Free Essays on HRM Strategies

Company Background and Introduction Based in Oak Brook, Illinois, McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s Corporation is a family-oriented fast-food restaurant company. Since 1950s, McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s has revolutionized the fast-food business and has become one of the best and most well-known restaurant in the world. It serves 46 million customers at more than 30,000 restaurants in 119 countries everyday. In 1948, brothers Dick and Mac McDonald ran a drive-in restaurant with limited menu in San Bernardino, California. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a 52-year-old milkshake machine salesman, visited the restaurant and became amazed how great it was. He convinced the McDonald brothers to let him sell McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s franchises. Kroc opened his first McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. The McDonald brothers sold the company to Kroc for $2.7 million in 1961. Besides doing business, McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s did some charities to give back to the communities. In 1974 the company opened the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main purpose of Ronald McDonald House was to provide temporary housing for families of critically ill children who needed to stay in hospitals. Today, Ronald McDonald House Charities operate more than 200 houses in 19 countries. Strength Product Strategy From the original McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s restaurant operated by brothers Dick and Mac in San Bernardino, California in 1948, there were only nine items on the menu: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, three types of soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips, and pies. Soon French fries and milkshakes were added. In 1968 McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s restaurants began serving the Big Mac, a two-patty burger that became the company ¡Ã‚ ¦s flagship product and it was developed by Jim Delligatti who operated a dozen stores in Pittsburgh by the late 1960s. In 1973 McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s began serving breakfast. By the late 1980s, one-fourth of Americans who ate breakfast away from home did so at McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s. Also in... Free Essays on HRM Strategies Free Essays on HRM Strategies Company Background and Introduction Based in Oak Brook, Illinois, McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s Corporation is a family-oriented fast-food restaurant company. Since 1950s, McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s has revolutionized the fast-food business and has become one of the best and most well-known restaurant in the world. It serves 46 million customers at more than 30,000 restaurants in 119 countries everyday. In 1948, brothers Dick and Mac McDonald ran a drive-in restaurant with limited menu in San Bernardino, California. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a 52-year-old milkshake machine salesman, visited the restaurant and became amazed how great it was. He convinced the McDonald brothers to let him sell McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s franchises. Kroc opened his first McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. The McDonald brothers sold the company to Kroc for $2.7 million in 1961. Besides doing business, McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s did some charities to give back to the communities. In 1974 the company opened the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main purpose of Ronald McDonald House was to provide temporary housing for families of critically ill children who needed to stay in hospitals. Today, Ronald McDonald House Charities operate more than 200 houses in 19 countries. Strength Product Strategy From the original McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s restaurant operated by brothers Dick and Mac in San Bernardino, California in 1948, there were only nine items on the menu: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, three types of soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips, and pies. Soon French fries and milkshakes were added. In 1968 McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s restaurants began serving the Big Mac, a two-patty burger that became the company ¡Ã‚ ¦s flagship product and it was developed by Jim Delligatti who operated a dozen stores in Pittsburgh by the late 1960s. In 1973 McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s began serving breakfast. By the late 1980s, one-fourth of Americans who ate breakfast away from home did so at McDonald ¡Ã‚ ¦s. Also in...

