Friday, August 21, 2020

The Internet Gaming Phenomenon Essay Example for Free

The Internet Gaming Phenomenon Essay The web gaming marvel that has surprised the world was initially founded on Role Playing Games that were essentially played on board games.â As PCs created and the web started to develop, an ever increasing number of games were made that permitted players from everywhere throughout the world to assemble on the web and play against or with one another in what has now been known as the Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.â When the national Science Foundation Network facilitated the limitations on web gaming, a large group of new games entered the market and opened up for the players. Â Soon enough games overflowed the market and the MMORPG had now become the most well known sort of PC games. Â â â â â â â â â â â The universe of MMORPG gaming has gotten so mainstream in actuality that it has even made its own economy that depends on the virtual things that are accessible on the web however the installment is brought in through genuine cash in the genuine world.â The MMORPG has obscured the differentiation between the virtual economy and this present reality economy and in the present these two economies are even straightforwardly connected, for example, the instance of Entropia Universe, which takes into consideration genuine cash to be changed over to game cash. Â â â â â â â â â â â While certain gaming universes have prohibited the exchanging of virtual things for genuine cash, the fame and serious nature of the MMORPG has guaranteed that there will consistently be a business opportunity for these thing, regardless of whether unlawful or not.â It has become so well known that even online sale destinations, for example, ebay have highlighted virtual things among their postings while different sites have opened that provide food explicitly to virtual thing sales.â As these games become progressively mainstream, it is not yet clear whether this virtual economy will continue.â One thing is certain, in any case, the MMORPG domain has snared a large number of individuals of any age far and wide and will just proceed to develop and may before long outperform betting as the most addictive interest on the planet. References: Adams, David (January 7, 2004). Last Fantasy XI Hits Subscriber Milestone. IGN.com. Recovered on 2007-01-30. Castronova, Edward. Engineered Worlds: The Business and Culture of Online Games. ISBN 0-226-09626-2, University Of Chicago Press Nardi, Harris (2006), Strangers and Friends: Collaborative Play in World of Warcraft, Proceedings of the 2006 twentieth commemoration meeting on Computer upheld helpful work

Sunday, July 12, 2020

How to Organize a Study Group

How to Organize a Study Group How to Organize a Study Group How to Organize a Study Group During exam season, many students begin to realize the abundance of material that was covered during their previous academic term. It is at that moment that many students break down, feel incredibly overwhelmed, and begin questioning their academic future. But, what if you actively prepared for exams throughout the year simply by reviewing the material each week with your peers? Study groups are a fun and convenient way to solidify material and grasp a true understanding of what has been taught so far. Study groups can help to minimize procrastination and provide you with more resources in helping to gain an understanding of the material. Interested in starting your own study group? Here’s how to get started. Find Dedicated Group Members Whether you have friends in your classes or not, it’s important to find group members that will be dedicated to study sessions and really do their part to ensure group success. Discuss these things with potential group members beforehand and be sure that everyone is in agreeance on the expectations. Of course, be sure to exchange contact details such as phone numbers and email addresses in case there are ever any changes to meeting details. Schedule a Weekly Meeting Amongst your study group you will need to determine a time and place to meet. To make this easier, ensure it is a day and time during the week that everyone can be available for. Perhaps schedule this before or after your weekly lecture since everyone will need to be on campus anyways. Book a Study Room Many libraries have study rooms which are available for students to book time in for free. These rooms typically have a large table with numerous chairs and a whiteboard or chalkboard for students to access. These rooms provide a distraction-free environment that is great for collaboration. Delegate Work Since course readings, new concepts, and new chapters within the textbook are covered each week, delegate the material into individual tasks amongst the group. Then, allow each person to lead that particular section of the study group. This will of course require a weekly agenda to be set prior to each meeting, but it will help to ensure that you remain on task and on schedule within each study session. Your peers have different learning styles and can help you to better comprehend material, and vice versa. Take advantage of the resources around you and arrange a study group to help take your learning to the next level. Need help to tackle your portion of the group work? Check out our list of available services and let us know what we can assist you with! How to Organize a Study Group How to Organize a Study Group How to Organize a Study Group During exam season, many students begin to realize the abundance of material that was covered during their previous academic term. It is at that moment that many students break down, feel incredibly overwhelmed, and begin questioning their academic future. But, what if you actively prepared for exams throughout the year simply by reviewing the material each week with your peers? Study groups are a fun and convenient way to solidify material and grasp a true understanding of what has been taught so far. Study groups can help to minimize procrastination and provide you with more resources in helping to gain an understanding of the material. Interested in starting your own study group? Here’s how to get started. Find Dedicated Group Members Whether you have friends in your classes or not, it’s important to find group members that will be dedicated to study sessions and really do their part to ensure group success. Discuss these things with potential group members beforehand and be sure that everyone is in agreeance on the expectations. Of course, be sure to exchange contact details such as phone numbers and email addresses in case there are ever any changes to meeting details. Schedule a Weekly Meeting Amongst your study group you will need to determine a time and place to meet. To make this easier, ensure it is a day and time during the week that everyone can be available for. Perhaps schedule this before or after your weekly lecture since everyone will need to be on campus anyways. Book a Study Room Many libraries have study rooms which are available for students to book time in for free. These rooms typically have a large table with numerous chairs and a whiteboard or chalkboard for students to access. These rooms provide a distraction-free environment that is great for collaboration. Delegate Work Since course readings, new concepts, and new chapters within the textbook are covered each week, delegate the material into individual tasks amongst the group. Then, allow each person to lead that particular section of the study group. This will of course require a weekly agenda to be set prior to each meeting, but it will help to ensure that you remain on task and on schedule within each study session. Your peers have different learning styles and can help you to better comprehend material, and vice versa. Take advantage of the resources around you and arrange a study group to help take your learning to the next level. Need help to tackle your portion of the group work? Check out our list of available services and let us know what we can assist you with!

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Essay on Topman SWOT Analysis - 1275 Words

