Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Qu preguntan en la entrevista de visa de novios (K-1)

La entrevista para la visa de novios K-1 es un paso fundamental que en buena parte determina su aprobacià ³n negacià ³n de este tipo de visa. La entrevista tiene lugar en una embajada o consulado de los Estados Unidos y es un requisito obligatorio para el novio o la prometida de un ciudadano estadounidense para el que se pide la visa K-1. Solo despuà ©s podrà ¡ ver estampado su pasaporte con la visa que le autoriza a ingresar a los Estados Unidos. Una vez en el paà ­s deberà ¡ casarse con el ciudadano que le patrocinà ³ en el plazo mà ¡ximo de 90 dà ­as e iniciar un proceso de ajuste de estatus, para asà ­ completar la tramitacià ³n de la tarjeta de residencia, tambià ©n conocida como green card. Este artà ­culo contiene informacià ³n sobre preguntas que generalmente los oficiales consulares realizan a los prometidos de ciudadanos. No tienen por quà © ser iguales, pero son de ese tipo y buscan lo mismo: asegurarse de que la relacià ³n entre los novios es verdadera y no se trata de un fraude para ingresar asà ­ a los Estados Unidos y obtener los papeles.   Asimismo, se aclaran los requisitos de entrevista para los nià ±os para los que se solicita una visa K-2. Ejemplos de preguntas para la visa de novios K-1 Los dos novios tiene que presentarse, el dà ­a y a la hora que se les cite, en el consulado al que corresponda tramitar este tipo de documentos en el lugar en el que vive el prometido o prometida extranjero. Entre las preguntas que puede es comà ºn que se realicen destacan: Preguntas sobre la relacià ³n Cà ³mo se conocieron, cuà ¡ndo y dà ³nde.Por quà © desean contraer matrimonio y que el novio/a extranjero/a se mude a Estados Unidos y cuà ¡les son los planes una vez se encuentre allà ­.Si quieren tener hijos.Quà © aficiones, hobbies, tienen en comà ºn y que disfrutan de hacer conjuntamente.Cà ³mo solucionan las peleas de novios.Quà © es lo que mà ¡s gusta del novio/a ¿Cà ³mo fue la proposicià ³n de matrimonio? ¿Hubo fiesta de compromiso o pedida formal de mano?Preguntas sobre el novio/a americano del tipo de cuà ¡ndo es su cumpleaà ±os, dà ³nde ha vivido, dà ³nde nacià ³, en quà © consiste su trabajo, etc. ¿Se ha estado previamente en Estados Unidos? Si la respuesta es afirmativa, se puede preguntar por cuà ¡nto tiempo y con quà © tipo de visa.Si los prometidos no comparten la misma religià ³n, es posible que se pregunte sobre cà ³mo se resolverà ­an las diferencias ocasionadas por las diferentes creencias.Preguntas sobre la familia del novio/a america no del tipo:  ¿cuà ¡ntos hermanos tiene?  ¿Dà ³nde viven sus padres?Si no se comunican fluidamente en el mismo idioma, esto tambià ©n serà ¡ probablemente objeto de preguntas.Cuà ¡ndo fue la à ºltima vez que se vieron los novios en persona. Preguntas sobre los planes de boda  ¿Se ha reservado ya el lugar del banquete? ¿Cuà ¡ndo se va a celebrar? ¿Quià ©nes son los invitados? ¿Puedo ver alguna tarjeta de invitacià ³n a la boda o alguna prueba de los planes que se està ¡n haciendo para la celebracià ³n del matrimonio? Y es que es muy importante insistir en que la boda tiene que celebrarse antes de que transcurran 90 dà ­as a contar desde el momento de ingreso a Estados Unidos con una visa K-1. Si no hay matrimonio con la persona que patrocinà ³ la visa, la persona extranjera tiene que salir de los Estados Unidos. Ninguna pregunta es particularmente extraà ±a. Siempre y cuando se trate de dos novios de verdad generalmente no hay mayores problemas para responder a las preguntas del oficial consular que conduce la entrevista. Reglas para la entrevista para los solicitantes de una visa K-2 Los K-2 son los hijos solteros menores de 21 aà ±os de una persona para la que se pide la K-1 de prometido.   No hay reglas fijas que regulen la entrevista. Y asà ­, depende de las normas internas de cada consulado decidir si se entrevista a los nià ±os o no. Por regla general puede decirse que los mayores son entrevistados y los mà ¡s pequeà ±os no. Si hay entrevista las preguntas mà ¡s comunes tratan de averiguar si el nià ±o conoce al ciudadano americano que se va a convertir en su madrastra o padrastro y cuà ¡les fueron las circunstancias y preguntas semejantes. La visa K-2 se pide para hijos biolà ³gicos, adoptivos o hijastros de personas para las que se solicita la visa K-1. Pero es imprescindible que la persona que es la K-1 tenga custodia legal de esos nià ±os y, si la comparte, tenga el permiso del otro progenitor para sacar los nià ±os del paà ­s de su paà ­s de residencia y llevà ¡rselos a vivir a los Estados Unidos.   Quià ©n toma la decisià ³n de conceder o rechazar la visa K-1 y K-2 El oficial del consulado que tramita la visa tiene la palabra final sobre la aprobacià ³n del mismo. Puede negarla por mà ºltiples razones. Por ejemplo, si cree que la relacià ³n es fraudulenta y su à ºnico fin es obtener los papeles. Otra causa es que el ciudadano patrocinador no tiene ingresos suficientes para mantener a su novio. Y otra razà ³n puede ser que la persona para la que se piden los papeles sea inadmisible. Es decir, que no pueda obtener la tarjeta de residencia. Quià ©n puede solicitar la visa de novios Recordar que esta visa, tambià ©n conocida como de prometido, sà ³lo la pueden solicitar los ciudadanos americanos para sus parejas para que à ©stas puedan viajar a Estados Unidos con la finalidad de contraer matrimonio en los 90 dà ­as siguientes a su ingreso al paà ­s.   