Pelagornis - Facts and Figures

Pelagornis - Facts and Figures Name: Pelagornis (Greek for pelagic bird); pronounced PELL-ah-GORE-niss Habitat: Skies worldwide Historical Epoch: Late Miocene (10-5 million years ago) Size and Weight: Wingspan of 15-20 feet and weight of 50-75 pounds Diet: Fish Distinguishing Characteristics: Large size; long, tooth-studded beak About Pelagornis One of the enduring mysteries of natural history is why the flying prehistoric birds of the Cenozoic Era never quite matched the size of the pterosaurs, or flying reptiles, of the preceding Mesozoic. The late Cretaceous Quetzalcoatlus, for example, attained wingspans of up to 35 feet, about the size of a small planeso while the late Miocene Pelagornis, which lived about 55 million years later, was still impressive, its wingspan of only about 15 to 20 feet places it firmly in the runner-up category. Still, theres no overstating the size of Pelagornis compared to modern flying birds. This soaring predator was over twice the size of a modern albatross, and even more intimidating, considering that its long, pointed beak was studded with tooth-like appendageswhich would have made it an easy matter to dive into the ocean at high speed and spear a large, wriggling prehistoric fish, or perhaps even a baby whale. As a testament to this birds evolutionary fitness, various species of Pelagornis have been found all over the world; a new fossil unearthed in Chile is the biggest yet. So why couldnt prehistoric birds match the size of the biggest pterosaurs? For one thing, feathers are fairly heavy, and covering a larger surface area might have made sustained flight a physical impossibility. And for another, bigger birds would have had to nurture their chicks for longer periods of time before their hatchlings achieved maturity, which may have put an evolutionary brake on avian gigantism after Pelagornis and its relatives (such as the comparably sized Osteodontornis) went extinct, probably as a result of global climate change.

Environmental Analysis of Louis Vuitton Assignment

Environmental Analysis of Louis Vuitton - Assignment Example Environmental analysis of an organization is necessary to realize the impacts that several factors might have on an organization. Such analysis enables business organizations to identify the threats and opportunities and thus a company is capable of considering the effective measures accordingly (Jain, Trehan & Trehan, n.d., p.21). Macro environment of an organization refers to the environment external to an organization and includes factors like the political-legal environment, the technological state, and the socio-cultural environment. Micro environment on the other hand refers to the internal environment that includes factors like the organizational employees, the board, the consumers, the contractors, the competitions, the financial organizations associated with a business as well as the governmental impacts (Management: The Business Environment of Organizations, 2012). The present study has considered Louis Vuitton as the business to make a detailed learning on the organization ’s macro and micro environment thereby trying to reflect on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Louis Vuitton: An Overview: The Louis Vuitton fashion house has its name from the founder of the company, Louis Vuitton who was a fashion designer by profession. Initially he had been involved in manufacture of trunks in Paris and his company became famous for luxury goods. The luggage company along with its designer logo has made its presence successful and leading through its availability of luxury goods for its consumers, and products like books, perfumes, distilled spirits as well as designer clothing (Louis Vuitton, 2012). Purses, wallets and women bags as offered by the company are highly popular. Louis Vuitton Company merged with Moet et Chandon and Hennessy in the year 1987 that led to the creation of luxury powerhouse anagram LVMH. Ten years after this merger, the business started offering ready to wear products and other clothing (Label Overview, 2012). In the present times, the company is known to have its presence in several countries across the world that includes Japan, China and Asia among others . There are around 130 retail stores of the company in total across the world. With the passing years, newer ranges of handbags and accessories are being designed and presented by Louis Vuitton. The company focuses on creation of new, graceful, and sensible up to date luxuries with value. These primarily cater to those consumers who believe in style, and are aware of the latest designs being offered, thus following the up to date trends of fashion (Louis Vuitton (1821-1892), 2012, pp.16-28). Macro Environment Analysis of the Company: The macro environment analysis of Louis Vuitton would involve the relevant environmental trends in the external factors that might affect the company and its operations to achieve its desired goals and objectives. Economic Factors: The economic factors that may affect Louis Vuitton include the rates of interest, the changes in the systems of taxation, the rates of economic growths, the inflation rates and rates of exchange that are generally varied depe nding on different countries