Topman SWOT Analysis Strengths: Topman already has more than 309 fashion stores nationwide with another 50 stores outside the United Kingdom division. Topman boasts the worlds largest fashion store in London with over 200,000 shoppers per week, Topman gets twice deliveries per day and 7,000 looks per season. In the year 2006, Topman’s operating profit hits 110 million with its annual sales of 600 million now. It brings a strong brand image of Topman based on the successful achievement to consumer’s mindset. Strong brand image builds confidence and reliability towards Topman’s product. In a nutshell, expending Topman’s market in Vietnam has a strong potential to gain sustainable profit. Topman has their very own Internet website where†¦show more content†¦In short, Topman is a retailer of trendy and edgy clothing that targets a diverse population. In addition, Topman had also won many awards and received a lot of compliments of high end fashion magazines and media press. They have the ability to appeal to funky 16 years old look to the mature twenty and thirty something. Congruently, Topman unlike many retailers varies each collection every two weeks, instead of every season like the majority of retailers do. Topman and Topshop is the only retail outlet which provide customers with exciting store elements. They allow their customers to feel the unique Topman experience which includes a cafà ©, radio station, nail bar, a vintage range, Topshop TV channel, VIP changing rooms. Part of Topman’s experience is interacting with a style advisor who works as fashion consultant to those shopping for a more complete outfit. Weaknesses: Even though Topman has over 300 stores in the United Kingdom and over 50 internationally, they are still lack of experience on international market. Topman has not cracked the Asia division. The whole of Asia is considered to be part of the most important division in the world, and countries like Vietnam is considered to be one of the important ones. Topman has also been in trouble for abuse of factory workers which madeShow MoreRelatedSwot for Topman1287 Words   |  6 Pages5.0 SWOT Analysis Strengths: Topman already has more than 309 fashion stores nationwide with another 50 stores outside the United Kingdom division. Topman boasts the worlds largest fashion store in London with over 200,000 shoppers per week, Topman gets twice deliveries per day and 7,000 looks per season. In the year 2006, Topman’s operating profit hits 110 million with its annual sales of 600 million now. It brings a strong brand image of Topman based on the successful achievement to consumer’sRead MoreTopshop Marketing Plan5356 Words   |  22 Pagesfast-fashion retailers. The company is a multinational Omni-channel fashion retailer. Topshop is well-known for its high-quality products in medium low prices. The company’s portfolio owns a wide range of products and services. According to the Situational Analysis, the UK’s macro environment has changed over the latest years. The UK’s fast-fashion industry is becoming more and more cluttered with competitors from both UK and ove rseas. The business frameworks PESTEL, Industry key drives, Industry’s life cycleRead MoreFashion Marketing1282 Words   |  6 Pagestshirts, wool jumpers, plain black work trousers and shirts etc. (http://www.ciao.co.uk/Topshop) Its primary sales come from a range of products including clothing and fashion accessories, and is mainly known for its women s clothing, with Topman having been created in the late 1970s to cater for male customers. The business has also expanded into the online fashion retail arena. (wikipedia.org/wiki/Topshop) Type of market they opperate in is defined as the Fashion market. Topshops typicalRead Moretopshop marketing plan1483 Words   |  6 PagesTop 10 Action Steps: [Create a list of the Top 10 action steps that will bring your theoretical objectives (your marketing strategy and objectives) to life. E.g. Finish S.W.O.T. Activity Sheet, complete marketing budget]   Background Analysis The background analysis should give a snapshot of where you are right now, where you have been and where you want to go. Undertaking this process will help you to define your businesss capabilities and find opportunities within your particular market. FinallyRead MoreTopshop in Mexico5565 Words   |  23 Pages| Contents Page 1. Executive Summary 4 2. Introduction 5 3. Findings 6 3.1 An Analysis of Mexico 6 3.2 Topshop Market Entry into Mexico 7 3.3 The Target and Positioning Strategies 8 4. The Marketing Mix 9 4. 1 Product 9 4.2 Place amp; Distribution 10 4.3 Pricing 12 4.4 Promotion 13 5. Conclusion 14 6. Appendices 15 7. Bibliography 19 1. Executive Summary This report is to investigateRead MoreThe Analysis of Zara4664 Words   |  19 PagesPGBM15 The market analysis of ZARA ______________________________________________ Student Name: Xia Tang Student Number:139151583 Tutor: Steve Storey Module Leader: Sudipta Das Word Count:4005 Date of submission: 16th June 2014 Contents Introduction of ZARA 1 1 Dynamics and trends within the marketing environment of ZARA. 1 1.1 Introduction of marketing environment 2 1.2 Macroenvironment-----PESTLE analysis of ZARA 2 1.3 Microenvironment analysis of ZARA 4 1.4 Poter’sRead MorePrimark Strategic Marketing Audit5274 Words   |  22 Pages4-5. The Consumer 6-7. Internal Analysis 8. Promotional Strategy 9. Price Strategy 10. Product Price Hierarchy 11. Product Strategy Appendix 12. Distribution strategy 24. Brand Identity Prism 14. The Competition 15. Brand Positioning Map 16-17. HM 18-19. Financial Analysis 25. Rogers Theory of Innovation 26. Consumer Segmentation Table 27. Ansoff’s Matrix Theory 28. HM SWOT Analysis 29. Like for Like Comparison 20-21. External Analysis 30. PESTLE Analysis 22-23. Objectives 31-32. BibliographyRead Moreâ€Å"an Analysis of Marks and Spencer’s Current Strategic Position, and How Marks and Spencer’s Will Develop These Strategies in the Future.†3095 Words   |  13 Pages| â€Å"An analysis of Marks and Spencer’s current strategic position, and how Marks and Spencer’s will develop these strategies in the future.† | | | Assessment 2 â€Å"An analysis of Marks and Spencer’s current strategic position, and how Marks and Spencer’s will develop these strategies in the future.† Company Background Marks and Spencer (Mamp;S) is one of the UK’s leading retailers, with over 21 million people visiting its stores each week. Mamp;S offers stylish, high quality, great valueRead MoreZara Mkg Plan5206 Words   |  21 PagesTable Of Contents 1.0 Executive Summary Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…3 2.0 Situation Analysis Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….......3 2.1 Market Summary Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…3 2.1.1 Market Demographics Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….4 2.1.2 Market Trends Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….5 2.1.3 Market Needs Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…......6 2.1.4 Market Growth Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…7 2.2 SWOT Analysis Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…..8 2.2.1 Strengths Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….8 2.2.2 Weaknesses Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….9 2.2.3 Opportunities Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Read MoreZaras Marketing Strategy4316 Words   |  17 Pagesability to face the challenges of the apparel industry. The company keeps its operating income elevated, has a strong and unique business model, and has various opportunities for expansion in the retail industry (Craig et al, 2004). 2.0 Situation Analysis To many Europeans, Zara is a familiar face with consistently trendy, well-priced new apparel every week. Market segments within the fashion retail context are very broad, but mainly include young, educated people, who are fashionable and sensitive

International Journal Of Marketing Studies â€Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The International Journal Of Marketing Studies? Answer: Introduction: Presenting the organizational values to the business partners is very necessary to keep their trust with the company. Such presentation needs to be very good and informative as well. In this regard, it is important that the senior executive must have the presentation approval signed and verified by the company's owner as this will ensure a maximum input of the organizational values. The main purpose of this assignment is to prepare one of the kinds of an approval and get that signed by the owner of the Marriott International hotel. The approval will include all the necessary elements that are covered in the report body. Company profile: Marriott International was found in the year 1997 as a lodging company. Since then, it minted huge success and as of the December 2016, it has franchised or licensed 6,080 properties across the world (Editorial, 2018). The number of rooms is 1, 190, and 604 (Editorial, 2018). The company operates mainly in three business segments like International, North American Full-Service and North American Limited-Service (Editorial, 2018). They offer service in three quality formats like Select, Luxury, and Premium (Editorial, 2018). Its competitors are Intercontinental Hotels Group, Choice, Carlson, Accor, La Quinta, Best Western and Hilton (Editorial, 2018). Competency level: The competency level at the Marriott International has been maintained by focusing on long-term goals. They have been successful through an effective use of the business model that gives utmost value to customer service (Al-Zoubi Alomari, 2017). Nevertheless, the company could have escaped from the effect of the global recession by focusing much on the marketing activities and the customer service. The recession was also responded with a strategic approach that had resulted in cutting the total costs. Moreover, the move had ensured a stable cash flow even during the global recession (Al-Zoubi Alomari, 2017). The competency was also maintained with an extensive focus on nurturing the employee and the associated groups. Unlike many hotel companies, Marriott has used technology to a good cause to retain its competitiveness (Al-Zoubi Alomari, 2017). Historical performance: There have been several moments when the Marriott International hotel has achieved the historical feats. One of the historical feats was achieved in the year 2016 when the company has successfully increased its room numbers. The company had opened up a record 55,000 rooms in the same year (Marriott News Center, 2018). The figure excludes a mammoth total of 381,000 rooms that the company was able to open up after it had acquired the Starwood (Marriott News Center, 2018). The combined company had agreed on signing a deal that included 880 new hotels (Marriott News Center, 2018). The company is well positioned to capitalize on the success that it had attained in the year 2016. The company will be able to earn much more success in long-term. Moreover, the company has been absolutely good for the development partners as they have been able to get the expected returns on investment (Marriott News Center, 2018). Conclusion: To conclude, an effective and a progressive financial performance has indeed become a much necessary thing in the hospitality industry. The fact has also been observed through this assignment as Marriott International is doing very hard to get to the top position, which is currently being dominated by the Hilton International. The acquisition of Starwood Hotels Resorts has so far produced good results by supporting a growth in the net revenues. However, the revenue is still quite lesser than the net revenues of Hilton International. The revenue is indeed expected to go up and affect the position of Hilton by helping Marriott International get to the top position. References: Al-Zoubi, A. F., Alomari, M. (2017). The Role of Internal Customer in Improving the Quality of Hotel Services in Jordan: A Case Study of the Marriott International Hotel in Amman.International Journal of Marketing Studies,9(6), 87-92. bighospitality.co.uk. (2018).bighospitality.co.uk. Retrieved 25 January 2018, from https://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Article/2016/04/28/Hilton-named-world-s-most-valuable-hotel-brand Editorial, R. (2018).Company Profile for ${Instrument_CompanyName}.IN. Retrieved 25 January 2018, from https://in.reuters.com/finance/stocks/company-profile/MAR.O Marriott International, Inc. (2018).Marriott International, Inc..Marriott International, Inc.. Retrieved 26 January 2018, from https://files.shareholder.com/downloads/MAR/0x0x936409/834E45D9-8979-4190-AE47-702FBFF54755/Marriott_2016_Annual_Report.pdf Marriott News Center. (2018).Marriott News Center. Retrieved 25 January 2018, from https://news.marriott.com/2017/01/marriott-international-caps-2016-historic-global-expansion/ Marriott News Center. (2018).Marriott News Center. Retrieved 26 January 2018, from https://news.marriott.com/2016/11/9766/ NASDAQ.com.(2018).NASDAQ.com. [online] Available at: https://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/mar/financials [Accessed 28 Jan. 2018].

