The Cretaceous Period Essay Example for Free

The Cretaceous Period Essay In the Cretaceous Period started when the Jurassic period ended, which was exactly 144 million years ago and was also longer than any other period, reaching to approximately 65 million years. The Cretaceous period also marks the end of the Dinosaurs, who were destroyed by the meteorite that struck the earth 65 million years ago. In the Cretaceous Period there was a newly discovered bird or glider called, The Microraptor Gui or also known as The Dinosaur with Four Wings, which was believed to show how birds evolved from a group of small dinosaurs called dromaeosaurs. The Microraptor gui was discovered in the Jiufotang Formation in western Liaoning, China. The Microraptor Gui is 77 cm in length and has four wings. What’s different about this species is that it has a wing on each of its hind limbs. On January 23 in the issue of the journal Nature, Xu Xing, a paleontologist at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing, China, says that in the the species was an early ancestor of birds that most likely used its feathered limbs, along with its long feather-fringed tail, to soar from tree to tree. The dominant life in the Cretaceous Period was the dinosaurs they also branched out in to previously less-dominant species like horned dinosaurs. There were also insects, birds, and even mammals although they were the smallest animal life at the time period. The early Cretaceous Period is where plant life, also known as Angiosperms, first began to blossom, this caused a growth in insects populations. The climate was the coldest for the Mesozoic times as glaciers appeared at the poles. Due to the steady increase of CO2 levels the cooler weather was gone and a warming period replaced it.

Impact of Foreign Banks on Banking in Emerging Economies Essay Example for Free

Impact of Foreign Banks on Banking in Emerging Economies Essay Increased technology and innovation International banking in emerging–market have some advantages from the technology and innovation. The advanced technology and innovation system could even surpass the conventional technology and innovation. For example, they could improve productivity, increase in market and increase the competition and so on . Innovations in customer experience and superior customer service delivery, network integration. (Infosys 2000). For example, the internet and computer system have a useful communication system to connect the consumer and bank. In daily life, customer often use the mobile phone, computer transfer the money. At the same time, innovation and technology is a lower cost of the banking system in the emerging market. The increased technology and innovation in emerging market may help the banking system make a clear communication for their employee, shareholder and consumer. As a result, banks in emerging markets are leapfrogging their rich-world rivals in efficiency, technology and innovation (special report international banking 2011). Increased liquidity and solvency Comparing with the local banking system, the foreign banks on banking in emerging market have different kind of comparative advantage. The reason is emerging market allow foreign bank entry to local market. This is lead to the higher liquidity and solvency. Foreign direct investment is a useful fund source for local market. At the same time, the foreign banks also have important roles which represent a borrower. For example, foreign banks have an enough capital base and asset. Foreign banks have played a major role in financing emerging market (EMEs) in recent year. Increased liquidity and solvency has helped emerging markets to develop their economies and allocate capital and financial know-how efficiently across countries (Agustà ­n Villar ) Disadvantage Complex global policies and challenges international banking There are some negative factors occur in global banks in emerging economies. One of the important factors is complex global policies. For example, the foreign banks are an extension of parent bank which sent to managers to overseas. Different banking system has different policies. Meanwhile, the government also comes up with stricter policies. As a result, foreign banks should face a lot of complicated policies in emerging market. The collapse of Barings was a demonstration of how different countries supervisors are failing to communicate with each other.( the economist 1997). This opinion shows that the international banking in emerging market should have a closer supervisor.