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words - 3

Human Resource Management - Essay Example it is responsible for the development of people, the most vital element in identifying a strategic plan for future use and improving the operation of any organization. From my experience and reading, an HR specialist is only as good as his knowledge of people. For this reason I have seen many HR managers in some large companies who have attained at least a master’s degree. This level of qualification is important to HRM. I remember when the employment of the company was handled by the owner of company himself. The performance of organization at that time was very poor. Later on, a manager who specializes in Human Resource Management came along and the performance of all the departments improved. To sum up, all organizational departments depend on HRM to some extent and HRM skills becomes a main support of any organization. Collaborative work between HR and line managers is necessary but it is better to give each manager a specific function. Overlapping of function and powers may cause serious internal threats to an organization. Clear delineation of roles would lead to fewer objections that could work for the benefit of both workers and staff. Some of the external factors that affect Human Resource Management include economic factors surrounding the organization as well as the economic situation in the country. However, more important than economics is the education of the workforce because having qualified personnel assumes that each hired person has achieved education which qualifies him or her in that position. On the other hand, internal factors include the financial situation of the company which dictates to some extent its hiring limits compared to the marginal productivity of a person. Logistical support from senior management of the company also plays a key role as they must have smooth interpersonal skills with both clients and employees. Lastly, personal factors, which includes the satisfaction of the employee with his or her work along with the

Coffee Benefits Essay Example for Free

Coffee Benefits Essay Several studies comparing moderate coffee drinkers (about 2 cups a day) with light coffee drinkers (less than one cup a day) found that those who drank more coffee were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimers disease later in life. [2][3] [edit] Reduced risk of gallstone disease Drinking caffeinated coffee has been correlated with a lower incidence of gallstones and gallbladder disease in both men[4] and women[5] in two studies performed by the Harvard School of Public Health. A lessened risk was not seen in those who drank decaffeinated coffee. [edit] Reduced risk of Parkinsons disease A study comparing heavy coffee drinkers (3. 5 cups a day) with non-drinkers found that the coffee drinkers were significantly less likely to contract Parkinsons Disease later in life. [6]. Likewise, a second study found an inverse relationship between the amount of coffee regularly drunk and the likelihood of developing Parkinsons Disease. [7] [edit] Cognitive performance Many people drink coffee for its ability to increase short term recall and increase IQ[8]. Likewise, in tests of simple reaction time, choice reaction time, incidental verbal memory, and visuospatial reasoning, participants who regularly drank coffee were found to perform better on all tests, with a positive relationship between test scores and the amount of coffee regularly drunk. Elderly participants were found to have the largest effect associated with regular coffee drinking. [9] Another study found that women over the age of 80 performed significantly better on cognitive tests if they had regularly drunk coffee over their lifetimes. [10] [edit] Analgesic enhancement Coffee contains caffeine, which increases the effectiveness of pain killers, especially migraine and headache medications. [11] For this reason, many over-the-counter headache drugs include caffeine in their formula. [edit] Antidiabetic Coffee intake may reduce ones risk of diabetes mellitus type 2 by up to half. While this was originally noticed in patients who consumed high amounts (7 cups a day), the relationship was later shown to be linear. [12] [edit] Liver disease Coffee can also reduce the incidence of cirrhosis of the liver[13] and has been linked to a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, a primary liver cancer that usually arises in patients with preexisting cirrhosis. [14] The exact mechanism and the amount of coffee needed to achieve a beneficial effect are as yet unclear. [15] [edit] Cancer Coffee consumption is also correlated to a reduced risk of oral, esophageal, and pharyngeal cancer. [16][17] In ovarian cancer, no benefit was found. [18] In the Nurses Health Study, a modest reduction in breast cancer was observed in postmenopausal women only, which was not confirmed in decaffeinated coffee. [19] [edit] Cardioprotective Coffee reduces the incidence of heart disease, though whether this is simply because it rids the blood of excess lipids or because of its stimulant effect is unknown. [citation needed] [edit] Laxative/diuretic Coffee is also a powerful stimulant for peristalsis and is sometimes considered to prevent constipation; it is also a diuretic. However, coffee can also cause loose bowel movements. Practitioners in alternative medicine often recommend coffee enemas for cleansing of the colon due to its stimulus of peristalsis, although mainstream medicine has not proved any benefits of the practice. [edit] Antioxidant Coffee contains the anticancer compound methylpyridinium. This compound is not present in significant amounts in other food materials. Methylpyridinium is not present in raw coffee beans but is formed during the roasting process from trigonelline, which is common in raw coffee beans. It is present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, and even in instant coffee. [20] http://ezinearticles. com/? Coffee-and-Its-Antioxidants-Healthier-Than-You-May-Realizeid=1235899 Did you know that coffee is chock full of antioxidants, an anticancer agent? If youve always thought coffee is bad for you, think again. Aside from keeping you alert and awake, coffee can also keep you young and fighting cancer. So, continue reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about coffee and its antioxidants. What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are any vitamin or nutrient that can help prevent cancer or damage to the heart and other tissues caused by free radicals. By neutralizing free radicals, they prevent cell degradation. Antioxidant rich foods include blueberries, raspberries, dates, chocolate and, of course, coffee. What type of antioxidants are in coffee? The antioxidants found in coffee are called polyphenols. More specifically, the compound is methylpridinium. The antioxidant isnt present in raw, green coffee beans, but is actually created during the roasting process. How much coffee is enough? Research has shown that people who drink one to two coffees a day have half the risk of developing liver cancer when compared to people who didnt drink coffee. Meanwhile, drinking 4 to 6 cups of coffee can reduce your risk for type-2 diabetes by as much as 50 percent. However, despite the reduced risk for these diseases and other cancers, like oral, esophageal, and pharyngeal cancer, doctors dont recommend you start drinking 10 cups a day. Coffee is still a stimulant and a diuretic and if drunk in excess can cause heart problems, anxiety and possible dangerously elevated blood pressure. Can I get these antioxidants from other sources? The specific antioxidant compound of methylpridinium is only found in substantial amounts in coffee. While other food sources like cranberries, dates and other antioxidant-rich foods contain different types of antioxidants, coffee is the primary source for this particular compound. (For other sources of antioxidants try bananas, dry beans, blueberries, pomegranates, lychees and the other foods listed above.) A recent study also found that the vast majority of North Americans get most of their antioxidants from beverages and, in particular, coffee. The average adult takes in about 1300 milligrams per day through coffee and the next source is tea at a mere 294 milligrams per day. Again, while coffee is one of our highest sources of antioxidants a great cancer-fighting and prevention agent coffee drinkers should always practice moderation. A cup or two a day may keep a number of common diseases away, but too much coffee can also cause problems. So balance is always a necessity.

