Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story Chapter 23~24

Chapter 23 Mom and Terrapin Pie â€Å"She's in town,† Jody said. â€Å"She's coming over in a few minutes.† Jody lowered the phone to its cradle. Tommy appeared in the bedroom doorway, Scott still dangling from his sleeve. â€Å"You're kidding.† â€Å"You're missing a cufflink,† Jody said. â€Å"I don't think he's going to let go. Do we have any scissors?† Jody took Tommy by the sleeve a few inches above where Scott was clamped. â€Å"You ready?† Tommy nodded and she ripped his sleeve off at the shoulder. Scott skulked into the bedroom, the sleeve still clamped in his jaws. â€Å"That was my best shirt,† Tommy said, looking at his bare arm. â€Å"Sorry, but we've got to clean this place up and get a story together.† â€Å"Where did she call from?† â€Å"She was at the Fairmont Hotel. We've got maybe ten minutes.† â€Å"So she won't be staying with us.† â€Å"Are you kidding? My mother under the same roof where people are living in sin? Not in this lifetime, turtleboy.† Tommy took the turtleboy shot in stride. This was an emergency and there was no time for hurt feelings. â€Å"Does you mother use phrases like ‘living in sin'?† â€Å"I think she has it embroidered on a sampler over the telephone so she won't forget to use it every month when I call.† Tommy shook his head. â€Å"We're doomed. Why didn't you call her this month? She said you always call her.† Jody was pacing now, trying to think. â€Å"Because I didn't get my reminder.† â€Å"What reminder?† â€Å"My period. I always call her when I get my period each month – just to get all the unpleasantness out of the way at one time.† â€Å"When was the last time you had a period?† Jody thought for a minute. It was before she had turned. â€Å"I don't know, eight, nine weeks. I'm sorry, I can't believe I forgot.† Tommy went to the futon, sat down, and cradled his head in his hands. â€Å"What do we do now?† Jody sat next to him. â€Å"I don't suppose we have time to redecorate.† In the next ten minutes, while they cleaned up the loft, Jody tried to prepare Tommy for what he was about to experience. â€Å"She doesn't like men. My father left her for a younger woman when I was twelve, and Mother thinks all men are snakes. And she doesn't really like women either, since she was betrayed by one. She was one of the first women to graduate from Stanford, so she's a bit of a snob about that. She says that I broke her heart when I didn't go to Stanford. It's been downhill since then. She doesn't like that I live in the City and she has never approved of any of my jobs, my boyfriends, or the way I dress.† Tommy stopped in the middle of scrubbing the kitchen sink. â€Å"So what should I talk about?† â€Å"It would probably be best if you just sat quietly and looked repentant.† â€Å"That's how I always look.† Jody heard the stairwell door open. â€Å"She's here. Go change your shirt.† Tommy ran to the bedroom, stripping off his one-sleever as he went. I'm not ready for this, he thought. I have more work to do on myself before I'm ready for a presentation. Jody opened the door catching her mother poised to knock. â€Å"Mom!† Jody said, with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. â€Å"You look great.† Frances Evelyn Stroud stood on the landing looking at her youngest daughter with restrained disapproval. She was a short, stout woman dressed in layers of wool and silk under an eggshell cashmere coat. Her hair was a woven gray-blond, flared and lacquered to expose a pair of pearl earrings roughly the size of Ping-Pong balls. Her eyebrows had been plucked away and painted back, her cheekbones were high and highlighted, her lips lined, filled, and clamped tight. She had the same striking green eyes as her daughter, flecked now with sparks of judgment. She had been pretty once but was now passing into the limbo-land of the menopausal woman known as handsome. â€Å"May I come in,† she said. Jody, caught in the half-gesture of offering a hug, dropped her arms. â€Å"Of course,† she said, stepping aside. â€Å"It's good to see you,† she said, closing the door behind her mother. Tommy bounded from the bedroom into the kitchen and slid to a stop on stocking feet. â€Å"Hi,† he said. Jody put her hand on her mother's back. Frances flinched, ever so slightly, at the touch. â€Å"Mother, this is Thomas Flood. He's a writer. Tommy, this is my mother, Frances Stroud.† Tommy approached Frances and offered his hand. â€Å"Pleased to meet you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She clutched her Gucci bag tightly, then forced herself to take his hand. â€Å"Mrs. Stroud,† she said, trying to head off the unpleasantness of hearing her Christian name come out of Tommy's mouth. Jody broke the moment of discomfort so they could pass into the next one. â€Å"So, Mom, can I take your coat? Would you like to sit down?† Frances Stroud surrendered her coat to her daughter as if she were surrendering her credit cards to a mugger, as if she didn't want to know where it was going because she would never see it again. â€Å"Is this your couch?† she asked, nodding toward the futon. â€Å"Have a seat, Mother; we'll get you something to drink. We have†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Jody realized that she had no idea what they had. â€Å"Tommy, what do we have?† Tommy wasn't expecting the questions to start so soon. â€Å"I'll look,† he said, running to the kitchen and throwing open a cabinet. â€Å"We have coffee, regular and decaf.† He dug behind the coffee, the sugar, the powdered creamer. â€Å"We have Ovaltine, and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He threw open the refrigerator. â€Å"Beer, milk, cranberry juice, and beer – a lot of beer – I mean, not a lot, but plenty, and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He opened the chest freezer. Peary stared up at him through a gap between frozen dinners. Tommy slammed the lid.†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ that's it. Nothing in there.† â€Å"Decaf, please,† said Mother Stroud. She turned to Jody, who was returning from balling up her mother's cashmere coat and throwing it in the corner of the closet. â€Å"So, you've left your job at Transamerica. Are you working, dear?† Jody sat in a wicker chair across the wicker coffee table from her mother. (Tommy had decided to decorate the loft in a Pier 1 Imports cheap-shit motif. As a result it was only a ceiling fan and a cockatoo away from looking like a Thai cathouse.) Jody said, â€Å"I've taken a job in marketing.† It sounded respectable. It sounded professional. It sounded like a lie. â€Å"You might have told me and saved me the embarrassment of calling Transamerica only to find out that you had been let go.† â€Å"I quit, Mother. I wasn't let go.† Tommy, trying to will himself invisible, bowed his way between them to deliver the decaf, which he had arranged on a wicker tray with cream and sugar. â€Å"And you, Mr. Flood, you're a writer? What do you write?† Tommy brightened. â€Å"I'm working on a short story about a little girl growing up in the South. Her father is on a chain gang.† â€Å"You're from the South, then?† â€Å"No, Indiana.† â€Å"Oh,† she said, as if he had just confessed to being raised by rats. â€Å"And where did you go to university?† â€Å"I, um, I'm sort of self-educated. I think experience is the best teacher.† Tommy realized that he was sweating. â€Å"I see,† she said. â€Å"And where might I read your work?† â€Å"I'm not published yet.† He squirmed. â€Å"I'm working on it, though,† he added quickly. â€Å"So you have another job. Are you in marketing as well?† Jody intervened. She could see steam rising off Tommy. â€Å"He manages the Marina Safeway, Mother.† It was a small lie, nothing compared to the tapestry of lies she had woven for her mother over the years. Mother Stroud turned a scalpel gaze on her daughter. â€Å"You know, Jody, it's not too late to apply to Stanford. You'd be a bit older than the other freshmen, but I could pull a few strings.† How does she do this? Jody wondered. How does she come into my home and within minutes make me feel like dirt on a stick? Why does she do it? â€Å"Mother, I think I'm beyond going back to school.† Mother Stroud picked up her cup as if to sip, then paused. â€Å"Of course, dear. You wouldn't want to neglect your career and family.† It was a verbal sucker punch delivered with polite, extended-pinky malice. Jody felt something drop inside her like cyanide pellets into acid. Her guilt dropped through the gallows' trap and jerked with broken-neck finality. She regretted only the ten thousand sentences she had started with, â€Å"I love my mother, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  You do that so people don't judge you cold and inhuman, Jody thought. Too late now. She said, â€Å"Perhaps you're right, Mother. Perhaps if I had gone to Stanford I would understand why I wasn't born with an innate knowledge of cooking and cleaning and child-rearing and managing a career and a relationship. I've always wondered if it's lack of education or genetic deficiency.† Mother Stroud was unshaken. â€Å"I can't speak for your father's genetic background, dear.† Tommy was grateful that Mother Stroud's attention had turned from him, but he could see Jody's gaze narrowing, going from hurt to anger. He wanted to come to her aid. He wanted to make peace. He wanted to hide in the corner. He wanted to wade in and kick ass. He weighed his polite upbringing against the anarchists, rebels, and iconoclasts who were his heroes. He could eat this woman alive. He was a writer and words were his weapons. She wouldn't have a chance. He'd destroy her. And he would have. He was taking a deep breath to prepare to light into her when he saw a swath of denim disappearing slowly under the frame of the futon: his dismembered shirt sleeve. He held his breath and looked at Jody. She was smiling, saying nothing. Mother Stroud said, â€Å"Your father was at Stanford on an athletic scholarship, you know. They would have never let him in otherwise.† â€Å"I'm sure you're right, Mother,† Jody said. She smiled politely, listening not to her mother, but to the melodic scraping of turtle claws on carpet. She focused on the sound and could hear the slow, cold lugging of Scott's heart. Mother Stroud sipped her decaf. Tommy waited. Jody said, â€Å"So how long will you be in the City?† â€Å"I just came up to do some shopping. I'm sponsoring a benefit for the Monterey Symphony and I wanted a new gown. Of course I could have found something in Carmel, but everyone would have seen it already. The bane of living in a small community.† Jody nodded as if she understood. She had no connection to this woman, not anymore. Frances Evelyn Stroud was a stranger, an unpleasant stranger. Jody felt more of a connection with the turtle under the futon. Under the futon, Scott spotted a pattern of scales on Mother Stroud's shoes. He'd never seen Italian faux-alligator pumps, but he knew scales. When you are lying peacefully buried in the muck at the bottom of a pond and you see scales, it means food. You bite. Frances Stroud shrieked and leaped to her feet, pulling her right foot free of her shoe as she fell into the wicker coffee table. Jody caught her mother by the shoulders and set her on her feet. Frances pushed her away and backed across the room as she watched the snapping turtle emerge from under the futon merrily chomping on the pump. â€Å"What is that? What is that thing? That thing is eating my shoe. Stop it! Kill it!† Tommy hurdled the futon and dived for the turtle, catching the heel of the shoe before it disappeared. Scott dug his claws into the carpet and backed off. Tommy came up with heel in hand. â€Å"I got part of it.† Jody went to her mother's side. â€Å"I meant to call the exterminator, Mother. If I'd had more notice†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Mother Stroud was breathing in outraged yips. â€Å"How can you live like this?† Tommy held the heel out to her. â€Å"I don't want that. Call me a cab.† Tommy paused, considered the opportunity, then let it pass and went to the phone. â€Å"You can't go out without shoes, Mother. I'll get you something to wear.† Jody went to the bedroom and came back with her rattiest pair of sneakers. â€Å"Here, Mom, these will get you back to the hotel.† Mother Stroud, afraid to sit down anywhere, leaned against the door and stepped into the sneakers. Jody tied them for her and slipped the uneaten pump into her mother's bag. â€Å"There you go.† She stepped back. â€Å"Now, what are we going to do for the holidays?