What do Investors Look for in a Business Plan Dos and Donts in a Thesis

What do Investors Look for in a Business Plan Dos and Donts in a Business Plan - Thesis Example This analysis supports the entrepreneur in his decision on what to do next in the process of execution. Thus planning reveals whether it is justifiable to continue with the venture or abandon it. This makes business plans one of the most widely regarded aspects of pre-startup planning (Honig & Karlsson, 2004). The value of planning cannot be questioned because most investors wish to see a business plan first which helps them decided whether to invest or not (Mason & Stark, 2004). However, entrepreneurs, being young and inexperienced, are unable to define their businesses in line with the business plans. The poor business plans that they draw up do not reflect their business objectives. Because of the lack of knowledge and information the business plans do not reflect the mission, objectives, plan of action and financial projections in a manner to attract investors. These challenges lead to greater issues and may even lead to abandoning of projects. They may realize that lack of planning is the cause but by this time they have ended burning up valuable resources such as time and money. A business plan defines how the venture is expected to operate in the current environment. A business plan is essential for both internal and external purposes. Entrepreneurs may have brilliant ideas to start a new venture. They may also have the resources to implement their ideas. However, unless the ideas and plans are compiled together it could soon become confusing for the entrepreneurs as well. Planning is an opportunity evaluation and is important for an entrepreneur who is faced with the decision to enter the market. Therefore, a business plan is absolutely necessary to start a new venture, to attract investors and more importantly, to make the entrepreneurs aware of what they expect to achieve from their business activities. Awe (2006) refers to the Webster definition of an entrepreneur and describes it as â€Å"one who organizes, manages and assumes the risks of

Female Sexuality in short stories by D. Updike and S. Minot Essay

Female Sexuality in short stories by D. Updike and S. Minot - Essay Example In David Updike's story "Summer", one of the main characters, Homer is attracted by the girl whose name is Sandra. Her sexuality is in her innocence. She is a naà ¯ve girl and her purity appeals for male’s interest. A girl from â€Å"Lust† has different sexual features. She is more experienced girl and it looks like she is searching for the essence of her sexual charm. Thus, both authors consider female sexuality from different perspectives. These girls are prototypes of the blessed woman and the strange woman, if to describe them in terms of religion. The literary techniques used by the authors are developed with regards to the specific sexual features they want to show. Thus, Sandra’s naà ¯ve nature is underlined by the color of her skin: â€Å"[when Sandra] first came in her face was faintly flushed, and there was a pinkish line around the snowy band where her bathing suit strap had been, but the back of her legs remained an endearing, pale white† (Updike). Thus, â€Å"pinkish skin†, â€Å"faintly flushed† face underline that the girl is naà ¯ve and innocent. Sandra’s manner to dress is another feature that characterizes her as an innocent little girl, as a virgin. She wears her nightgown and pulls it to her chin while reading at night. In other words, she is conservatively dressed up like a shy little girl. Moreover, the author prefers to use a descriptive manner of writing, metaphors, figurative expressions etc. In such a way he wants to show the abundance and uselessness of figurative lite rary means on the background of innocence and naà ¯vetà © of his main heroine. She is pure and innocent and there is no need to describe her by means of excessive usage of figurative literary means, it is much better to focus on her white skin and purity of her intentions. Minot’s heroine is a victim of her own sexual impulses. It looks as if this girl felt a necessity to be emotionally dependant on her partners. She explains it in a superficial manner: "I thought the worst thing anyone could call you was a cock-teaser. So, if you flirted, you had to be prepared to go through with it. Sleeping with someone was perfectly normal once you had done it (Minot)." Thus, having sex for her is, on the one hand, a normal behavior. But on the other hand, it should be noted that this girl was wandering along labyrinth of her sexual fantasies and could find no exit. From this perspective, this girl is still a â€Å"spiritual virgin†, while her sexual contacts concern her body, but not her soul. In this case, her abundance of sexual life is a self-protection strategy against a cruel world. It looks like this girl is fighting against her another Self. She is a victim of her inner turbulence: â€Å"Their blank look tells you that the girl they were fuck ing is not there anymore. You seem to have disappeared (Minot)." Thus, this girl cannot even identify herself as a personality. She guesses, if she is present or not and who she really is. The authors’ techniques of narration correspond with their main characters way of behavior. For example, Updike perfectly describes summer; he tries to make his readers

Cults Essay Example for Free

