Constructing and Supporting Argument

Constructing and Supporting Argument Free Online Research Papers In life each individual has to make decisions on what they want to do in their life. The decision should benefit him or her in their personal and career life. The argument in discussion for this paper would be getting my MBA degree will better prepare me when I become a manager again. The results of the assessment will be discussed. Constructing an Argument Pursuing an MBA degree will better prepare me for becoming a manager again. The question is that may come to many individuals mind is will it better prepare me for becoming a manager? So many individuals that have obtained their MBA degree might agree. In the next section we will discuss the support of the argument. Now I can take what I know from being a previous manager and what I learn from the classes taken to obtain my MBA degree and utilize it when I become manager of the organization I work for. Supporting the Argument Many say that the qualifications they received after obtaining his or her MBA degree has enabled to get opportunities that he or she might not have gotten if he or she has not obtained their degree. Their confidence and their assertiveness have increased in the workplace. (Anonymous, 2000) â€Å"Over 40% of the respondents wish to become self-employed and over a quarter aspire to run their own business.† (Anonymous, 2000) Approximately 50% of those surveyed stated he or she would like to take more time for developing his or her own professional career since they obtained their degree. The director of the MBA association stated that many organizations acknowledges the importance of the MBA degree and therefore provides financial support to individuals who choose to pursue his or her degree; these organization even offer the individuals a raise in his or her salary after they obtain their degree. (Anonymous, 2000) According to Bradford (2007) the MBA program has secured the future of the Rockware Glass organizations future. (Bradford, 2000) The MBA program that Rockware Glass uses â€Å"has developed a network of strategically aware managers who are helping to give directions to the business and deliver real results in an increasingly challenging environment.† (Bradford, 2000) Rockware had faced a delima and needed to make some changes to secure their future in the business world. Through the MBa program the organization was able to create a management team that will help in the changes that needed to be made as well as developing a strategic plan for future organizational challenges. (Bradford, 2000) The senior mangers choseseven individuals to participate in the MBA program. Although the individuals faced challenges whith their jobs and the school work they were able to succeed with working together as a team. All seven participants graduated and achieved their degree; one with honors. Now these graduates are working in the company with a more strategic and bigger role. (Bradford, 2000) The response from the participants of the program is remarkable. Mr. Parkes states that his way of thinking has changed since he have completed the program. Mr. Robertson stated that the team members now believe in themselves and have a greater vision of what he or she needs to do. Ms. Crayton states that the program has changed her way of thinking as well as broadened her perspective. The organization is in a positive standing and now has a new outlook. Changesof improvement has been seen through the organizations customers. Instead of receiving complaints the organization is now receiving complements about the changes of improvements they have seen. (Bradford, 2000) Results of Assessment The results from the â€Å"What’s my Jungian 16-Type Personality?† assessment shows my score as ENTJ. The study showed that I am a visionary, my level of tolerance is low when it comes to incompetence, I am seen as a natural leader, I am outgoing, and I am argumentative. The study shows with these characteristics that the possible career for me would be a stockbroaker, police officer, manager, chemical engineer, management trainer, and lawyer. (What’s my Junngian 16-Type Personality?, 2007) Conclusion Every individual has a choice of careers. There are things he or she can do in helping improve his or her skills in the career of their choice. Obtaining an MBA degree is one of them. There are some jobs you do not need much skills for like some fast food restaurants. To work in a medium or big corporation there are skill an employer is looking for in order to get hired. Even if an individual wants to start his or her own business there are some skills that you need to have in order to be successful. References Anonymous. (2000). MBAs Take a Hike in Salary, Then take a Hike. Education and Training, 42 (8/9), p. 472, 1 pg. Retrieved on October 4, 2009, from ProQuest database. Bradford. (2000). Rockware Sparkles in the Glass Industry; MBA Program Helps to Secure Companys Future. 15 (4), p. 18. Retrieved on October 4, 2009 from ProQuest database. What’s my Jungian 16-Type Personality? (2007). Self- Assessment. Retrieved on October 4, 2009, from rEsource at http://ecampus.phoenix.edu Research Papers on Constructing and Supporting ArgumentThe Project Managment Office SystemInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesResearch Process Part OneIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseOpen Architechture a white paperAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductThree Concepts of PsychodynamicHip-Hop is Art