† Mother Stroud, her gaze trained on Scott, just shook her head. The turtle had wedged himself between the legs of the coffee table and was dragging it around the loft. A cab pulled up outside and beeped the horn. Mother Stroud tore her gaze away from the turtle and looked at her daughter. â€Å"I'll be in Europe for the holidays. I have to go now.† She opened the door and backed out through it. â€Å"‘Bye, Mom,† Jody said. â€Å"Nice meeting you, Mrs. Stroud,† Tommy called after her. When the cab pulled away, Tommy turned to Jody and said, â€Å"Well, that went pretty well, didn't it? I think she likes me.† Jody was leaning against the door, staring at the floor. She looked up and began to giggle silently. Soon she was doubled over laughing. â€Å"What?† Tommy said. Jody looked up at him, tears streaming her face. â€Å"I think I'm ready to meet your folks, don't you?† â€Å"I don't know. They might be sort of upset that you're not a Methodist.† Chapter 24 The Return of Breakfast The Emperor lay spread-eagle on the end of a dock in the Saint Francis Yacht Club Marina, watching clouds pass over the bay. Bummer and Lazarus lay beside him, their feet in the air, dozing. The three might have been crucified there, if the dogs hadn't been smiling. â€Å"Men,† the Emperor said, â€Å"it seems to me now that there is, indeed, a point to that Otis Redding song about sitting on the dock of the bay. After a long night of vampire hunting, this is a most pleasant way to spend the day. Bummer, I believe a commendation is in order. When you led us down here, I thought you were wasting our time.† Bummer did not answer. He was dreaming of a park full of large trees and bite-sized mailmen. His legs twitched and he let out a sleepy ruff each time he crunched one of their tiny heads. In dreams, mailmen taste like chicken. The Emperor said, â€Å"But pleasant as this is, it tastes of guilt, of responsibility. Two months tracking this fiend, and we are no closer to finding him than when we started. Yet here we lay, enjoying the day. I can see the faces of the victims in these clouds.† Lazarus rolled over and licked the Emperor's hand. â€Å"You're right, Lazarus, without sleep we will not be fit for battle. Perhaps, in leading us here, Bummer was wiser than we thought.† The Emperor closed his eyes and let the sound of waves lapping against the piers lull him to sleep. Lying at anchor, a hundred yards away, was a hundred-foot motor yacht registered in the Netherlands. Belowdecks, in a watertight stainless steel vault, the vampire slept through the day. Tommy had been asleep for an hour when pounding on the door downstairs woke him. In the darkness of the bedroom he nudged Jody, but she was out for the day. He checked his watch: 7:30 A.M. The loft rocked with the pounding. He crawled out of bed and stumbled to the door in his underwear. The morning light spilling though the loft's windows temporarily blinded him and he barked his shin on the corner of the freezer on his way through the kitchen. â€Å"I'm coming,† he yelled. It sounded as if they were using a hammer on the door. He did a Quasimodo step and slid down the stairs, holding his damaged shin in one hand, and cracked the downstairs door. Simon peeked through the crack. Tommy could see a ball-peen hammer in his hand, poised for another pound. Simon said, â€Å"Pardner, we need to have us a sit-down.† â€Å"I'm sleeping, Sime. Jody's sleeping.† â€Å"Well, you're up now. Wake up the little woman, we need breakfast.† Tommy opened the door a little wider and saw Drew dazzling a stoned and goofy grin behind Simon. â€Å"Fearless Leader!† All the Animals were there, holding grocery bags, waiting. Tommy thought, This is how Anne Frank felt when the Gestapo came to the door. Simon pushed through the door, causing Tommy to hop back a step to avoid having his toes skinned. â€Å"Hey.† Simon looked at Tommy's erection-stretched jockey shorts. â€Å"That just a morning wood, or you in the middle of something?† â€Å"I told you, I was sleeping.† â€Å"You're young, it could still grow some. Don't feel bad.† Tommy looked down at his insulted member as Simon breezed past him up the stairs, followed by the rest of the Animals. Glint and Lash stopped and helped Tommy to his feet. â€Å"I was sleeping,† Tommy said pathetically. â€Å"It's my day off.† Lash patted Tommy's shoulder. â€Å"I'm cutting class today. We thought you needed moral support.† â€Å"For what? I'm fine.† â€Å"Cops came by the store last night looking for you. We wouldn't give them your address or anything.† â€Å"Cops?† Tommy was waking up now. He could hear beers being popped open in the loft. â€Å"What did the cops want with me?† â€Å"They wanted to see your time cards. They wanted to see if you were working on a bunch of nights. They wouldn't say why. Simon tried to distract them by accusing me of leading a black terrorist group.† â€Å"That was nice of him.† â€Å"Yeah, he's a sweetheart. He told that new cashier, Mara, that you were in love with her but were too shy to tell her.† â€Å"Forgive him,† Clint said piously. â€Å"He knows not what he does.† Simon popped out onto the landing. â€Å"Flood, did you drug this bitch? She won't wake up.† â€Å"Stay out of the bedroom!† Tommy shook off Lash and Clint and ran up the stairs. Cavuto chewed an unlit cigar. â€Å"I say we go to the kid's house and lean on him.† Rivera looked up from a stack of green-striped computer printout. â€Å"Why? He was working when all the murders happened.† â€Å"Because he's all we've got. What about the prints on the book; any thing?† â€Å"There were half a dozen good prints on the cover. Nothing the computer could match. Interesting thing is, none of the prints were the victim's. He never touched it.† â€Å"What about the kid; a match?† â€Å"No way to tell, he's never been printed. Let it go, Nick. That kid didn't kill these people.† Cavuto ran his hand over his bald head as if looking for a bump that would hold an answer. â€Å"Let's arrest him and print him.† â€Å"On what charges?† â€Å"We'll ask him. You know what the Chinese say, ‘Beat a kid every day; if you don't know why, the kid will.  » â€Å"You ever think about adopting, Nick?† Rivera flipped the last page of the printout and threw it into the wastebasket by his desk. â€Å"Justice doesn't have shit. All the unsolved murders with massive blood loss involve mutilation. No vampires here.† For two months they had avoided using the word. Now, here it was. Cavuto took out a wooden match, scraped it against the bottom of his shoe, and moved it around the tip of his cigar. â€Å"Rivera, we will not refer to this perp by the V-word again. You don't remember the Night Stalker. This fucking Whiplash Killer thing the press has picked up is bad enough.† â€Å"You shouldn't smoke in here,† said Rivera. â€Å"The sprout eaters will file a grievance.† â€Å"Fuck 'em. I can't think without smoking. Let's run sex offenders. Look for priors of rapes and assaults with blood draining. This guy might have just graduated to killing. Then let's run it with cross-dressers.† â€Å"Cross-dressers?† â€Å"Yeah, I want to put this thing with the redhead to bed. Having a lead is ruining our perfect record.† She woke to a miasma of smells that hit her like a sockful of sand: burned eggs, bacon grease, beer, maple syrup, stale pot smoke, whiskey, vomit and male sweat. The smells carried memories from before the change – memories of high school keggers and drunken surfers face-down in puddles of puke. Hangover memories. Coming as they did, right after a visit from her mother, they carried shame and loathing and the urge to fall back into bed and hide under the covers. She thought, I guess there's a few things about being human that I don't miss. She pulled on a pair of sweatpants and one of Tommy's shirts and opened the bedroom door. It looked as if the good ship International Pancakes had run aground in the kitchen. Every horizontal surface was covered with breakfast jetsam. She stepped through the debris, careful not to kick any of the plates, frying pans, coffee cups, or beer cans that littered the floor. Beyond the freezer and the counter she spotted the shipwreck survivor. Tommy lay on the futon, limbs akimbo, an empty Bushmill's bottle by his head, snoring. She stood there for a moment running her options over in her head. On one hand, she wanted to fly into a rage; wake Tommy up and scream at him for violating the sanctity of their home. A justifiable tantrum was strongly tempting. On the other hand, until now Tommy had always been considerate. And he would clean everything up. Plus, the hangover he was about to experience would be more punishment than she could dole out in a week. Besides, she wasn't really that angry. It didn't seem to matter. It was just a mess. It was a tough decision. She thought, Oh heck, no harm, no foul. I'll just make him coffee and give him that â€Å"I'm-so-disappointed-in-you† look. â€Å"Tommy,† she said. She sat down on the edge of the futon and jostled him gently. â€Å"Sweetheart, wake up; you've destroyed the house and I need you to suffer for it.† Tommy opened one bloodshot eye and groaned. â€Å"Sick,† he said. Jody heard a convulsive sloshing in Tommy's stomach and before she could think about it she had caught him under the armpits and was dragging him across the room to the kitchen sink. â€Å"Oh my God!† Tommy cried, and if he was going to say anything else it was drowned out by the sound of his stomach emptying into the sink. Jody held him up, smiling to herself with the satisfaction of the self-righteously sober. After a few seconds of retching, he gasped and looked up at her. Tears streamed down his face. His nose dripped threads of slime. Cheerfully, Jody said, â€Å"Can I fix you a drink?† â€Å"Oh my God!† His head went back into the sink and the body-wrenching heaves began anew. Jody patted his back and said â€Å"Poor baby† until he came up for air again. â€Å"How about some breakfast?† she asked. He dived into the sink once again. After five minutes the heaves subsided and Tommy hung on the edge of the sink. Jody turned on the faucet and used the dish sprayer to hose off his face. â€Å"I guess you and the guys had a little party this morning, huh?† Tommy nodded, not looking up. â€Å"I tried to keep them out. I'm sorry. I'm scum.† â€Å"Yes, you are, sweetheart.† She ruffed his hair. â€Å"I'll clean it up.† â€Å"Yes, you will,† she said. â€Å"I'm really sorry.† â€Å"Yes, you are. Do we want to go back to the futon and sit down?† â€Å"Water,† Tommy said. She ran him a glass of water and steadied him while he drank, then aimed him into the sink when the water came back up. â€Å"Are you finished now?† she asked. He nodded. She dragged him into the bathroom and washed his face, rubbing a little too hard, like an angry mother administering an abrasive spit-bath to a chocolate-covered toddler. â€Å"Now you go sit down and I'll make you some coffee.† Tommy staggered back to the living room and fell onto the futon. Jody found the coffee filters in the cupboard and began to make the coffee. She opened the cupboard to look for a cup but the Animals had used them all. They were strewn around the loft, tipped over or half full of whisky diluted by melted ice. Ice? â€Å"Tommy!† He groaned and grabbed his head. â€Å"Don't yell.† â€Å"Tommy, did you guys use the ice from the freezer?† â€Å"I don't know. Simon was bartending.† Jody brushed the dishes and pans from the lid of the chest freezer and threw it open. The ice trays, the ones Tommy had bought for the drowning experiment, were empty and scattered around the inside of the freezer. Peary's frosty face stared up at her. She slammed the lid shut and stormed across the room to Tommy. â€Å"Dammit, Tommy, how could you be so careless?† â€Å"Don't yell. Please don't yell. I'll clean it up.† â€Å"Clean it up my ass. Someone was in the freezer. Someone saw the body.† â€Å"I think I'm going to be sick.† â€Å"Did they come into the bedroom while I was sleeping? Did they see me?† Tommy cradled his head as if it would crack at any moment and spill his brains onto the floor. â€Å"They had to get to the bathroom. It's okay; I covered you up so the light wouldn't get to you.† â€Å"You idiot!† She snatched up a coffee cup and prepared to throw it at him, then caught herself. She had to get out of here before she hurt him. She shook as she set the cup on the counter. â€Å"I'm going out, Tommy. Clean up this mess.† She turned and went to the bedroom to change. When she emerged, still shaking with anger, Tommy was standing in the kitchen looking repentant. â€Å"Will you be home before I leave for work?† She glared at him. â€Å"I don't know. I don't know when I'll be back. Why didn't you just put a sign on the door, ‘See the Vampire'? This is my life you're playing with, Tommy.† He didn't answer. She turned and walked out, slamming the door. â€Å"I'll feed your turtles for you,† he called after her.