Cults Essay The word cult is often thrown around in todays society as a derogatory term towards religions that are not well known or have aspects that are contrary to mainstream religions. According to mainstream media, cults have been responsible for massive pact suicides, and their followers are incestual and polygamous. The mass media shows the leader as a manipulative person who controls his/her believers as they blindly follow, not knowing the trouble that will certainly find them . cult has become little more than a convenient, if largely inaccurate and always pejorative, horthand for a religious group that must be presented as odd or dangerous for the purpose of an emerging news story. (3) Douglas Cowan and David Bromley show the harsh reality of the way the majority of the media likes to portray cults, probably for better ratings. There are several main cults that are often referenced when researching the topic. The first being The Peoples Temple, the founder Jim Jones had a following of 912, that all died (including him) by cyanide laced drinks in 1978. This was known as the Jonestown Massacre, controversy surrounds it as it is debated hether or not it was a mass suicide or murder. Another commonly referenced cult is Heavens Gate, a UFO doomsday religion that ended in a 39 member suicide in 1997 when the group was attempting to leave earth because they believed it was about to be recycled. To learn and understand what a cult is, I will be define a cult, what features make a cult and who the people are that Join them, as well as discuss the founders of these religions. What is the definition of a cult? Depending on the intent of the author defining the word cult proves a difficult task. The scholars on the ubject of cults seem to have two different approaches when studying this topic. There are those who are a part of the anticult movement and often use the word cult in a negative fashion towards any religion that has formed in recent history. Those apart of the anticult seem to skirt around the subject of defining a cult or explaining what a cult exactly consists of. We are given the feeling as though they do not want to define it as they may cast an umbrella over other mainstream religions that have a similar form. It is even often used to describe popular trends that will upposedly not last, veganism is a term that has been described as a cult fad. You can see how it is almost always used negatively, or as something that has no real substance and will not stand the test of time like other religions have. In contrast, there are those who do not use the word cult but prefer the term New Religious Movements. These scholars have a more objective opinion, and use New Religious Movements to represent fascinating glimpses into the way human beings construct religious meaning and organize their lives to give shape to religious experience. (Cowan, Bromley, 3). It is important to be subjective when using the word cult and for purposes of this paper I will define cult in my own words and state that there is a difference between cults and New Religious Movements. A cult is a form of religion that is deceitful towards its own members with the leader abusing their powers. Although there have been many mainstream religions that have had a leader abuse their powers, it is necessary to point out the ditterence, which is that in a cult the head of the religion is the source of all their religious knowledge and do not have other ways of getting to know the religion without them. In comparison, mass religions have many leaders, many forms of knowledge and you can attain religious beliefs through many forms, not only the one source. Keeping in mind that using the word cult subjectively is imperative to this process, it is still easy to find movements that can be categorized under my own definition of the word cult. These would include the previously mentioned religions of The Peoples Temple and Heavens Gate. When looking at these and other cults there are often many characteristics that they do have in common. It is typical for the cult to have only one leader, .. ho claims divinity or a special mission entrusted to him from Above. (Harrison, 19) A lot of cult leaders use the money from the followers for personal profit. There is a major sense of belonging that comes along with being a part of a cult. There are many religions that also share this but cults often want their members to have this feeling with them alone, and discourage involvement with others who are not in their religion. One author that I found that was willing to at least describe a cult relationship for the purposes of her book was Singer. SHe says there are three actors to cultic relationships, using that term better describes his viewings of interactions that go on in cults. The three factors are as follows: 1. The origin of the group and role of the leader 2. The power structure, or relationship between the leader (or leaders) and the followers 3. The use of coordinated program of persuasion (which is called thought reform, or, more commonly, brainwashing) (7) You can see from the quote that this cultic relationship isnt Just solely related to religion alone, Singer includes cults that are formed around doctrines, theories and pr actices, but states that other esearchers may not identify this exactly as she does. According to the scholars of new religious movements, .. roups that are labeled cults often closely resemble a variety of conventional organizations in which these same characteristics are accepted as legitimate or necessary: communes and intentional communities, convents, monasteries, and other high-commitment religious societies, multilevel marketing organizations and armed forces training and combat units (Bromley, Cowan, 5). There could be many reasons why a person would Join a cult, they could e the same reasons one Joins any faith based group; a person is looking to belong, or meet others with similar morals. A prime reason why a person would Join a cult is that they are not doing this knowing that what they are becoming apart of is in fact a cult. Cults often are established off of a Christian based structure with similar values, and practices. A person may attend a cult thinking it is another sect of Christianity. Members of a cult learn ways to recruit new members, a typical form of recruiting is called love-bombing, where members seek out non-members