Boas - Boidae - Constricting Snakes

Boas - Boidae - Constricting Snakes Boas (Boidae) are a group of nonvenomous snakes that include about 36 species. Boas are found in North America, South America, Africa, Madagascar, Europe and many Pacific Islands. Boas include the largest of all living snakes, the green anaconda. Other Snakes Called Boas The name boa is also used for two groups of snakes that do not belong to the Boidae family, the split-jawed boas (Bolyeriidae) and the dwarf boas (Tropidophiidae). The split-jawed boas and the dwarf boas are not closely related to members of the family Boidae. Anatomy of Boas Boas are considered to be somewhat primitive snakes. They have a rigid lower jaw and vestigial pelvic bones, with small remnant hind limbs that form a pair of spurs on either side of the body. Although boas share many characteristics with their relatives the pythons, they differ in that they lack postfrontal bones and premaxillary teeth and they give birth to live young. Some but not all species of boas have labial pits, sensory organs that enable the snakes to sense infrared thermal radiation, an ability which is  useful in the location and capture of prey but which also provides functionality in thermoregulation and detection of predators. Boa Diet and Habitat Boas are predominantly terrestrial snakes that forage in low lying bushes and trees and feed on small vertebrates. Some boas are tree-dwelling species that stalk their prey by hanging their head down from their perch amongst the branches. Boas capture their prey by first grasping it and then coiling their body quickly around it. Prey is then killed when the boa constricts its body tightly so that the prey cannot inhale and dies of asphyxiation. The diet of boas varies from species to species but generally includes mammals, birds and other reptiles. The largest of all boas, in fact, the largest of all snakes, is the green anaconda. Green anacondas can grow to lengths of over 22 feet. Green anacondas are also the heaviest known species of snake and may also be the heaviest squamate species as well. Boas inhabit North America, South America, Africa, Madagascar, Europe and many Pacific Islands. Boas are often regarded solely as tropical rainforest species, but although many species are found in rainforests this is not true for all boas. Some species live in arid regions such as the deserts of Australia. The vast majority of boas are terrestrial or arboreal but one species, the green anaconda is an aquatic snake. Green anacondas are native to the slow-moving streams, swamps, and marshes on the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. They also occur on the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean. Green anacondas feed on larger prey than most other boas. Their diet includes wild pigs, deer, birds, turtles, capybara, caimans, and even jaguars. Boa Reproduction Boas undergo sexual reproduction and with the exception of two species in the genus Xenophidion, all bear live young. Females that bear live young do so by retaining their eggs within their body give birth to multiple young at once. Classification of Boas The Taxonomic Classification of boas is as follows: Animals Chordates Reptiles Squamates Snakes Boas Boas are divided into two subgroups which include the true boas (Boinae) and the tree boas (Corallus). True boas include the largest species of boas such as the common boa and the anaconda. Tree boas are tree-dwelling snakes with slender bodies and long prehensile tails. Their bodies are somewhat flat in shape, a structure that gives them support and enables them to stretch from one branch to another. Tree boas often rest coiled up in the branches of trees. When they hunt, tree boas hang their head down from the branches and coil their neck in an S-shape to give themselves a good angle from which to strike their prey below.

Discharged for Off-Duty Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discharged for Off-Duty Behavior - Essay Example resources department has the responsibility to evoke such employees of the existence of such rules and make them available once needed by the employees. This paper discusses an example of an off-duty behavior of an employee of AEM company called John. Given the facts of this case, John did not receive a fair treatment. The HR manager was able to mention the existing code of conduct that stated that employee’s off-duty behavior should not affect the company, its employees, or sales of its educational materials. Existence of this code of conduct does not explicitly indicate that John knew about it. The code is quite extensive and has not narrowed in to what behaviors that would amount to breaching off-duty performance by an employee. According to Bohlander and Snell (2009), rules should be widely disseminated, widely known by all employees, reviewed periodically, and reasons for the rules explained. John is right that what he did in his personal life was â€Å"no obligation of the company† if the rules were not stipulated properly and explicitly explained to him not to handle pornographic materials. Besides, he explains the reason for the purchase of materials. It was not at will. Discharging an employee as a disciplinary measure is usually the last resort. From this case, John has no indiscipline records in his personal record for the last twelve years. We do not hear of any warnings prior to this scenario. According to Bohlander and Snell, the employee must know the rule, be notified of his breach of the rules, and be given reasonable warning before dismissal (Bohlander & Snell, 2009). Sales representatives of AEM can be held to a higher level of personal conduct than sales representatives of other companies. Despite the global employment laws that regulate businesses, organizations reviews their codes and guidelines yearly to suite their demands. This happens mostly in private companies where rules of conduct are given and explained to the sales