Es decir, los residentes permanentes legales no pueden pedir a sus novios, ya que las categorà ­as de personas para las que pueden pedir los papeles es mucho mà ¡s limitada que la que existe para los ciudadanos. Recordar que dentro del tà ©rmino ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos està ¡ incluida la categorà ­a de puertorriqueà ±os. Ademà ¡s, resaltar que esta visa la pueden solicitar los estadounidenses para sus parejas de otro sexo, es decir, las heterosexuales, pero que tambià ©n pueden pedirlas gays, lesbianas, bisexuales y transexuales para contraer matrimonio con una persona de su mismo sexo. Consejo y alternativas a la visa K-1 No hay porquà © estar nervioso ante la entrevista. Si la relacià ³n es verdadera lo mà ¡s probable es que los novios sepan quà © contestar a cada una de las preguntas. En todo caso, puede ser aconsejable repasar conjuntamente las respuestas a las preguntas mà ¡s comunes. En cuanto a las alternativas a la K-1 la que se le ocurre a mayor nà ºmero de personas es la de ingresar a Estados Unidos con visa de turista y despuà ©s casarse. Esto no està ¡ prohibido pero puede dar lugar a muchos problemas migratorios si la intencià ³n es quedarse en el paà ­s y arreglar los papeles. Por otro lado, si la pareja està ¡ ya casada legalmente, aunque el matrimonio se hubiera celebrado fuera de Estados Unidos, los ciudadanos siempre pueden realizar una peticià ³n de residencia por matrimonio o, en casos mà ¡s excepcionales, solicitar una visa K-3 para su cà ³nyuge. Finalmente, tener en cuenta los problemas que pueden surgir si el ciudadano que quiere una green card su pareja no ha residido recientemente en los Estados Unidos.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

The Odyssey And The Hitchhikers Guide To The Odyssey

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Odyssey The model of The Hero’s Journey has been used in a multitude of ways through the development of literature. This famous plot line describes the series of epic events that a hero faces throughout the story to ultimately find the solution to a problem. As shown in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams, and The Odyssey, by Homer, The Hero’s Journey has guided authors to write their stories in the past and even today. Odysseus and Arthur Dent, described by Homer and Douglas Adams, both possess heroic characteristics and display these as they venture though their worlds. The two characters face similar challenges, and while they handle their quests differently, the tales are similar in the†¦show more content†¦At the beginning of the Odyssey, Odysseus had been gone from home for ten years as a result of the Trojan war. Both heroes begin their journey in their ordinary worlds. Fortunately, stories a re made exciting by having characters venture out of their comfortable and loving homes and into dangerous and unknown territory. A critical part of the hero’s quest is when he or she crosses into the unknown world. Homer demonstrated this step in his epic poem by having Odysseus finally being freed off Calypso’s island. Calypso was a beautiful nymph who trapped Odysseus on her island for seven years. â€Å"Though have been detained long by Calypso, loveliest among goddesses, who held me in her smooth cave, to be her heart’s delight,† (Homer p. 1047). Odysseus is freed by praying to Zeus and Athena who let him start his journey home. In Douglas Adams’s novel, there is a much more futuristic threshold crossing. When the Vogons, an alien species, come to destroy Earth, Ford Prefect, one of Arthur’s mentors, managed to hitch a lift into a Vogon construction fleet ships just as the Earth was being demolished for an intergalactic highway. â€Å" Excuse me?† said Arthur. â€Å"Are you trying to tell me that we just stuck our thumbs out and some green, bug-eyed monster stuck his head out and said, ‘Hi fellas. Hop right in. I can take you as far as the Basingstoke roundabout?’† â€Å"Well,† said Ford. â€Å"The thumb’s an electronic sub-etha signaling device, the roundabout’s atShow MoreRelatedLife before Advanced Portable Technology601 Words   |  2 Pagestouchscreen devices have been many years in the making, In the 1966 television show â€Å"Star Trek Captain Kirk had the PADD (Personal Access Display Device) (Star Trek)† , â€Å"The 1968 movie 2001: Space Odyssey, there was a similar device called the Newspad† (Sande). A device by the same name was described in Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy aired on BBC radio in weekly segments, starting on March 8, 1978, and published in a novel in 1979 (Adams) History of the Tablet before the 2010 Explosion. Scientist started

Monday, December 16, 2019

Portfolios Free Essays

Using Portfolios to Assess Professional Competence and Development in Medical Laboratory Sciences Abstraction Background Portfolios have been recommended for the appraisal of professional development. To excite battle and assess professional development during research lab preparation, portfolio appraisal was proposed for the concluding twelvemonth BMLS and DMLT programmes in Kampala International University. Work Done The pupils undergoing clinical research lab preparation in learning infirmaries, and engaged in everyday research lab services under supervising of qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists, composed a portfolio detailing their day-to-day experiences, work done, and lessons learned. We will write a custom essay sample on Portfolios or any similar topic only for you Order Now Their supervisors and facilitators provided day-to-day feedback and endorsed their entries. The portfolios were examined at the terminal of preparation by module staff and external tester through unwritten presentation and interviews. Rating rubric considered quality of presentation, portfolio content, presentation of progressive development, and ability to do professional judgement. Students ‘ and assessors ‘ credence of this instrument was determined with questionnaire. Consequences 72 % of the pupils and assessors accepted the method. Many pupils reported that it improved committedness to preparation, encouraged contemplation, and allowed for frequent feedback. Many believed that it was a rational appraisal, but it was clip devouring. 