popular businesses is a major plus point for AEGON as it helps in bringing new customers and make business more effectively Keeping the overall costs lower than their competitors and maintaining the cost advantages helps AEGON to pass on some of the benefits to its consumers AEGONs marketing strategy has proved to be very effective which helped in raising Profiles Profits which is one of its major strength AEGON has a large extensive customer base, which is a major strength in regards to sales and profits Being financially strong {rated AA by Standard Poors rating agency}helps AEGON deals extensively with any threats problems arising in profits and can out perform their rivals Keeping competitive pricing is one of the vital element for AEGONs overall success, as this keeps them ahead of their competitors Riding high in the highly competitive insurance industry and has helped boost AEGON which raised its reputation and turnover AEGONs continuous innovation over its products keeps it as a front-runner in the insurance sector with its regular tuning of new patents and proprietary technology AEGON has a strong brand image which is well recognized and respected By providing high quality products and services it is a vital strength which in turn ensure customers to return to AEGON AEGONs with its vast distribution chain can be listed as one of their strengths and links to its success AEGON is equipped with experienced employees which is a key success of AEGON helping to drive them forward with expertise and knowledge in their respective field AEGON keeps high percentage of the market share due to its brand image which keeps them ahead of their competitors Products and Services which is offered by AEGON are authentic/original, which means people will turn to AEGON to purchase or obtain them Online presence for AEGON is strong which means it is ahead of many competitors AEGONs with its international operations has a wider customer base, strong brand image with its presence in the global market Innovation and Development is the prime concern for AEGON in regards to the products and services which is a major strength for its overall performance With its high quality offices, advanced modern equipment and well trained personnel which ensures the job is done to the utmost standard, which is a big strength AEGON AEGONs has a strong reputation which the consumer / people view it with respect and believe in their products services A weakness for any company or organization is needed to be improved for better performance which is under their control. Weaknesses can also place behind the competitors, when a company or organization stops to meet their objectives Following is an outline and main weaknesses of AEGON Limited customer base is considered as a major weakness for AEGON which means they have fewer{less} people to sell their products in the market The weak market position for AEGON is a limitation to their overall success, as they will be considered behind their rivals. A serious weakness for AEGON means that their services or products are of low quality, and then people opt for better-quality substitutes. Reputation is very important, and once its damaged for AEGONs it will be a major weakness where consumers will not trust the firm anymore and will not borrow their products By not reducing costs the same way as their competitors which means AEGON is outlaying more for their profits, maintaining higher costs than their competitors will be considered as a major weakness If AEGONs Research development {RD} work is low and insignificant, which is a major weakness in insurance as it is constantly creating new products Lack of inexperienced staff will be a major downfall for AEGON as it could lead to mistakes and negligence which could tarnish the image of AEGON in the long run Unstable with stock exchange are a weakness for AEGON as they need to keep up with demand Online presence is vital for success these days, and lack of one is a limitation for AEGON Overpricing is one of the reasons and setting higher prices for AEGON products/services could make them uncompetitive, which is a major weakness. The lack of business alliances is a major weakness for AEGON, as they will struggle to get deals, favors and partnerships. AEGON is in a poor financial position which makes it weaker than its competitors. AEGONs lack of innovation limits its success, as there is no forward thinking. Good companies need loyal employees, but AEGON has a poor relationship with staff which affects performance. If AEGON does not function internationally, it will have an effect on its success, when they do not reach consumers in overseas markets. AEGONs underdeveloped distribution chain has a marked effect on performance as it affects the distribution of their products/services. Lack of original services products is a major flaw in AEGONs future success, as it shows a blinkered outlook. AEGONs location is weakness for the firm, as it means they miss out on many opportunities. AEGONs lack of patents/proprietary technology puts it behind its rivals and is deemed as one of their weaknesses. The weak brand name compromises success for AEGON as it doesnt inspire people to buy their products/services Compare alternative forms of organizational development Abstract: With the impact of change which affects the