and shower them ith many forms of attention and affection. Basically, being extremely nice to others with the intent on conversion. Anticult members are quick to let the public know that recruiting for cults can happen anywhere, on campus, on buses and trains, or on the street, letting us know that we can be recruited literally everywhere. In actuality it looks as though most recruitment for cults is done through family members or close friends. When seeing that it is family and friends who do the majority of converting it is easy to see now people would Join. It is not as though the trusted group are trying o harm others by recruiting, they are trying to help and see that others are also going to find the truth in a sense. It is similar to the common practice of missions trips that many Christian religions take part in where they travel to underdeveloped parts of the world, converting people to Christianity and also helping the community in some way. The difference being, hopefully no abuse of power or deceitfulness by the religion. It isnt always understood why one does Join a cult but it is probable to say each individual has their own personal reasons why, and somehow in a way that eligion is giving them whatever it is they may be looking for. Friends? Belonging? Maybe they dont agree with morals of other religions and this cult matches up with the lifestyle that they lead. There is a lot of information pertaining to the large numbers of youth attending cults and New Religious Movements, particularly between the ages of 18 and 22. Lorne L. Dawson describes the demographic of youth as the typical All American boy or girl. A profile of the typical cult member reveals that he or she is white, middle or upper class, with at least some college education and nominally religious upbringing. 85) It might seem surprising that a lot of followers come from this kind of back round, but when looked at a little more in depth you see that often these young adults have either parental issues or have had some sort of middleclass failures. Those with problems in communicating with their parents often look to the leader of the cult for guidance and use them as a parental fgure. Those have failed according to middle class norms seem to be searching fo r validation. A lot of followers Join the cults in times of vulnerability and much needed support from others. While you can say that almost everyone has come from back ounds where they have felt vulnerable at points and needed the support of others, it seems imperative that cults cling on to those who have these types of issues going on as well as the added factor of age to convert potential members. The time of young adulthood is when most people are beginning the process of learning who they are and to have a supportive, flattering, group surround them can be very influential to their life. For most cults there is only one leader although this is not always true, using the examples from earlier, Heavens Gate had two leaders; Marshall Applewhite nd Bettie who liked to be called Ti and Do. Often the leader(s) starts this religion after some form of miraculous religious conversion where they may have had a near death experience or a vision, there are many different stories of leaders getting the call to prophecy. The leaders of cults are always charismatic, and seem to have all the answers. In a time in peoples lives when they are looking for affirmation it is easy to be drawn to someone who knows it all, and can give the yes and no answers. The leader forms very personal relationships with his followers, which sometimes turns sexual. As cults grow the leader is not always able to be so intimate with each member, and this can become problematic for the cult. In response when cults members become larger, the leader will start to segregate himself from the following, only allowing access to certain members who have earned that right. The leader becomes a sort of local celebrity in the eyes of the followers, and like celebrities, their fans stand by them even when arguments against their religious beliefs become even more valid. It is hard to say why a person may start a cult, money could be a huge contributing factor. Or the idea of a group of followers hanging onto every word d by the tounder may be exactly what a true narcissist is looking tor. Out ot all the New Age Religions it is hard to exactly pin point out which ones can be classified as a cult, in history, different Christian denominations have been labelled as cults and paid a price for it. In the nineteenth century The Salvation Army was labelled as a cult and its members were stoned, now it is viewed as a respected and legitimate faith base. So to stamp a religion that hasnt been researched to its full extent can be harmful, and not fair to its members. To be close minded to the idea of new religious movements could erase the idea of religion altogether, as many religions are stuck in the past and not embracing the progressiveness of the times. If a religion is not abusing their powers or being harmful to its members who is to say that it cannot be fulfilling for someone who is looking for more in their life and doesnt connect to mass religions? It is important to teach people to be able to question ideas and to critically think on new and old perspectives, hopefully by doing so people will not so easily be a part of such self-destructive religious groups. I work in the field of homeless and mental health and have met many clients who see themselves as closer to God than the rest of humankind so it is very plausible to me for cult leaders to truly believe that what they are doing is the right way to live, and the only way to live. All religions have outsiders who will say anything to bring that religion into a bad light, it is with great importance that we carefully and kindly dissect the true intent on all religions, not Just new age religions.