Thursday, April 23, 2020

The Conflict between Entrepreneurial Orientation and Uppsala Model of International Expansion

Introduction Entrepreneurship can be conceptualised as the entry into a new venture by an individual or a business. New entry refers to the process of entering into either a new or an existing market with new or pre- existing services and goods. In this regard, new entry tries to explain the processes and initiatives of entrepreneurship (Czinkota, Ronkainen, Sutton- Brady Beal, 2011: p. 45). New entry and entrepreneurship are concepts that are still being developed by many authors and researchers.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Conflict between Entrepreneurial Orientation and Uppsala Model of International Expansion specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is against this backdrop that the current essay is written. In this essay, the author is primarily concerned with entrepreneurial orientation (herein referred to as EO) and the Uppsala model of the internationalisation process. EO refers to the decision-making activities, practices, and process that give rise to new entries. EO is characterised by the desire for autonomy in business, innovativeness, aggressiveness, and risk taking (Saul, 2005: p. 67). Regardless of this, it is important to note that there are many successful enterprises which function on the basis of some of these traits. This essay aims to outline the conflict between entrepreneurial orientation and the Uppsala model of international expansion. It is the opinion and position of this author that the revised edition of the Uppsala model can be applied in large and small enterprises alike. Given the fact that the paper is argumentative in nature, the researcher will make a stand in the issue and then defend that stand throughout the paper. Terms will be clearly identified and justified using examples. To this end, the researcher will use information from several references such as books and articles. Opposing views will be acknowledged and the researcher will fully address them to check for their veracity or lack of it thereof. The Uppsala Model and the Entrepreneurial Orientation: A Critique It is noted that the Uppsala model was developed in 1977 from a publication by two scholars in this field. These scholars are Johanson and Vahlne. Since then, the perspective has undergone four revisions. The model was primarily based on the manner through which firms in Sweden were internationalising in the 1960s and 1970s (Steen Liesch, 2007: p. 12). This model suggests that business firms internationalise in an incremental fashion. They progressively commit themselves to an international market and increase their presence as they continue to understand the dynamics of their particular market niche. Initially, firms expand into new markets depending on the extent of similarities between the firm and the domestic markets (Bogun, 2008: p. 71). In their first publication, Johanson Vahlne (1977) pointed out that the level of commitment for firms that are interna tionalising for the first time is very low. This behaviour is evidenced by their use of agents and establishment of sales subsidiaries. They invest more of their resources into the venture as they continue to comprehend the market. The 1977 paper focused more on the different modes of entry (Birgegard Lindquist, 1996: p. 25).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, subsequent articles point out that the applicability of the model is not dependent on the various modes of entry (Onetti, Zucchella, Jones McDougall- Covin, 2012: p. 337). The model explains the decisions taken by the management with regard to risk taking and exploitation of opportunities on the basis of the firm’s level of commitment in the international market. Additionally, the model extensively outlines the impacts of learning processes and experiences on the decisions taken by the management to oper ate the firm. As already indicated, the model is used to explain the activities of firms that are expanding their scope from the local or domestic market and into the international arena. The model is closely related to the POM model which also tries to explain the activities of such firms (Basu Kronsjo, 2009: p. 34). According to this model, the internalisation process is a gradual one and follows a particular pattern. The firm may start by receiving and processing a few orders placed by clients from abroad. This is then followed by a gradual growth in the volume of the exports as the number of clients placing the orders grows. This model has however being fiercely criticised by practitioners in this field. The author will look into some of these criticisms in subsequent sections of the paper. The concepts depicted in the Uppsala model were drawn from findings of studies conducted on large industrial firms from Sweden which were in the process of internationalisation. This has led to conflicts among entrepreneurship scholars on whether the model can be sufficiently applied to smaller enterprises that are going global. Nonetheless, most of those criticising the model do not point out specific reasons for their concern. The business environment has also changed significantly from the time the model was formulated (Basu Kronsjo, 2009: p. 51). There are also increased impacts on business models as a result of technological innovations in the recent past. Additionally, production industries have been outgrown by service industries. Such environmental changes have challenged many internationalisation models and as a result, the models have to be updated on a regular basis. International business strategies and opportunities have been on the rise as globalisation continues to take root in contemporary society. Moreover the threats of remaining in the domestic market- even among the most diversified of firms- are also increasing (Hickman Olney, 2011: pp. 237-259). Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Conflict between Entrepreneurial Orientation and Uppsala Model of International Expansion specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a result of this, a firm will invest in another country when it finds out that it is faced with greater threats if it remains in the domestic market. Some of the factors that can make the home market quite hostile are increasing competition, low rates of market growth and poor economic environment (Saul, 2005: p. 69). However, Vahlne, Ivarsson Johanson (2011: p. 193) point out that the presupposition does not conflict with the model. This is given the fact that its foundation is not the main reason why companies choose one market over another. In contrast, the Uppsala model is founded on the operations and activities of a firm that has already decided to internationalise. According to the original model formulated by Johanson and Vahlne, firms enter i nto diverse markets in a systematic manner. The order of entry is determined by physical and psychic distance (Johanson Vahlne, 2009: p. 1420). Consequently, they start with those countries that are closer to the home country, proceed to the region and later to other nations abroad. Globalisation has made the world more accessible to most business firms operating in the international market. However, it is to be noted that the physical distance has not changed. As companies expand into different parts of the world and as people travel and work in other nations, they interact more with other cultures. Such an interaction has made the management of cultures to become an essential part of doing business abroad. The nursing of relationships among nations and global network participation have been made easier by convenient travelling and digitalisation. This means that in spite of the unchanged physical distances between two geographical locations in the world, people can move freely an d with much ease from one region to the other. Convenient travelling and digitalisation has culminated into other channels of distribution such as e- commerce that were non- existent in 1977 (Ninan Puck, 2010: p. 670). In this regard, the Uppsala model is assumed to overestimate the effects of psychic and physical distance when choosing which country to go to or the best mode of entry into a new market. In their 2006 edition of the model, Johanson and Vahlne acknowledged and appreciated this change. As a result of this, they adjusted their argument from psychic distance to the risk a firm is likely to face if it was not a part of an established network (Johanson Vahlne, 2006: p. 168). They posit that psychic distance is very important in determining the uncertainties that a firm is likely to face in a foreign market. However, they point out that the risk is significantly reduced if the firm joins a network of existing businesses in the market.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More When firms are using e- commerce to internationalise, they can have a very wide reach without using the Uppsala model’s incremental approach. In this regard, online transactions increase the speed of internationalisation. This leads to a significant reduction on the effects of distances- both psychic and physical. On the other hand, Figueira-de- Lemos, Johanson Vahlne (2011: p. 147) point out that the impacts of online commerce are in agreement with the model’s risk equation. This is on the basis of market uncertainty and commitment. They argue out that the level of commitment for firms which depend on the internet is quite low. Consequently, the firm can be involved in uncertain deals but still remain minimally exposed to total risk. With such an argument, the model is in agreement with e- commerce as we know it today. Today, the opportunities and threats that are presented by the process of globalisation affect firms of all sizes. Smaller firms with a large technolo gical capacity have the ability of reaching out to large markets. Small and Medium Enterprises (herein referred to as SMEs) use different internationalisation approaches. Additionally, Czinkota et al (2011: p. 51) point out that smaller firms are subjected to more pressures to go global than larger ones. Critics of the Uppsala model have come up with the ‘born- global’ concept. Firms that are born- global are those that begin offering their products and services in countries other than their home country as soon as they are formed (Fernà ¡ndez- Ortiz, Emeterio Menorca, 2012: p. 24). Such a phenomenon is quite difficult to explain while using some popular internationalisation theories. Johanson