Computer and Network Hardware Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Computer and Network Hardware - Assignment Example We have also considered the other factors that include total number of employees, departments, current state and nature of the services provided by your organization. We have explained the characteristics of network servers, routers, hubs, network model and topology in the following sections. In order to develop a Computing Facility capable of providing 24 X 7 operations, it is necessary to identify and define the services to be provided by the Computer Server Room. We have identified following services: Operating Systems for servers and laptops are mentioned in the above table, the other software we proposed for clients and servers include Microsoft Office and anti-virus. On both servers, we would install OS Windows Server 2008 along with Active Directory Services, DNS and DHCP on first server, whereas on the second server we would install FTP, ERP Application along with its database and backup/Network Access Storage. We would use server virtualization to fully utilize the high end servers by executing multiple applications on single machine/server. The following diagram shows the network model in which router/firewall (according to need of the organization) would be connected to internet and the switch/hub which further connected to servers and WAPs to establish a LAN. As the organization is growing, therefore, we have used star topology which provides better performance, centralized management with easy monitoring, and above all we can enhance the LAN in future (if required). Microsoft Corporation. (2012). How do hubs, switches, routers, and access points differ?. Retrieved from:

Media Violence and Children Essay Example for Free

Media Violence and Children Essay Your children are surrounded by violence. From video games and television to the news itself, bloodshed is everywhere. Many parents and educators fear that violence seen on the media will at the very least desensitize children, and that it may even make children more likely to commit atrocities themselves. Other people claim the violence seen on the media is not real, and that children understand this. So whos right? In order to better understand this crucial issue, we need to examine the history of violence in entertainment as well as revelations made possible by modern science. Violence in entertainment is not new. Even in ancient Rome, people gathered to watch gladiators. In gladiator combats, two trained men (usually criminals or slaves) would fight each other in front of a cheering crowd. Sometimes, men would also be forced to fight wild animals. These shows were incredibly popular; in order to accommodate the huge masses of people eager to watch the combat, Roman officials built the Colosseum, which could seat 50,000 spectators, in 80 CE. The opening of the Colosseum was celebrated with 100 days of games, during which thousands of men and animals were seriously injured or killed. Long before children watched violent cartoons, they listened to violent stories. Even our most cherished fairy tales often contain bloodshed. In fact, modern versions of fairy tales tend to be a lot less violent than the originals. For example, in Hans Christen Andersons The Little Mermaid, the little mermaid has her tongue cut out, almost stabs her prince, and dies; Disneys famous version of this classic tale is significantly happier and less violent. But why is violence such a popular form of entertainment? There are several possible answers, and they are probably all true to some extent. People like watching violence because it is, at least to some degree, forbidden; all functioning societies need to have laws against murder. Seeing other peoples pain also makes your own problems seem insignificant. Finally, some violence in the media was meant to teach a practical lesson. Many gladiators were condemned criminals, so their violent and entertaining death served as a warning against would-be criminals. Public executions have served the same purpose throughout history. Fairy tales also warned children against the dangers of misbehaving. For example, the little mermaid disobeyed the rules of her father and her people, and she suffered as a result. Modern violence in the media is not that different from what occurred in the past. People enjoy watching violence because it is forbidden, distracting, and it can teach lessons about reality. At the same time, violence is becoming more and more prevalent. Additionally, much of the violence shown in video games, movies, and television is completely unrealistic; real consequences are very rarely shown, especially in cartoons. As a result, the violence may be too glamorized to teach real life lessons. Even if violence does teach a morality lesson, children may still be negatively affected. Vincent P. Mathews, a professor of radiology at Indiana University School of Medicine, discovered that watching violence on the media might actually alter brain function. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed that watching violent images decreased frontal lobe brain activity in children whether or not they had previous problems of aggression. Decreased frontal lobe activity is associated with attention and self control problems. Also using fMRI, Klaus Mathiak at the University of Aachen in Germany discovered that playing violent video games and thinking about actually participating in real violent activities stimulate the same part of the brain. In other words, an individuals brain cannot distinguish between violent actions that are committed by the individual and violent activities that are purely make believe. Additionally, violent video games may be training the brain for real life violent behavior. So what does all of this mean for parents? Children, like adults, are naturally drawn to violent images, and it is possible for children to learn valuable lessons from violent stories. However, exposure to too much violence, especially glamorized violence, probably does have a negative impact of children. Although more scientific research needs to be conducted before conclusive answers can be given, children may have a hard time distinguishing between real violence and fake violence, and simply watching violence may lead to increased behavioral problems. If you are worried that your children are watching too much violence, you should monitor exactly what they are watching. Movies and video games both have rating systems, and all televisions 13 inches or larger that were manufactured in the United States since January 2000 contain V chips. V chips allow parents to control what programs are watched, even when the children are unsupervised. You could also limit the amount of time that your children are allowed to spend watching television or playing video games, regardless of whether or not the programs or games contain violent content. Finally, you can discuss the reality of violence with you children to make sure that they can differentiate between make believe and reality.