organization in both ways internally and externally this is influenced on how people behave and also how they communicate with each other and when the organization becomes more focused on the customer. With such emphasis of making clear information for the customer in order to understand the company of making business easier, to embed such values and behaviors, AEGON established a new relationship with Shirley Robertson, the famous yachtswoman and the only British female athlete to have won gold medals at consecutive Olympic Games. By associating AEGON with an individual who embodies similar values, it was able to bring the values and behaviors to life for their staff, AEGON had to further develop their brand and its reputation, which AEGON maintain in couple of ways for example AEGON carried out external promotional campaigns in order to emphasize the relationship between Scottish Equitable and AEGON which helped to reinforce the local knowledge and the global power of AEGON within the United Kingdom with such refreshing of the brand internally and externally resulted in strong positive feedback AEGON also launched newer and innovative products for instance the 5 for Life annuity which helped to change the way in which consumers look at their retirement income support which provides with more certainty levels of income for the consumer, providing the levels of return as promised by AEGON of being responsible for any risks associated with doing so AEGON today with its brand image has a position within the financial services industry which over the years has posted record results with significant growth in the underlying earnings, AEGON has also increased its business across a mix of their profitable products and services, reflecting its continued strengthAcronyms Terms The alternative forms of organizational development which AEGON had figure out is to fully integrate organizational structure where employees are best integrated while their service offerings are best coordinated cross-selling opportunities and best tracked and pursued, with the recent analyses of organizational development which suggests a growing concern with the tempo of change, pattern of work or activity, such a change which is in contrast with continuous change on such basis of implied metaphors of organizing Develop systems for understanding and involving others in the process of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  change. Identify systems to involve appropriate stakeholders in the introduction of change Abstract: In todays developing environment any product development is a complex process which needs to be consider new demands from different stakeholders which can be analyzed how these demands can be fulfilled while sharing appropriate stakeholder information is important, however it can only be beneficial when the information is used effectively. When an induction of change arises the information must be shared across stakeholders, such process relies up to a large extent on the individual common understanding for stakeholders involved in order to help balance the interests of different stakeholders and their related functions. With such a process we need to identify the relevant stakeholders and their relation to the product, normally such a requirements from different Stakeholders can be negotiated and balanced in order to develop a competitive product In order to make a well-balanced product it is therefore necessary to take a broader approach by taking into consideration not only the end-users, but also all the other stakeholders throughout the products life cycle hence the stakeholders play according to their interest they use such power and influence the product in the direction they desire. A stakeholder can be defined as an individual or a group of people and a stakeholder could either be external or from the internal organizational stakeholders could also be addressed or regarded such as Primary or Secondary wherein primary stakeholders are those stakeholders who has a direct stake in an organization and to its success, secondary stakeholders are those who have a special or public-interest stake in the organization. Stakeholders interacts each other in different ways such as exchanging information, products, providing supporting tasks, instructions etc. Stakeholders can also be external or internal; AEGON had historically been successful however with the government-imposed price controls which had reduced profitability over its competitors, AEGON had developed good products and services and had a good reputation with distributors, particularly in the area of pensions which were a key strength of AEGON Culture refers to the personality and attitude of an organization. It also includes the shared beliefs, values and behavior of the employees. These determine the ways in which the organization and its people make decisions and solve problems. The goal of AEGONs CEO helped to provide a vision for change. Financial objectives were important as the path for future developments depended upon these. It was also important to create more clarity about who AEGON was. With limited awareness of AEGON in the UK, it was important to explain what it had to offer, how big the organization was within the UK and how strong it was globally. At the heart of this strategy was the need to: Simplify financial services and provide more customer focus. It was important that consumers understood more precisely what they were buying, as well as the benefits and services they received Develop the workforce. The objective was to develop the skills needed within the business to help it change. AEGON also created opportunities for progression from one job to another in a way that provided individuals with a coherent career path. Create a more distinct presence within the marketplace. This involved refreshing the AEGON brand in a way that made it more distinctive from its competitors and more attractive to customers. Analyze and evaluate these systems Abstract: In order to analyze and evaluate such systems it is important to understand the environment in which key issues which needs to be responded in order to improve decision-taking which reduces uncertainty. In recent years few industries have experienced such changes in their external environment especially in the financial services sector. Saving for retirement is a good concept that is sometimes difficult for people to understand. Within the United Kingdom life expectancy has risen in recent years where people can be expected to retired in the long run, there are many examples where an individual have not planned properly for their retirement and later in their life they may experience a shortfall in the amount of money available to them, there is also a drive by the government to reduce dependency on the State in old age with such uncertainty looming over many companies have introduced less expensive pension schemes and has insisted on employee pension contributions which did not exists in the past, with such factors people have to make wise decisions to invest properly at an early stage of their lives. Keeping in mind of the old age investing in the future helps people to prepare financial security towards their old age Life insurance and pensions industry, in which AEGON operates, has had a poor reputation in recent years. Some organizations have been accused of mis-selling by not providing consumers with the best product for their needs. To prevent similar situations arising in the future, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has put significant amounts of regulation on the industry People do not always feel equipped to choose between the range of financial products and services as financial services products are often difficult to understand, most of them are not sure where to seek support and advice. With the recession falling values on the Stock Exchange have affected the investment return on some products, such as mortgage etc, which for some people means the product they bought has not delivered the financial returns as they had expected. The financial industry has also been characterized by intense competition where AEGON is no exception and in terms of competition with organizations which sell directly to consumers and which are better known in the UK. AEGON distributes its products and services to customers mainly through financial advisers. AEGON being a reputed company had to address and overcome these industry-wide problems to remain competitive among their competitors Adapt an appropriate model for change Abstract: AEGON had a good historically record of being successful however with the government-imposed price controls which had reduced profitability comparing with their competitors, AEGON was not well known by consumers. It had developed good products and services and had a good reputation with their distributors, particularly in the area of pensions which were a key strength of Scottish Equitable. If consumers are to invest in a long term product, they need to know more about the organization they are dealing with. They need to recognize the brand and understand more about the brand values that it represents. As AEGON traded under a number of brand names it was not always easy for financial advisers and consumers to recognize the breadth and depth of the company in the UK, however, AEGON had to develop the brand and its reputation by carrying out the following tasks: AEGON carried out external promotional campaigns in order to emphasize the relationship between Scottish Equitable and AEGON. This helped to reinforce the local knowledge and the global power of AEGON in the United Kingdom Chief Executive Officer talked to the media about the need for change. The refreshing of the brand internally and externally resulted in strong positive feedback. AEGON has launched new and innovative products. For example, the 5 for Life annuity has helped to change the way in which consumers can look at their retirement income. It provides more certainty about levels of income for the consumer, with AEGON providing the levels of return promised and being responsible for any risks associated with doing so. Today the AEGON brand has a position from which it is influencing the financial services industry. It has posted record results with significant growth in underlying earnings. It has also increased its new business across a mix of profitable products and services, reflecting its continued strength. Change is continuous. The process of change is a journey. External factors will always be there to influence business organizations. AEGON responded well to such factors by simplifying, clarifying