Biometrics Essay

Biometric Recognition or Biometrics refers to the automatic identification of a person based on intrinsic physical or behavioral traits. It requires physically present at the point of identification. Identification based on biometric techniques lessen the need to remember a password or carry a token like a physical ID. Various biometric traits are being used for real-time recognition, the most popular being face, iris and fingerprint. However, there are biometric systems that are based on retinal scan, voice, signature and hand geometry. First, a user must be enrolled in the system so that his biometric template or reference can be captured. This template is securely stored in a central database. The template is used for matching when an individual needs to be identified. Depending on the context, a biometric system can operate either in a verification (authentication) or an identification mode. The biometric recognition system is a technology design to monitor the students’ official entry inside the campus. It will also serve as the Internet and Tool room access pass. With the issues concern on the monitoring of students, the researchers delve on the propose project study entitled â€Å"TUPT using Biometric Technology.† It will also be used to identify students who will use University facilities like Internet Center and Tool Room. This study will help the security system by adopting the biometric recognition to identify the bona fide students of TUP- Taguig. It will also track and manage the end user of Internet Center same with the borrower in Tool Room. Statement of the Problem This study would utilize the security systems in the campus. Several problems incurred in the campus wherein the security guards encountered difficulties in dealing with student’s admission. To a large extent, borrowing, monitoring and tracking of equipments by the students are also considered in this study. In view, the researchers prompted to conduct this study by enhancing the ID system in which the Biometric Recognition should be adopted. Objectives General Objective: This study aims to enhance the University ID system by adopting Biometric Technology. Specific objectives: 1.To create a system that will enhance the security of the campus using Biometric technology. 2.To develop a more efficient management and operation in ID system. 3.To gather information regarding the development of ID system in TUP- Taguig using Biometric. 4.To test and implement the effectiveness of said system in the campus.

Bite Me: A Love Story Chapter 18

18. Carpe Noctem MARVIN Marvin the big red cadaver dog had done his job. He sat and woofed, which translated from the dog meant, â€Å"Biscuit.† Nine vampire hunters paused and looked around. Marvin sat in front of a small utility shed in an alley in Wine Country, behind a particularly nasty Indian restaurant. â€Å"Biscuit,† Marvin woofed. He could smell death amid the curries. He pawed the pavement. â€Å"What's he doing?† said Lash Jefferson. He, Jeff, and Troy Lee carried Super Soakers loaded with Grandma Lee's Vampire Cat Remedy, other Animals had garden sprayers slung on their backs, except for Gustavo, who thought that making him carry a garden sprayer was racial stereotyping. Gustavo had a flame thrower. He wouldn't say where he got it. â€Å"Second Amendment, cabrones.† (The guy who sold Gustavo his green card had included two amendments from the Bill of Rights and Gustavo had chosen Two and Four, the right to bear arms and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. [His sister Estrella had had seizures as a child. No bueno.] For five bucks extra he threw in the Third Amendment, which Gustavo bought because he was already sharing a three-bedroom house in Richmond with nineteen cousins and they didn't have any room to quarter soldiers.) â€Å"That's his signal,† said Rivera. He was wearing his UV-LED leather jacket and felt like a complete dork. â€Å"When he sits and does that with his paw he's found a body.† â€Å"Or vampire,† added Cavuto. â€Å"Biscuit,† woofed Marvin. â€Å"He's fucking with you,† said Troy Lee. â€Å"There's nothing here.† â€Å"Maybe in the shed,† said Lash. â€Å"There's no lock on it.† â€Å"Who would leave anything unlocked in this neighborhood?† asked Jeff. â€Å"Biscuit please,† woofed Marvin. They had an agreement: As consideration for finding dead things, the cadaver dog, heretofore referred to as Marvin, shall receive one biscuit. There was some flexibility, however, and Marvin understood that in this case, they weren't looking for dead humans, but dead cats, and despite their inherent tastiness, Marvin was not to eat the findees. â€Å"Biscuit,† he rewoofed. Where was the biscuit? It had been months since he'd led them to the dead things. (Well, it seemed like months. Marvin wasn't very good with time.) â€Å"Open it,† said Troy Lee. â€Å"We'll cover you.† Rivera and Cavuto moved to the shed, which was aluminum and had a roof shaped like an old-fashioned barn's. The Animals moved in a semicircle and trained their weapons on the shed. (Grandma Lee had stayed home to watch wrestling on TV when she realized there weren't going to be any firecrackers.) â€Å"On three then,† said Rivera. â€Å"Wait,† said Cavuto. He turned to Gustavo. â€Å"No fuego. Comprende? Do not fucking light up that flamethrower.† â€Å"S,† said Gustavo. They had tested the flamethrower on the basketball court in Chinatown. It had a fairly short, wide spray. In other words, if Gustavo used it in the alley he would probably fry them all. Barry turned and sprayed the flamethrower's pilot light with a stream of vampire cat remedy. The flame went out with a sizzle. â€Å"Okay, go.† â€Å"On three, then,† said Rivera. They all raised their weapons. â€Å"One,† Rivera nodded to Cavuto and grabbed the switch to his jacket LEDs. â€Å"Two.† Troy Lee crouched and aimed his Super Soaker to the center of the doors, ready to strafe in any direction. Cavuto drew his Desert Eagle, cocked the hammer, and thumbed off the safety. â€Å"Three!† The cops threw open the doors and lit up their jackets, the Animals leaned in. Six surprised kittens and a mother cat looked out from a box set on stacks of five-gallon detergent buckets. They all looked around, not saying anything. The Animals lowered their weapons. The cops turned off their jackets. â€Å"Well, that's embarrassing,† said Troy Lee. â€Å"Biscuit,† Marvin woofed. They all looked at Marvin. â€Å"You suck, Marvin,† said Cavuto. â€Å"Those are normal cats.† Marvin didn't understand. He had followed the trail, he had made the signal when he came to the end of the trail. Where was his biscuit? â€Å"Bad dog, Marvin,† said Lash. Marvin growled at him, then turned to Rivera and woofed, â€Å"Biscuit.† He was not a bad dog. It wasn't his fault that no one had taught him how to point up. It wasn't his fault they weren't looking up, past the top of the shed, up the wall, to the roof, four stories up. Couldn't they hear them? â€Å"Biscuit,† he woofed. CHET Chet watched the vampire hunters moving below. He understood what they were doing and how badly they were doing it. The other cats had moved away from the edge of the roof, the smell of flame, the sunlight jackets, and the dog had made them weary. A few of them were survivors of the encounter with the little Japanese swordsman, and Asians in general still freaked them out a little. Although they couldn't see the life auras that a human vampire could, it was still in their instinct as predators to take the weak and the sick, and the group below appeared to be neither. Chet, on the other hand, was less and less of a cat every night. He was bigger than Marvin now, and had lost most of his cat instinct, and whatever he was now, it wasn't a cat. Although he was still a predator, words kept invading his mind, sounds that produced pictures in his mind. Abstract concepts whirled around in sound and symbols. His kitty brain had been rewired with human DNA, and what had resulted was not only an alpha predator, but a creature with the capacity for revenge, mercy, and conscious cruelty. Chet watched the group below move out of the alley, led by Rivera and trailed by Barry, the bald, portly scuba diver of the Animals. The kitty part of Chet's brain saw Barry's bald spot like a ball of yarn, teasing him to attack. He needed to get it. He went to mist and snaked down the side of the building. He liked climbing face-down, especially since he had grown thumbs, but stealth was the only way to pick off the last one without facing the whole group in combat. He rematerialized in front of Barry, on his hind feet, and before the hapless grocery clerk could call out, Chet thrust his entire paw into his mouth and unsheathed his claws. There was only a slight gurgling sound, and Clint, the born-again, who had been walking ahead of Barry, turned to see only an empty alley behind him. Chet was already three floors above him on the wall. Barry dangled from Chet's claws, twitching, as the huge, shaved vampire cat drank his life away. TOMMY â€Å"Foo,† Tommy said, right in Foo's ear. â€Å"I want you to remember, before you move, at all, that I was the one who wore your sun jacket to rescue Jody from Elijah. So if I see you even look like you're going to touch a switch of any kind, I'm going to tear that arm off, okay?† â€Å"I didn't want to put you in the statue,† said Foo for the third time. â€Å"I know,† Tommy said. â€Å"Where's Jody?† â€Å"She went looking for you.† Jared started to back away from the door into the kitchen area. â€Å"You too, Jared. If I don't see your hands for one second, I'm taking them off so I don't have to worry about it.† Jared waved his hands in front of him like he was drying his nails. â€Å"Whoa, badass much? I'm the one that let you in. I was going to get you some blood.† â€Å"Sorry, stress,† Tommy said. He had Foo by the throat, but lightly. â€Å"Give him the one that's already opened,† Foo said. â€Å"The one with the drugs in it?† asked Jared. Foo flinched as if waiting for the sound of his neck snapping. â€Å"Yes, that one, you fuckwit.† â€Å"I'm good for now,† Tommy said. Then to Foo, â€Å"Jody went where to find me?† â€Å"Just out. Right after she got you out of the shell. She took half the money and most of the blood. Abby said that she was at the Fairmont, but Rivera and Cavuto found her. We don't know where she is now.† â€Å"Where's Abby?† â€Å"She's at her mom's,† said Foo. â€Å"No, she's not.† Tommy choked him a little. â€Å"She's here. I can smell her.† He cocked his head. â€Å"I don't hear her heartbeat. Is she dead?† â€Å"Kind of,† said Jared. â€Å"She is nossssss-feratu. That's how she says it. I'm so jealous.† â€Å"Did I do that?† â€Å"No,† said Foo. â€Å"She did it herself. You were out of your mind, and you bit her, but Jody pulled you off of her and threw you through the windows. You don't remember?† â€Å"Not much. Probably a good thing for you, too.† â€Å"She's under the mattress,† Jared said. â€Å"Foo made me hide her there.† â€Å"I'm going to change her back. I told you I could do it and I can. I'm already working on her batch of serum.† â€Å"And she saw Jody last?† â€Å"Her friend Lily saw Jody coming out of the Fairmont a few nights ago. Abby went there to find her and saw Cavuto and Rivera.† â€Å"Then we don't know if they found Jody while she was out?† â€Å"They didn't. They didn't say anything when they came to get their jackets.† â€Å"Their jackets? Sun jackets? You gave them sun jackets?† â€Å"I have to do what they want. They were going to take me in for statutory rape and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.† â€Å"Really? Have they met Abby?† â€Å"Truth,† said Foo, as wistfully as you can when you're being choked. â€Å"Tommy, let me change you back. It's what you wanted. I can do you and Abby at the same time.† â€Å"No. And you're not changing her. Wake her up.† â€Å"What? Why?† â€Å"Because I'm going to go look for Jody and I'm taking Abby with me. I'm not leaving her here with you guys.† â€Å"Why? She's my girlfriend. I wouldn't hurt her.† â€Å"She's my BFF,† said Jared. â€Å"He's the one who can't be trusted.† â€Å"I'm taking her with me. I'm not going out there without someone watching my back. Haven't you ever seen a horror movie? When you split up and go off by yourself, that's when the monster gets you.† â€Å"I thought in this movie you were the monster,† Foo said. â€Å"Only if you don't do what I say,† Tommy said, a little surprised to hear himself say it. â€Å"Wake her up, Foo.† JODY The last thing she remembered before burning up were the orange socks. And here they were again, fluorescent orange, highway safety orange socks, at the base of a tiny, blood-encrusted man who was fussing about at some sort of workbench. â€Å"Well, don't you look yummy,† she said, and she was surprised at the sound of her own voice: dry, weak, and ancient. The little man turned, startled at first, but then he composed himself, bowed, and said something in Japanese. Then, â€Å"Sorry,† in English. â€Å"It's okay,† she said. â€Å"This isn't the first time I've woken up in a strange man's apartment where I can't remember how I got there.† This was, however, the first time she remembered where she had been on fire at the end of the night. Before it had gone quite that far, the girls she worked with held a lunchtime intervention in which each told her, frankly and sincerely, as people who loved her, that she was a drunken slut who took all the hot guys at the TGIF bar crawl every week and she needed to knock it the fuck off. So she did. Now, as in those days, she was disoriented, but unlike those days, it didn't even occur to her to be afraid. The little Japanese man bowed again, then took a square-pointed knife from his workbench and approached her shyly, his head down, saying something that sounded very much like an apology. Jody held up her hand to wave him off, say, â€Å"Hey, back off there, cowboy,† but when she saw her hand, an ash-white desiccated claw, the words caught in her throat. The little man paused just the same. Her arms, her legs? She pulled up the kimono-her stomach, her breasts-she was shrunken, like a mummy. The effort exhausted her and she fell back into the pillow. The little man shuffled forward and held his hand up. There was a bandage on his thumb. She watched as he raised his hand, pulled off the bandage, and put the point of the knife to the wound that was already there. She caught his knife hand and ever so gently, pushed it down. â€Å"No,† she said, shaking her head. â€Å"No.† She couldn't imagine what her face might look like. The ends of her hair were like brittle red straw. What must she have looked like before he had done this, done this too much, she could see. â€Å"No.† With him close, she could smell the blood on him. It wasn't human. Pig. It smelled of pig, although she didn't know how she might know that. When she had been at her best she would have smelled blood on someone just walking by on the sidewalk. It wasn't only her strength that was gone, her senses were nearly as dull as when she had been human. The little man waited. He had bowed, but did not rise up again. Wait, he held his head aside, his throat open. He was bending down so she could drink. Knowing what she was, he was giving himself to her. She touched his cheek with the back of her hand and when he looked she shook her head. â€Å"No. Thank you. No.† He stood, looked at her, waited. She smelled the dried blood on the back of her hand, tasted it. She had tasted it before. She felt something tacky in the corner of her mouth-yes, it was the pig blood. The hunger wrenched through her, but she fought it down. He had fed her his own blood, obviously, but also pig's blood. How long? How far had he brought her? She gestured for him to bring her paper and something to write with. He brought her a sketch pad and a broad square carpenter's pencil. She drew a map of Union Square, then drew a crude figure of a woman and wrote down numbers, many numbers, her sizes. What about money? Rivera would have her things from the room, but she had hidden most of the money in another spot. From the brick-work in the apartment, the window frames, the angle of streetlights coming down from above, she guessed she was in a basement apartment right near where she'd been running on Jackson Street. Nowhere else in the City looked like this, was this old. She pointed to herself and the little man and then to the map. He took it from her and drew an X, then quickly drew a stick version of the Transamerica Pyramid. Yes. They were on Jackson Street. She wrote a â€Å"$† where she'd hidden the money, then scratched it out. It was hidden in a locked electrical junction box high on a roof, where she had been able to climb easily, two floors above the highest fire escape. This frail little guy would never get there. The little man smiled and nodded, pointing to the dollar sign. He went to his workbench, opened a wooden box, and held up a handful of bills. â€Å"Yes,† he said. â€Å"Okay, then, I guess you're buying me an outfit.† â€Å"Yes,† he said. She made a drinking gesture, then nodded. He nodded and held up the knife again. â€Å"No, you can't afford it. Animal.† She thought about making a piggy sound, but wasn't sure that might not give him the wrong idea, so she drew a stickman on the sketch pad, then Xed it out and drew a first-grade stick piggy, a stick sheep, and a Jesus fish. He nodded. â€Å"Yes,† he said. â€Å"If you bring me a Christian petting zoo I'm going to be disappointed, Mr.-uh-† Well, this was embarrassing. â€Å"Well, you're not the first guy I've ever woken up with whose name I don't remember.† Then she stopped herself and patted his arm. â€Å"I'm sounding really slutty, I know, but the truth is I used to be afraid to sleep alone.† She looked around the little apartment, at the meticulously arranged tools on the workbench, the one pair of little shoes, and the white silk kimono he had wrapped her in. â€Å"Thank you,† she said. â€Å"Thank you,† he said. â€Å"My name is Jody,† she said, pointing to herself. She pointed to him, wondering if that might not be rude in his culture. But he had already seen her nude and burned up, so perhaps they were past formality. He seemed okay with it. â€Å"Okata,† he said. â€Å"Okata,† she said. â€Å"Yes,† he said, with a big smile. His gums were receded, which made him look like he had big horse teeth, but then Jody touched her tongue to her fangs, which it seemed were not retracting in her new, dried-up state, and she realized that she should probably be less judgmental. â€Å"Go, okay?† She pointed to the sketch pad. â€Å"Okay,† he said. He gathered up his things, put on his stupid hat, and was ready to leave, when she called to him. â€Å"Okata?† â€Å"Yes.† She made a face-washing gesture and pointed to him. He went to the little mirror over the sink, looked at himself covered with blood, and laughed, his eyes crinkled into high smiles themselves. He looked over his shoulder at her, laughed again, then scrubbed his face with a cloth until he was clean and went to the door. â€Å"Jody,† he said. He pointed to the stairs outside. â€Å"No. Okay?† â€Å"Okay,† she said. When he was gone, she crawled from the futon and stumbled from there to the workbench, where she rested before trying to move farther, to look at Okata's work. Wood block prints, some finished, some with only two or three of the colors on them, proofs perhaps. They were a series, the progression of a black, skeletal monster against a yellow futon, then the gradual filling in of the figure. The care, wrapping her in the kimono, feeding her his blood. The last print was still in the sketch stage. He must have been working on it when she awoke. A sketch on thin rice paper had been glued to the wood block and he was carving away the material for the outline-the black ink in the other prints. They were beautiful, and precise, and simple, and sad. She felt a tear rise and turned so as not to drip blood on the print. How would she tell him? Would she point at the first sketch, the one where the figure looked like a medieval woodcut of Death himself, and point to his frail chest? â€Å"The first thing I noticed when I saw you was the life aura around you, and it was black. That's why I wouldn't let you give me your blood, Okata. You are dying.† â€Å"Okay,† he would say. â€Å"Thank you,† he would say, with his newly found grin.