Financial Manager Career Data Analysis Essay -- essays research papers

As the economy expands and employment opportunities increase, the need for workers with financial expertise will go up. I will enter the workforce at an excellent time to pursue a career as a financial manager. The information I have acquired concerning this field including opportunities, salary, and working conditions will justify my decision to obtain a position as a financial manager for a major corporation. The opportunities available to someone with a degree in finance are limited to only a few facets of the business world, but according to Job Outlook 2004, a finance degree is one of the top ten degrees in highest demand. Employers are starting to seek graduates with a master’s degree as well as a bachelor’s degree, which makes competition tough among applicants. Technology plays a major role in the financial world and applicants that possess strong computer skills will have a better chance of being hired in their desired field. In the Occupational Outlook Handbook, it says that financial managers must possess critical thinking skills and work well in a team environment. We are part of a global economy, which means that it is essential for applicants to have knowledge of international finance, and be willing to travel to other business markets around the world. In addition to business travel, financial managers are expected to work between 50-60 hours a week as an entry-level associate, and are required to attend office meetings. Up to date information is critical, th...

Professional Leadership Journal – Narcissism and Machiavellianism Assessments

According to Nahavandi (2012), personalities with an elevated score on the scale are relaxed using several resources to accomplish their individual aims. The Machiavellian (Mach) scale measures an individual’s willingness to put self-interests and his or her preferences above the interests of the group and a person’s ability to influence and manipulate others for personal gain (Nahavandi, 2012).An individual with a high Mach score might have an absence of morality and truthfulness and both of these are necessities of operative management. As I completed the two different assessments, I was astonished by my results. I completed the Machiavellianism Assessment first, I scored a 23 and according to the text an average score is 24. My score shows that I score within the average range and that I am willing to put my self-interests aside and work as a group to reach a goal.I then completed the Narcissism assessments and scored a 118, which completely shook me, I’ve nev er considered myself a narcissistic person, but according to this data I am in fact that way. Narcissistic people love the idea of having power over people, but I am the total opposite, I would rather be a team player than a leader. But I do have some of the traits that constitute me as a narcissist. As a future public health leader, my Machiavellianism Assessment should be high and my Narcissism assessment should be low.In any public health situation being able to put your self-interests to the side helps to alleviate unwanted stress and it also helps to analyze the situation carefully. Nahavandi (2012) states that positive narcissistic leaders may have an exaggerated sense of self and entitlement, but they use their self-confidence, power, and influence to achieve goals, much the same way a moderate Machiavellian would. This seems more like what I strive to do in my life and in my work life.