Developments in Iraq After United States Involvement Essay -- essays r

Ask anyone about the current issues in Iraq and you will hear a multitude of answers, questions, remarks, backlash, and support for our countries involvement. Sure some things could have been done better, some things could have been avoided completely, but when you talk to someone who has personally witnessed 184 women setting themselves on fire in protest to the way men are treating them you can’t help but admire the change today. With the help of US and various foreign countries, Iraq is rebuilding itself from the ground up, repairing itself from previous dictatorship. There are three major concerns in Iraq, political freedom (including freedom of religion), women’s rights, and better education. These issues are far from being resolved, but they have also moved far from where they were before. According to President Bush, the US is looking to help â€Å"build a government that answers to its people and honors their country’s unique heritage.† In doing so US troops are helping train military forces and elect leaders, who interestingly enough 85 are women, this coming from a country that dismissed women’s rights. Iyad Allawi, Iraq's Interim Prime Minister believes â€Å"that the unity of the country will be enhanced [and] will be strengthened by the process of an election.† The new government will consist of a 275 member Transitional National Assembly, a Presidency council, provincial councils and a Kurdistan National Assembly. Currently Iraq is working under a Interim constitution, b...

Cache Positive Environment Essay

AC1.1: A description of what is meant by a positive environment In both a setting and home a positive learning environment is crucial for children. There are a number of things that contribute to a positive environment. A setting or class should be engaging and dynamic place for the children attending. Creating order and removing clutter helps children to feel there in orderliness in the environment in order from them to learn, having a disorganized environment can be a distraction. Children should be provided with a clean, safe, and organized setting. Stimulating posters, pictures along with work the children have made should be put up around the setting, not only can this be engaging for the children but shows the children’s work is valued. Poster and displays should be regularly changed and updated related to the theme or topic being taught as this gives variety. The settings lay out and arrangement contributes to having a positive environment and ensuring the setting is bright and well equipped regarding toys, furniture ect. Laying down the ground rules, making the children familiar with them and are aware of the consequences if they are not followed. Children need boundaries and need to have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Post the ground rules in the setting and always lean towards positive, rather than negative, re-enforcement of them. Give out stickers and small prizes as rewards for achievement. Be generous with praise and use positive statements to reinforce positive behaviour. Practitioners should be welcoming, happy and friendly to both children and parents. AC1.2: An identification of regulatory requirements that underpin a positive environment for children and young people In September 2008 the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) came into force placing, for the first time, a legal requirement on all early years’ providers to comply with the Government’s learning, development and welfare requirements for 0-5 year-olds. The over-arching aim of the EYFS is to help children achieve the ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes. These aims, for children and young people aged 0-19, are to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being. EYFS states that the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning. It also says to observe the child finding out what they can do and their interests. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life. The EYFS also states that being outdoors has a positive impact on children’s sense of well-being and helps all aspects of children’s development. The Childcare Act 2006, Health & safety at work act 1974, Care Standards Act 2006 and Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults (where applicable) all have a helping in the regulatory requirements that underpin a positive environment.