Competition in the sportswear industry

Competition in the sportswear industry This report is about a competitive analysis watch based on competition in the sportswear industry, dominated by Nike Inc., followed by Adidas and Puma. The article with the title, Competition comes to a Head for World Cup Sponsors was published on The New York Times on 6th June 2010. This report discuss about the competitive strategies adopted by Nike, as the market leader. Porters five forces of competition framework have been used to analyze the competitive advantage Nike has over its rivals. The objective is to understand the aggressive level of competition within the industry and also how firms try to dominate the market, through cost cutting and innovation. Company Background Nike Inc. was founded in 1962 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight as a partnership under the name, Blue Ribbon Sports. When Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman made this observation many years ago, he was defining how he viewed the endless possibilities for human potential in sports. He set the tone and direction for a young company created in 1972, called Nike, and today those same words inspire a new generation of Nike employees. Nikes goal is to carry on Bills legacy of innovative thinking, whether to develop products that help athletes of every level of ability reach their potential, or to create business opportunities that set Nike apart from the competition and provide value for our shareholders. Along the way, Nike has established a strong Brand Portfolio with several wholly-owned subsidiaries including Cole Haan, Converse Inc., Hurley International LLC, NIKE Golf, and Umbro Ltd. The mission of Nike is: to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. Nike maintains traditional and non-traditional distribution channels in more than 160 countries targeting its primary market regions: United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas (not including the United States). They utilize over 20,000 retailers, Nike factory stores, Nike stores, Nike Towns, Cole Haan stores, and internet-based Web sites to sell their sports and leisure products. Nike Inc. attains their position through quality production, innovative products, and aggressive marketing. Nike acquired Umbro in 2007. This acquisition indeed became the first decisive marketing goal of World Cup 2010. Nike has 10 World Cup contenders including Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Australia, Slovenia, New Zealand, U.S.A, Korea Republic, Serbia, and the deal with England and Umbro, which Nike maintains as a separate brand. The England and Umbro deal is the most Lucrative in international soccer, valued 34 million ($ 40.7 million) a year according to Sport+Markt, a research firm. This deal was a new determination for Nike to challenge Adidas, the German soccer apparel powerhouse, on its European home ground. Nikes continuing relationship with Brazil is worth 22 million a year. Competitor Analysis Adidas and Reebok breathing down the companys neck, the heart of the Adidas product line is athletic shoes, but the companys iconic three-stripe logo appears on apparel and other jock accessories. As the No.2 maker of sporting goods worldwide behind Nike, Adidas has inked deals with football and basketball athletes, as well as the New York Yankees, and it serves golfers through its Taylor Made-Adidas Golf. The company operates some 2,200 retail locations under the Adidas and Reebok banners. Adidas, which boasts the official match ball (named Jabulani) for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, expanded its business and breadth when it bought Reebok for some $3.8 billion. Nikes rival PUMA is another leading sport lifestyle company that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. In soccer, PUMA is the official supplier to 7 world cup teams including defending world champion Italy, Uruguay, Switzerland, Ghana, Algeria, Cote dIvoire and Cameroon. PUMA Vision states that, we are committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, Safe Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the values of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PORTERS FIVE FORCES 1. Barriers to Entry The threat of new entrants to the profit potential of sports accessory and athletic shoe manufacturers is minimized through high entry barriers. Due to large scale production, high cost on research and development and extremely large capital investment on innovation, factories and stores has made Nike able to control its cost and retain performance advantage over emerging competitors. 2. Bargaining Power of customers Relative to the number of firms in the industry there are a large number of buyers in the market with high bargaining power. Therefore in order to increase sales and market share, firms need to continuously market their product and differentiate their brands against competitors. The recent emergence of e-commerce and online shopping has helped enhanced the accessibility and intimacy among consumers. For example, NikeiD allows customers customize and design their own footwear by permitting customers to specify the desired colours and options to personalize the footwear with their name. Brand identity plays a critical role in the buying behaviours, as it offers customers loyalty and trust. 