How different people understand the issues of civil rights and racism Term Paper

How different people understand the issues of civil rights and racism in America today - Term Paper Example The movement stood up for reason, rationality, and above all, liberty. This is important in understanding the underpinnings of modern civil rights movements surrounding fundamental human liberties. Joseph (2014) revisits the Freedom Summer in his article titled, When Civil-Rights Unity Fractured, stating that racial divisions that emerged during the 1960s are still present today and in order to understand the present efforts to build interracial coalitions, the present must be considered in context with its historical legacy and context. The Freedom Summer is an important period in history where began a lasting movement of black activism and involvement. Black revolution intensified during the period as many students became increasingly active and engaged themselves with various movements. Looking back at the Enlightenment Movement of the 18th century, a viable connection can be made with Freedom Summer which ignited activism based on recognition of civil and human rights to fundamental liberties. The main purpose of black activism was not merely to obtain voting rights but their aim went beyond this. With their activism, blacks were looking out for greater political transformation and greater rights for the blacks. To confront racism on a country wide scale was another prominent goal of the activists. The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party played an important role for the blacks as it provided a useful tool for independently organizing their projects. Activists like Fannie Lou Hamer led the party being used as a vehicle to voice their demands. As a great number of black African Americans acquired the right to vote, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party used the voter base in order to challenge the dominant White American Democratic state delegation at the convention. Another aim of the effort was to pressurize the national party and Lyndon B.

[Australian Undergraduate] Important Finance group project Assignment

[Australian Undergraduate] Important Finance group project - Assignment Example The construction would incur maintenance and utility cost from the drainage and the dike systems, the solid wastes and the recycling of materials that were not used after completion of the construction process. Besides, other cost associated with maintenance and utilities include the sewer system, water supply, operations and maintenance, constructions of the systems that still need polishing up and the salaries and benefits of the employees. The average daily cost is represented in the diagram below for all the utilities. These costs represent estimates computed for the first three months to obtain the daily cost in the first 90 days. However, it is likely that the amount may be slightly higher during the first one month. The values will fall thereafter with the third and fourth months and even subsequent duration recording lower values owing to the decreasing utilities and maintenance requirement. The breakeven analysis helps in the determination of the point at which the management can know whether the business attains a level that it makes neither losses nor profits (Tucker, 1963). It is also the point that the cost of production for the business equals the sales, hence no profit. Although breakeven is a firsthand tool for the assessment of the health status of the business by showing how the uncertainties may be critical for the venture, it does not capture market dynamics. Every market should be considered as dynamic because the trends may vary depending on several conditions. The changing trends dictate pricing and changes in the prices at large. Breakeven analysis does not take into accounts these trends, so it may give a general outlook that has an impact on expectations (Tucker, 1963). Since breakeven analysis involves adjustment of variables so that the values can give a figure of $0 NPV, and that each variable undergoes adjustment one at a time, it does not capture the possible effects that may influence two or more variables together.

Helen Keller Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Helen Keller - Essay Example Unlike Helen Keller, I have taken language for granted, thinking that it is just a part of being human and that it is nothing really special. However, reading her account of how her teacher Anne Sullivan laboriously taught her the magic of language revealed to me that language is a gift. Helen was very enthusiastic to learn more about language: "Everything had a name, and each name gave birth to a new thought" (71). I think I can never really recall how I slowly learn to understand the meaning of language. All I know is that, as an infant, I might have solely relied to non-verbal communication to relay my message to my mother and caregiver. It was not until I was two or three that I have learned to associate words with their meanings. This new discovery might not have been that amazing or exciting to me. The value and appreciation of language came later in my life. Personal experiences taught me how language really liberates an individual and brings good things to other people. I have faced a number of disappointments and failures. During these situations, I have relied on language to pour out my anger and frustrations.