Marketing and Communications Strategy: Hackney Empire Theatre Essay

I. Introduction The dynamic nature of marketing strategy is not caused by its rapidly developing theories or its changing paradigms. It is caused by the fact that different environment requires different strategies. The difference between strategies could be very significant even though the markets are geographically located in the same region. Due to this dynamic nature, the study of marketing and communications strategy will never be completed. Concerning the issue, this paper will assess the marketing and communications strategy for exotic theatre buildings. The particular object of analysis is the Hackney Empire Theatre, which is one of the oldest and most valuable landmarks in London’s history of Theatre industry. The paper will discuss about generating marketing and advertising strategies for the theatre, segmentation and positioning strategies and also communication strategies. II. Hackney Empire Theatre Simply defined, Hackney Empire Theatre is a Music Hall built in 1901. The building is a historical place in London, especially for the performance art industry, because famous characters have all performed there, like WC Fields, Marie Lloyd, Stan Laurel and Charlie Chaplin. The building has been changing its function several times. It has even been scheduled for demolition at one time. Nevertheless, the building survived all the threats, and today it becomes a historical landmark for many reasons. One particular reason is because the building was a leading centre in alternative comedy boom in 1980’s. Stand-up comedian of all sorts had performed in this building and many famous ones too. One of its famous occasions is the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year competition. The latest development on the building is the fact that it was closed for three years from 2001 to 2004, in order to install more seats and to make the building suitable for opera performance. III. Marketing and Advertising Strategies Advertising strategies usually come about when we are finished designing our marketing schemes. In order to generate the best marketing plan, we need to first completely understand the marketing objectives. In its website, the Hackney theatre mentioned that one of its objectives is to become a recognized leader within the theatre industry, especially in offering opportunities for innovation, dialogue and engagement through all forms of theatre. In order to achieve that we need to first perform to things, which are: understanding consumers’ environment where we will operate and; understanding the potentials and conditions of the facility we are running. Both of these activities can be performed by means of strategic analysis tools. The first strategic tool that we should use to generate a marketing plan is the Porter’s Five Forces Analysis. This analysis tool helps manager understand conditions of the business environment and psycho-dynamics of the market. In terms of the theater industry, Porter Five Forces can help us understand the following factors: –  The theatre world is developing. It is used to be understood as a hard place to live, with competitive atmosphere and mediocre pay, but today the industry reported that it has contributed over  £ 2.6 billion annually to the UK’s economy. Arts council invests over  £ 100 million in 230 theatre organizations in UK for the development of the industry. So young artists and new performances are on the rise (Guide, 2000). – The environment face a rising level of competition, because audiences are also tempted by modern theatre buildings that are recently built – There is actually no competition to the historical value of the building, so the Hackney Empire Theatre will always have a unique place in visitors minds, but maintaining the attractiveness of that unique value is a challenge – The building has a different class or stature among other building. It is not easy for competitors to match the image of the building. – Its main customer segment is the high class society looking for entertainment in a presentable facility. Another analysis tool that we can use to guide our marketing and advertising strategy is the SWOT analysis. In terms of the Hackney Theatre building, the SWOT analysis could provide us the following knowledge: – Hackney Empire Theatre building’s strengths lie on its brand image and historical value. It is important that we maintain such atmosphere of class in every promotional event. – Its threatening weakness could be its ‘ancient’ image, which could be a turn-off for young and innovative artists Thus, a marketing strategy that attracts this segment should be prepared – Opportunities lay along with its efforts of dealing with its threats. If management of the building manages to design the building’s image so that it will attract young artists and novel performances, then it would generate a new opportunity for the building’s popularity (Guide, 2000) From the considerations that have been revealed by the analysis tools, we can generate various effective marketing and advertising strategy, for example: passing away discount tickets, making an