Components of Supply Chain Management (SCM) Essay Example for Free

Components of Supply Chain Management (SCM) Essay The main elements of a supply chain include purchasing, operations, distribution, and integration. The supply chain begins with purchasing. Purchasing managers or buyers are typically responsible for determining which products their company will sell, sourcing product suppliers and vendors, and procuring products from vendors at prices and terms that meets profitability goals. Supply chain operations focus on demand planning, forecasting, and inventory management. Forecasts estimate customer demand for a particular product during a specific period of time based on historical data, external drivers such as upcoming sales and promotions, and any changes in trends or competition. Using demand planning to develop accurate forecasts is critical to effective inventory management. Forecasts are compared to inventory levels to ensure that distribution centers have enough, but not too much, inventory to supply stores with a sufficient amount of product to meet demand. This allows companies to reduce inventory carrying costs while still meeting customer needs. Moving the product from warehouses or manufacturing plants to stores and ultimately to customers is the distribution function of the supply chain. Supply chain integration refers to the practice of developing a collaborative workflow among all departments and components involved in the supply chain to maximize efficiencies and build a lean supply chain. 2 Walmart’s Method of Managing the Supply Chain Walmart has been able to assume market leadership position primarily due to its efficient integration of suppliers, manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution to stores. Its supply chain strategy has four key components: vendor partnerships, cross docking and distribution management, technology, and integration. Walmart’s supply chain begins with strategic sourcing to find products at the best price from suppliers who are in a position to  ensure they can meet demand. Walmart establishes strategic partnerships with most of their vendors, offering them the potential for long-term and high volume purchases in exchange for the lowest possible prices. Suppliers then ship product to Walmart’s distribution centers where the product is cross docked and then delivered to Walmart stores. Cross docking, distribution management, and transportation management keep inventory and transportation costs down, reducing transportation time and eliminating inefficiencies. Technology plays a key role in Walmart’s supply chain, serving as the foundation of their supply chain. Walmart has the largest information technology infrastructure of any private company in the world. Its state-of-the-art technology and network design allow Walmart to accurately forecast demand, track and predict inventory levels, create highly efficient transportation routes, and manage customer relationships and service response logistics. 3 Benefits of Efficient Supply Chain Management Wal-Mart’s supply chain management strategy has provided the company with several sustainable competitive advantages, including lower product costs, reduced inventory carrying costs, improved in-store variety and selection, and highly competitive pricing for the consumer. This strategy has helped Walmart become a dominant force in a competitive global market. As technology evolves, Walmart continues to focus on innovative processes and systems to improve its supply chain and achieve greater efficiency. How to Manage the Bullwhip Effect on Your Supply Chain The goal of any supply chain is to get the right selection of goods and services to customers in the most efficient way possible. To meet this goal, each link along the supply chain must not only function as efficiently as possible; it must also coordinate and integrate with links both upstream and downstream in the chain. The keystone for a lean supply chain is accuracy in  demand planning. Unforeseen spikes in demand or overestimations of demand stimulate the supply end of the chain to respond with changes in production. Production and supply issues then impact the consumer end of the supply chain and the effects ripple up and down the chain. This is often referred to as the bullwhip effect. 1 What Causes the Bullwhip Effect? Supply chain management is a complex process. There are several issues that can lead to the bullwhip effect and those issues can be exacerbated by delays in transmitting information, and a lack of coordination up and down the supply chain. Some causes of the bullwhip effect include: Consumer demand swings Natural disasters that disrupt the flow of goods and services Overcompensation when addressing inventory issues Ordering processes, such as order batching, can also contribute to thebullwhip effect. Organizations may accumulate larger orders before processing them in an effort to reduce costs and create transportation economics. They may also wait to place larger orders to benefit from lower prices offered during a promotion. Demand forecasting manipulation is another cause. By padding the forecast to compensate for possible errors, the organization loses sight of true customer demand. Customers can also contribute to the bullwhip effect by engaging in shortage gaming during periods of short supply by purchasing more than they need. Additionally, customers taking advantage of liberal return policies can create problems with developing accurate demand forecasts. 