Pharmaceutical Industry in United States Assignment

Pharmaceutical Industry in United States - Assignment Example The Company conducts business in virtually all countries of the world with the primary focus on products related to human health and well-being. The paper presents the financial ratio analysis of Johnson & Johnson for the past three financial years and highlights its financial outlook. The ratios presents the company’s financial outlook is strengthened and is able to manage its finances prudently. The ratio analysis shows that the company has enough liquid assets through which it can pay off its liabilities and also can finance its operation for the foreseeable future. Moreover, the company is efficient enough, as represented by the ratios, to reduce its cash operating cycle and convert its sales into money quickly. The analysis shows that it would be prudent to invest in the company as the shareholders can earn significant return through capital gain, by disposing the shares later, and also through dividend. Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Industry in United States The top of the worldwide pharmaceutical market is the US and it is expected to hit almost $345 billion in 2014. The second largest market is the Japanese market and then the European market including Germany France, and Chinese market (Market line industry guide, 2012). However, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers (IFPW) shows that growth rates in developed and developing markets based on their capability to recover from the economic crisis is significantly inconsistent. According to the research of Urch Publishing (2012), the global pharmaceutical industry in 2014 is expected to be worth over $1 trillion with a 5% compound annual growth rate. The pharmaceutical industry becomes more competitive. Major competitor companies Company HQ location Pharmaceutical Segment Sales Total revenue Share of pharmaceutical segment $Million $Million % Johnson & Johnson US 25,400 67,224 38% Pfizer US 51,214 58,986 87% Novartis Switzerland 32,153 56,673 57% Merck US 40,601 47,267 86% Roche Switzerland 35,200 45,500 77% Sanofi-Aventis France 39,940 42435 94% AstraZeneca UK 43,143 43,143 100% GlaxoSmithKline UK 27,758 40,722 68% Eli Lily US 19,934 22,603 88% Source: 2012 Annual Report of the companies As Table5 shows, the majority of the largest pharmaceutical companies not only focused exclusively on pharmaceutical products such as AstraZeneca and Sanofi-Aventis but also developed and manufactured other health care products. However, they still regard pharmaceutical partitions as the core of their business that offer over 50% of their incomes. However, Johnson & Johnson is an exception because its sales of pharmaceutical products are 38% of total sales. I will analyze GlaxoSmithKline firstly because it is significant competitor of AstraZeneca in the UK. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a science-led global healthcare corporation researches and develops a wide range of innovative products. GSK is Britain’s biggest drug maker (Hirschler, 2012). A balanced synergisti c business, with multiple growths, drivers supporting a core pharmaceutical R&D operation (2010 Annual report, p3). It has three primary areas of business including Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare. It has created more diversified business for past five years. Moreover, delivery of sustainable growth across portfolios is GlaxoSmithKline’s objective. It has 87 manufacturing sites and R&D centers in the UK, USA, Spain, Belgium and China. Its purpose of R&D is to improve its pipeline products safely and efficiently to produce new medicines, which deliver improved treatments that

The effects of energy drinks on the body Research Paper

The effects of energy drinks on the body - Research Paper Example The manufacturing companies portray the energy drinks as youthful, fun, and harmless. However, the effects of energy drinks vary among people depending on age, body activity and the ingredients therein. Some of the effects are good while others are harmful. This paper will analyze the effects of energy drinks on the body. Biologically, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system hence creating more awareness and activity. However, the large concentrations of caffeine and taurine in energy drinks have possible effects on human brain and low body immunity. It also causes breast shrinkage in females and some allergic reactions such as rashes. The high concentrations also cause stomach pain, nausea, dehydration, insomnia, low athletic performance, and anxiety. Ingredients of an energy drink can be addictive in the end, which causes headaches and irritation. Energy drink’s ingredients especially caffeine affect the heartbeat and blood pressure because of the stimulation they cause to the nervous system. Carnitine and Guarana, lead to weight loss and increased metabolism. Calorie and high sugar may otherwise lead to weight gain. Sugars increase the risk of diabetes and teeth cavities while caffeine weakens bones. Energy drinks when mixed with alcohol leads to dehydration (Reifeiss, 2011). High am ounts of caffeine in the energy drinks increase the risk of miscarriage, delivery of low-weight babies and difficulties during birth in pregnant women. The dehydration caused by energy drinks is harmful when combined with exercises among sportsmen (Health and wellbeing, 2010). Taurine, which is also contained in the energy drinks, helps in regulating heartbeat, energy levels, mild inhibitory neurotransmission, and muscle contractions. Vitamins B contained in energy drinks helps in converting sugars to energy in the body. Ginkgo Biloba helps in circulation, concentration, and memory retention. However, it has side effects like dizziness and

Human Resources Administration Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Human Resources Administration - Assignment Example The third step is in the wake of understanding that more efforts would be needed to move things from one place to another if unions are formed, and hence it would be a good idea to do away with the same, right from the outset of such understandings. The fourth step is in making the employees comprehend that if they avoid unions, they will reap the rewards themselves because more work will be done in a lesser amount of time, and hence their benefits would be ensured easily. The fifth and last step is in the form of gaining an idea that unions leave a very negative perspective of the company and no employee would like to be seen as a hindrance within the smooth working tenets of an organization. Hence forming unions needs to be avoided at all costs. The reason for choosing these five points is because they give an overall view of how the unions need to be avoided at all costs. It also makes one realize where the negativity creeps in and what needs to be done to make sure that the employees remain steadfast with their respective domains. The cost, time and effort factors are pertinent for any business and should always be thought out of as such. If these aspects are not properly covered, then unions will come in and hence the focus of the organization would shift as a result of the same. Employees would ask for more favors from the organizational tenets and there would be more instances of collective demonstrations and upheaval for all the wrong reasons (Ferris, 2012). From an organizational standpoint, this cannot be tolerated at all because these document how improper the standards of the individuals working within the organizations are at the end of the day. It also dictates the anomaly that comes about for an organization be cause it has to see which employees are loyal to the core, and which ones are creating problems for its business operations,

How Collaborative Communication to Promote the Satisfaction and Dissertation

How Collaborative Communication to Promote the Satisfaction and Loyalty of Franchisees - Dissertation Example Hong Kong is a country that has established several multinational businesses, mostly franchises from mother companies based abroad. It is necessary that cultural dimensions of various individuals and groups involved in franchise businesses be studied so that franchisers and franchisees have better understanding of each other as well as the business itself. Such collaborative communication borne from this understanding is believed to bring about satisfaction and loyalty of franchisees, hence, more success in the business, and more profit for the franchise. Qualitative methods such as questionnaires and focus group discussions of stakeholders from various franchise businesses in Hong Kong will be used in this study to determine if consideration of such cultural dimensions has an impact on satisfaction and loyalty of franchisees and net profit of the businesses. Chapter 1 Introduction/ Rationale Today, more than ever, businesses come in various forms. This is especially true with intern ational businesses. Some companies expand by having more branches both locally and internationally. Ownership of these branches may either be retained by the original owners or sold as franchises to new owners but still under the same company name and operations, but different management. In cosmopolitan places such as in Hong Kong, businesses thrive well. This includes franchises of established businesses which may be based abroad. This naturally makes the franchise a multinational/ multicultural business venture. Problem Statement Like in most multicultural settings, communication between people from different cultures may pose to be a hindrance in the smooth flow of operations. There are many factors to consider here. One is cultural differences which may cause misinterpretations in communication. People may hold different belief systems and practices which may seem offensive to others without meaning to. This may spell trouble between the communicating parties and may be a cruci al point in business transactions if it is not resolved. Negative consequences may escalate if miscommunication persists. It may adversely affect the business, possibly the relationship between the contracting companies involved, and the financial aspect of the business. This study will explore how collaborative communication in international settings can promote satisfaction and loyalty of franchisees and study its moderating effect on the net profit of franchise businesses in Hong Kong. Importance of the Study This study will contribute much to the field of international business especially in the area of intercultural communication. Being aware of factors that may cause conflicts and misunderstandings between parties coming from different cultures may be considered a start in the resolution of such issues. These need to be resolved right away because if not, then it may gravely affect the business relationship they share. Scope and Delimitation The scope of this study covers indi viduals involved in the franchise businesses in Hong Kong and their international business associates in the franchise. Data will be completed by email to facilitate dissemination and collection. The responses will delimited to the views of the participants and although they may represent the views of their own companies, the conclusion will not be generalized to the whole

Hospitality As A Second Career May Be Challenging Research Paper

Hospitality As A Second Career May Be Challenging - Research Paper Example Franchising is a hospitality service that few individuals adopt as their first careers. It is usually adopted as a second career owing to retirement before time, redundancy, failure as an entrepreneur or due to mergers and acquisitions (Lashley, Conrad and Morrison 74). What is important to note is that these individuals come from diverse backgrounds including Defense forces. According to an article, an officer of the U.S Air Force, Stearns, has been the franchise of the â€Å"Decorating Den† franchise since the past few years (Koss-Feder). We would anticipate such individuals to face management problems when their commitment to one career often translates to compromising the other one. Stearns, for instance, was summoned to â€Å"active duty† for an operation (Koss-Feder). However, due to the support network that she had in her franchise, she was in constant contact with her employees (Koss-Feder). Divided attention due to managing both careers simultaneously may lower efficiency in both careers. However, franchises provide a safe option to such individuals and a lucrative opportunity for those who have been fired due for downsizing or have retired or are pursuing this business as a second career. This is because of several reasons. Firstly, substantial legal progress has been made with the effect that franchise agreements do not entail dictatorship of franchisors. Secondly, relaxation of disclosure requirements at the federal and state level has facilitated entry into the franchise business (Koss-Feder). Most importantly, however, is the fact that in some cases the prior experience of the industry is not required, although it may be preferable. This is something that particularly draws individuals over 40 with a different prior experience to this business. Even though prior industry experience is not a mandatory requirement, financial institutions such as banks often give preference to those individuals who have proven record while lending. Furt hermore, some studies suggest that qualifications in hospitality management are far less important than prior experience in the industry (Kim 9). This is a challenge for individuals over 40 who may have experience in some other field previously. Although qualification may still be obtained with much ease, the lack of experience cannot be compensated which gives such individuals a permanent disadvantage over others. The task of obtaining hospitality related qualifications remains a daunting task for such individuals. This is because in some cases, such individuals (over 40) may be working part-time in another profession. Hence, it would not be surprising to see a clash of time between the work hours and the time for hospitality related courses offered by institutions making time management a pressing issue for such individuals. Some institutions offer evening classes or classes on weekends to support such individuals.

The Importance Of Literacy Essay Example for Free

The Importance Of Literacy Essay Explain the importance of literacy and numeracy skills for accessing the wider curriculum. 1.1 Literacy and numeracy skills are essential in life. Pupils skilled in literacy and numeracy are more likely to stay in full time education and as adults be more productive and earn higher wages. Literacy and numeracy skills are extremely important for accessing the wider curriculum. This is because literacy skills are required for everything. If a learner has difficulty with literacy then they will find it difficult to read words and they may also have a problem with writing. They may struggle in all sorts of subjects like Science as they may not be able to read the instructions to do experiments or label diagrams, in Music they may not be able to read the words to sing the songs, in Cooking they may not be able to read the recipe or food labels. Numeracy is also used throughout the wider curriculum so if a pupil has difficulty within this area it can affect other areas such as Cooking with weighing ingredients, in PE they may find it hard to count if told to do 3 hops then 8 jumps tec. Poor literacy and numeracy skills could also affect the child socially as other children may not want them to join in. Improving pupil’s literacy and numeracy can have a positive effect on their confidence their ability to deal with everyday tasks as well as their lifelong learning and health. Research shows the links between low literacy and numeracy and crime, poor health choices, low educational attainment and unemployment.