Vahlne (2009) responded to the criticism using the same argument of joining networks. They used the empirics of other researchers to portray the importance of inter- firm relationships and networks. The two scholars point out that as firms get more interconnected, they acquire more knowledge and are able to globalise at a faster pace. They also point out that the model does not infer that the process of globalisation is slow. On the contrary, the model acknowledges that firms require time to gather knowledge so as to reduce uncertainty (Johanson Vahlne, 2009: p. 1416). The manufacturing and service industries are very different from each other with respect to business character and organisation. In this regard, it is difficult to create services in one location and market them in a different target market. The exceptions include using telephone and internet services where the customer and service provider are in different geographical locations. Firms in these two divergent sectors do not use the same internationalisation approaches. The processes vary on the basis of type, reversibility and amount of resources required. For example, a company that is involved in service provision does not necessarily have to ensure that goods are transported in a certai n manner; neither does it have to invest in constructing factories. However, service providers have a larger need of fitting into the culture of the foreign country- such as through customs and language- than manufacturing companies (Dewhurst, Harris, Heywood Aquila, 2012: p. 76). The model is also criticised for being extremely deterministic and static. However, Johanson Vahlne (2009: p. 345) posit that the model is very dynamic. The two are of the view that their theorised model acknowledges the fact that firms are always changing the areas within which they are operating. They also address their critics’ assertion that the model is deterministic in nature. However, they define ‘causality’ by stating that the two factors influence each other as opposed to one determining the other. They add that there are other contributing factors in addition to commitment and experiential learning that influence the relationship. The fact that the model is accused of being extremely deterministic implies that it does not take into consideration managerial actions (Fernà ¡ndez- Ortiz, Emeterio Menorca, 2012: p. 89). Unlike their counterparts in the 60s and 70s, contemporary corporations have more flexible inter- firm structures and flatter hierarchies. In this regard, the management plays a crucial role in developing internationalisation strategies for firms. This is especially so for smaller enterprises which share such characteristics because of their size. Although Johanson and Vahlne agree on the importance of managers’ perceptions and opinions, they posit that managerial decisions are in most cases biased. The reason is that path dependency is a key source of bias when managers are settling for alternatives (Johanson Vahlne, 2006: p. 168). The learning concept of the Uppsala model has also attracted a great deal of criticism. The developers of the model outline that learning happens incrementally depending on the amount and speed of gain ing experience (Johanson Vahlne, 1977: p. 25). Nonetheless, there are quite a number of organisational learning dimensions. For instance, there are very many firms that learnt from their relationship with other firms but have effective internationalisation strategies. Learning can also be imitative. To this end, business firms copy what other successful corporations have done and as such, they gain experience. Other ways through which firms can learn without the need for experience include hiring experienced staff, local firm acquisition or conducting research (Fernà ¡ndez- Ortiz et al., 2011: p. 89). Although Johanson and Vahlne agree that the model needs some adjustments to factor in other sources of organisational learning, they have a word for critics. They point out that there is need for some level of experience for the firm to successfully determine or select another firm to acquire. The same applies when it comes to the selection of firms to imitate from or when it comes t o the hiring of members of staff. The two scholars also use the network approach to respond to critics. To this end, they point out that models are not formulated to exactly represent reality. On the contrary, the models are meant to explain reality’s most essential components. The model is very general and as such, it cannot be expected to provide a convincing explanation for the internationalisation process of all firms. However, accumulative and experiential learning is essential and fundamental. This is in spite of being complemented by additional processes of learning (Johanson Vahlne, 2009: p. 1429). The internationalisation stages that are captured in the model are also widely criticised. In their 2009 publication, the two authors point out that the model’s establishment chain simply summarises their empirical observations from which they drew their theoretical arguments (Johanson Vahlne, 2009: p. 1416). What they are trying to say here is that it does not con stitute the model. The model does not focus on the ways that different firms choose to internationalise their operations. This is regardless of the suggestion made to the effect that corporations commit themselves to the market incrementally. Furthermore, the two scholars note that the accumulation of knowledge and commitment management, are the mainstay of the model. The behaviour of firms depends on the environment within which they are operating and not on the internationalisation mechanism (Vahlne et al., 2011: p. 204). Scholars and analysts in this field are continuously updating their models so that they can be in line with the changing business environment. At times, the scholars may be accused of integrating theories whose premises are incompatible. In spite of the fact that the Uppsala model was formulated using empirics from established Swedish multinationals, there is evidence that it has been successfully used in explaining the internationalisation process in smaller fir ms. The major adjustment that the two authors have made on the model in order to enhance its applicability has to do with the integration of the network approach. In 2009, Johanson and Vahlne made the final adjustment in response to critics and in order to accommodate new theoretical and empirical findings (Vahlne et al, 2011: p. 200). Conclusion In conclusion, it should be noted that the Uppsala model can be applied to both small and large businesses. Network effects are more important than the role played by psychic distance in determining the applicability of the model. As long as a firm is in a network of other partners, the model’s obstacle brought about by psychic distance is overcome. Additionally, the management of a corporation determines how the firm will internationalise and also helps in bridging psychic distances. The Uppsala model may not be adequate to provide explanations for all complexities faced by international firms. However, the general perspective of th e model is also its greatest strength. It can be applied to many situations because its main focus is in explaining the essential elements of globalising firms. References Basu, D. R., Kronsjo, T. (2009). Economic models: Methods, theory and applications. New York: World Scientific. Birgegard, G., Lindquist, U. (1996). An intensive course in clinical skills: The Uppsala model. Medical Teacher, 18(1), 51. Bogun, L. A. (2008). Determinants of models of foreign entry: Duality in approaches. Journal of International Business Strategy, 8(2), 59-71. Czinkota, M., Ronkainen, I., Sutton-Brady, C., Beal, T. (2011). International marketing: Asia Pacific edition (2nd ed.). Sidney: Cengage Australia. Dewhurst, M., Harris, J., Heywood, S., Aquila, K. (2012). The global company’s challenge. Mckinsey Quarterly, 3, 76-80. Fernà ¡ndez-Ortiz, R., Emeterio, M., Menorca, L. (2011). Internationalisation of the companies of the wine-producing sector: Analysis the Uppsala model. Global Confer ence on Business Finance Proceedings, 6(2), 89. Fernà ¡ndez-Ortiz, R., Emeterio, M., Menorca, L. (2012). A quantitative measure of the gradualist approach to internationalization. Global Journal of Business Research (GJBR), 6(3), 23-35. Figueira-de-Lemos, F., Johanson, J., Vahlne, J. (2011). Risk management in the internationalization process of the firm: A note on the Uppsala model. Journal of World Business, 46(2), 143-153. doi:10.1016/j.jwb.2010.05.008 Hickman, D. C., Olney, W. W. (2011). Globalization and investment in human capital. Industrial Labor Relations Review, 64(4), 654-672. Johanson, J., Vahlne, J. (2006). Commitment and opportunity development in the internationalization process: A note on the Uppsala internationalization process model. Management International Review (MIR), 46(2), 165-178. Johanson, J., Vahlne, J. E. (1977). The internationalization process of the firm – A model of knowledge development and increasing foreign market commitment. Journal of International Business Studies, 5 (8), 23-32. Johanson, J., Vahlne, J. E. (2009). The Uppsala internationalization process model revisited: From liability of foreignness to liability of outsidership. Journal of International Business Studies, 40(9): 1411-1431. Ninan, S., Puck, J. F. (2010). The internationalization of Austrian firms in Central and Eastern Europe. Journal for East European Management Studies, 15(3), 237-259. Onetti, A., Zucchella, A., Jones, M., McDougall-Covin, P. (2012). Internationalization, innovation and entrepreneurship: Business models for new technology-based firms. Journal of Management Governance, 16(3), 337-368. doi:10.1007/s10997-010-9154-1 Saul, J. (2005). The Collapse of globalism and the reinvention of the world. Camberwell: Penguin Viking. Steen, J. T., Liesch, P. W. (2007). A note on Penrosean growth, resource bundles and the Uppsala model of internationalisation. Management International Review (MIR), 47(2), 193-206. Vahlne, J., Ivarsson, I ., Johanson, J. (2011). The tortuous road to globalization for Volvo’s heavy truck business: Extending the scope of the Uppsala model. International Business Review, 20(1), 1-14. doi:10.1016/j.ibusrev.2010.05.003 This essay on The Conflict between Entrepreneurial Orientation and Uppsala Model of International Expansion was written and submitted by user Analia Benton 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, March 17, 2020