2 How to Minimize the Bullwhip Effect The first step in minimizing the bullwhip effect is to understand what drives customer demand planning and inventory consumption. Lack of demand visibility can be addressed by providing all key players in the supply chain  with access to point of sale (POS) data. Suppliers and customers must then work collaboratively to improve both the quality and frequency of information communication throughout the supply chain. They may also choose to share information through an arrangement such as vendor-managed inventory (VMI). Eliminating practices that introduce spikes in demand, such as order batching, can also help. The higher order cost associated with smaller or more frequent orders can be offset with Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and computer aided ordering (CAO). Pricing strategies and policies can also help reduce the bullwhip effect. Eliminating incentives that cause customers to delay orders, such as volume transportation discounts, and addressing the causes of order cancellations or reductions can help create smoother ordering patterns. Offering products at stable and fair prices can prevent buying surges triggered by temporary promotional discounts. Special purchase contracts can be implemented to encourage ordering at regular intervals to better synchronize delivery and purchase. 3 Adopting Supply Chain Management Best Practices Using sound chain management processes and systems will result in the efficient flow of goods from a raw stage to the consumer while enhancing ROI for the company. Reviewing case studies and other resources detailing best practices can suggest opportunities for improvement. Adopting successful practices such as Walmart’s use of cross docking, or Dell’s process of bypassing the middle man by offering made-to-order computers directly to customers, can contribute to a lean supply chain and minimize the bullwhip effect. Reducing the bullwhip effect requires a thorough evaluation of organizational policies, measurements, systems, and practices. Based on the positive implications an efficient supply chain can have on costs, sales, profits and customer satisfaction, it’s an undertaking well worth the investment and effort.

Lab Experiment to Identify Unknown Compound

Lab Experiment to Identify Unknown Compound Abstract. The purpose of this experiment was to identify the unknown compound. The tests that were done to determine the identity of the compound include qualitative solubility tests, quantitative solubility tests, measuring solution conductivity, anion and cation test, flame test, and formation of precipitate. It was found that the compound had no smell, was soluble in water, and not soluble in toluene and acetone. The ions dissociated in the water, creating conductivity. When the ammonia test was performed no ammonia smell was produced. The flame test yielded a color that matched that of sodium bicarbonate indicating that the unknown compound contained sodium. The anion test for chloride proved to be positive, resulting in the summation that the unknown compound was sodium chloride. Introduction The group is employed by an Environmental Protection Agency to indentify a compound in the landfill in your home town. The group must also discover as many chemical and physical properties of the compound as we can. We need to devise two syntheses of the compound, and compare them for cost effectiveness, safety, and potential yield of the compound. To identify the compound, the physical properties (smell, color, and state) need to be established. Next, the qualitative solubility of the compound was tested in water, toluene, and acetone, which would determine whether the compound would dissolve from rain water or other chemicals that may be present in the landfill and create runoff. Conductivity was also tested with a voltmeter in order to determine whether or not the compound would be dangerous when dissolved in water. If the compound was conductive it would dissolve in water and produce an electric current. The flame test was performed to specify one of the elements. A solution of w ater and the element was used to place the nichrome wire in, and then the nichrome wire is placed into the flame. If the flame produces a color it is indicative of a certain metalloid ion or metal. A color is produced in the flame when the heat of the flame changes the metal ions into atoms which then become excited and produce light that can be seen with the naked eye. It is also important to analyze the presence of certain cations and anions using tests that identify the presence of the anions chloride and sulfate, and the presence of the cation ammonium. The anion tests for chloride and sulfate prove to be positive when a white precipitate forms and the ammonium test proves to be positive when an ammonium smell is produced. After all of the physical and chemical tests were performed, a solution of the unknown compound and a solution of what was deduced to be unknown compound were reacted with an acid (nitric acid), a base (potassium hydroxide), silver nitrate, potassium sulfate, and potassium nitrate in order to determine if they produce the same results. Gravimetric filtration was then performed with the known and unknown substance. A precipitate was formed using silver nitrate, which could then be weighed. After the filtration process, the unknown compound was then synthesized to produce a percent yield. Results TABLE 1 Physical Properties Test Color White State of Matter Solid Odor None Solubility in Water Soluble Conductivity 