Should Workers be Allowed to Go on Strike Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Should Workers be Allowed to Go on Strike - Essay Example Workers strive to achieve their basic rights in the service industry and can use different techniques to persuade the authorities to provide them with these rights. Striking is one form of the persuasion techniques used by the workers to get their rights. In the garment industry, the workers should be allowed to go on strike for the reasons. Workers tend to go on strikes to persuade the authorities into their demands. Some argue that these workers tend to use these strikes in an unfavorable manner, and the strikes should be stopped. However, a worker thinks of this instance â€Å"What if my daily wage was low enough that I could not even feed my family?† In simple words, if the workers are not paid enough to meet their needs then they should at least have a right to appeal against injustice. Strikes allow the workers to appeal to the authorities regarding any of the issues that they face in the workplace. This further shows that workers have a weaker side if the authorities fo rced to implement a decision which is unjust. The strikes can only provide a way to the workers so that they can force the authorities to reconsider their decisions.

Travel Long Distances Essay Example for Free

Travel Long Distances Essay Whenever we have to travel long distances within the country we can travel by train or by air in an aeroplane. I remember my first train journey which I performed when I was just about four years old. After that journey so long back, I have made several journeys by train but, that first journey still lingers in my mind and thoughts. We had to go to Madras, where my father had to attend a Conference. Since we had not then seen Madras and our winter vacations were falling during the dates of the Conference, it was decided that we would all go with father and make a trip to the South. Regarding the visits to different places of the South I remember next to nothing as, I was rather small but the train journey is still very vivid in my mind. There, at Madras, my father had to attend a Conference whose date was the 18th of December so; it was decided to leave for Madras on the 15th. After a long wait, at last the 15th of December came and my excitement knew no bounds. I would be going on my first ever train journey, enjoying an outing and seeing new places. The train that we had to go by was known as the G.T. Express i.e. the Grand Trunk Express and we went to the station to board it. I think it was evening time when we boarded the train. Inside we had dinner and then my parents and my elder brother all slept. I could not get sleep as, I was just too excited. I remember that, I had taken a window so that I could see the fun outside but, alas. No sooner that we had finished dinner, it was dark and nothing was visible from the window. It was only at the stops at the stations, I would peep out and see the rush and life on the platform. Seeing the stations for sometimes, I finally slept. When I woke up in the morning after a comfortable sleep at night, I was absolutely thrilled to look outside. The area the train was now crossing depicted a very beautiful cross section of land forms and greenery, mills and villages. Oh, what a panoramic beauty it all was. When the train crossed over different land forms, the sounds it made were heard changing sometimes deep grunts, sometimes a smooth flow and at other times just a thud here and thud there. When the train crossed over bridges on expanses of water, the sound was of gurgling. This medley of sounds created by the movement of the train was a wonderful experience the different stretches of huge expanses of land and water and different plantations for miles on end, showed nature in its full form and beauty. As we passed through village areas, I noticed fields of rice, wheat, mustard and vegetables. Oh what a wonderful sight of the cross-section of India. At the stations the train would stop and another scene of civilization would take over from nature, and when the train again started, the nature would again take over. This hides and seeks of scenes continued throughout the journey, and the music of terrain and water changing off and on was just stunning. This interesting scene continued for almost thirty six hours but, believe me, I enjoyed every minute of it. A mobile home with all amenities, a look at nature and also human civilization was all seen packed up as one presentation package for me. The thirty six hours had just flown by and we were at the Madras junction. I cannot forget this first journey by train even after eight years now and I do wonder if I ever will.