88 % of the participants would welcome it as a addendum to the criterion trials. Decisions The portfolio appraisal was good accepted, rational, and provided a valid appraisal of pupil battle and patterned advance during professional preparation. Take Home Message The inclusion of portfolio appraisal in Medical Laboratory Sciences Education provided valid appraisal of pupils ‘ battle in preparation and professional development over clip. Introduction The usage of portfolios in wellness professions instruction has increased dramatically over the old ages. The enthusiastic credence of this rule is in portion born out of the of all time turning involvement in results based instruction in all divisions of wellness science.1 The course of study of most wellness scientific disciplines schools now emphasize reliable experiences, promote self way and contemplation in acquisition, and results based appraisal. Portfolios non merely stimulate professional development and brooding acquisition, they besides provide chance for self way, and avenues for feedback from faculty.2, 3 Portfolios have been recommended for the appraisal of professional development in medical education,4 and several studies document their successful usage in appraisal of competency at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.5,6 To excite battle and to measure professional development during clinical research lab preparation, portfolio development and appraisal was p roposed for the concluding twelvemonth Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences and the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology pupils of the Kampala International University, Uganda in 2008. This article reports the experience of the usage of portfolios to measure professional development in these programmes. Methods Institutional blessing for the survey was obtained from the IREC. Eighteen concluding twelvemonth pupils who were undergoing clinical research lab preparation in the instruction infirmaries at the Kampala International University Teaching Hospital Ishaka and the Mulago Hospital in Kampala and take parting in everyday day-to-day research lab work were requested to compose and keep a portfolio consisting inside informations of their day-to-day experiences, work done and lessons learnt during their preparation. Their supervisors and programme facilitators provided day-to-day feedback on their work and endorsed all entries. At the terminal of their clinical research lab preparation, the portfolios were examined by the four module staff and an external tester. The pupils were besides required to do a 15 proceedingss presentation based on the portfolio content, and take interview on lessons learned and overall impact of the preparation on their development. A evaluation rubric used for the appraisal considered the quality of pupil ‘s presentation, portfolio content, presentation of pupil ‘s progressive development over clip, and their ability to do professional judgement. Questionnaires were used to find the pupils ‘ and raters ‘ positions on the acceptableness, convenience, and utility of this method of appraisal. The informations were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Table 1: Rubric for the appraisal of the pupils ‘ portfolios Standard met Standard non met 1 Presentation was complete in 15 proceedingss 2 Quality of presentation 3 Student showed progressive development over clip 4 Student reflected on experiences and could do good professional judgement 5 Portfolio content was equal 6 Overall appraisal Base on balls Fail General remarks: Consequences The consequence showed that 70 two per cent ( 72 % ) of the pupils and assessors accepted the method as a valid and effectual agencies of measuring professional competency. Many pupils ( 15 of the 18 ) reported that it improved their committedness to the research lab preparation, and encouraged them to reflect on their day-to-day experiences. Both module and pupils reported that it allowed for frequent feedback and more battle in the programme. Many believed that it was a rational appraisal as it captured development over clip, but it was clip consuming and rather tasking on both pupils and staff. Eighty eight per cent ( 88 % ) were of the position that it should be a addendum and non a replacement for the standard written and practical trials. Discussion The development of portfolio as a tool for the appraisal of professional competency and development offers several advantages over the traditional criterion trials which to a big extent are reductionist and do non capture patterned advance over clip. Application of portfolio appraisal in Medical Laboratory Sciences instruction is non widespread and merely few studies are available in literature.7 This survey demonstrated that portfolio development and appraisal is good accepted by both staff and pupils in the medical research lab scientific disciplines programme of the Kampala International University. An of import facet of medical instruction is the matching of assessment methods with larning manner, as assessment thrusts larning. Portfolio appraisal aligns good with competence based instruction whose dogmas include learner centeredness, formative feedback, developmental procedure, contemplation, and multiple types and beginnings of assessment.3 This survey demonstrated this clearly as it promoted pupil /staff battle in the clinical research lab preparation programme, pupils ‘ ownership of their preparation, and reflective acquisition which are some of the advantages highlighted by similar old studies of the usage of portfolio in other programmes.8, 9 The survey besides showed that many of the survey participants would non welcome this signifier of appraisal as the lone manner of pupil appraisal. Rather it would be a valuable add-on to the traditional methods of appraisal of competency. The restrictions of this survey include the little sample size used for the survey. It is recommended that a larger sample of pupils be included in a more luxuriant survey perchance over a longer study period. To ease the load of appraisal, utilizing structured interview to measure the portfolio as recommended by Burch and Seggie 10 could be helpful. Decision: The usage of portfolios to measure pupils ‘ advancement and professional competency in Medical Laboratory Sciences is a welcome proposition. It should be used to supplement the criterion written and practical trials. Its advantages include stimulation of pupil battle, self way, brooding acquisition, and monitoring of advancement over clip. It is nevertheless seen to be clip devouring for the pupils. Its debut extends the methods of appraisal in Medical Laboratory Sciences. Mentions 1. Davis MHhttp: //informahealthcare.com/entityImage/ ? code=200B A ; zwnj ; , Amin Zhttp: //informahealthcare.com/entityImage/ ? code=200B A ; zwnj ; , Grande JP, O’Neill AEhttp: //informahealthcare.com/entityImage/ ? code=200B, Pawlina Whttp: //informahealthcare.com/entityImage/ ? code=200B A ; zwnj ; , Thomas R. et al.Case surveies in outcome-based instruction. Medical Teacher 2007 ; 29 ( 7 ) :717-722 2. Driessen, E. , Van Tartwijk, J. , Overeem, K. , et Al. Conditionss for successful brooding usage of portfolios in undergraduate medical education.Medical Education 2005 ; 39:1230 -1235 3. Carraccio C. Portfolio Assessment: The Key to Learner Centered-Education. Downloaded from: hypertext transfer protocol: //innovationlabs.com/r3p_public/rtr2/downloads/Portfolios % 20R3P % 20Group % 20Plenary.ppt. Accessed 13/01/2010. 