0.35 volts TABLE 2 Anion Tests Tests Performed Results Test for Chloride White Precipitate Formed Test for Sulfate No Reaction Test for Nitrate No Brown Ring Test for Carbonate Clear Test for Acetate Clear, Odorless TABLE 3 Cation Tests Tests Performed Reaction Results Test for Ammonium NH4Cl + NaOH Ã   Ammonium Smell No Odor Flame Test Bright Orange/Yellow Flame Sodium TABLE 4 Reaction Tests Type of Reaction Balanced Equation Reaction Acid NaCl(aq) + HNO3(aq) -> NaNO3(aq) + HCl (aq) None Base NaCl(aq) + KOH(aq) -> NaOH(aq) + KCl(aq) None Double Displacement NaCl (aq)+ AgNO3 (aq)-> AgCl (aq)+ NaO3(aq) Precipitate formed Double Displacement NaCl(aq) + K2SO4(aq) -> Na2SO4(aq) + 2 KCl(aq) None Double Displacement NaCl (aq) + KNO3(aq) -> NaNO3(aq) + KCl(aq) None TABLE 5 Gravimetric Analysis NaCl (aq) + AgNO3 (aq) -> AgCl (s) + NaNO3 (aq) Vacuum Filtration Trial # Amount of Precipitate Produced (grams) Percent Yield Known Trial 1 1.081 88.18 % Known Trial 2 1.196 97.56% Unknown Trial 1 1.211 98.78% Unknown Trial 2 1.185 96.66% Unknown Trial 3 1.170 95.44% TABLE 6 Synthesis Reaction Reaction Amount Produced (grams) Theoretical Yield (grams) Percent Yield HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq)Ã   NaCl (s) + H2O (l) 1.971 2 98.55% Discussion First, the physical properties of the unknown compound were observed and recorded. It was found that the compound was crystalline in structure, a solid, white, with no odor (Table 1). All of these properties suggest that the compound was ionic because ionic compounds do not have a distinct odor and are solid at room temperature because of their high melting points. The unknown compound was then tested for solubility in water, toluene and acetone. The compound was soluble in water, indicating the compound was a polar or ionic compound, and not soluble in toluene or acetone which eliminates it being polar or nonpolar. Therefore, this points to the compound being ionic. After the compound was dissolved in water, the conductivity was tested with a voltmeter, which produced a voltage of 0.35 volts proving that the substance is conductive since it is over 0.1 volts. This further proves that the unknown compound was ionic since only ionic compounds dissociate in water and create an electric current. The flame test was performed to determine one of the elements in the compound. Four known compounds, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium nitrate, calcium sulfate, and potassium nitrate were put under the flame test to compare the unknown to. When the unknown compound was put under the flame test it produced the same color as sodium bicarbonate, bright orange/yellow, indicating the presence of sodium (Table 3). The ammonium test was also performed to verify that the compound did not contain ammonia. No smell was produced when the unknown solution and sodium hydroxide were mixed, and a smell would indicate the presence of ammonia. Therefore, the compound was proven to contain sodium. When the anion tests for chloride and sulfate were performed, a white precipitate was produced from the chloride test, indicating the presence of chloride while the sulfate reaction created no precipitate indicating the absence of sulfate (Table 2). In addition, the unknown compound was put through a series of reactions along with what was believed to be the compound in order to compare the reactions to determine if they produce the same reactions. First sodium chloride, what is believed to be the unknown compound, and the unknown compound were reacted with silver nitrate, which produced a precipitate because it was a double displacement that produced AgCl which is not soluble in water. Sodium chloride and the unknown compound were reacted with potassium sulfate but produced no reaction because the products sodium sulfate and potassium chloride are both soluble in water. Sodium chloride and the unknown compound were then also reacted with potassium nitrate, creating a double displacement reaction which produces sodium nitrate and potassium chloride, which are also both soluble in water, therefore producing no reaction. When sodium chloride and the unknown compound were reacted with an acid, nitric acid, but the presence of the s odium chloride did not affect the pH of the nitric acid because it was an ionic compound. When the sodium chloride and the unknown compound were reacted with a base, potassium hydroxide, there was also no reaction or change in the pH of the potassium hydroxide because the sodium chloride is an ionic compound. Both the sodium chloride and the unknown compound produced the same results in every reaction further proving that they are one in the same (Table 4). Once it was found that sodium chloride and silver nitrate produce a precipitate when reacted, the reaction was used to produce a certain amount of precipitate which was then used in gravimetric analysis to see if both the known and unknown compound would produce the same amount of precipitate. The reaction that was filtrated was NaCl(aq) + AgNO3 (aq) -> AgCl (s) + NaO3(aq). The results from the known reaction were 1.77 grams of filter paper and 1.081 grams of precipitate alone, while the theoretical yield was 1.225 grams. The unknown reaction has yet to be found. The percent yield for the reaction was 97.56% (Table 5). A synthesis reaction was the final test preformed. The following chemical reaction occurred: HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) Ã   NaCl(s) + H2O(l). Once all of the water was evaporated out with the use of a hot plate, the