Pakinsons essays

Pakinsons essays Parkinsons disease usually affects people of late middle age. Most run between the age of 50-60. The symptoms of Parkinsons disease are usually subtle and occur gradually. Some examples of symptoms a person may have, are feeling shaky or having trouble getting up from a chair or a couch. Others may notice that their speaking is softer or quieter. They will lose track of a thought or feel irritable or even depressed for no reason. These are early symptoms that may last a long time before the more classic and obvious symptoms appear. For now there is no way to cure or prevent Parkinsons disease from happening., but there has been new research looking at (PET) Position Emission Topography. This will allow scientists to scan the brain, which see chemical change that occurs in the brain. Using PET scientists can study the brains nerve cells that are affected by disease. IF you are in the major stages of Parkinsons disease the major symptoms are tremors, problems walking, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Rigidity is an increase of stiffness in the muscles. If it is eased by medications, rigidity is always present. Its also responsible for a mask like expression. In some patients it leads to sensations of pain in the arms and shoulders. Secondly, victims with experience bradykinesia, which means slowness of movement. It causes the brains to react slower in its transmission of instructions to parts of the body therefore causing the body to act slowly in carrying them out. Poor balance is often true when victims move abruptly. Some patients experience falls due to poor balance. Last are tremors, they will affect three out of four patients. Tremors may affect only one part or side of the body. For the most part they dont disable people and it disappears during sleep. Some minor symptoms are depression, emotional changes, memory loss, difficulty swallowing, and chewing. At this point there is no cure for Park...

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Easy Last-Minute College Halloween Costumes

Easy Last-Minute College Halloween Costumes Halloween is a highlight of the fall semester on any college campus. Its your chance to take a break, have fun with friends, and get  a little weird. What if you didnt have time to plan your Halloween costume? If youre like most college students who have  too much stress and not enough time, you probably waited until the last minute to figure out what to be for Halloween. Luckily, there are several great ideas that are quick, easy, and cheap (or free). They simply require a little imagination. Dress up as Your Roommate No matter what your roommate is into, take their signature look and amplified it (with kindness, of course). This is even better if you both go together while dressed as each other. Simply borrow your roommates clothes and an accessory or two, vamp it up a bit, and off you go. Ladies, is your roommate into bags? Grab several of her faves and head out. Guys, does your roommate always wear sports shirts? Put on several and show them off during the evening, maybe even rotating them as the night goes on.   It should go without saying that youll need your roommates permission. Its also a good idea to be sensitive to hurting any feelings because you dont want to damage your relationship. But if youre both into it, it can be a fast costume fix. Get to the Thrift Store Head down to the local thrift store and piece together a quick costume. They have all kinds of great finds and its even better around Halloween. Grab some funky, retro, or fancy clothes, it really doesnt matter and the more creative you get, the better. You can even pick up a few options without worrying about spending too much. Keep in mind, too, that you dont necessarily need to have an idea before you get to the store. Going in with an open mind might be the best way to approach things. That way, if you see something that looks interesting, youll be more likely to let your creativity flow. Go as a Group If youre going out with a group of friends, work together to find a costume. You can dress like the cast from a recent movie, a group of flight attendants and pilots, or the members of todays hottest  band. Any of these costumes are easy to put together. Its often a matter of adapting clothes you already have or running to the thrift store for a few special pieces. Since youre going as a group, you wont need as many accessories as you would if you were responsible for your own attire. Dress as a College Movie Character You may not have thought about it, but you have an entire room full of props for a college student. Vamp it up and go as a college-aged character from a movie. It can be a classic (Bluto, anyone?) or whatever is hot at the moment. Either way, its an easy fix if you dont have a costume and takes just a few minutes to put together. Cant think of a character to go as? Have fun with the college student look. Give yourself the stressed out, up all night studying look with messy hair, a backward shirt, mismatched shoes, or whatever. Get weird, have fun, and see what you come up with.

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Unit and Lesson Planning for UDL and the Common Core State Curriculum Assignment

Unit and Lesson Planning for UDL and the Common Core State Curriculum - Assignment Example Conversely, quantitative method is implemented to ascertain the word length, word frequency, sentence length and text cohesion of the topic essential relatively to the novel (Cast Professional Learning, â€Å"UDL101M: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (Mathematics Emphasis)†; Teaching Channel, â€Å"Literacy Analysis through Interactive Stations†). The study about unit and lesson planning for UDL and the common core state curriculum signifies that all individuals should have different connections prior learning and experiences. Literate people have to cross the phase of learning in their consecutive lifespan to enhance their knowledge and skills in learning, which they can implement towards their social and cultural development. Unit and lesson planning is crucial in terms of formation of the base for students in learning. Appropriate and necessary materials, as well as contents, are to adhere to the unit and lesson of the books and novels taught by the teachers, professors, and lecturers of the schools and universities. Inappropriate units and lessons in relation to the topic do not provide sufficient knowledge as well as an idea about the topic. Hence, it must be foremost duty of the teachers should consult with experienced professors and writers to formulate updated units and lessons plans in relation to the topic or novel, which will beneficial to the students in having successive experiences (Cast Professional Learning, â€Å"UDL101M: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (Mathematics Emphasis)†). There is no misconception regarding the information provided about the structural plan and framework in the unit and lesson planning that delivers a positive impact on ‘Universal Design for Learning’ (UDL) and common core state curriculum. This module shows consecutive steps of unit and lesson planning that include teacher planning, preparation and course contents and material related to the topic.

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Coursework Example Illustration 1 above shows a Heron’s Fountain schematic drawing. Three major parts of the Heron’s fountain facilitate the functioning of the fountain. In the schematic diagram, there are three components referred as Basins A to C. Joining the basins together are vessels that allow air and fluid pressure to be transferred through. The connection of the parts as shown in illustration 1 show that the apparatus should make use of supporting mechanism in order to hold each component or part to the respective position. With respect to Basin B, the top of the component should be sealed off and then water is poured into the basin. Basin C is left empty and connection hose is hooked to join the two basins/vessels as illustrated in the figure above (illustration 1). Additionally, Basin A is placed above Basin B and a joining hose to Basin B is fitted connecting the two. Basin A and Basin C are connected as well using another hose as shown in the figure above. When water is poured into Basin A, it flows through the hose connecting Basin A with Basin C and collects in Basin C. When the water flows into C, air in C is replaced and hydrostatic pressure results (P2=rho gh2) adding to the primary atmospheric pressure (Patm) of C’s air volume. Following the flow of air from C as result of the Pascal’s principle and forces the water in vessel or Basin B to move up the hose connecting B with A. There is action and reaction between pressure exerted by the air and the primary atmospheric pressure leading to hydrostatic pressure (P1 = rho gh1). Air in basin B and C is compressed and drives the water to shoot from the upper basin thus resulting in a continuous movement of water to run the fountain (Brown, 2010). Heron’s Fountain considered various principles and concepts of physics. Among the most applicable are Pascal’s and Bernoulli’s principles. While Pascal’s principle explains the pressure changes as a

Friday, January 24, 2020

Mellsy’s Outline for Research Paper -- essays papers

Mellsy’s Outline for Research Paper Have you ever thought about volunteering your time to a local charity or community organization? There are many different reasons for you to start volunteering your services: To help others, to learn about an activity or organization that interests you, to beat boredom if you find yourself sitting around the house feeling totally bored, volunteering in an activity you enjoy can be a great way to change things, to overcome a loss you have experienced one of the best ways to help yourself in a time of loss is to help others, to gain perspective on life there is no better way to understand your blessings than to help people in need. Your reasons for volunteering are as individual as you are, but no matter what your reasons you can get a lot out of volunteering. You can learn about yourself, learn about others and meet a lot of interesting people by volunteering. You can help others as you help yourself. By Definition of Community Service, which is: "services that are identified by an institution of higher education, through formal or informal consultation with local nonprofit, governmental, and community-based organizations, as designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to their needs; I chose to discuss this particular subject because it hits home. I’m very active in anything that takes place my community and I would do anything to make sure it stays a safe environment for all the young children in it. (Webster’s Dictionary) Adolescence is a time for young people to define their place in the family, peer groups, and the larger community. During this stage of their lives, youth struggle wi... ...Lessons Shared: Reflections from the International Learning Group on Youth and Community Development & Youth Development Series This scholarly journal is about international learning groups on youth and community development. It is about youth in the political processes of their countries and brought ILG members together for a week to learn from programs and leaders in five Latin American partners, which include: Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It speaks about lessons learned and its impact on their youth engagement projects. Where Community and Curriculum Come Together This examines how technology-centered community connected educational endeavors impact students lives and learning experiences in various areas in the United States. Youth & Community Service. Retrieved February 24, 2005,www.communityservice.org, http://www.suws.com/