3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers Abundant numbers of input suppliers are available in the sportswear industry. There is little differentiation among the suppliers which makes the suppliers bargaining power low or non -existence. Input items such as Leather, rubber, cotton and plastic are available in large quantities. Nike has a definitive advantage and power over these suppliers when they become dependent on these firms as their means to survive. Nike have standardized their input procedures pertaining to the materials used, their labour force, supplies, services and logistics. Due to global networks of cheap labour on various continents, firms are able to switch between supplies quickly and easily. 4. Threats of substitutes Due to little alternatives to switch between, within the sportswear and athletics footwear industry, buyers propensity to substitute is low. For example: Nike shoes are designed to improve comfort and personal safety during periods of increased movements. The possible substitutes for footwear could be boots, sandals, bear feet or dress shoes, which however cannot be replaced for sporting purposes or for athletics. Hence, there are no real substitutes. 5. Competitive Rivalry within the industry There is countless number of competitors in the global arena for Nike. However not all companies have the power to compete with Nike. But few major competitors such as Adidas and Reebok, Puma, Joma, Legea and Brooks exist. These companies signed up in the World Cup arena are more evenly matched than ever. With 32 teams participating in the world cup, 12 teams including Argentina, France, Germany and the host nation South Africa wore Adidas on them, and Adidas was the official sponsor of the world cup. According to Hartmut Zastrow, executive director of Sport+Markt Adidas is still slightly ahead of Nike, on awareness and they have defended themselves well, but Nike is pushing aggressively. The fat checks from Nike and Adidas have not entirely priced rivals out of the market. With Nike and Adidas playing the equivalent of a possession game, the third-biggest soccer sponsor, Puma, has exploited unexpected openings in its rivals defenses an opportunistic strategy modeled on the playing style of Italy, Pumas biggest sponsorship. Puma is spending an estimated 30 million this year to sponsor teams in the 2010 World Cup, compared with 104 million for Nike and Umbro together and 85 million for Puma was also forward-looking in its recognition of the marketing potential of aligning itself with African national teams, long before South Africa was chosen, in 2004, as the first World Cup host on the continent. In 1997, Puma signed up Cameroon, and it has strengthened its ties to Africa since then. Equipment manufacturers logos are the only branding allowed on World Cup soccer jerseys, in contrast with professional club soccer shirts, which generally also include another prominent sponsor, like a gambling, electronics or car brand. That means even lesser known labels can stand out. Joma, a small Spanish provider of athletic gear, has high hopes for its sponsorship of Honduras. The company expects its sales to rise 40 percent in that country this year and 15 percent in the United States, which has a large Honduran community, a spokeswoman said. Brooks, a U.S. maker of running shoes is supporting Chile. Legea, an Italian provider of sports equipment had signed an agreement to supply uniforms to the North Korean team, which is in the World Cup for the first time since 1966. Self-Evaluation: Nike has planted itself firmly on the global business arena and appears to be a role model for other sportswear rivals. They have proved to be innovative, smart, environmentally friendly, and consistent with their product effectiveness and differentiation. For the company to continuously grow and sustain its competitive advantage, it is essential to invest on innovation and new products development that creates a need for the consumers. Nike appears to be a stylish, comfortable, and a reliable giant supplier with varieties of product line. The most informative part of this assignment was learning about capital investment firm make in order to dominate the market. There is also evidence of Hypercompetiton or rather cut throat competition within the industry amongst the major market challengers. Nikes attempt to snatch Germany away from Adidas, a German brand and the lucrative investments on acquisitions and sponsorship are evidence of desperate challenge for sustaining its dominance i n the market. Conclusion: From equipping athletes with the finest sports equipment in the world to continuously improving their financial performance, Nike dominates its competitors. Despite a changing marketplace for athletic footwear, Nike continues to expand its product lines and marketing reach to become a more powerful global brand. Due to the product differentiation, brand identity has an immediate competitive advantage. Aggressive promotions and advertisements also contribute to the success of Nikes well establishment in the industry. Nike has signed France to a seven-year deal and it will pay the countrys soccer federation more than 40 million a year to maintain hard grounds on its position for the next tournament, in 2014 in Brazil. The agreement will leapfrog France past England, making its shirts the most lavishly sponsored uniforms in international soccer.