The Recreational Gaming Zone

The Recreational Gaming Zone Statement of Financing needed: In order establish a new business, we need approximately Rs.50 Millions. In which half of the financing will be accessed through our Partners and the remaining will be accessed through Banks, investment companies and other financing companies. Statement of Confidentiality Report: This report is confidential and is the property of the co-owners as listed above. It is intended for use only by the persons to whom it is transmitted, and any reproduction of any of its contents without the prior written consent of the company is prohibited. Executive Summary The keys to success for The Recreational Gaming Zone is our ability to market effectively, creating an unmatched, cool, marvelous, and felicitous atmosphere where people will like to be, and hiring qualified/certified and skilled and knowledgeable staff to aid in the running of our programs and leagues. The sports and fitness club industry is a booming business that offers considerable turnover for individuals investing in it. The company provides a wide range of indoor sports services. Customers can join the sports club for a justified monthly fee. The large number of sports customers represents an attractive pool of prospective customers. The customers are private customers. The expected revenue is between à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. in the first year. The goal of this start-up is the operation of an indoor sports center Industry Analysis: Over the next five years, the sports industry is forecasted to show moderate growth, largely driven by demography and new entertainment opportunities. The company expects that the sports industry is undergoing significant change from professional sports to entertainment. Future outlook and trends: A brief analysis of the industry has provided us with the following facts and trends that might follow in the future. With the rapid change coming in the technological environment the establishment is expecting to face immense competition in the coming era. The company intends to pursue a strategy aimed at delivering sustainable growth in earnings and company value. The company expects that the highly fragmented market and its anticipated growth provide an opportunity for expanding the companys business and increasing its overall market share. The key strategies of the company are to: produce high quality sports experience increase the number of customers by making strategic investments, improving service quality. Demographic facts: Regarding economic trends and outlooks the income is at booming level and is expected to grow with the same pace in the area of Gujrat. Per capita income in Gujrat District was Rs. 1625/- compared to overall Punjab (Rs. 1389/- per month). In district Gujrat 34 percent people are living below the income level of Rs. 750 per month compared to Punjab where 39 percent people live under poverty line of Rs. 750/- per month (Government of Punjab, 2004).About 75-80% of the heads supporting families of the city reside in foreign countries particularly European countries, UK, U.S, and Gulf Region to earn their income. This has also fostered a belief in us to initiate a project like this in our chosen operational area. Beside the population of the city has also increasing vigorously. This increment in population coupled with an increase in the income level of the inhabitants has provided a strong opportunity for our business to thrive in the coming time. Analysis of competitors: Currently there is only one potential competitor in our locality, a project initiated by Zamindar Degree College. Other potential competitors might be organizations that can offer high technology like Virtual Reality to their customers, a product more advanced than the mere computer games offered by our entity to its prospects. From the industry data it is evident that sports business is a thriving business with strong market growth rate, and rate of return for investors. Our establishment is offering unique services and options contrary to our potential competitor in our locality. There are a number of benefits and advantages our business has got over competitors, like better gaming options, timing hours, a rich and diversified target market, and other geographic advantages. Market Segmentation: Based on the analysis of market we have decided to differentiate the market on the basis of gender, income, age and stage in the life cycle, usage status, and usage rate. On the basis of stage in the life cycle the categories include singles, married couples with children, married but without children, and retired individuals. The individuals meeting the criterion of income include those having income level of Rs. 40000 and above. In addition individuals having savings of Rs. 30000+ are also included among our prospects. The criterion of income applies to all other segments as well i.e. individuals coming under the heading of singles, married individuals and others should also have the above mentioned income level. Single females are prohibited to get membership in our venture. This classification has specifically been made by looking at culture of the locality of operation of our business. However there is no restriction for the membership of males. Separate timing hours have been organized for both singles and family memberships keeping in view the convenience of both categories. There are no age limits on getting membership in our gaming zone. But again the restriction and conditions described above equally apply to individuals of all ages and gender. Under the heading of user status come tourists, and other members like businessmen, teachers, engineers working at prominent positions, and similar knowledgeable intellectuals. Separate timing hours matching their schedules would be arranged, along with special promotion offers pertained to attract and retain them would be considered. Tourists another small market segment for The Entertainer will be the tourists who are attracted to the facility because of its size and appearance. Description of the Venture: Mission: It is our mission to provide the best programs, staff, and equipment, to fully meet the various sports and fitness needs of our members, while generating a profit for the owners and investors. Besides providing an excellent value to our customers Description: The Recreational gaming zone is a new multisport complex that will provide both members and casual users an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and leisure programs and activities. The establishments main purpose is to provide an environment of pleasure and choice to its members seeking fun, recreation, and excitement by providing a myriad of strategic, adventurous, and other pleasure oriented gaming options. We have started this venture to provide residents of the locality with a completely new option to fulfill their need of refreshment and having fun. Currently the sports opportunities available to masses of the city are rapidly depleting due to increased population, and advancement in industry which has turned rural areas into urban ones. There is currently no other option in the city that matches our establishment. Currently there is only one major Playing Ground namely Zahoor Elahi Stadium operating in the city. Besides this there are some gymnasiums and karate clubs as well; however none of these provide opportunities comparable to our venture. So in order to avail the opportunity to satisfy our customers needs of refreshment we have decided to include versatile games in our venture like Bowling, chess, snooker, table tennis, and with relatively new technology based computer games to entertain children by grabbing their attention and sensation. The uniqueness of our idea has offered us with high chances of success, for there is currently no close competitor operational in our target market area. Only one such club is under construction near Marghazar Colony under the custody of Zamindar Degree College, which is directed to provide sports facility to respective college students and faculty members. No membership option is available to people of local community in this sports complex. We have chosen a site located near Chenab River, occupying a total area of 1 acre. A total of Rs. 10 Million has been spent out to purchase the land. The site has provided us with a strategic position to better target population of two major districts namely Gujrat, and Gujranwala, and their suburbs. In this way we are better able to gain first mover advantage by initiating this unique project oriented to capture the market of particularly Gujrat and secondly Gujranwala. Hence by choosing this locality to situate our business we are in a position of market leader and therefore can get high rate of return on our investment. High cost volumes have been incurred to acquire land and other capital necessary for full functioning of the venture. Every thing is purchased and nothing is acquired on lease. The budget to initiate such a costly project is expected to be round about Rs.40 to 50 million. Up to 50% of the financing is decided to be made through Banks and investment firms. The venture would comprise of single story building, including two major partitions. One portion is entirely dedicated to Bowling court which would consist of 25 columns. While the rest of the area is reserved for other games mentioned above in the discourse. Special endeavor has been paid to match the facility with latest standards. Besides these efforts to provide food arrangement have also been made to relinquish our customers. As this facility is completely new to our potential customers so we have also explored the option of trainers, to guide them and help them to get familiar with rules, and policies involved in playing games available at the establishment, during their membership with the institution. For this purpose we have hired the expertise of well reputed trainers working in established organizations similar to ours in other cities like Lahore, Faisalabad and others. This option to provide expert trainers for our customers was also necessary because none of the entrepreneurs initiating the venture has been expert in the field dealt by the establishment. Keys to Success The Keys to Success for The Recreational Gaming Zone are as follows: Marketing: We must make The Recreational Gaming Zone a common name in the Gujrat and creatively market our services to each of our market segments. Atmosphere of facility: By creating an unmatched cool atmosphere in the gaming zone through the use of first class equipment, floors, and colors, people will want to frequent visit our facility and our ability to retain members will be enhanced. Knowledgeable/qualified staff and management: By providing the users of the facility with knowledgeable and qualified staff who show genuine concern for the patrons, people will feel comfortable and confident that The RGZ can meet all of their sport and fitness needs. Production Plan: Recreational gaming zone is a service oriented entity in contrast to manufacturing business. Hence there is no section of production plan included in the business plan of this venture. This section is mainly discussed in the business plans of manufacturing businesses. What we need to discuss here is to list the sources of supplies of games involved. Some of the supplies include pins used in bowling, the bowls that will be used for rolling, snooker balls, sticks for playing snooker, badminton shuttles and rackets, technical assistance in the successful implementation of computer games plus fixation of any defects, pieces used in the playing of chess and the boards on which the game is played, and finally the necessary equipment required in the playing of table tennis. Suppliers and their Location: Principal suppliers of our utilities are operating in Sialkot, Lahore and Gujrat as well based on the specialization of different regions. The accessories required in the playing of table tennis, badminton, and snooker can be found at least cost from the companies situated in Sialkot. The rest of the equipment particularly things made of wood would be procured from the suppliers at Gujrat, which is well known for its wood works. All the remaining items not available from the specified regions would be purchased from suppliers in Lahore. Operational Plan: The operational plan of the business is simple and straight forward. The company intends to sell its memberships to its prospects. Initial membership fee is fixed at Rs. 5000 for all members regardless of their category. As all the operations are carried out entirely at the establishment facility so the operational plan of our venture is somewhat different from most other service oriented businesses. The requirement of additional major capital is seldom, because it includes relatively long term assets and thus need not be purchased on a continual basis rather occasionally for e.g. in case of breakage of snooker tables or table tennis ones. On the other extreme there is often a need of utilities like shuttles, pins, rackets, to name a few. So it has been decided to keep an adequate stock of these items to meet the regular demands of customers adequately and instantaneously, plus reducing the costs associated with the storage of surplus inventory. There is an arrangement of separate department at RGZ to monitor the working of various operations performed. The hierarchy at the organization is depicted in the following diagram. The company intends to starts operations in the region of Jehlum city as well after two years of operations. This location is selected by looking at the charming market providing great potential for our business to thrive. Marketing Manager Goals: Establish valued relations with customers and employees Create awareness in the market place Providing the good environment. Make the policy attractive more and more people Flow of orders for goods and services Technology utilizations Finance: Finance is considered a backbone of any entity particularly the one going to establish newly. At RGZ the finance department has the following working described below Finance Manager: Responsibilities: Financial reporting. Checking cash inflow and outflows Profit and loss statements of monthly opening and closing. Prepare and review budget, revenue, expense, payroll entries, invoices, and other accounting documents. Check of proper working of the cashier. Budgeting Serial No. Item Registration Fee Membership Fee Monthly fee 1 Snooker Rs.500 Rs.5000 Rs.2500 2 Table Tennis 500 5000 2500 3 Chess 500 5000 2500 4 Bowling 1000 5000 2500 5 Computer games 500 5000 2500 Total 3000 5000 2500 The salaries of various employees working at RGZ are given in the table drawn below HRM DEPARTMENT: Recruitment / Selection of Personnel: Recruitment/selection criteria