advertisement to local TV and radio shows, making a demo performance in nearby campuses, etc. IV. Segmentation and Positioning Strategies In addition to the considerations made above, it is also critical that we understand the market enough to generate a marketing segmentation and positioning plan. Segmenting our customers will allow us to: better serve customers and wants, achieving higher profits, creating opportunities for growth, maintaining sustainable customer relationship, etc. Marketing segmentation requires us to do the following: identify customers based on their relevant characteristics to our business offerings; identify their needs and; developing a profile for every customer segment; evaluating the attractiveness of each segment; choosing one or several target segment and then develop a marketing mix for each targeted segment. There is no space for a detailed segmentation analysis within this paper, but in terms of theater audience, there are mainly 4 groups of people, which are: season ticket buyer, public single ticket buyer, public groups and corporate clients. Referring to the the Hackney Theatre building, the strongest marketing segment is still the upper class society looking for novel forms of sophisticated entertainments. This means the potential target segments are first: the corporate clients, second: the public single ticket buyer and followed by season ticket buyer. Thus, the marketing mix of our marketing and advertising plan must be designed to serve the first particular segment before others. For instant, the suitable advertising plan would be newspaper advertisement, internet advertisement, brochures sent directly to corporate managers, etc (Katz, 1955). V. Communication Strategies In using the mass media to influence our targeted customer segments, it is necessary that we consider these communication theories. The first is called the Hypodermic Needle Theory. This theory represent the view that people would be significantly (whether consciously or not) affected by the mass media they are exposed to and all its content. The second theory is called the two step flow theory. Under this view however, we are urged to understand that mass media influences people by multiple steps. First, it is the TV watchers and newspaper readers that are affected first, and then these groups of people will influence others on what they capture from the mass media. This explains why some effort of marketing through the mass media failed (Davis, 1981). In connection to the theatre industry, management of the theatre building should manage their advertising plan so that it would target mostly the people who are attracted to mass media. Convincing these types of people is the start of convincing the entire population. In practice, theatre advertising should made dramatic and attention getting, without losing its integrity as a high-class performance of art. Such a design might require the assistance of an expert in such advertising field.

Deinotherium - Facts and Figures

Deinotherium - Facts and Figures Name: Deinotherium (Greek for terrible mammal); pronounced DIE-no-THEE-ree-um Habitat: Woodlands of Africa and Eurasia Historical Epoch: Middle Miocene-Modern (10 million to 10,000 years ago) Size and Weight: About 16 feet long and 4-5 tons Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Large size; downward-curving tusks on lower jaw    About Deinotherium The deino in Deinotherium derives from the same Greek root as the dino in dinosaurthis terrible mammal (actually a genus of prehistoric elephant) was one of the largest non-dinosaur animals ever to roam the earth, rivaled only by contemporary thunder beasts like Brontotherium and Chalicotherium. Apart from its sizable (four to five ton) weight, the most notable feature of Deinotherium was its short, downward-curving tusks, so different from the usual elephant appendages that puzzled 19th-century paleontologists managed to reassemble them upside down.   Deinotherium wasnt directly ancestral to modern-day elephants, instead inhabiting an evolutionary side branch along with close relatives like Amebeledon and Anancus. The type species of this megafauna mammal, D. giganteum, was discovered in Europe in the early 19th century, but subsequent excavations show the course of its peregrinations over the next few million years: from its home base in Europe, Deinotherium radiated eastward, into Asia, but by the start of the Pleistocene epoch it was restricted to Africa. (The other two generally accepted species of Deinotherium are D. indicum, named in 1845, and D. bozasi, named in 1934.) Amazingly, isolated populations of Deinotherium persisted into historical times, until they either succumbed to changing climatic conditions (shortly after the end of the last Ice Age, about 12,000 years ago) or were hunted to extinction by early Homo sapiens. Some scholars speculate that these giant beasts inspired ancient tales of, well, giants, which would make Deinotherium yet another plus-sized megafauna mammal to have fired the imaginations of our distant ancestors (for example, the single-horned Elasmotherium may well have inspired the legend of the unicorn).