4. Friedman Ban David M, Davis M H, Harden R M, Howie P W, Ker J and Pippard M J. AMEE Medical Education Guide No 24: Portfolios as a method of pupil appraisal. Medical Teacher 2001 ; 23 ( 6 ) :535-551 5. McCready T. Portfolios and the appraisal of competency in nursing: A literature reappraisal. International Journal of Nursing Studies 2007 ; 44 ( 1 ) :143-151 6. Izatt S. Educational positions: Portfolios: The following appraisal tool in medical instruction? NeoReviews 2007 ; 8 ( 10 ) : e405 7. Thom A ; eacute ; G, Hovenberg H, Edgren G. Portfolio as a method for uninterrupted appraisal in an undergraduate wellness instruction programme. Medical Teacher 2006 ; 28 ( 6 ) : e171-e176 8. Lim J L K, Chan N F, Cheong P Y. Experience with portfolio-based acquisition in household medical specialty for maestro of medical specialty grade. Singapore Med J 1998 ; 39 ( 12 ) : 543 – 546 9. Hadfield I, Murdoch G, Smithers J, Vaioleti L, Patterson H. Is a professional portfolio, as a record of continued professional development, the most effectual method to measure a physical therapist ‘s competency? New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy 2007, 35 ( 2 ) :72-83. 10. Burch VC, Seggie JL. Use of a structured interview to measure portfolio-based acquisition. Medical Education 2008 ; 42 ( 9 ) : 894-900 How to cite Portfolios, Essay examples

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Marketing Strategy and Analysis Global Resource Industry

Question: Discuss about the Report for Marketing Strategy and Analysis of Global Resource Industry. Answer: Introduction This is the case about one of the leading players in global resource industry. In this case we will conduct an external analysis of the firm along with determining the conditions that can help company in leveraging the growth opportunity. The macro environment analysis will also be conducted so that external environment of the company can be analysed deeply. The global resource company is thinking of expanding its operation in different areas, this case will help in identifying potential of the opportunity. This report is divided into few sections, Introduction, Firm Background, General overview, Growth Opportunity, Analysis. The report will discuss about the history of company along with providing the details, a growth analysis will be discussed along with the analysis of the opportunity. In this context the ratios of the company will also be discussed. Firm Background BHP Billiton is one of the leading companies in the global resources sector. BHP is among the leading producers of the world. BHP Billiton is the producer of the major commodities like iron, copper, and uranium ores since many years.It holds interest bothin the conventional andnon-conventional form of oil and gas as well as energy coal.BHP Billiton operates on a general strategy of owning and operating long life, large, expandable, and low cost and upstreamassets. The company diversifies by geography, market and commodity BHP Billiton has a portfolio of some of the best high-quality growth opportunities that continue to position BHP Billiton as a company that can fulfil the dynamic needs of the customers. The demand of the resources is increasing with the number of days and the company is effectively fulfilling the demand. BHP Billiton was started in the year 1851 and since then, BHP Billiton is providing help to the communities, industries and economies across the world. The company was formed after the merger of BHP and Billiton. BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary) was involved in the silver, lead and zinc mines of Broken Hill, Australia. Billitons roots can be traced back to 1851, it was a tin mine on the island in Indonesia.Billiton also became the global leader in the mining and metal sector(BHP Billiton, 2016) The BHP Billiton is operating in one of the biggest industries with Price volatility, geopolitical turmoil and rising costs. The industry environment is highly challenging but BHP Billiton is operating successfully with some of the best strategies and a business model. The major divisions in which the company operates are as follows: Minerals Australia Minerals Australia, a business division of BHP Billiton includes the operations in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales and South Australia. The focus is on the copper, coal, nickel and iron ore. Minerals Americas The headquarters of Minerals Americas is in Santiago, Chile. It is the biggest producer of metals such as copper concentrate, thermal coal zinc concentrate and iron ore. Petroleum The petroleum business includes the exploration, development, production as well as marketing activities. Marketing - The marketing division is responsible for all the market. Its function includes selling the products and purchasing the raw material(BHP Billiton, 2016). Global Locations Source: (BHP Billiton, 2016). BHP Billiton also contributes actively in the serving the community in which it works. It believes in contributing to the communities, nation and the regions by strengthening the society. BHP Billiton engages and advocates the important issues by supporting the targeted development of different areas in which they operate(BHP Billiton , 2016). Growth Opportunity The SMART goal of BHP Billiton is to expand its diamond exploration project in six months. The global resource sector has made significant contributions in the growth and development of the economies. There are number of