and strengthening its brand in the UK. As organizations change, their patterns of behavior and business culture develop. As AEGON is concerned as an organization it has to move positively towards achieving its full potential and to remain competitive in an increasingly difficult market How was the plan implemented, its process and outcomes Abstract: AEGON underwent a discovery phase with its new Chief Executive (CEO) in place. The main purpose of this process was to find out what it had to do to meet the CEOs goal. This goal was to build the best long-term savings and protection business in the UK. The discovery focused on three main key questions such as What do we stand for in the UK? AEGON owns life and pensions, asset management and advice businesses. AEGON name to be known for helping their customers build better financial futures and as a result they are actively raising their brand profile in the UK. What do we want to stand for in the UK? AEGON responded to these factors by simplifying, clarifying and strengthening its brand in the UK What should we be doing about it? This has helped AEGON as an organization to move positively towards achieving its full potential and to remain competitive in an increasingly difficult market Describe the purpose of the eight behaviors Abstract: The main purpose of eight behaviors for AEGON is to develop a behavior framework to support its brand values, it was designed keeping in mind to influence how people at all levels within the organization could work and make their decisions. Such behaviour would emphasize the values of the organization which AEGON have helped to build its culture and to be influenced its performance Following are the eight behaviours: Decisive action Work together Learn and grow Relate and communicate Think customer Embrace change Encourage excellence Act with integrity Evaluate the role of an audit within and outside an organization. To what extent can a process of audit form the basis for a business strategy? Brand audit To answer these questions AEGON undertook a brand audit. This audit looked at two aspects: the company internally how the organisation was positioned externally. The purpose of the audit was to find out more information about the organisation. This helped AEGON to provide a more informed approach to the decisions that were needed to start the process of change. The audit showed that AEGON was solidly placed within the market. Its staff were known for their considerable expertise, innovation and clarity of communication. The external audit also helped to discover where AEGON was positioned in relation to its competitors. People who were aware of AEGON saw it as being a refreshing and different organisation. However, there was evidence that people were confused about the breadth of what AEGON did because it traded under a number of different company brands

Meet Me in St. Louis & Raging Bull :: essays research papers

The 1940’s were a time when most were living with the effects of war every day. Whether it be stomaching the violence of war or trying to deal with the absence of male family members in the family unit, everyone was shaken by World War II. Therefore it is easy to see how a movie such as Meet Me in St. Louis was born. It takes us back to a time that is associated with wholesome family values and a world with less major problems before war had directly affected Americans of modern times. A film of a different nature, Raging Bull, takes place in these violent times displaying to us not what the people of the 1940’s longed for, rather showing some of what society lived with back then. These two movies seem as different as night and day when viewed together, yet they simply show different sides of the spectrum of the same themes. The source that led to the desire to produce such movies is one and the same, violence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although I am yet to know serious effects of war, I know what it is like to want to escape from something and to find that escape in watching a movie. For many people in the 1940’s watching Meet Me in St. Louis was they’re escape from violence in society at that time. It makes perfect sense that a movie in which the biggest conflict is whether or not a family leaves their home together would be a success in a time when family unity was not as easy to come by. Vincente Minnelli directed it and provided the audience with singing and dancing, themes of love and romance, and overall a great deal of good values. His film represents the importance of family and relationship and he is able to show us this very well on screen.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mise-en-scene was one method Minnelli used in displaying this sense of family unity and value. It is apparent in scenes of family interaction, whether it is conversation in the kitchen, celebrating holidays together, or sharing a family dinner together at the table. Behavior in this movie revolves around being loving considerate family members no matter what the action. Any smiles or excitement not motivated by direction were utilized and helped keep with the movies themes. When Mr. Smith brings about the conflict of the family having to move despite their wish to stay, almost immediately the family members disperse and leave him to himself.