Biography of Olympias, Mother of Alexander the Great

Biography of Olympias, Mother of Alexander the Great Olympias (c. 375–316 BCE) was an ambitious and violent ruler of ancient Greece. She was the daughter of Neoptolemus I, the king of Epirus; the wife of Philip II, who ruled over Macedonia; and the mother of Alexander the Great, who conquered the territory from Greece to northwest India, establishing one of the largest kingdoms of his time. Olympias was also the mother of Cleopatra, the queen of Epirus. Fast Facts: Olympias Known For: Olympias was the queen of Macedonia and the mother of Alexander the Great.Also Known As: Polyxena, Myrtale,  StratoniceBorn: c. 375 BCE in Epirus, Ancient GreeceParents: Neoptolemus I of Epirus, mother unknownDied: c. 316 BCE in Macedonia, Ancient GreeceSpouse: Philip II of Macedonia (m. 357-336 BCE)Children: Alexander the Great, Cleopatra Early Life Olympias was born around 375 BCE, the daughter of Neoptolemus I of Epirus, a Greek king, and an unknown mother. Her family was a powerful one in ancient Greece; they claimed to be descended from the Greek hero Achilles, the main character in Homers Iliad. Olympias was also known by several other names: Polyxena, Myrtale,  and Stratonice. Historians believe she chose the name Olympias to celebrate her husbands victory in the Olympic Games. A follower of mystery religions, Olympias was famed- and feared- for her ability to handle snakes during religious ceremonies. Some scholars believe she belonged to the Cult of Dionysus, a group that worshipped the god of wine, fertility, and religious ecstasy. Reign In 357 BCE, Olympias was married to Philip II, the new king of Macedonia, as a political alliance arranged by her father Neoptolemus, who ruled the Greek kingdom of Epirus. After fighting with Philip- who already had three other wives- and angrily returning to Epirus, Olympias reconciled with Philip at Macedonias capital of Pella and then bore Philip two children, Alexander and Cleopatra, about two years apart. Olympias later claimed that Alexander was actually the son of Zeus. Olympias, as the father of Philips heir presumptive, dominated at court. When the two had been married for about 20 years, Philip married again, this time to a young noblewoman of Macedonia named Cleopatra. Philip seemed to disown Alexander. Olympias and Alexander went to Molossia, where her brother had assumed the kingship. Philip and Olympias publicly reconciled and Olympias and Alexander returned to Pella. But when a marriage of note was offered to Alexanders half-brother Philip Arrhidaeus, Olympias and Alexander may have assumed that Alexanders succession was in doubt. Philip Arrhidaeus, it had been assumed, was not in the line of succession, as he had some kind of mental impairment. Olympias and Alexander tried to substitute Alexander as the groom, alienating Philip. A marriage was eventually arranged between Cleopatra, daughter of Olympias and Philip, to a brother of Olympias. At that wedding, Philip was assassinated. Olympias and Alexander were rumored to have been behind her husbands murder, though whether this is true or not is disputed. Ascension of Alexander After Philips death and the ascension of their son, Alexander, as ruler of Macedonia, Olympias exercised considerable influence and power.  Olympias is alleged to also have had Philips wife (also named Cleopatra) and her young son and daughter killed- followed by Cleopatras powerful uncle and his relatives. Alexander was away frequently  and, during his absences, Olympias assumed a powerful role to protect her sons interests. Alexander left his general Antipater as regent in Macedonia, but Antipater and Olympias frequently clashed. She left and returned to Molossia, where her daughter was now the regent. But eventually Antipaters power weakened and she returned to Macedonia. During his reign, Alexander oversaw the expansion of the Macedonian kingdom, as he conquered the territory from Greece to northwest India. His military skills were unmatched; within a matter of