growth opportunities that can be leveraged by the BHP Billiton. The opportunities however can be leveraged in the best possible manner if all the potential resources are integrated effectively such as finance and human capital(BHP Billiton , 2016) BHP Billiton has a pipeline of projects which are on their feasibility phase. There are total 29 projects with over an investment of $17.5B(BHP Billiton, 2015).These projects include the diamond exploration projects which are potential enough to provide higher revenues. The company can execute its marketing activities in the most innovative way by increasing the use of social media tools. BHP Billiton can outreach the customers with the help of promotional strategies that are used by the company for promoting its natural resources and commodities. The airborne survey tool of the company has also identified the opportunities in the diamond exploration sector. The technology group of the organization can coordinate in context of developing the revolutionary technology that can reduce the cost structure of exploring diamonds. The major technologies on which the team can work on for leveraging the opportunities associated with diamond exploration are an advanced form of bio leaching(BHP Billiton, 2015), Analysis In order to compliment the understanding of the overall general macro environment for BHP Billiton a PEST analysis is conducted below: Political factors BHP Billiton is one of the global resource companies that are susceptible to number of political risks factors prevailing in the global resource market(BHP Billiton , 2016) The political factors such as license to operate can potentially affect the ability of the company to execute its pipeline projects along with the diamond exploration projects(Reddy, 2001).Other political risks associated with companys diamond exploration are civil unrest, terrorism, changes in government policy etc. Moreover theMineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2002 has made several changes in the structure of mining and explorations. In future, the government has the potential to affect the operations of the company(BHP Billiton, 2016) Economic Factors BHP Billiton is also highlyinfluenced by the economic factorsespecially related to inflation in the energy costs, the costs of exploration, operation costs, labour costs and the material costs(BHP Billiton , 2016). The economic factors have the potential to adversely impact the expansion plans of the company. Moreover, the company presently is operating in an industry that is highly dependent on the recent strength of global commodities prices that are related with the health of the economy(Sadler, 2003). Moreover, as the operations of the firm are global and hence, it is also exposed to the risk of fluctuating currency valuations along with the general economic risks prevailing in the world. Any sort of weaknesses in the economies across the globe can cause a fall in the demand of diamond; this will eventually lead to an increased supply along with reduced prices which can further affect the companys profitability. For example, the company is heavily dependent on the economy of Chin afor over 16.8% of the company revenue which is $6.6b(BHP Billiton , 2016) Socio-Cultural Factors BHP Billiton is alsoinfluenced by some of the socio-cultural factors in context of starting the new operations such as diamond exploration(BHP Billiton , 2016).The socio cultural factors require that the company financially supports the local communities along with providing the resources such as roads, schools and housing. The new diamond exploration projects will also require the social approvals in addition to government approval(Hill Jones, 2008). Such approvals will also affect the profitability andthe new mining and exploration projects will require the approvals in the form of social approvals, which can further increase the development costs. Currently, the company has taken several steps that can improve the conditions of the workers along with improving the quality of life(BHP Billiton , 2016) Technology Factors BHPBilliton is also affected by the technological factors as new exploration and mining activities are evolving with the number of days. The company has to adopt some of the best ways of exploration and mining so that the exploration costs can be reduced. The investments in the technological sector are vital for the company. The technological investments will affect the key strategic drivers such as the exploration projects of the company and the world class assets(BHP Billiton , 2016) Financial (ratios) Profitability ratios Source:(BHP Billiton, 2015). By looking at the Return on Equity (ROE), it can be inferred that the money of the stockholders is being effectively used or reinvested for generating the income. The ROE of the BHP Billiton has shownvariation since last 5 years. ROE in year 2014 was 18.47% which is good sign. Net profit margin of the organization rose from 16.49% in 2013 to 20.58% in 2014. This rise in net profit margin can be because of tax rate cut. Operating income ratios Source:(BHP Billiton , 2016). This ratio helps the investors to make best decisions so as to analyse the effectiveness of the investments in the asset. There is the fluctuation in the total assets and fixed assets turnover. However, the performance of operating turnover ratios is good. Liquidity Ratio This ratio shows ability of firm to fulfill its short term liabilities. It can be seen that current ration of company in 2014 was 1.23. This is quite lower in comparison to industry average. The quick ratio of the company has also increased over the period of time showing rise in level of inventory. Solvency Ratio Source:(BHP Billiton, 2016). The interest coverage ratio of the firm hasrisen 38 times. This indicates that cost of capital has increased. Thus, there is need for company to look for sources of funds that are low cost. Competitors The global resource industry has number of competitors who can affect the operations of the company. The competitive rivalry among the competitors is high; this is because the companies involved in mining and exploring oil are competing intensely for having