Revenge in Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights :: Wuthering Heights Essays

Wuthering Heights - Revenge Emily Bronte, who never had the benefit of former schooling, wrote Wuthering Heights.   Bronte has been declared as a â€Å"romantic rebel† because she ignored the repressive conventions of her day and made passion part of the novelistic tradition. Unlike stereotypical novels, Wuthering Heights has no true heroes or villains.   The narration of the story is very unique and divergent because there are multiple narrators.   Bronte’s character Lockwood is used to narrate the introductory and concluding sections of the novel whereas Nelly Dean narrates most of the storyline.   It’s interesting that Nelly Dean is used because of her biased opinions.   There are many major themes of the book, but revenge is the most imminent theme, the factor that leads the protagonists to their dismal fate.   Bronte proves there is no peace in eternal vengeance, and in the end self-injury involved in serving revenge’s purposes will be more damaging than the original wrong.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Heathcliff never finds peace through his revenge.   In fact, the only time he truly finds happiness is when he gives up his plan for retaliation.  Ã‚   Austin O’Malley states   â€Å"Revenge is like biting a dog that bit you†Ã‚   (O’malley 1).   O’Malley’s quote reflects Heathcliff’s immature need to propagate agony in those who have offended him.   Heathcliff’s plan for revenge on Edgar and Catherine is to marry Isabella, who is ignorant of love and of men because she has never experienced either.   He wants to hurt Edgar because of his marriage to Catherine, and he wants to get revenge on Catherine by making her jealous. Catherine’s death proves that this flawed plan of repayment helps nothing.   Heathcliff, haunted by the ghost of Catherine because he is her â€Å"murderer,† still is motivated by the need for revenge and tries to get young Cathy away from Edgar by having her marry his son, Linton.   Heathcliff never finds peace until he gives up his plan for revenge just before he dies.   When Heathcliff gives up his plan for revenge, he meets Catherine in death and truly becomes happy once more.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Catherine’s revenge does not make things better for her.   Her   revenge on Heathcliff by blaming him for her upcoming death does not meliorate her mind.   Just before she dies, she ascribes Heathcliff for her â€Å"murder.†Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"You have killed me, and thriven on it, I think† (Bronte 158).   Catherine resembles what Oliver Goldsmith said,   â€Å"When lovely woman stoops to folly, and finds too late that men betray, what charm can soothe her melancholy?

Shaping the 21st Century Government Revolution

Bill Clinton says that the government must shape a 21st century revolution. He carried on in his last state of the union address making all kinds of proposals ranging from healthcare, fighting crime and education to name a few. He says they must focus on the middle class, proposing a 350 billion dollar tax cut. But exactly how does he propose this shaping take place, and how will it effect our economy? I would like to focus on what he proposed for education. He says the government spends $15 billion a year in our schools. He proposes schools that show progress get rewarded for it. The way to do that is to bring in the best trained teachers, and by having more after school programs to help kids in problem areas. Also he says they need to make schools more up to date, by connecting all classrooms to the Internet. In 1994 only 3% of the classrooms had access now 90% of schools have at least one internet connection. Clinton wants to make the American dream affordable for everyone. By making pell grants larger, having more affordable student loans, hope scholarships, and education IRA's. It would make it more possible for people to go to college and get the education needed to get a good job and further themselves. Clinton says high school graduates that go on to college is up 10% from 1993. He proposed a $30 billion college opportunity tax cut. which means a tax deduction for up to $10,000 in college tuition costs. That would mean more people would be able to afford to go on to collegeNow all these things sound great right? But will it all be possible, and how will all these things affect our economy as we know it? Will it have a huge impact, and if so will it be good or bad? I do not think following though on these proposals will have a bad effect on the economy. If anything I think it will just strengthen the economy. If more people got a better education and were able to afford to go to college to make themselves even better. They would be more likely to find a better job or start a business of their own. If all those things took place then communities would grow stronger and cities would have more businesses which would make more and more jobs. And that would help to bring the poverty level down. There would be less people on welfare and it would probably cut the crime rate also. Now another issue that clinton brought up was health care. He had all kinds of ideas on how to spend money on healthcare but is it really worth it? In 1997 the children's health insurance program was passed. So far there are approximately 2 million children enrolled the goal there is 5 million. Also there are over 40 million Americans that don't have any insurance at all. A large portion of those are people between the ages of 55 and 65. Clinton says Medicare needs to be strengthened and modernized. In his budget he dedicates $400 billion to Medicare that will keep it solvent past 2025. Is all this government spending necessary? I don't think it is. They should make it a requirement for companies to have medical insurance for their employees. Then that would save them a lot of money that can go on other things. One more thing I would like to touch on is a proposal Clinton made on childcare. He says parents spend a quarter of their earnings on childcare. He says that the childcare tax credit should be up to $2,400 for people that make under $30,000 a year. He says that last year alone the government provided childcare for 2 million children. Now I am glad he says all these things about childcare but the simple fact is this, there are so many people that can't work because they can't afford childcare. And the only way they can get help to pay for it is if they are on welfare. Now to me that doesn't sound like the government is trying to help the average American move up or better themselves in that aspect that they try to help the people that really need it. Now taking that and putting it all together, it would make our country all together stronger if the government put money where it really needs to go instead of putting it in their own pockets. Which in all reality in the stretch of things we all know that's where it will end up.