precipitate was able to be weighed and the percent yield could be calculated. The reaction had a percent yield of 98.55% (Table 6). Conclusion After being employed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the group was able to identify the compound in the landfill. After all of the tests and reactions were performed, it was found that the unknown compound was sodium chloride. Its solubility in water, conductivity, and crystalline structure points to the fact that the compound is ionic. The positive flame test for sodium indicates that sodium is one of the elements in the compound because it produced a bright orange flame. The positive chloride test, when a white precipitate was formed, indicates that chloride is the second element in the compound. The unknown compound and sodium chloride were put through the same reactions and consistently produced the same results, further indicating that the unknown compound is sodium chloride. The gravitational analysis of the known and unknown substances provided similar results, backing up that the unknown substance was sodium chloride. The synthesis reaction produced a percent yield of 95.05%. Experimental Procedure: Physical Properties Tests 1. The physical state of the unknown compound was observed. This included the state of matter, smell (using the wafting technique), color, and structure. 2. A small amount of the unknown compound was placed in approximately 50mL of water and stirred to see if it would dissolve. 3. The same solution was used for the voltmeter and the conductivity was recorded. Anion Tests Chloride Ion Test Approximately 1 mL of the unknown solution was placed in a test tube and 1 mL of 6 M HNO3 was added. After that another 1 mL of AgNO3 was added. Whether a white precipitate was formed or not was recorded. If a white precipitate is observed, a chloride ion is present in the solution. Sulfate Ion Test Approximately 1 mL of the unknown solution was placed into a test tube and 1 mL of 6 M HCl was added. After that another 1 mL of BaCl2 solution was added to the same test tube. Whether or not a white precipitate formed was recorded. If a white precipitate is formed, sulfate is present in the solution. Cation Test Flame Test 1. The heat from the Bunsen flame was used to cleanse the nichrome wire. 2. A small amount of the unknown compound was placed onto the nichrome wire and held over the flame. The color of the flame was observed. Ammonium Test Approximately 1 mL of 6 M NaOH was added to 1 mL of the unknown compound solution. The waft technique was used to detect if there was any odor. If the smell of ammonia was present, there were ammonium ions present in the solution. Reactivity Tests Reaction with an Acid A solution with a small amount of unknown compound was mixed in 50 mL of water and a separate solution of a small amount of ammonium chloride and 50 mL of water. A small amount of the two solutions were placed in to two separate test tubes and a small amount of HNO3. Double Displacement Reaction A solution of a small amount of unknown compound was placed into 50 mL of water and a separate solution containing a small amount of sodium chloride and 50 mL of water. A small amount of the two solutions was placed into two separate test tubes and a small amount of K2SO4 was added into each test tube. The test tubes were then swirled and mixed. Double Displacement Reaction A solution of a small amount of unknown compound was mixed with a solution of 50 mL of water and a separate solution of a small amount of sodium chloride and 50 mL of water. A small amount of the two solutions were placed into two separate test tubes and a small amount of AgNO3 was added into each of the test tubes. The test tubes were then swirled and mixed. Double Displacement Reaction A solution of a small amount of unknown compound was mixed in 50 mL of water and a separate solution of a small amount of sodium chloride and 50 mL of water. A small amount of the two solutions were then placed into two separate test tubes and a small amount of KNO3 was added to each test tube. The test tubes were then swirled and mixed, and whether or not a reaction occurred was recorded. Reaction with a Base A small amount of unknown compound was mixed with 50 mL of water and a separate solution of a small amount of ammonium chloride and 50 mL of water. A small amount of these two solutions were then placed into two separate test tubes and a small amount of KOH was added. Gravimetric Analysis 1. A Buchner flask was used with a funnel placed over the top. 2. The filter paper was weighed and then wetted with water slightly. 3. The solution containing the precipitate was poured onto the filter paper and left until most of the liquid had seeped through. 4. The filter was then removed from the funnel and placed into an oven for 10 minutes until the precipitate and paper had completely dried. 5. The filter paper was then weighed with the precipitate still on top. The weight of the filer paper was subtracted from the new weight to obtain the most accurate result. 6. The procedure was completed three times with the unknown substances and twice with a known substance. Synthesis Reaction 1. Approximately 12.3 mL of ammonium hydroxide was mixed with 6.2 mL of hydrochloric acid in a beaker. 2. The solution was placed on a hot plate (under a hood) and allowed to boil until all of the liquid evaporated. 3. The remaining precipitate was removed from the beaker and weighed. References Cooper, M. M., Cooperative Chemistry Laboratories, McGraw- Hill: New York, NY, 2008.