an access to the natural resources like diamond across several Continents. The industry life cycle includes the four stages introduction, growth, maturity and decline. The company is in its maturity phase, it will continue to be in this stage till it uses the best practise and strategies. Source:(BHP Billition, 2011). Some of the current competitors of BHP Billiton are as follows: Rio Tinto Rio Tinto is a leading company for global mining and metals. The focus of the company is on finding the sources along with mining and processing the minerals of the earth(Rrio Tinto, 2016).The company has the resources, capabilities and the people that can help in supplying the minerals and the metals. Some of the major industries are heavily dependents on the companies such as Rio Tintolike the construction, communication, transport and healthcareindustries(Rrio Tinto, 2016). Anglo American Anglo American is anotherglobally diversified mining business company. The company includes the world class mining operations. The company uses the latest technology to explore and process the minerals. The company operates in several products such as diamonds to platinum. It also includes the metals such as metals and copper(Anglo American, 2016). Potential competitors There can be two major potential competitors of BHP Billiton. The potential competitors have been given below: Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD) It is one of the leading producers of the important metals such asiron pellets, iron ore and other minerals. It is primarily owned by the Brazilian government. This company has played an important role in developing the resources especially in the region. The success of the company is based on the ability as well as the foreign expertise that can help in retaining the control(Republic of Mining, 2011) Alcoa Inc Alcoa Inc. is a leading American public company that is widely known for the manufacturing oflight-weight metals along with using some of the best advanced manufacturing techniques. It is the third largest producer in the world and is headquartered in New York City. The operational base of the company is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has operations in over 30 countries. It is specialised in the light weight metals(Alcoa, 2016). Source:(BHP Billition, 2011) Industry Porter Five Forces Analysis Bargaining Power of Buyers The force of bargaining power of buyers isin the range of moderate to low in the case of BHP Billiton. The prices of the metals and minerals are determined by the industry trends. Bargaining Power of Suppliers - BHP Billiton is highly affected by a high degree of bargaining power of suppliers. The overall costs of the suppliers are increased(Republic of Mining, 2011) Threat of New Entrants- The threat of new entrantsin the global resource industry is in the range of moderate to low. There is a lack of capacity related to natural resources and oil. Entering in the global resource industry high capital is required.(BHP Billiton , 2016) Threat of Substitutes-The threat of substitutes is also low. This is because less number of substitutes for raw materials products available.(BHP Billiton, 2016) Rivalry among Competing Sellers- The rivalry among the competing sellers in the market is strong because all the mining and oil companies are competing strongly,to gain anaccess tothe important natural resources across the globe(BHP Billiton, 2015) Key Success Factors There are key success factors that are helping the BHP Billiton to attain success in the highly completive global resources industry. These success factors are discussed below: Innovation The Companybelieves in innovation, the major functions and practices that help the company in gaining a competitive advantage are innovated. (BHP Billiton, 2016) Business practise The company has adopted the best practices related to human resource management, finance, exploration and mining(BHP Billiton, 2016) Corporate social responsibility The corporate social responsibility arm of the company is also one of the strong pillars of success for the company(BHP Billiton, 2016) References Alcoa. (2016). Produts and services. Retrieved September 17, 2016, from https://www.alcoa.com/india/en/home.asp Anglo American. (2016). We Create Value that Lasts. Retrieved September 17, 2016, from https://www.angloamerican.com/about-us/at-a-glance BHP Billition. (2011). Sustaianbility report. BHP Billition. BHP Billiton . (2016). Resourceing the future. BHP Billiton . BHP Billiton. (2015). Resourcing global growth. BHP Billiton. BHP Billiton. (2016). About us. Retrieved September 17, 2016, from https://www.bhpbilliton.com/aboutus/ourcompany/ourhistory BHP Billiton. (2016). Businesses. Retrieved sept 17, 2016, from https://www.bhpbilliton.com/businesses BHP Billiton. (2016). Global Locations. Retrieved September 17, 2016, from https://www.bhpbilliton.com/businesses/globaloperationsmap Hill, C. W., Jones, G. R. (2008). Essentials of Strategic Management. Cengage Learning. Reddy. (2001). Basic Structure Analysis. Tata McGraw-Hill Education,. Republic of Mining. (2011, June 17). Republic of mining. Retrieved sept 17, 2016, from https://www.republicofmining.com/2011/06/17/companhia-vale-do-rio-doce-cvrdvale-history-1942-1989-by-international-directory-of-company-histories/?doing_wp_cron=1474117304.2827050685882568359375 Rrio Tinto. (2016). About us. Retrieved September 17, 2016, from https://www.riotinto.com/about-us-108.aspx Sadler, P. (2003). Strategic Management. Kogan Page Publishers.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

McDonald V Santa Fe Trail Transportation