Four Star Case Study Essay

Four Star is a mattress manufacturer known for a focus on quality, productivity and customer service. In order to meet market demand from customers as well as competition Four Star increased proliferation of mattress varieties offering a total of 230 different model types at one time. This change caused Four Star to experience operational issues and bad inventory management, resulting in low profitability and productivity. Of the many problems faced by Four Star, proliferation of mattress varieties and its impact on operations and inventory management is their biggest issue. This has had a major impact on the things that Four Star once prided itself on: quality, productivity and customer service. Having 230 product variations created extremely long order fill rates resulting in a loss of customers and created a great deal of customer dissatisfaction. There was also added pressure placed on Four Star employees to fill orders. Having so many unsatisfied employees put Four Star at risk for loosing employees which would add additional stress to the production process. In addition, large dealers who would typically sell and inventory Four Star products began limiting the number of mattresses stored due to their inability to predict which of the 230 varieties a customer would purchase. Instead, LDs would wait until a customer placed an order to request inventory from Four Star. Upon order placement LDs expected fast inventory arrival which is the level of service they were used to getting but due to the stress placed on the Four Star manufacturing operation they were having trouble filling orders. This resulted in dealers no longer committing to placing orders with Four Star. Four Star took on the burden of carrying inventory which was an additional expense for the organization placing added stress on the overall manufacturing process. Four Star soon began to see decreased sales revenue. Sia Meng considered several options to smoothly manage its operations. The first option was to reduce the number of mattress models manufactured back to 40 or 60, levels at which the company produced in 1996 and 1998. This would be a very effective solve to the issues being had with Four Star since historical data shows that revenues and customer satisfaction levels were up and the company was not experiencing such turmoil in its manufacturing. In addition, it has also been proven by the behavior of the dealers that there are too many mattress varieties. Reducing model levels would help increase revenue. Another option being investigated by Sia Meng is to insist on a  minimum order size by dealers. This requirement from dealers would help streamline the order and production process and allow Four Star a window of opportunity to fulfill orders within a reasonable timeframe and increase customer satisfaction. The last option being considered is to reduce safety stock requirements for finished mattresses. This is not a viable option for Four Star. The company is already having major issues and relocating would not fix the internal turmoil that exists. Below are my recommendations for how Four Star can reconfigure its product design, manufacturing and order fulfillment process. Product Design Four Star should begin all mattresses with the same basic design and alter the product to meet customer’s needs. This could include adding more coils and the quilted cover depending on the customer’s request. This would allow Four Star to inventory and produce a limited number of materials needed to produce a mattress because all mattresses would use the same basic formula with modifications. For example, if Four Star received an order for one of its premium mattresses, the number of coils added to the mattress would be adjusted accordingly as well as the quilted cover. Doing so would reduce the fill rate and limit frustration of employees working on the production line as they would be working to produce a less complicated product with less moving parts. Manufacturing It is recommended that Four Star keep its facility where it is currently to work out the production issues they are experiencing before determining whether moving to another location would be more lucrative. There are currently too many other issues looming with the production line to isolate any one main cause for the issue. To Order Fulfillment To improve the order fulfillment process it is recommended that Four Star enforce a minimum order quantity on its dealers. Doing so may initially increase inventory costs for Four Star but the long term benefits could outweigh this short term frustration. Enforcing a minimum order quantity would also allow dealers to set better expectations with customers and increase customer satisfaction.