Corporate Responsibility and Society Essay

While commuting home from work, you take a detour through a residential area to avoid a congested main artery. Because only a few drivers take the detour, it removes several minutes from your commuting time due to the light traffic. Is your action generalizable? I do believe that my actions would be generalizable; therefore it would not pass the generalization test. According to Hooker, the meaning of generalization test is that the reason for your action should be consistent with the assumption that if everyone who has the same reason as you would act in the same manner (Business Ethics, 2011). The detour is not an area that is not allowed to be taken; it is there for anyone to take despite of the reason for taking it. Anyone that wanted to cut down their commute time in order to pick up a child from daycare, to get to school on time, to prepare dinner, or just because they no longer wanted to sit in traffic is irrelevant to the fact that they are able to take this route. In order to further put this generalization to the test we should see if it meets and passes all four Corollaries’. Corollary one states that an action is unethical if its general adoption would undermine a practice it presupposes. So everyone is free to take this detour through a residential neighborhood. Suppose everyone decided to take this detour, it would congest this neighborhood, children that normally ride their bikes on the side of the rode or play outdoors are more apt to being either hit by a car or injured by a vehicle in some way. This may pass the corollary test but it fails the generalization test. Corollary two states one shouldn’t be a free rider on the efforts of others. This corollary really doesn’t affect this example because every driver is free to make up his or her mind whether or not to take the detour. So this would pass corollary two. Corollary three states an action is unethical if generalizing the action is inconsistent with achieving its purpose. This actions is telling me that I take the detour when is best suites me, i.e. traffic is at its heaviest and I can achieve a shorter time commute by taking the detour. This action is then generalized when everyone who takes the regular congested route takes the detour when it best suites them. Thus my action of taking the detour is generalized, it would be impossible for those who take the detour when it best suites them to achieve the purpose of the action because the new detour would become congested and we are back to where we started. This action fails corollary three and the generalization test. Last but not least Corollary four states that an action is unethical if generalizing the action is inconsistent with the possibility that everyone who performs the action achieves its purpose. If this action is true then me taking the detour is ungeneralizable because it is impossible for everyone to enjoy the same avoidance of traffic congestion by taking the same detour. After completing all four Corollary test I have come to the conclusion that my action to avoid traffic by detouring through a residential area is ungeneralizable. Although my action may have passed a corollary test or two my action ultimately did not justify the action.

The eNotes Blog Libraries and Kids The Only TrueMagic

Libraries and Kids The Only TrueMagic True Story:   I remember getting my library card more vividly than I recall getting my drivers license.   My best memories of childhood were going to the library with my mom and checking out armfuls of books, which she would read to me for hours on end.   At two, I am told, I would stand on tiptoe at the librarians desk and request   favorites or authors (I didnt know why the lady laughed at me.   I guess most toddlers werent as particular.) I would rather go to the library than the movies, or the park, or anywhere else.   Still true. The libraries I recall were nothing fancy.   Maybe some bulletin boards heralding an upcoming holiday or new books perched half-open, standing on top of shelves. Of course in 197(cough, cough), there were not nearly as many ways for a child to be entertained.   The television had four channels (as God intended):   ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS.   Cartoons were from 7am to 10am, period. No LOL cats, no Youtube. I like to scare my son with th ese tidbits. Today, libraries are competing to keep your child reading and finding some interesting ways to do so, by engaging the imagination.   Here are a few of my favorite new spaces, and some words from others who continue to love libraries: Spain’s Playoffice, a child-centric design firm, created the â€Å"reading net in an attempt to making reading more fun for kids. The reading net stretches across the length of a library room, and kids can play on it in between chapters. As a child, I felt that books were holy objects, to be caressed, rapturously sniffed, and devotedly provided for. I gave my life to them. I still do. I continue to do what I did as a child; dream of books, make books and collect books. Maurice Sendak Washington libraries are taking a new approach to teaching reading by having children read books aloud but instead of reading to other children they are reading to dogs. The theory is that children who are too scared or insecure to read out loud in front of their classmates dont experience those same issues when the children reading aloud have a canine audience â€Å"When I was young, we couldnt afford much. But, my library card was my key to the world.†Ã‚  Ã‚   John Goodman, Actor Mobile libraries are not a new concept but this converted shipping container that can transform to double its size certainly is. Conceived to help support local Dutch schools that lack the funds or space for a library, the BiebBus can pull in, pop up, and let kids participate in a parable or two. The design is also a lot of fun with a transparent floor, cool lights, and huge portals for kids to see out, the BiebBus makes kids excited to grab a book, kick back, and explore the written word. The fun design uses a transparent floor to help light the lower section of the library and let adults keep an eye on the youngsters above. â€Å"As a child, I loved to read books. The library was a window to the world, a pathway to worlds and people far from my neighborhood in Philadelphia.† Ed Bradley, Journalist 60 Minutes Swiss Cottage Childrens Library A library card is the start of a lifelong adventure.†Ã‚   Lilian Jackson Braun Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library in Memphis, TN (Photo by Urbanart73) Every child needs a safe place to fall a place where he or she can explore things without worrying about failure and judgment. A library is one of those places. In a library you can learn by following your own nose, which is very different from someone telling you what you should learn. Once a kid learns a library is hers, to use as she wants, the world opens up., Ive seen it happen. It happened to me.   Bill Harley, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Camarillo Public Library in Camarillo, CA (Photo by Gbucknor) At the moment that we persuade a child, any child, to cross that threshold, that magic threshold into a library, we change their lives forever, for the better. Its an enormous force for good. President Barack Obama Central Library in Kansas City, MO (Photo by Kansas City Public Library) I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.   Jorge Luis Borges The Portage Public Library, Michigan Books may well be the only true magic.   Alice Hoffman