Table of Contents The Central Legal Issue The pertinent Facts Discussion Decisions made by the courts Case Questions The HRM Implications for future Reference List The Central Legal Issue The question in this case is whether Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1964 prohibits racial discrimination of employees in private organizations against whites plus nonwhites.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on McDonald V Santa Fe Trail Transportation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The pertinent Facts The pertinent issues in this case include discrimination against white employees which is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1964. The case is also based on the white employees, McDonald’s and Laird’s, participation in criminal activities, which in this case, is the theft of cargo meant for Santa Fe’s customers. Another pertinent issue is based on whether the case should be considered as a joint misconduct of the three employees or in terms of their individual participation in the criminal activity. Finally, it is also based on whether the participation of the white employees in the misappropriation of the cargo rendered them more unqualified for employment as compared to the black employee, Jackson White’s involvement in the same. Discussion The two white employees, McDonald and Laird, allege that they were discharged by their employer because of their race. On the contrary the employer argues that their dismissal was based on their involvement in a serious criminal offense which was against the company’s code of ethics. However, the most important factor in this case is whether the right procedure was followed to determine whether they were guilty of the offense or not, and whether their participation in the criminal act made them more qualified for dismissal by their employer than the Jackson White or not. It is possible that the district court might have o nly considered McDonald’s and Laird’s participation in a deliberate, unlawful activity, and not whether the employer used the conduct of his former employees to commit discrimination which is prohibited by Title VII. The argument in this case is why the white employees were discharged for their alleged involvement in criminal activity, while their accomplice was retained by their employer.Advertising Looking for essay on consumer law? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The petitioners in this case, McDonald and Laird, argue that a fellow employee who was also implicated in the same criminal offense was not equally punished, which according to them was because of his skin color, and therefore the employer discriminated against them because they are white. The pro of this argument is that it implies that Santa Fe found it logical to retain Jackson White because of his color, but reasonable to discharge McDonald and La ird for the same. It proves that the three employees were not judged on joint misconduct. This is against the provisions of Title VII. However, this argument overlooks each of the three employee’s personal involvement in the misappropriation of the cargo. The option available for this case is to reinvestigate deliberate and unlawful personal participation by each of the three employees in the misappropriation of the cargo. The results of the investigation are then used to prove or dismiss the employer’s stated reasons for the actions taken (Bennett-Alexander Hartman, 2004). Although this can be used to validate the truth in the arguments presented by both sides, it can not be used to compel the employer to reinstate the McDonald and Laird. Again, there is the option of passing judgment to dismiss all the guilty employees. This may help eliminate perceptions of racial discrimination; however, justice will not have been served in case Jackson White’s participatio n in the criminal activity was not deliberate. Decisions made by the courts The District Court had ruled in favor of the employer, stating that the claims brought forward by McDonald and Laird was not in accordance with the provisions of Title VII. The District Court therefore affirmed that their dismissal was based on their commission of the criminal activity. The Court of Appeal ruled that the District Court hard erred in rejecting McDonald’s and Laird’s Title VII claims against their employer. The court therefore reversed and remanded the ruling of the District Court, and ordered the District Court to reinstitute an inquiry into the claims brought forward by both parties. This judgment was made after finding that the District Court’s ruling was not consistent with interpretations of Title VII as regards to provisions on racial discrimination of employees in private organizations in relation to the claims brought forward by the petitioners.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on McDonald V Santa Fe Trail Transportation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Case Questions The District Court’s ruling is not consistent with Title VII. The ruling was held based on the two employees’ participation in a criminal activity while ignoring the possibility of racial discrimination. I fully agree with the employer’s isolate case argument. The employer considered level of personal involvement, as well as, deliberate participation in the misappropriation of the cargo. This case does not relate to affirmative action, but reveals instances where an employer may selectively discipline an employee regardless of his or her race as a result of misconduct. The HRM Implications for future This case implies that an employer should institute proper investigations to prove an employee’s allegations of misconduct or participation in a criminal activity. The actions taken aft er the investigation should be in line with the provisions of labor laws or Title VII, for employers within the United States of America. Reference List Bennett-Alexander, D. D Hartman, L. P. (2004). Employment law for business, 6th Ed. Boston: Irwin McGraw-Hill This essay on McDonald V Santa Fe Trail Transportation was written and submitted by user Silas Richards to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Meaning Behind the Phrase to Cross the Rubicon