Thursday, January 16, 2020

PRODUCTION OPERATIONS & MANUFACTURING PROCESSES OF LABSA Essay

Sulphonation – The Process Most electrophilic substitution reactions are irreversible but sulfonation is an exception. Treatment of benzene with â€Å"oleum† (a solution of SO3 in concentrated sulfuric acid) will give the sulfonic acid, the electrophilic species being sulfur trioxide which is Lewis acidic. Fig – 1 Sulphonation : Benzene equation The sulfonic acid can be converted back by treatment with hot aqueous acid. The reason for this reversibility is the fact that the Wheland intermediate is overall neutral and therefore more stable than other, positively charged intermediates. Hence, under forcing reaction conditions, the energy difference in progressing in either the forward or backward sense from the Wheland intermediate is proportionately smaller compared to the barrier to activation and hence discrimination is lost. Fig – 2 Progress of Reaction against Energy This makes the SO3H a useful directing group if it is desired to carry our selective ortho– substitution of a monosubstituted benzene possessing an ortho/para– activating group. Under normal circumstances, para– substitution would dominate, despite the statistical favouring of the ortho– positions due to steric hindrance of the original substituent. Initial sulfonation para– gives a Disubstituted benzene in which both substituents direct to the same position. Subsequent directed electrophilic substitution and removal of the sulfonic acid group gives theortho– disubstituted product. Process Involved In the Manufacture of LABSA Fig 3 – Flowchart of the process behind the production of LABSA. The manufacturing of LABSA at Sasol gulf is a continuous process. An interval of 1 day after a period of 20-21 days for the purpose of shut-down and start-up is essential for maintenance purposes. The key reactions involved in the formation of LABSA are as follows: †¢Air Drying †¢Sulphur Melting – Ignition of sulphur (S) to sulphur dioxide (SO2) †¢SO3 Production – Oxidation of sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide (SO3) using catalyst vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) under optimum temperature. †¢Film Sulphonation – Reaction of Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) with Sulphur trioxide to yield the end product LABSA. †¢Ageing & Hydrolysis †¢Gas Separation & Gas Scrubbing – Separation of LABSA from unreacted gases. Air Drying The air taken from outside is compressed and dehumidified by means of the following units: 1)Intermediate Cooling Unit. 2)Silica gel Dehumidifying Tower. The cooling has the purpose to remove the humidity from the air, up to a saturation humidity of 2 degree Celsius & also to convey low temperature air to the dehumidifying tower, thus favoring the water absorption in the silica gel. The silica gel air drying has the object to reduce to very low values (dew point -60 approx.) the moisture content of air intended for the sulfur combustion, & then for conversion. This reduces to acceptable values the oleum quantity produced in the conversion unit, which depends directly to the quantity of water contained in the air. Working The air filtered is sucked by the compressor that sends the process air to the refrigerating group. This unit removes the compression heat by water & moreover cools the air to 2 degree Celsius through the intermediate medium cooling unit which is kept at constant temperature. The equipment for air drying is a vertical cylindrical vessel, which is horizontally divided in  two parts by a partition containing insulating material. The two silica gel layers are placed on nets; 2 spaces are left free above and below such layers for air inlet and outlet respectively. On the plates, at the level of both silica gel layer, two light glasses are located to check visually their conditions. Some silica gel indicator is placed near the sight glasses, changing its color accordingto the quantity of absorbed water; thus saturating with water, it changes blue to pink. Fig 4 – Boiler to produce and supply steam. Characteristics of Silica Gel Appearance – white color, granules of 3-6 mm approx. Bulk Density: 700kg/dm3 approx The regeneration is carried out by heating with air at 150 degree Celsius. A checking about the effective regeneration is made by verifying the Silica gel indicator through the sight glasses, as well as by verifying the outlet temp., of the regeneration air on the recording thermometer. When the regeneration is accomplished the silica gel mass has a temperature quite near 150 degree Celsius. Therefore it is necessary to cool the silica gel thus allowing it to adsorb the humidity of the air crossing it. Note – The four way valves are provided with a drive by pneumatic cylinders which are remote controlled energizing some solenoid valve suitably. Air drying and cooling Air that is utilized in the production of LABSA has to be cooled first and then dried to ensure its feasibility for further reactions. Air is cooled by passing it through a heat exchanger containing the coolant mono-ethylene glycol; at a temperature of 0 to -2 degree Celsius. The coolant ensures condensation of air to around 5 degree Celsius. After cooling air to the required temperature it has to be dried to remove traces of moisture present in it. For this purpose air is passed through a cylinder filled with silica gel. The silica-gel brings the dew point of the water in the air down to stay -40 degrees Celsius. This means that the air is dry as if the air was cooled down to -40 degrees Celsius. In practice two cylinders with silica-gel are used; one for drying the air, the other is reconditioned. In general the changing of the cylinders is done automatically. Fig 5 – Air Drying Process Fig 6 – Glycol Tower In order to remove the compression heat and to condense the moisture, the air is first cooled by cooling water and then by a glycol solution in the glycol tower. The air flow is then conveyed at a constant temperature (less than 5â„Æ') to the silica gel dryers. Sulphur Melting Sulphur is melted to allow Sulphur that has been acquired has to be melted prior to its ignition. This is done by heating it in the melter at temperatures of 135â„Æ' to 145â„Æ'. If the temperature exceeds 145â„Æ' it would result in vaporisation of sulphur while temperatures less than 135â„Æ' would be insufficient to melt sulphur. Therefore a temperature of 140 is maintained to prevent wastage of sulphur due to the above mentioned causes. Fig 7–Sulphur Melting Tank. The solid sulphur is melted and filtered to avoid the pump valves clogging and then fed to the sulphur burner by a proportioning pump. The viscosity of molten sulphur is minimum between 135â„Æ' to 140 â„Æ'. Fig 8 – Viscosity Of Sulphur Molten sulphur is fed under mass control by means of a mass flow meter. The pump and the relevant piping are steam heated in order to to keep the temperature constant and to minimize sulphur viscosity. Fig 9 – Sulphur Burning SOâ‚Æ' Production The oxidation reaction of sulphur dioxide and trioxide is exothermic and heat produced by it is quite sufficient to keep the catalyst layers at the required at the required temp. to obtain a good conversion progress. In order to get the best efficiency, the gas inlet temperature in the first catalyst layer has to be about 420 degree Celsius. To start the reaction, the catalyst layers of the first & second stage of the conversion tower have to be brought to the necessary temperature. This is reached by preheating with hot air and the upper part of the catalyst tower is heated upto a temperature of 400-420 degree Celsius. Fig 10 – Catalyst Bed Sulphur Dioxide & Sulphur Trioxide Production The sulphur combustion furnace has been designed for this special purpose. In the furnace, the sulphur is fed through a pipe and falls on a surface of refractory balls, while the combustion air is supplied in counter current, thus obtaining the complete combustion of sulphur without its spraying through a nozzle; which might often clog owing to sulphur impurities. This system is quite simple; it does not require any maintenance and the gas composition does not change. The temperature of the gas at the burner outlet is around 700 degree Celsius (corresponding approximately to a SO2 concentration of 7% by volume). Thereafter a heat exchanger cools the gas so that it reaches the conversion tower at the required temperature. The conversion tower is composed of three layers of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) catalyst. The gas, passing from a layer to next one, crosses a heat exchanger to take the gas temperature to optimum conversion values on every stage. In order to allow quick startup, a preheating system has been  provided. The main characteristics of Ballestra pre-heating system have been provided: âž ¢No electric pre-heater is required because if it were used, being in the presence of SO3, it would be corroded very quickly. âž ¢Moreover, with Ballestra system there is no need to either cut off or regulate values in the circuit of conversion l ines, which should operate a temperature of about 500 degree Celsius in the presence SO2 / SO3, thus being easily corroded. âž ¢The gas temperature is of course too high to be suitable for sulphonation; therefore some heat exchangers in the series are used to cool the gas down to proper sulphonation temperature. The hot air coming from SO3 coolers is utilized for silica gel regeneration.[6] Fig 11 – SO2 / SO3 Production Film Sulphonation This group is composed by a film reactor, multi-tube type, having dimensions and number of tubes proportional to the plant capacity. The sulphonation gas is automatically fed on the reactor top and distributed in part strictly equal on each of the pipes composing the reactor. The raw material to be sulphonated is fed in co-current with the gas. Outside the reaction tubes in the reactor jacket the cooling water circulates in co-current with the film, thus allowing a control of the reaction temperature by heat removing. The distribution of the gas and the product to be sulphonated is designed in order to ensure a constant ratio between the two phases, inside each reaction tube. The sulphonated or sulphated product, coming out of the reactor is suitably degassed, aged and stabilized according to the fed raw material; and fed to the neutralization unit. In this connection the Ballestra sulphonation / sulphation system by film reactor has great advantages towards the other existing systems on the market since in the case of power failure an emergency system, included in the supply, avoids any damage to the product and the necessity of cleaning the reactor before resuming operation. This system can be also used during plant startup: the material to be sulphonated is fed and recycled to the reactor until optimum SO2-SO3 conversion is reached. Main Reactor Fig 12 – Top view of the Reactor Fig 13 – Bottom Nozzles Of the Reactor This SO3 is sent to the reactor where it reacts with Linear Alkyl Benzene. Due to presence of some water vapours in air some oleum is also formed. This should be avoided as it can cause blockage. The reactor has small tubes in which the SO3 passes and the LAB passes through its sides. The main reaction takes place at bottom of these tubes and during maintenance these tubes are thoroughly cleaned because if the LAB leaks to the centre part then the reaction will take place there only and no SO3 will pass through. Then this mixture of LABSA (desired product), LAB, SO3 and a mixture of other waste materials including oleum is sent to a separator. The liquid product is sent to the aging vessel and the gases are sent to cyclone. Fig 14 – Sulphonation Plant Arrangement Ageing & Hydrolysis This is used to stabilize the sulphonated DDB. It is composed by an ageing unit and stabilizer. The product after being sulphonated overflows into the bottom of the ageing unit. It is then conveyed into the stabilizer together with water. Afterwards it is transferred with the help of a pump to the neutralization unit. Fig 15 – Ageing Vessel Gas Seperation Cyclonic separation is a method of removing particulates from an air (or gas) stream, without the use of filters, through vortex separation. Rotational effects and gravity are used to separate mixtures of solids and fluids. Here a high speed rotating air-flow is established within a cylindrical or conical container called a cyclone. Air flows in a spiral pattern, beginning at the top (wide end) of the cyclone and ending at the bottom (narrow) end before exiting the cyclone in a straight stream through the center of the cyclone and out the top. Larger (denser) particles in the rotating air stream have too much inertia to follow the tight curve of the air stream and strike the outside wall, falling then to the bottom of the cyclone where they can be removed. In a conical system, as the rotating air-flow moves towards the