years he was able to conquer the Persian Empire, and he still hoped to make further incursions into Asia when he became sick and died in 323 BCE. Although records indicate that he died of fever, some historians suspect foul play. Battle With Cassander After Alexanders death, Antipaters son Cassander tried to become the new ruler of Macedonia. Olympias married her daughter Cleopatra to a general who contended for the rulership, but he was soon killed in battle. Olympias then tried to marry Cleopatra to yet another possible contender to rule Macedonia. Olympias eventually became the regent for Alexander IV, her grandson (the posthumous son of Alexander the Great by Roxane), and tried to seize control of Macedonia from Cassanders forces. The Macedonian army surrendered without a fight; Olympias had the supporters of Cassander executed, but by then Cassander had escaped. Around this time, Olympias formed an alliance with Polyperchon, Antipaters successor, and Eurydice, the wife of Philip III. The latter provided soldiers for Olympias to command in battle. Cassander maneuvered a surprise attack and Olympias fled; he then besieged Pydna, she fled again, and she finally surrendered in 316 BCE. Cassander, who had promised not to kill Olympias, arranged instead to have Olympias murdered by relatives of the people whom she had executed. Death Following Cassanders orders, relatives of Olympiass victims stoned her to death in 316 BCE. Scholars are not certain whether or not the Macedonian queen was given a proper burial. Legacy Like many powerful figures from ancient history, Olympias lives on in the public imagination. She has been depicted in a variety of books, films, and television series, including the 1956 epic Alexander the Great, Mary Renaults Alexander trilogy, the Oliver Stone film Alexander, and Steven Pressfields The Virtues of War: A Novel of Alexander the Great. Sources Bosworth, A. B.  Conquest and Empire: the Reign of Alexander the Great. Cambridge University Press, 2008.Carney, Elizabeth Donnelly, and Daniel Ogden.  Philip II and Alexander the Great: Father and Son, Lives and Afterlives. Oxford University Press, 2010.Carney, Elizabeth Donnelly.  Olympias: Mother of Alexander the Great. Routledge, 2006.Waterfield, Robin.  Dividing the Spoils: the War for Alexander the Greats Empire. Oxford University Press, 2013.

SWOT Analysis of Smartlinc Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

SWOT Analysis of Smartlinc Inc - Essay Example Attracting the best and the brightest people is fundamental in the company as it has focused on the recruitment of a smart, successful group of employees who buy into the vision while challenging and motivating one another. The organization has taken much consideration for planning the launching of their smartphones. The initial stage of the planning process includes devising a SWOT analysis as a means of establishing a market position and maintain it to be the best in the industry.Smartlink’s smartphone presents a clear pattern of evolution from the brands presented by its competition. Some of the superior specs of the smartphones include new and better SoC, a high-quality camera, TouchID and a faster modem. The rear camera of the new smartphone has higher resolution photos and supports 4K video recording compared to other smartphones in the market. The smartphone also has a front-facing camera with a higher resolution. While most smartphones in the market have a 2 GB of RAM, Smartlink’s smartphone has a RAM of 4 GB. It also has an improved bandwidth and enhanced power. As such, the modem and the WiFi chipset are capable of a higher throughput and only use less power. Due to the ease with which smartphones are getting obsolete, this company seeks to design a new design of smartphones in which users can upgrade their smartphones to the next generation through the installation of a software. Smartlink Inc. prides in having an excellent team of employees who are highly competent in handling the design and infrastructure of the new smartphone.