Meaning Behind the Phrase to Cross the Rubicon To cross the Rubicon is a metaphor which means to take an irrevocable step that commits one to a specific course. When Julius Caesar was about to cross the tiny Rubicon River in 49 B.C.E., he quoted from a play by Menander to say anerriphtho kybos! or let the die be cast in Greek. But what kind of die was Caesar casting and what decision was he making? Before the Roman Empire Before Rome was an Empire, it was a Republic. Julius Caesar was a general of an army of the Republic, based in the north of what is now Northern Italy. He expanded the borders of the Republic into modern France, Spain, and Britain, making him a popular leader. His popularity, however, led to tensions with other powerful Roman leaders. Having successfully led his troops in the north, Julius Caesar became governor of Gaul, part of modern-day France. But his ambitions were not satisfied. He wanted to enter Rome itself at the head of an army. Such as act was forbidden by law. At the Rubicon When Julius Caesar led his troops from Gaul in January of 49 B.C.E., he paused on the northern end of a bridge. As he stood, he debated whether or not to cross the  Rubicon, a river separating  Cisalpine Gaul- the piece of land where Italy joins the mainland and at the time inhabited by Celts- from the Italian peninsula.  When he was making this decision, Caesar was contemplating committing a heinous crime. If Caesar brought his troops from Gaul into Italy, he would be violating his role as a provincial authority and would essentially be declaring himself an enemy of the state and the Senate, fomenting civil war. But if he  didnt  bring his troops into Italy, Caesar would be forced to relinquish his command and likely be forced into exile, giving up his military glory and ending his political future. Caesar definitely debated for a while about what to do. He realized how important his decision was, especially since Rome had already undergone a ​civil dispute  a few decades earlier. According to Suetonius, Caesar quipped, Even yet we may drawback, but once cross yon little bridge, and the whole issue is with the sword.  Plutarch reports that he spent time with his friends estimating the great evils of all mankind which would follow their passage of the river and the wide fame of it which they would leave to posterity.   The Die Is Cast The Roman historian Plutarch reported that at this critical moment of decision Caesar declared in Greek and in a loud voice, let the die be cast! and then led his troops across the river. Plutarch renders the phrase in Latin, of course, as alea iacta est or iacta alea est. A die is simply one of a pair of dice. Even in Roman times, gambling games with dice were popular. Just as it is today, once youve cast (or thrown) the dice, your fate is decided. Even before the dice land, your future has been foretold. Let the die be cast itself is an expression meaning roughly let the game begin, and it comes from a play called Arrhephoros (the Flute Girl), a comedy written by the Greek playwright Menander in the 4th century B.C.E. Menander was one of Caesars favorite dramatists.   When Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon, he started a five-year Roman civil war. At the wars end, Julius Caesar was declared dictator for life. As dictator, Caesar presided over the end of the Roman Republic and the start of the Roman Empire. Upon Julius Caesars death, his adopted son Augustus became Romes first emperor. The Roman Empire started in 31 B.C.E. and lasted until 476 C.E. Therefore, by crossing the Rubicon into Gaul and starting the war, Caesar threw the dice, not only sealing his own political future but effectively ending the Roman Republic and beginning the Roman Empire.

Friday, November 22, 2019

1st Triumvirate Timeline

1st Triumvirate Timeline Roman Republic Timeline:Â  First Triumvirate Timeline This 1st Triumvirate timeline fits within the End of the Republic time frame. The word triumvirate comes from the Latin for three and man and so refers to a 3-man power structure. The Roman Republican power structure was not normally a triumvirate. There was a 2-man monarchical element known as the consulship. The two consuls were elected annually. They were the top figures in the political hierarchy. Sometimes a single dictator was put in charge of Rome instead of the consuls. The dictator was supposed to last for a short period, but in the later years of the Republic, dictators were becoming more tyrannical and less amenable to leaving their position of power. The first triumvirate was an unofficial coalition with the two consuls plus one, Julius Caesar. Year Events 83 Sulla supported by Pompey. Second Mithridatic War 82 Civil War in Italy. See Social War. Sulla wins at Colline Gate. Pompey wins in Sicily. Sulla orders Murena to stop the war against Mithridates. 81 Sulla dictator. Pompey defeats Marians in Africa. Sertorius is driven from Spain. 80 Sulla consul. Sertorius returns to Spain. 79 Sulla resigns dictatorship. Sertorius beats Metellus Pius in Spain. 78 Sulla dies. P. Servilius campaigns against pirates. 77 Perperna joins Sertorius. Catulus and Pompey defeat Lepidus. Pompey appointed to oppose Sertorius. (See Pennell Chapter XXVI. Sertorius.) 76 Sertorius prevails against Metellus and Pompey. 75 Cicero quaestor in Sicily. 75-4 Nicomedes wills Bithynia to Rome. (See Asia Minor Map.) 74 Mark Anthony is given a command to take care of the pirates. Mithridates invades Bithynia. (See Asia Minor Map.) sent to deal with it. 73 Sparticus uprising. 72 Perperna assassinates Sertorius. Pompey defeats Perperna and settles Spain. Lucullus fights Mithridates in Pontus. Mark Anthony loses to Cretan pirates. 71 defeats Spartacus. Pompey returns from Spain. 70 Crassus and Pompey consuls 69 Lucullus invades Armenia 68 Mithridates returns to Pontus. 67 Lex Gabinia gives Pompey command to take rid the Mediterranean of the pirates. 66 Lex Manilia grants Pompey command against Mithridates. Pompey defeats him. First Catilinarian Conspiracy. 65 Crassus is made censor. Pompey in the Caucasus. 64 Pompey in Syria 63 Caesar elected Pontifex Maximus. Conspiracy of Catiline and execution of conspirators. Pompey in Damascus and Jerusalem. Mithridates dies. 62 Death of Catiline. Clodius defiles the Bona Dea. Pompey settles the East and makes Syria a Roman province. 61 Pompeys triumph. Clodius trial. Caesar is governor of Further Spain. The Allobroges revolt and the Aedui appeal to Rome. 60 Julius Caesar returns from Spain. Forms First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus. See also:: List of Consuls During the PeriodCaesar Timeline for other events in the life of Gaius Julius CaesarCaesar and the First Triumvirate Article