narrow end of the cyclone the rotational radius of the air stream is reduced, separating smaller and smaller particles from the stream. The cyclone geometry, together with air flow rate, defines the cut point of the cyclone. This is the size of particle that will be removed from the air stream with a 50% efficiency. Particles larger than the cut point will be removed with a greater efficiency and smaller particles with a lower efficiency. The liquid product and reactants which still have to react are sent to the aging vessel but the product in the form of vapour and gases are sent to Electrostatic Precipitator. Fig 16 – Gas Splitting Gas Scrubbing / Exhaust Gas Treatment The unit is designed to treat exhaust gas stream coming from the sulphonation reactor before being sent to the atmosphere in order to remove any possible organic, unreacted SOâ‚Æ' traces and unconverted SOâ‚‚. The exhausted gas coming from the reactor pass through a cyclone which provides to separate the acid mist before getting into the electrostatic precipitator and SO2 scrubber column. Fig 17 – Exhaust Gas Treatment In the electrostatic precipitator the organic substances and unreacted SO3 are separated and eliminated. The residual unconverted SO2 is absorbed in the scrubbing column in which a water and caustic soda solution is continuously recycled. The gas stream is contacted with a controlled stream of fresh organic raw material. Fig 18– Electrostatic Precipitator Functionality Details Fig 19 – Electro Static Precipitator Construction Details An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) or electrostatic air cleaner is a particulate collection device that removes particles from a flowing gas (such as air) using the force of an induced electrostatic charge. The LABSA is separated and sent to the ageing vessel. Types of Heat Exchangers Shell and Tube heat exchanger Shell and tube heat exchangers consist of a series of tubes. One set of these tubes contains the fluid that must be either heated or cooled. The second fluid runs over the tubes that are being heated or cooled so that it can either provide the heat or absorb the heat required. A set of tubes is called the tube bundle and can be made up of several types of tubes: plain, longitudinally finned etc. Shell and Tube heat exchangers are typically used for high pressure applications (with pressures greater than 30 bar and temperatures greater than 260 °C. This is because the shell and tube heat exchangers are robust due to their shape. There are several thermal design features that are to be taken into account when designing the tubes in the shell and tube heat exchangers. These include: †¢Tube diameter: Using a small tube diameter makes the heat exchanger both economical and compact. However, it is more likely for the heat exchanger to foul up faster and the small size makes mechanical cleaning of the fouling difficult. To prevail over the fouling and cleaning problems, larger tube diameters can be used. Thus to determine the tube diameter, the available space, cost and the fouling nature of the fluids must be considered. †¢Tube thickness: The thickness of the wall of the tubes is usually determined to ensure: oThere is enough room for corrosion oThat flow-induced vibration has resistance oAxial strength oAbility to easily stock spare parts cost Sometimes the wall thickness is determined by the maximum pressure differential across the wall. †¢Tube length: heat exchangers are usually cheaper when they have a smaller shell diameter and a long tube length. Thus, typically there is an aim to make the heat exchanger as long as possible. However, there are many limitations for this, including the space available at the site where it is going to be used and the need to ensure that there are tubes available in lengths that are twice the required length (so that the tubes can be withdrawn and replaced). Also, it has to be remembered that lone, thin tubes are difficult to take out and replace. †¢Tube pitch: when designing the tubes, it is practical to ensure that the tube pitch (i.e. the centre-centre distance of adjoining tubes) is not less than 1.25 times the tubes’ outside diameter LAS/LABSA ( Linear Alkyl Benzene Suplhonic Acid ) – The Product Description of LAS Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid is the largest-volume synthetic surfactant because of its relatively low cost, good performance, the fact that it can be dried to a stable powder and the biodegradable environmental friendliness as it has straight chain. LAS is an anionic surfactants with molecules characterized by a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic group. Alpha-olefin sulfonates (AOS) alkyl sulfates (AS) are also examples of commercial anionic surfactants. They are nonvolatile compounds produced by sulfonation. LAS are complex mixtures of homologues of different alkyl chain lengths (C10 to C13 or C14) and phenyl positional isomers of 2 to 5-phenyl in proportions  dictated by the starting materials and reaction conditions, each containing an aromatic ring sulfonated at the para position and attached to a linear alkyl chain at any position with the exception of terminal one (1-phenyl). The properties of LAS differ in physical and chemical properties according to the alkyl chain length, resulting in formulations for various applications. The starting material LAB (linear alkylbenzene) is produced by the alkylation of benzene with n-paraffins in the presence of hydrogen fluoride (HF) or aluminium chloride (AlCl3) as a catalyst. LAS is produced by the sulfonation of LAB with oleum in batch reactors. Other sulfonation alternative reagents are sulfuric acid, diluted sulfur trioxide, chlorosulfonic acid and sulfamic acid on falling film reactors. LAS are then neutralized to the desired salt (sodium, ammonium, calcium, potassium, and triethanolamine salts). Surfactants are widely used in the industry needed to improve contact between polar and non-polar media such as between oil and water or between water and minerals. MASS DENSITY AT 20 DEGREES C : ~ 1.070 g/cm3 VISCOSITY AT 20 DEGREES C : ~ 1500 – 2000 mPa.s. MELTING RANGE : ~ – 10 DEGREES C. BOILING POINT : ~ 315 DEGREES C. VAPOUR PRESSURE at 20 DEGREES c : Below 0.15 (0.001 mm Hg). FLASH POINT (PMcc) : >200 DEGREES C. DECOMPOSITION TEMPERATURE : > 100 DEGREES C. Ph : ~ 2. Applications of LAS Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, as the raw material of detergent, is used to produce alkylbenzene sulfonic acid sodium (LAS), which has the performances of cleaning, wetting, foaming, emulsifying and dispersing, etc. The rate of biodegradation is more than 90%. The product is widely used for producing various detergents and emulsifiers for agricultural herbicides and in emulsion polymerization. It is mainly used to produce household detergents such as washing powder, detergent of dishware, detergent of light or hard dirt, cleaner of textile industry, dyeing assistant, degreaser of plating and leather making industry, and the deinking agent of paper-making industry, etc. Characteristics †¢Good Surface active properties †¢Low cost surfactant for detergents †¢Easy processing into dried powders †¢Desirable solubility in both liquid and powder formulation †¢Biodegradable †¢Compatible with other surface active agents Sales Specifications APPEARANCEViscous Light Brown liquid ACTIVE MATTER96.0% min ACID VALUE180 – 190 FREE OIL1.5% max WATER1.0% max COLOR, KLETTE50 max (5% Sol. pH=7, 40mm cell) FREE SULFURIC ACID1.5% max Advantages †¢Cost effective, anionic surfactant. †¢Biodegradable. †¢Due to its stable foam, suitable for detergent applications in combination with other surfactants. †¢Compatible with enzymes and builders. †¢Outstanding performance with other anionic surfactants due to its synergistic effect. †¢Consumes less alkali for neutralisation. †¢Ideal for liquid detergent application due to high solubility and low salt content. Packaging & Transportation LAB First the truck is parked in the heavy loading station directly under a valve. Laborers enter the truck and fix metal rods in grooves near the door. Then a cardboard perimeter is set up in order to provide support. A flexi-bag is spread out on the bottom of the container, above and within the cardboard perimeter. A hose is connected to the valve and to the flexi-bag. The initial reading is taken from the main LAB tank. The flexi-bag can withstand 20-25 tons of LAB. Calculations are carried out to transfer an approx. 20 tons. The meter reading must reduce by 52cm. Fig 20 – Flexi Bags within cardboard perimeter Sulphonic Acid The sulphonic acid is corrosive in nature and therefore requires a vehicle with a pre-fitted tanker. The tanker is made of a special material (commonly stainless steel) Also the tank must be able to keep the sulphonic acid at a desirable temperature. Fig 21 – Fitted Tank LABSA LABSA is packaged into plastic drums and then transported. Each drum contains 210kg of the product. Sasol buys second hand drums in order to cut costs. Once the drums are loaded with LABSA on a wooden platform a forklift will move them to the storage shed. At the time of loading the forklift will carry these drums to a loading station with an adjustable ramp. The forklift will carry the containers into the truck and load them there. Fig 22 – Plastic Drums for packaging Analysis Every two hours, regular analysis of the product is carried out to make sure the quality of the product is maintained. A sample of the product is taken in a beaker and taken to the analysis room. Color Klett Determination A Klett colorimeter allows light to pass through and determines the colour Klett of the substance. The beaker is put on the colorimeter and the value of the color Klett is obtained. Lesser the color Klett, better the quality of the product. The standard value for Klett is around 50%(maximum). Here at Sasol, it ranges from 5-10% and is therefore great in quality. Required Equipments: †¢Klett Colorimeter †¢Blue Filter No. 42 with 400-465mm wavelength range †¢Pair of cells with 40mm path length †¢Balance Required Reagents: †¢Ethanol 99.9% GPR †¢Methanol GPR †¢Propan-2-ol ( Isopropyl alcohol ) GPR †¢Distilled water Procedure: †¢Prepare solvent of ethanol 99.99%, methanol, propan-2-ol or distilled water or a mix of all. †¢Weigh 5g of active substance and dilute with a weighed amount of solvent so that a solution of 5% m/m is prepared for color measurement. †¢In case of 5% m/n color measurement , weigh 5g of active substance, then times the volume of solvent required by relevant solvent density and weigh solvent. †¢Mix upto complete dissolution. †¢Fill 40mm path length cell (clean and dry) with mixture and other cell as reference cell. †¢Colorimeter must be switched on 15 mins prior to the test. Acid value determination After finding the color Klett, the sample of the product is then titrated with ethanol, drop by drop after adding the indicator. Through this, the amount of ethanol required to reach the n point is noted and the acid level of the product is calculated. It should be approx. 180. If the acid value is higher or lower than the required value, the air flow rate is adjusted and analysis is carried out till the desired acid value is obtained. Required equipments: †¢250ml conical flask †¢10ml Burette †¢Lab analytic balance reading upto 3 decimal places Required Reagents: †¢Distilled water †¢Sodium Hydroxide Volumetric Solution †¢Phenolphthalein †¢Ethanol This method covers determination of acid value for sulphonic acid, however it can also be used for pure fatty acids. Procedure: †¢Weigh accurately about 2g of sulphonic acid into the conical flask and note the weight. †¢Add 25ml of ethanol and mix well to ensure the sample is dissolved completely. †¢Titrate with NaOH solution using phenolphthalein until the solution retains a faint pink colour. Note T1. Calculation: †¢Acid Value = ( T1 x Molarity of NaOH x 56.1 ) / Wt †¢Free Acid % = ( T1 x Molarity of NaOH x titrated acid molecular weight ) [10] Conclusion In a nutshell, the previous month at Sasol has been very productive in terms of the knowledge gained regarding the manufacturing operations of the LABSA plant in Dubai, UAE. Future Scope This is a detailed report on: Production Operations and Manufacturing Processes of LABSA. It is highly informative on processes such as Air Drying, SOâ‚Æ' Production, SOâ‚Æ' Treatment, Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonation etc. The report can be used to bring about the following functionality: †¢Set up companies †¢Set up detergent raw material supply †¢Improve plant production quality †¢Reduce production costs References [1] www.wikipedia.com [2] www.sasol.com [3] www.uaeincorp.com [4] www.users.ox.ac.uk [5] Sasol Gulf – Operation Manual [6] Sulphonation Technology in the Detergent Industry by W. Herman de Groot [7] www.lasinfo.org [8] www.mixmedicine.com [9] www.chemicalland21.com [10] Test Method Control Room File