USS Maine Explosion and the Spanish-American War

USS Maine Explosion and the Spanish-American War The sinking of USS Maine took place on February 15, 1898, and contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War that April. After years of unrest in Cuba, tensions began to re-escalate in the 1890s. Seeking to calm the American public, which had been calling for intervention, and to protect business interests, President William McKinley ordered the US Navy to dispatch a warship to Havana. Arriving in January 1898, USS Maine sank on February 15 after an explosion tore through the ship. Initial reports concluded that Maine had been sunk by a naval mine. Sparking a wave of outrage across the United States, the loss of the ship helped push the nation towards war. Though a later report in 1911 also concluded that a mine caused the explosion, some began to believe that it was the result of a coal dust fire. A subsequent investigation in 1974 also favored the coal dust theory though its findings have been contested. Background Since the late 1860s, efforts had been underway in Cuba to end Spanish colonial rule. In 1868, the Cubans began a ten-year rebellion against their Spanish overlords. Though it was crushed in 1878, the war had generated widespread support for the Cuban cause in the United States. Seventeen years later, in 1895, the Cubans again rose up in the revolution. To combat this, the Spanish government dispatched General Valeriano Weyler y Nicolau to crush the rebels. Arriving in Cuba, Weyler began a brutal campaign against the Cuban people which involved the use of concentration camps in rebellious provinces. This approach led to the death of over 100,000 Cubans and Weyler was promptly nicknamed the Butcher by the American press. Stories of atrocities in Cuban were played up by the yellow press, and the public put increasing pressure on Presidents Grover Cleveland and William McKinley to intervene. Working through diplomatic channels, McKinley was able to defuse the situation and Weyler was recalled to Spain in late 1897. The following January, supporters of Weyler began a series of riots in Havana. Concerned for American citizens and business interests in the area, McKinley elected to send a warship to the city. Arriving in Havana After discussing this course of action with the Spanish and receiving their blessing, McKinley passed his request to the US Navy. To fulfill the presidents orders, the second-class battleship USS Maine was detached from the North Atlantic Squadron at Key West on January 24, 1898. Commissioned in 1895, Maine possessed four 10 guns and was capable of steaming at 17 knots. With a crew of 354, Maine had spent the entirety of its brief career operating along the eastern seaboard. Commanded by Captain Charles Sigsbee, Maine entered Havana harbor on January 25, 1898. USS Maine entering Havana harbor, January 1898. US Department of Defense Anchoring in the center of the harbor, Maine was afforded the usual courtesies by the Spanish authorities. Though the arrival of Maine had a calming effect on the situation in the city, the Spanish remained wary of American intentions. Wishing to prevent a possible incident involving his men, Sigsbee restricted them to the ship and no liberty was given. In the days after Maines arrival, Sigsbee met regularly with the US Consul, Fitzhugh Lee. Discussing the state of affairs on the island, they both recommended that another ship be sent when it was time for Maine to depart. Rear Admiral Charles D. Sigsbee. US Naval History and Heritage Command Loss of Maine At 9:40 on the evening of February 15, the harbor was lit by a massive explosion that ripped through the forward section of Maine as five tons of powder for the ships guns detonated. Destroying the forward third of the ship, Maine sank into the harbor. Immediately, assistance came from the American steamer City of Washington and the Spanish cruiser Alfonso XII, with boats circling the burning remains of the battleship to collect the survivors. All told, 252 were killed in the blast, with another eight dying ashore in the days that followed. Investigation Throughout the ordeal, the Spanish showed great compassion for the injured and respect for the dead American sailors. Their behavior led Sigsbee to inform the Navy Department that public opinion should be suspended until further report, as he felt that the Spanish were not involved in the sinking of his ship. To investigate the loss of Maine, the Navy swiftly formed a board of inquiry. Due to the state of the wreck and a lack of expertise, their investigation was not as thorough as subsequent efforts. On March 28, the board announced that the ship had been sunk by a naval mine. The boards finding unleashed a wave of public outrage across the United States and fueled calls for war. While not the cause of the Spanish-American War, shouts of Remember the Maine! served to accelerate the approaching diplomatic impasse over Cuba. On April 11, McKinley asked Congress for permission to intervene in Cuba and ten days later ordered a naval blockade of the island. This final step led to Spain declaring war on April 23, with the United States following suit on the 25th. Aftermath In 1911, a second inquiry was made into the sinking of Maine following a request to remove the wreck from the harbor. Constructing a cofferdam around the ships remains, the salvage effort permitted investigators to probe the wreck. Examining the bottom hull plates around the forward reserve magazine, investigators found that they were bent inward and back. Using this information they again concluded that a mine had been detonated under the ship. While accepted by the Navy, the boards findings were disputed by experts in the field, some of whom put forward a theory that the combustion of coal dust in a bunker adjacent to the magazine had sparked the explosion. Workers preparing to raise the wreck of USS Maine, 1910. US Naval History and Heritage Command The case of USS Maine was reopened in 1974, by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover who believed that modern science might be able to provide an answer to the ships loss. After consulting experts and reexamining the documents from the first two investigations, Rickover and his team concluded that the damage was inconsistent with that caused by a mine. Rickover stated that the most likely cause was a coal dust fire. In the years after Rickovers report, his findings have been disputed and to this day there has been no final answer as to what caused the explosion.