Employee orientation and training Compensation and Benefit Packages: Employee Bonus Base Pay (Salary) Medical Benefits Basic Needs Advance Salary Marketing Plan Effective marketing together with consistent promotion are the keys to success. The company focuses on a comprehensive web marketing and classical marketing strategy designed to attract new customers, convert leads into sales, and maximize revenue. In the start-up phase it is a central task of the marketing concept to establish name recognition and its own trade mark. Several marketing and sales promotion strategies are available in the industry to choose from. Later on the strategy will primarily be targeted to gain new customers and create customer loyalty of repeat customers. Market Research: Prior to starting our venture we have estimated the size and intentions of our prospects. The research data was very conducive for the opening of the venture of the type in discussion. The following chart depicts the response our prospects have provided to us. Research Methodology: The research methodology adopted consisted of the following contents. Both the primary and secondary sources of data collection options were explored as, EXPLORATORY RESEARCH INTERVIEWS QUESTIONNAIRE SAMPLING TECHNIQUE SWOT analysis of RGZ: The principal strengths of our venture are the unique games provided compared to our current competitors. The chosen site has also provided us with first mover advantage, for there is no present comparable venture operational in the region under consideration. Among the weaknesses come options that we have not included yet, such as swimming pool, Basket Ball, karate club, and other products that have been available from our close competitors like pace, AFC and others. There is a strong potential for the venture to gain advantage from the opportunity of first move plus innovation by reaping the rewards from prospective customers, for there is no alternative to our venture, to which they might refer as substitute. By using this opportunity we are in a better position to obtain high rate of returns on our investment, a part demonstrated in the financial section of the plan. The major threat as described earlier is the innovation and improved technology that might be introduced by our potential competitors in the future. Specifically if any competitor that enters the market with relatively advanced technology in the coming next two years can pose a serious threat to the profits generating capability of the sports complex. Another recent threat comes from the political scenario prevailing in the country, particularly war against terrorism, and the resulting bomb blasts and explosions made by extremists in various parts of the Country. To avoid this threat special endeavor would be made to void any security lapse. Competitor analysis: The information on this topic has been covered earlier in the plan however here a concise detail regarding the topic is made. The company is in a sense market leader, with no comparative competitors operational in the locality. A portion of competition comes from establishments like AFC, Pace, and Zamindar Degree College Sports Complex (under construction), due to somewhat similar products offered by these institutions, and in some cases offering products that have not been included in our planning operations. Despite all these our company has significant strategic advantage over our current and potential competitors. The product offering at the RGZ is completely unique in all aspects. Games like chess, bowling have a strong market potential and are currently offered by less similar establishments working in the surrounding areas of our venture. Marketing Objectives at RGZ: Marketing plays an important role in the survival of any business .The success of the co. in market depends considerably upon the role of marketing department. RGZ consists of marketing department with high aptitudes and innovative ideas in sports centers. Here a marketing manager, and sale manager, dealing officer, assistant manager and several other employees are working within marketing department. Specific Marketing Department Goals: By looking at the outcomes from the conducted SWOT analysis of RGZ and by completing competitor analysis the following main objectives for RGZ marketing plan have been set. Sell 750 memberships in year one, 1200 by the end of year two, and 2000 by the end of year three. Organize and develop various sports leagues and market them effectively. Provide young generation of Gujrat and surroundings a good entertaining plate form Show at least a 10% return to investors in the first year of operation. Marketing Strategies: Due to the size and convenient location of our facility, many people will be attracted to The Recreational Gaming Zone (RGZ) to see what we have to offer. However, we will not be content to just wait for customers to come to us. Instead, we will focus our marketing strategies on those market segments who match our offerings. The great thing about marketing The Recreational Gaming Zone (RGZ) is that each market segment relates, in certain ways, to all the others. Our main objective with our early marketing strategy will be to get people into our facility. Once people see what we have to offer, and feel the atmosphere that will be created, they will want to return and participate in the many activities and programs that will be available to them. Some of the ways The Recreational Gaming Zone (RGZ) will get people into the facility include: Offering tours to junior and senior high schools during the building and early completion stages of the facility. Having a large promotional event to open the facility that will be free to everyone. Hosting and/or supporting various community events that will bring in many people who otherwise would not come. Mailing out free day passes to all of the surrounding area. Following the opening of The Recreational Gaming Zone (RGZ), print and radio media will be used to promote both the facility and the programs that are being offered to attract new people from all over the Gujrat and surrounding target market areas. Target Market Segment Strategy: Advertising Media Used Sales Strategies Sales promotion Public relations Pricing Print advertising Direct marketing The company uses direct-response advertising, including television, internet and other media, to attract buyers to the center. Advertising Advertising is any paid form of non-personal communication of ideas or products in the prime media i.e. television, newspapers, magazines, billboards, posters, radio, cinema etc. Advertising is intended to persuade and to inform. Advertisement Objectives: To create maximum awareness of this new sports complex among the people and tell them how important health for anyone. To build a strong brand equity by having a distinct position in the minds of the customers. Media Usage for Advertisements (Budget Requirements): FM Radio Print advertising Direct marketing Cable TV Ads Online marketing Online marketing The Company has the budget and strategy that allows it to use dozens of traffic providers to link to its core web site www.RGZ.com.pk . Newspaper advertising is an integral and desired part of the marketing strategy. Print media advertising is a mass communication tool. Printed advertisements will be used in national and international magazines to increase the number of customers. Marketing cooperation the best way to find out who would make a good partner is to research the potential businesses in the industry. Direct marketing The company uses direct-response advertising, including television, internet and other media, to attract buyers to the center. Media Used Time/Type Duration Total Costs (Rs.) Cable TV 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm 30 seconds 100000 monthly Radio 6:00 am to 10:00pm 45 seconds 60000 monthly Banners Handwritten 50000 annually Print Adverts. 100000 annually Public Relations Providing them proper coaching to run machines. Oversee game management operation Provide instant help to any member when he/she need. Organizing some programs on events like Eid, and other important events. Oversee and provide guidance for the scheduling of all athletic and recreational facilities including the developing of a price structure and the procedures to bill and collect all fees charged. Strategy and Implementation The Recreational Gaming Zone (RGZ) has a very large potential market. Because of the small number of recreation and fitness facilities in the Gujrat City, we feel we will become the number one sports and fitness complex quickly. This will be accomplished by actively and continuously promoting The Recreational Gaming Zone (RGZ) through radio and media advertisements. Sales Strategy Sales in the sport and fitness club business are based on the services and amenities provided by the facility. The something for everyone slogan fits perfectly with The Recreational Gaming Zone (RGZ). All of the users of our facility must feel like they are getting the best possible value out of their money. If there is a better value, for equal services, The Recreational Gaming Zone (RGZ) will match or beat that value for our customers. Each person desiring a membership at The Recreational Gaming Zone (RGZ) will be able to sit down with a representative and be notified of all of their membership policies, terms and conditions. During this brief discussion, the person will be also be informed of all of the services, programs, and amenities The Recreational Gaming Zone (RGZ) has to offer. It will be important to establish a relationship of trust with our members as retaining membership is equally important as developing new customers. Sales promotion Sales promotion strategies have temporary effects only. Sales promotion will be used for a limited time to increase the number of customers. The strategy will include special offers with opening discounts for new customers. The initial membership prices will be reduced by 50% for the first three months. Organizational Plan Company Ownership The Entertainer will be a Limited Partnership  corporation that will be privately owned. Eight partners will own the company Identification of Partners: The principal partners of the venture are Mr. Usman Shaukat Mr. Faisal Amjad Mr. Fawad Saleem Mr. Hassan Mushtaq Mr. Qasim Javed Mr. Mohammad Babar Mr. Mohammad Adeel Mr. Fawad Zaman All these partners have contributed with the same percentage in the total equity of venture. Up to Rs. 0.8 Million has been paid by each party. While the remaining part has been financed from Banks and financing firms. Authority of Principals: The authority is distributed uniformly among all the entrepreneurs. There is no difference in potential for different principals. Management Summary and Background: The entrepreneurs will stay within their expertise in running the day-to-day operations of the facility, along with running and developing various leagues and programs for the community. Back-up for the general partners will include staff members who will compensate for the founders lack of experience in each area. For example, qualified personnel will be hired for the food and beverage and fitness areas. General help staff will be hired on a need basis as the users of the facility increase. There will also be a janitor hired for basic cleanliness and maintenance of the complex. The Entertainer will have a total staff of 13 people in the first year of operation. It is projected that an additional three people will be added each year for the next two years. The majority of the salaries are projected to raise 5% per year for the first three years. This estimate may be conservative. Assessment of Risks: Among the weaknesses come options that we have not included yet, such as swimming pool, Basket Ball, karate club, and other products that have been available from our close competitors like pace, AFC and others. New technologies: We are providing the latest technology in RGZ. And we expecting that for the next 2-5 years, the possibility of change in technology will be low. Financial Plan: Important Assumptions The financial plan depends on important assumptions, from the beginning, we recognize that collection days are critical, but not a factor we can influence easily. At least we are planning on the problem, and dealing with it. Interest rates, tax rates, and personnel burden are based on conservative assumptions. Some of the more important underlying assumptions are: We assume a normal economy(not very strong as in Pakistan), with recession. We assume the rate of growth for the number of sports club memberships will continue. The company assumes that a number of trends are likely to further increase the demand for indoor sports. Break-even analysis: The risk analysis considers critical factors that may lead to a failure of the business concept. Such factors can involve failures during the implementation phase as well as during operations. Such potential factors are ordered according to the probability at which they can arise. Shown are the key factors that can lead to the failure. Data is drawn from surveys from five businesses with different services as well as revenue and cost structures. Growth is the core strategy of the company. Development activities require a high level of funding over a long period of time and, over the course of its existence, the company intends to develop or acquire other companies. There is no assurance that additional funding will be available to the company in the future or be secured on acceptable terms. If adequate additional funds are not available, the growth of the company might be significantly lower. The company may be unable to adjust spending quickly enough to offset any unexpected revenue shortfall. If the company has a shortfall in revenue in relation to the expenses, the operating results will suffer. The operating results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of future operating results. The company will experience a period of rapid growth that will result in new and increased responsibilities for existing management personnel. Further, the company will employ a number of additional senior management personnel. The companys growth is expected to continue to place, a significant strain on the companys management and operating and financial systems. . Insufficient demand and wrong capacity frequently leads to business failure. This includes permanently low demand as well as a temporary collapse in demand. Often demand estimates were too optimistic at the outset. Such failures might also come from external shocks instead of operating deficiencies. Disruptions or management failures may cause interruptions in service or reduced revenues. If service is not restored in a timely manner, this would reduce revenues or increase costs. Service disruptions could also damage