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

The Effects Of Air Pollution On Our Health And Sustainability

The idea that we, as a global community, are destroying the very earth we commonly share is something that takes time for people to fully understand. It takes research and a open mind to be knowledgeable about the environmental issues the human race is causing to planet earth, as well as the issues that it is causes to our personal health. Air pollution is a large problem that exists in the United States and affects all of us. However, the challenge that we as American’s face is the inescapable necessities of modern life (driving to work, cooking food, etc.). These technologies are directly linked to air pollution and therefore affect our health and sustainability. BusinessDictionary.com defines air pollution as, â€Å"the condition in which air is contaminated by foreign substances, or the substances themselves.† Air pollution is something that is having a direct affect on all of our lives and our health. We must do two things: consciously take action in the way we liv e our lives, so that we do not contribute to the already existing problems we face; and find ways to live a life that is less contributive to the dilemma of air pollution to sustain a healthy and productive life. What, then, is the problem that air pollution is causing in the United States? This question has an answer that needs to be recognized. We face the dilemma of using massive amounts of fuel sources which in turn contributes to air pollution. The consumption of fuel sources is affecting our health.Show MoreRelatedEffects Of Air Pollution On Human Health1319 Words   |  6 PagesCareful What You Breathe In: Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health The idea that we, as a global community, are destroying the very earth we commonly share is something that takes time for people to fully understand. 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As an up and coming chemistry scholar, it is important to raise awareness of the state of our environment and to recognize the strategies that can be taken as a member of a university, a citizen of the United States, and a future member of the corporate