Censorship - We Must Not Restrict Speech -- Argumentative Persuasive E

We Must Not Restrict Speech      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Racism, sexism and homophobia is growing on college campuses around the country.   In response, many universities have adopted policies that address bigotry by placing restrictions on speech. The alternative to such restrictions, many administrators argue, is to allow bigots to run rampant and to subject their targets to a loss of equal educational opportunity. The power of a university to eliminate bias on campus ultimately depends not on its ability to punish a racist speaker, but instead on the depth of its commitment to the principles of equality and education.   Many universities, under pressure to respond to the concerns of those who are the objects of hate, have adopted codes or policies prohibiting speech that offends any group based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   That's the wrong response, well-meaning or not.&nb...

The Debate on How Urban Middle-Class Identities Have Changed Essay

The Debate on How Urban Middle-Class Identities Have Changed â€Å"Materialism is the new karma†. (Pavan K Varma, 2005) Whilst numerical estimates of the Indian middle classes vary drastically, media images contribute to their portrayal as affluent consumers- participants in the IT boom in urban centres such as Hyderabad and those revelling in India’s status as a call centre â€Å"superpower†, particularly thought to symbolise a new urban middle-class. Varma’s quote encapsulates the astonishing effect mass culture is thought to have had upon Indian identity, especially those who occupy this middle ground of consumption. This spectrum ranges from the lower middle-class youth, such as the aforementioned call-centre workers whose parents often experience a very different lifestyle, to the upper middle classes whose educational heritage has enabled them to maintain their class status over a longer period. Hence it is clear that the notion of an â€Å"urban middle class† within the Indian context is uniquely problematic, being internally differentiated- encompassing great variet y in factors such as culture, language and religious belief, while of course attempting to reconcile the existence of the caste system as a further, but importantly distinctive form of hierarchy to class. As Fernandes notes, the very question of defining what Beteille termed the â€Å"most polymorphous middle class in the world†, itself represents a site of political debate in both academic and public discourses. Additionally there is a marked transition between what is considered the â€Å"old middle-classes† and the â€Å"new middle-class.† Whereas the former has its origins in the â€Å"colonial encounter†, the latter, since liberalisation policies initiated by Rajiv Gandhi in the 1980s came to fruition, has become increasingly defined by its consumption patterns, most apparent in an era of a global economy. Fernandes writes that this overwhelming focus on consumption has somewhat neglected the impact of structural socioeconomic changes in the middle classes.(Fernandes, 2000). At various points these intersect with shifting economic conditions, such as kinship changes affecting the upwardly mobile, however they are not always resultant of the status jock eying of these newly prosperous classes. (Vatuk, 1972). Thus while the transformative effects of liberalisation may appear to have directly visible effects upon t... ...m Press. (Forthcoming) L. Fernandes, Nationalizing 'the Global': Media Images, Cultural Politics and the Middle-Class in India. Media, Culture & Society, vol 22, no 5 (2000) L. Fernandes, Restructuring the Middle-Classes in Liberalizing India. Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle-East vol xx, nos.1&2 (2000) J. Harriss, The Great Tradition Globalizes: Reflections on Two Studies of "The Industrial Leaders" of Madras. Modern Asian Studies, vol 37, no 2 (2003) pp 327-362. W. Mazzarella, Shovelling Smoke: Advertising and Globalization in Contemporary India (2003) S.Nanda, Arranging a Marriage in India (1992) F. Osella and C. Osella, Social Mobility in Kerala (2000) Chapter 4 Michael Reder (Editor), Conversations with Salman Rushdie (2000) S. Tharoor, Charlis and I in India: from Midnight to the Millennium (1997) M. Van Wessel, 2004. Talking About Consumption: How an Indian Middle Class Dissociates from Middle-Class Life. Cultural Dynamics, vol 16, no 1 (2004) P. Varma, Being Indian: The Truth about Why the 21st Century Will Be India's (2005) S. Vatuk, Kinship and Urbanization in India: Kinship and in India. (1972) Chapters 5 and 6.