A Report on the Strategic Culture and Marketing Strategy of Canon

A Report on the Strategic Culture and Marketing Strategy of Canon This is a report and detail analysis of internal structure and culture of Canon. Canon is an established international firm in the photocopy and imaging industry. It operates in diverse range of markets which includes business solution, computer imaging, broadcast and communication, medical system and industrial product. This report further evaluates the overseas opportunities of Canon using PESTEL framework. PESTEL is used to analyse the macro environment and to indentify the key drivers of change affecting the company. The analysis of the internal structures and culture of Canon was carried out by using the McKinseys 7S model and SWOT framework to analyze the company internal capabilities. This report is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on the analysis of internal structures and culture of Canon. The McKinseys 7S model and SWOT framework are used in this section for the analysis. The second part relies on Ansoff matrix to assess the overseas growth options available to Canon. The last segment is an analysis of the overseas opportunities for Canon and recommend a suitable overseas market for the company to entry. 2.0 An assessment of Canon internal structures and culture The structure in organization arises as a result of the necessity of the people in organization to know who is in charge, what their role is and who to turn to if there is any concern. Therefore, whether small or large, local, national or multinational, an organization has to have a structure. Henry Mintzberg (1983, p.2) submits that the structure of an organization is the sum total of the ways in which its labour is divided into distinct tasks and then its coordination is achieved among these tasks. Canon as a horizontal organisation includes worldwide Group companies and management committees which are established to address important management issues, and serve a mutual-check function complementing its system of products and operations  [1]  . In this regard, the structure of Canon significantly affects how the company pursue and realized its strategic objectives. It allows or constraints workers (as the case may be) to actually makes changes and get culturally align with the company strategy. All of the company strategic initiatives rely on the ability of the worker to manipulate the culture of the company that guide employee behaviour in the organization. Cooperate culture is the sum of the sociological markers and behaviours of those within an organisation. The degree to which this aligns with the organisation core values is a powerful driver for success. In using the McKinseys 7S model and SWOT framework, the analysis of Canon internal structures and culture are further expatiated. 2.1 Canon Global: McKinseys 7-S and Swot analysis Introduced by McKinsey and Company in the 1970s, the 7-S model has revolutionalised the way management thinks about organisation effectiveness. It is essentially a framework developed to address the critical role of coordination, rather than structure in an organisation. The 7-S that is strategy, structure, staffing, style, skills, system and shared value are used to analysed Canon simultaneously below. 2.1.1 Analysing Canon: The Mckinseys 7S model In terms of strategy, Canon aims to achieve and sustain its goal of becoming a truly excellent global photocopy and imaging company through its five key strategies for growth. Particularly, its strategy follows from the company adoption of the kyosei philosophy in a global corporation plan. Canon operates a flat structure. It is a horizontal organisation which includes worldwide Group companies and management committees (Refer to Appendix 1). It is important to note that different firms are structured in different ways depending on their size, their culture, their activities and their history. Canon represents what Boje and Dennehy submits as a post modern organisation (2000) and therefore able to strategically respond to the contemporary business environment. A post modern organisation comprises a networked set of diverse, self-managed, self-controlled teams with poly-centres that is many centres of coordination that fold and unfold according to the requirements of the tasks. Being a post modern organisation not only explains the systemic nature of Canon, the ability of the company to implement the kyosei philosophy in every segment of the company is also a clear example. Likewise, teams are organized in flat design, employees are highly empowered and involved in the job, information is fluid and continuous improvement is emphasized throughout. Canon is a flat organization that values and entrust the experience of its staffs to do what is right in the organization. As of December 31, 2009 Canon staff strengths stood at 25,683 globally. It is has highly technical and talented staffs. Canon recognises that learning and development is an important aspect of an organisation growth and development (Sadler-Smith, E 2006, p.2), it has invested on training its staffs and this has leads to an improved skills and knowledge by its staff and in particular area of staff expertise. Canon approach to the articulation of its value is based on aligning individual and organisational goals. Therefore with well trained staff, Canon has developed the ability overtime to compete favourably in the industry. Canon has sustains a vitalised culture among its employee for a long period of time (Kono and Clegg 1998, p. 176). The company ability to ensure that its shared value are integrated into the company as a whole and that they are limited to the management levels explains its style and shared value. Furthermore, the style at which an organisation chooses to pursue its objectives is crucial to the successful realization of those objectives. The core values are foundational to everything that the company does, and organisational style of doing things is part of the core values. It helps defines how the employee, dealers and suppliers are going to help the company contribute to achieving the organisation vision. Canon is an organisation that prides on excellence and technology. Canon of invention is an invincible powerful force that gently nudges the workers into compliance with being continuously innovative. Canon marketing campaign often takes account the local consideration and languages. The kyosei corporate philosophy symbolizes the corporate value which is the shared value of the company. Kyosei means living and working together for the common good which embody the broader share value of the organisation All people regardless of race religion or culture, harmonising living an d working together into the future. 2.1.2 The Swot analysis of Canon This section involves the identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as regards to Canon. The SWOT analysis is a management instrument for developing structured response options to deal with external threats and exploit opportunities. 2.1.2.1 Strengths The unique concept and quality of the services offered by Canon is its one major competitive strength. It has been able to sustain this through its focus on inventions and also continuous management innovative reforms. Improved management quality refers to the achievement of real-time management that immediately puts into practise strategies based on well-horned decision-making process (The Canon Story, 2009/2010). The strength of the company to maintain its competitiveness also emanates from good customer relationship it has established with its customers overtime. It has succeeded in transforming the mindset of its employee to be focus on total optimization and profit and has thus enable the employees to relate to customers in an effective and efficient ways. In addition, it has multi skilled labour that cut across all segment of the organisation expertise and they are very effective in matching both the tangible and intangible company resources to its strategies. 2.1.2.2 Weakness Despite the fact that Canon is a global name, it has not extensively exploits other business areas and domains outside its traditional markets of Europe, United States, China and Japan. It should not only restrict its participation to exhibitions in markets outside its traditional zones, it has to be seen to establish production lines in such emerging economies like Brazil and South Africa. This has the potential of sustain its global competitiveness and these markets are rapidly growing with major global impacts. It will also bolster the company diversification process. 2.1.2.3 Opportunities Although, the company expansion into China is also applicable to all major brands in the imaging industry, Canon major opportunity for competitiveness stems from this expansion into Asian countries. In this light, it will be able to benefits from the rise in the demand for digital product in these countries. It bolsters its capability to capture growing demand worldwide for digital products. By focusing on China and other Asian markets, Canon can benefits from the growth potential of these rapidly emerging markets. 2.1.2.4 Threats The major threats to Canon in the industry are from its competitors products. There are intensive competitions among the major players such as Sharp, Toshiba, Sony, Samsung and others each striving for excellence. This creates intensive competition for substitutes products that Canon has to deal with. However, it should be noted that Canon is responding adequately by establishing fully automated production lines built around automated machinery and robot to sustain international competitiveness. 3.0 An examination of Canons strategic business growth In this section, the Ansoff Matrix is used to analyse the process of Canon strategic business growth. The Ansoff growth matrix is a tool for strategic business planning. Although, it must be used along with other decision making tools, the Ansoff Matrix is a tool that can be used to formulate growth strategy for business and market. Table 1 shows the matrix as developed by Igor Ansoff below: As shown in the above diagram, the matrix formulation considers two growth areas which could be the launch of a new or existing product in the markets and growth of a new or expansion of the existing markets. Therefore the growth strategies are developed based on the formulation of growth strategy for the business concerning the products and markets. These are: One, existing product in an existing market, which is indicated as market penetration. Two, new products in an existing market, this is indicated as product development. Three, existing product in new markets, this is market development, and four, new product launch in new markets which is the diversification strategy. Canons Ansoff Matrix 3.1.1 Market Penetration The market penetration strategy of Canon is focus on selling the existing product in existing markets. The company in selling its existing products in the markets can embark of product price cuts in other to increase the sales in existing products. The primary objective is to continue to achieve higher market share in existing markets which of course involve improving the elements of the marketing mix. 3.1.2 Market Development This will involves launching the existing products into a new market overseas or targeting new segments in the home market. For example, Canon launch its products in various countries with different purchasing powers therefore the company will have to match the cost of production of their product in competition with others existing business in the same county. 3.1.3 Products development This simply involves the development of a new product for their loyal customers in the existing markets. This mainly is been carried out by creating new products with modified feature to attract customers. Canon uses this as strategy of continuously developing and upgrading its products while at the same time aiming to ensure the loyalty of its customers. 3.1.4 Diversification Diversification involves that Canon enter a new market with completely new products. This strategy may be suitable for Canon as it has gained a market share in established markets and are seeking new growth opportunity of business which has reach saturation in their markets. Therefore, it can invest completely in new areas as it is doing now medical imaging and other advanced technologies. 4.0 An evaluation of overseas opportunities for Canon The PESTEL framework is used here to analyse Canons overseas opportunities and its suitability for overseas market entry. The market environment where an organisation stands contains both the micro and macro aspects of the environment. PESTEL is used to analyse the macro environment and to indentify the key drivers of change affecting customer buying behaviour in the photography and imaging industry. The PESTEL framework for Canon in three countries is first tabulated below before the short analysis is done. Factors (PESTEL) China USA Brazil Political Attract Investment Investment friendly Attract investment Economic High consumer demands High consumer demand High consumer demand Social Rapidly expanding middle class Large middle and buoyant middle class Growing middle class Technological Growing rapidly Established Growing Environmental Conducive Conducive Conducive Legal Unstable Stable Stable Table 2: PESTEL Analysis The above table shows a simple evaluation of how the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors affect Canon business expansion in three countries. In terms of the political factor, China, USA and Brazil political environment are conducive for investment. They are attractive for investment and as such there is opportunity for expansion by Canon. In China, the economy has been growing between 9%-11% every year since the 1980s. Chinas rapid economic growth is reflected in a high concentration of Ultra-High Net Worth Individual (Ultra-HNWIs); it raises the peoples standard of living. This is also similar to Brazil where consumers purchasing power is on the increase. Therefore the Chinese economic development over the past three decades, Brazil growing consumer consumption and United States large middle class are indications of market opportunities for Canon. The rapidly and upper class in China seeks to enhance its identity and quality of life with luxury goods which is a good opportunity for Canon as its concentrates into high-tech products. China is not only an attractive market because of its large population, Chinese consumer markets is increasingly tending towards high-tech products. The growing demand for medical imaging products in China is an opportunity that Canon has to tap into. In regards to the environmental factors, a keenly awareness of the industry, market, trends, demographics and burgeoning technologies is important for Canon strategic business development. For instance, there is growing global need for technology that protects the environment and as such Canon can seek to expand its capacity in this area. The tremendous opportunities that springs from globalization should be balanced by the need to remain vigilant of changes in the societal, political and business climate of the world at large. While the existing laws in China which is in various jurisdictions governing issues such as taxes, personal privacy of China is uncertain and unstable, the legal factors in USA and Brazil are very conducive for Canon rapid business growth and expansion programmes. 4.1 Canon market entry strategy The market entry strategy pursue by a company depends on its vision, the company attitudes towards risks and importantly the available investment capital. The level of risks and financial rewards increases as a company moves from market entry strategy such as exporting to joint venture to licensing and ultimately to direct investment. Canon evaluates the revenue channels such as licensing, investment and strategic alliances/partnership and uses that as a market entry strategy with minimal risks. A firm choice of mode of entry to a market is central to the implementation of its international strategy (Pehrsson, 2008). Canon has often taken a broad approach to international market entry. This is because most of its products are often available through distributors in many major capitals. It makes the company an already existing entity even before any major entry into such markets. With the advantage of first player in the market, Canon has build up a strong reputation to maintain market position. However, when existing company seeks to enter developing markets, there are additional strategies and issues to address. Canon usually replicates its style and the strategy that have serves it well without significant adaptation. Therefore, Canon normally enters new markets with the objectives of achieving greater market penetration. Largely, this approach has been successful for the company in China.