Oloudah Equianos The Slave Trade Essay -- Equiano Slave Trade Slavery

Oloudah Equiano's The Slave Trade Olaudah Equiano was born in 1745 in an area of Africa which is now Nigeria. At the age of eleven he was captured and brought into slavery. In his book, The Slave Trade, Equiano describes the slave trade during this time. He illustrates how he became a slave and how slaves were treated. Through his descriptions of his homeland and other aspects of his life, we gain insight into the state of world trade at that time. Equiano's description of his homeland exemplifies "the Columbian Exchange" in operation. First of all, Equiano discusses how planters from the West Indies preferred slaves from Benin because of their ability and hardiness. This statement illustrates a connection between the Eastern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere. Equiano also describes some of the crops which were grown in his homeland. He mentions corn and tobacco which are both native to the Western Hemisphere. One can see an example of "the Columbian Exchange" through Equiano's experiences. A network of trade can also be seen in Equiano's discussion of the marketplace of his homeland. He describes the presence of Oye-Eboe people at his village's marketplace. Oye-Eboe is translated as "red men living at a distance." These men would bring European goods such as guns and gunpowder along with hats, beads and dried fish to trade. The Oye-Eboe Equiano describes could actually be Aro people from the south of Isseke who were involved in the slave trade. The Aro would trade these goods for captives to be sold as slaves. Because these people had fish to trade, one can see they were from the coast, therefore, they most likely had direct contact with Europeans. The network of trade between Africa and Europe is mapped out by his... ...e worst of it suffocated. Equiano was very ill and was able to spend a good deal of time on deck, where at least the air was a bit fresher. The crew of the ship were brutal to the slaves. They once tossed fresh fish overboard while the slaves begged to eat some. Equiano was treated like a human being while still in Africa, but like a wild animal on the British slave ship. Through my reading of Equiano's memoirs, much of what I had known before was reinforced. However, there were a few things I didn't understand before. First, I didn't know before that Africa even used slave labor. I was also surprised to learn that African people were enslaved by other African people. I was glad to learn, however, that slavery was used as a form of punishment. I was also very surprised at the strong contrast between the treatment of slaves in Africa and in the Western Hemisphere.

Self Discovery in Saul Bellows Henderson the Rain King :: Henderson the Rain King

Self Discovery in Saul Bellow's Henderson the Rain King Have you ever felt like a complete social out cast? Some one who has trouble fitting in and has never quite found their true calling. Being shunned by those closest to him and being unaccepted by society, the character in this novel is a perfect example. Saul Bellow's character Eugene Henderson, in, Henderson the Rain King, (1959), is a man who struggles to change his ways and find out his true calling. In this novel, a 55-year old man, tries to get through a mid-life crisis. The millionaire decides to go to Africa in an attempt to find himself. He meets two tribes while there. The first one he nearly destroys in an attempt to rid their watering hole of frogs. The next tribe helps Henderson the most on his quest. He unknowingly participates in a ritual to bring rain to the tribe, the success of which leads to his acclamation as Sungo, or Rain King. This experience with the tribe helps him to realize that his true destiny is as a healer. He returns back to America, planning to enter medical school. Eugene Henderson starts off the book as a unpredictable man, with little conscious to guide him. It seems as though he almost intentionally hurts those closest to him. After telling his wife that he has had enough of everything, and that he was going to "blow his brains out," he explains that this hurt his wife for more than one reason. Perhaps the most apparent reason was that "Her father had committed suicide in the same way, with a pistol (11)." Throwing tantrums like these, cause him to be very unlikable in the beginning of the novel. Once he has arrived in Africa, you start to see a different side of him. Then after leaving the first tribe and staying with the second one for a while, his personality really begins to grow on you. He explains that, "At one time, much earlier in this life of mine, suffering had a certain spice (263)." I feel that this shows how he is growing as a person and being able to find out more about who he really is. Towards the end of the novel, the change that has come over him becomes really apparent. After a conversation with the king, he says, "For his sake I accepted the discipline of being like a lion.