Virgin Galactic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Virgin Galactic - Essay Example Ever since Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, it has been every man’s wish to be able to do the same. Space is one of the most mystifying and romantic locations ever and knowing how hard it is to get there has only made it more sought after. But everyone cannot become astronauts. That is why Richard Branson, with his Virgin Group decided it was time common people get the opportunity to set foot into space. And with this noble thought in mind, the Virgin Group created Virgin Galactic – a company that is dedicated to taking ‘space tourists’ to their most sought after tourist spot – space. To do this, Virgin Galactic has modeled its very own spaceships after the history-making SpaceShipOne. Virgin Galactic’s spaceship is called SpaceShipTwo and its mission is to make â€Å"affordable exploration of space by human beings a real possibility†. Market Segmentation: Market Segmentation is the bifurcation of a large group of people into smaller groups that have similar characteristics. The whole point of this exercise is so that an organization may be able to design a marketing mix to fulfill the demands and expectations of the participants in the various sub groups, in a precise manner. The market is usually divided based on geography, demography, consumer behavior and psychography. Geographic Segmentation defines the exact geographic location of residence of the target. It is often divided based on region (continent, country, state, city, etc.), size of metropolitan area based on size of population, population density (urban, suburban, rural, etc.) and climate. Based on these variables, we can define the target audience for Virgin Galactic to be living in urban areas of UK that are densely populated.4 Demographic Segmentation looks at dividing the market based on demographic variables such as age, gender, family size, income, religion, education, social class, etc. Based on these variables, we could say that the target for Virgin Galactic would be high net worth individuals with high incomes, belonging to SEC A+.5 They would be educated and probably come from small families, that is, either bachelors or just married, with no kids. Behavioral Segmentation divides the target based on consumer behavior towards the product or service. It is based on variables such as brand loyalty, user status (i.e. first time user, potential, regular, etc.), readiness to buy, occasions (holidays or other events).6 Based on these variables, the target for Virgin Galactic could be defined as first time users who are most willing to spend money to go into space. They just want to go into space, and aren’t much worried about the money they are spending. Occasions play no role in this. Psychographic Segmentation divides people based on their lifestyles, interests, opinions, values, etc. Based on these variables, we could define the target for Virgin Galactic as people who lead a very frivolous lifestyle, who are willing to spend good money on anything that will make them happy, in this case takes them to space. Their interests would include space, experiencing anything new, especially before their peers. Consumer Profile: Geographic: Region: England City: Birmingham Density: Urban Demographic: Gender: Male Age: 38 years Lifecycle: Married, no children Occu pation: Businessman Education: University graduate Income: GPB 500000 per annum Nationality: British Behavioral: User Status: First time Readiness: Very high Benefits: Going into space, making a dream come true, doing something special before peers and competitors. Occasion: None Psychographic: Social class: A+ - high income, high net worth individual Personality: Fun, ambitious, impulsive, confident, athletic, enthusiastic to experience new things Lifestyle: Tech-savvy, plays a lot of sport, fitness freak, socially active Hobbies: Sport, follows tennis, golf and cricket Mobile Phone: iPhone 5 (Contract) Consumer Behavior Factors Consumer behavior refers to the method in which a consumer selects, purchases and consumes certain products