Essay --

Attention all teens! As summer vacation is just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about where the best place to spend your escape from every day life. Choosing the proper hotspot is critical, as it will set the tone for the summer. Today’s world is full of extravagant geographical features with a variety of options to spend your time within them. There is a variety of options to choose from: such as the tropical island of Aruba, the mountainous Mammoth Mountain, the incredible Munich, Germany, the beautiful Californian city of San Francisco, or the glorious island of Maui. If you choose one of these hotspots, summer vacation has the potential to be unforgettable, every year. The Mediterranean Island of Aruba To start off, the Mediterranean island of Aruba tops most lists of hot spots. When choosing Aruba, it is essential to have knowledge of the type of clothing and materials to pack. Aruba can be described in one word, paradise. When thinking about paradise, it is important to pack bathing suits, sunscreen, and other beach items. When it comes to nightlife, it is key to bring relaxing, comforting clothing to enjoy a casual, pleasant, beachside dinner. The beautiful island is full of oceanic activities, such as snorkeling or scuba diving. However, if relaxation is what you are looking for, exploring the marvels of Arikok National Park is a pleasing selection. Arikok National Park is filled with Aruban rattlesnakes, parakeets, and other distinctive animals. With this in mind, it is wise to stay clear of this popular tourist spot if animals are not your forte. Picking Aruba as a destination is wise because it is perfect for a romantic getaway, but also a perfect, â€Å"cool† hots pot to hang out at with your friends. Mamm... ... will give you a fun, relaxing, and an all around perfect time. Although heading to Hawaii is found to be a typical summer vacation, the activities it provides vary and make it easy to make your vacation far from a typical hotspot. To conclude, finding any old place to spend summer vacation is not difficult. However, picking the perfect hotspot may take serious deciding. Whether it is the island of Aruba, Mammoth Mountain, Munich, San Francisco, or Maui†¦ spending your time at these hotspots will make you never want to leave the summertime. The wide variety of things to do, and audiences welcome in these hotspots provide a perfect place for everyone. There is no reason to not pick one of these 5 places; they are THAT amazing. Which spot will you choose? No matter what city you decide on, summer vacation will me unforgettable, as long as you pick a proper hot spot.

Cleanliness is Next to Goldenness Essay

Each fall thousands of high school graduates, enter their next phase of life, the college phase. Arriving on campus filled with excitement and waiting for all the hectic college experiences. Finding classrooms, ordering books, late night studying, parties and sleeping in till three in the afternoon. The freedom is nice. A large part of college students are busy doing homework and socializing with others, and don’t have enough time to clean their living environment. By creating a time schedule in which each roommate can clean a certain area in the dorm will overall enhance a healthier living quarters. After the acceptance into a college or university, the next relative question would be, â€Å"Who will my roommate be?† and â€Å"What he/she will be like!† As cited by Romos and Torgler, â€Å"Specifically, when academics see that other academics have violated the social norm of keeping the common room clean, all else being equal, the probability of their littering increases by around 40%† (Romos, J., & Torgler, B., 2013). An unclean living area could result in, â€Å"Clutter or filth, clutter can collect dirt, provide a hiding spot for pests, and can cause trips or falls† (National Center for Healthy Housing, n.p.). People would think that everyone’s natural instincts is to pick up after themselves when they see clothes on the floor, dirty dishes in the sink, or a carpet that needs to be vacuumed. But never the less, studies show if one person in the home is careless about his or her things, the opposite person will eventually adapt the careless r outine. Another viewpoint that could be taking into perspective is, probably the student is to busy to clean, or perhaps their parents cleaned their surrounding for them. Being the bigger person in this type of situation by just cleaning up after them could potentially create an environment of cleanliness and the careless person will catch on. Although, having a dorm room to call your own isn’t quite what it’s made up to be. It is in fact ‘your room’. However, students should be mindful that they are sharing their living quarters with others. Bliss stated that, †We came to feel that students really ought to take more responsibility for their own space† (as cited in Chronicle of Higher Education, 1999).  Adjusting to college, sharing a room, living room and sometimes a kitchen can be deceiving. One thing about being apart of the dorm lifestyle is sharing your space. Within that space is your belongings as well as two or more peoples belongings. And by just being in control of your own personal belongings can in the long run result in a more organized environment. Granted, you may have a very heavy schedule, adapting to college could be overwhelming and stressful. You may not have much time to pick up after yourself or clean your surroundings. Be mindful, if your roommate has an unorg anized space and your side is kept up neatly, do not alter your habits for someone else. If this situation accrues, I highly suggest to sit down with all your roommates to discuss who and when everyone should clean the dorm. Thus, gives you and your roommates the opportunity to vent their opinions as will as solve any miscommunication problems. Becoming an adult can be life changing, there is more things in life that you are responsible for, as stated by Kurtus, â€Å"A person who has a reputation of being responsible is trusted to do things on his or her own, without supervision† (Kurtus , 2001). Taking full responsibility and owning up to all the mishaps that go on in your dorm is vary important. Being irresponsible can lead to a dysfunctional living area and can potentially lead your other friends not wanted to come over, because it’s dirty, unorganized or just filled with clutter. Sharing the responsibility of your room, living room, bathroom and perhaps the kitchen, can ultimately change the way you and your roommates work together. Creating a schedule that can be posted on the wall for everyone to read, with a helpful layout of who and when each roommate will clean a certain area in the dorm. This schedule will effectively mold a healthier and cleaner environment as the semester or year goes. This will c reate an overall respect, responsibility, self control and comfort knowing that the dorm is kept up and clean. Me and my three other roommates personally created a flexible schedule that helped each one of us. Within the first week of school, we sat down and figured out our class schedule and a preferred time frame that everyone was comfortable with. Every two days someone for example, was in charge of the bathroom, and living room. Along with those responsibilities also came with  taking personal care of your bed side such as, picking clothes off the floor, an organized work area and a straighten bed. With my previous personal experience, I came to the conclusion that having a schedule in place makes a huge difference, compared to when I go into another dorm with four other girls and they do not have a schedule. I tend to notice that if there is no schedule in place, the roommates just live day by day lives, without thinking to clean. â€Å"The messy room is emblematic, a strident statement. Feeling entitled to live on his or her own, more independent, â€Å"It’s my space, it’s my decision, it’s my life† (Pickhardt, 2012). Everyone makes their own decisions, either good or bad. Whether or not it’s choosing to clean, organize or just leave your area dirty, it’s totally up to you. However it will result in major consequences that will effect you in the long run. Affectively, keeping your area clean can create great habits that you will continue to follow in the future. References Chronicle of Higher Education. (1999). Can somebody at least do my laundry?. Chronicle of Higher Education, 46(11), n.p. (no doi or database) Kurtus, R. (2001, April 18). Being responsible shows character. Retrieved from http://www.school-for-champions.com/character/responsible.htm National Center for Healthy Housing. (n.p.). Healthy homes. Retrieved from http://health.nv.gov/Healthy%20Homes/HH_Resource_Booklet.pdf Pickhardt, C. (2012). The messy room. Retrieved from http://www.netplaces.com/positive-discipline/supervision-the-second-factor/the-messy-room.htm Romos, J., & Torgler, B. . (2013). Are academics messy? testing the broken windows theory with a field experiment in the work environment. Review Of Law & Economics, 8(2), 563-574. doi: 10.1515/1555-5879.1617 Willoughby, B. J., & Carroll, J. S. (2009). The impact of living in co-ed resident halls on risk-taking among college students. Journal Of American College Health, 58(3), 241-246. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus with Full Text.