Gravitational force: An overview

Gravitational force: An overview 1.0 Introduction 1.1 What is gravitational force? Gravitational force is defined as a force of attraction which exerts between two objects with mass. It pulls two objects that have mass. (Gravitation and Gravity n.d.). 1.2 Background Information 1.2.1 The discovery of gravitational force One day, Newton was sitting on his garden and observing the falling of an apple from a tree. A sudden inspiration appeared in his mind. There must be a force exerted on the apple since the apple accelerated while falling down from the tree with zero initial velocity. The force is then called â€Å"gravity† and the acceleration due to the force is called â€Å"acceleration due to gravity† (Sir Isaac Newton: The Universal Law of Gravitation n.d.). 1.2.2 Effects of gravitation on planets If the force of gravity exerts at the top of the trees and mountains, then it must exerts all the way to the orbit of the moon. It is expected that the orbit of the moon around the earth results from the gravitational force as the acceleration due to the gravity can change the velocity of the moon in such a way it followed an orbit around the earth (Sir Isaac Newton: The Universal Law of Gravitation n.d.). 2.0 The Universal Law of Gravitation 2.1 Keplers law of gravitation Keplers Third Law states that the ratio of the cubes of their mean distances from the Sun is same as the squares of the periods of any two planets orbit about the Sun. P represents the time taken for one revolution about the Sun and R represents the distance between the planet and the Sun. The equation indicates that the period for the planet to orbit the Sun is proportional to the radius of its orbit. (Johannes Kepler: The Law of Planetary Motion n.d.). However, the accurate measurements on the orbits of the planets showed that they do not precisely follow Keplers laws. The validity of the Keplers law is corrected by Newton. The mass of the Sun is extremely greater than any other planet. Thus, the force of attraction between planets will be small compared to the force due to the Sun (Sir Isaac Newton: The Universal Law of gravitation n.d.). 2.2 The law of universal gravitation Law of universal gravitation states that every particle in the universe attracts each another with a force that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the distance apart squared. This force exerts along the line of centers joining the two particles. The magnitude of the gravitational force can be calculated using the formula: Fg = GMm Fg is the magnitude of the gravitational force r ² G is universal gravitational constant M and m are the masses of the two particles. r is the distance between the two particles. The universal gravitational force is also named universal constant as it is expected to be constant at any times and places. Therefore, it is universally characterized the intrinsic strength of gravitational force (Sir Isaac Newton: The Universal Law of gravitation n.d.). The gravitational constant is very small since we are unaware of the existence of the force of attraction between objects. The accepted value is G = 6.67 x 10-11 Nm ²/kg2. Based on the equation, the greater the distance between two masses, the smaller the gravitational force (Universal gravitation and weight n.d). 3.0 Gravitational fields Gravitational field is defined as the gravitational force felt by a discrete particle in a particular area (Fowler 2006). 3.1 Field strength Gravitational field strength is defined as force, N per unit mass, kg. The definition of gravitational field strength is derived from the Newtons second law, ÃŽ £F=ma. By making acceleration, a, as a subject and then substitute acceleration, a with gravitational field strength, g, and we would obtain a formula, g = F/m. F represents the gravitational force, N whereby m represents the mass of an object, kg. Gravitational field strength close to the earths surface is the same as the gravitational acceleration, 9.8Nkg-1. When the force is not given, gravitational field strength can be calculated by using the formula, g = GM/r ². This formula can be obtained by the substitution of the two equation, F = mg and F = GMm/r ². Hence, resulted in the formation of the equation, g = GM/r ². The greater the value of g, the greater the gravitational field strength (Universal Gravitation and Weight n.d.). 3.2 Principle of superposition In terms of gravitation, principle of superposition refers to the total force of an object. Total force is the addition of all the vectors due to the gravitational fields of force acting on the object (Fowler, 2006). Superposition refers to the masses which interact with each other. To find the total force, we have to find the gravitational force for each mass by using the formula, Fg = GMm/r ². Finally, add up all the forces by using vector addition method (Forces and Fields n.d.). 4.0 Future of Gravitation Einstein theorized that gravity can be explained by the curvature of space time.  Space time is warped by the mass and energy inside of it but not flat. Objects travel in straight line do not hold by mysterious force but follow the curves in space time. The objects move in straight lines along four-dimensional space time but move in elliptical circles in three-dimensional space. Light appears to travel in straight lines although it is actually bent, curved and changed by the fabric of space time. Although it looks like straight out in front of us, it is actually around the corner of the sun because the space time warp morphs the light. We see only the result of the light that is being bent around the sun. This can not be tested since the sun is shining us right in the eyes and we cannot see the stars.  However, it is possible to test out this theory during a total solar eclipse. We are constantly orbiting the sun so we are able to observe the changes of the movement of the star i n orbit (Space Time: The Fabric of the Universe n.d.). 5.0 Conclusion In conclusion, based on the acceptable Newtons gravitational law of gravitation, gravitation is a mutual force. Every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Therefore, gravitational force is depends on the masses of the bodies and the distance between the two bodies. Reference List Forces and Fields n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://electron9.phys.utk.edu/phys136d/modules/m4/efield.htm Fowler, M 2006, Gravitational Field, viewed 29 July 2009, http://galileo.phys.virginia.edu/classes/152.mf1i.spring02/GravField.htm Gravitation and Gravity n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://alex.edfac.usyd.edu.au/Methods/Science/studentwork/MassoftheEarth/gravitationandgravity.htm Johannes Kepler: The Laws of Planetary Motion n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/history/kepler.html Newtons Law of Gravitation n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://theory.uwinnipeg.ca/physics/circ/node7.html Sir Isaac Newton: The Universal Law of Gravitation n.d., viewed 6 June 2009, http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/history/newtongrav.html Space Time: The Fabric of the Universe n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://www.astronomy.pomona.edu/Projects/moderncosmo/alexs%20page%201.html Universal Gravitation and Weight n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://dev.physicslab.org/Document.aspx?doctype=3filename=UniversalGravitation_UniversalGravitationWeight.xml Intellectual Disability: Causes and Conditions Intellectual Disability: Causes and Conditions Assessment Demonstrate knowledge of causes and associated conditions related to intellectual disability Outcome 1: Define Intellectual Disability Task 1 1.1 Give 2 definitions of intellectual disability in accordance with a recognised source. Follow prescribed APA format when citing sources. Definition 1: Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behaviour which covers many everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18. Source: World Health Organization. Definition 2: Intellectual disability means a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn and apply new skills (impaired intelligence). Source: World Health Organization. 1.2 Using a definition of intellectual disability give 2 explanations of how this impacts on the persons adaptive skills: The person finds it hard to understand and follow social rules and customs and obeying laws. The person finds it difficult to perform the daily activities which include feeding, bathing, dressing, occupational skills, and navigational skills. Using a definition of intellectual disability give 2 explanations of how this impacts on the persons cognitive ability. A person is not able to think, reason, and solve problems or make decision like what to say while answering the telephone or talking to another person. A person is not able to concentrate, learn new things and does not have the ability to talk or write, resulting in the inability to live independently. Reference: FAQ on Intellectual Disability, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Outcome 2: Describe the outcomes of intellectual Disability Task 2 2.1 Give 2 examples of causes of intellectual disability that occur before birth and describe two [2] main characteristics of the effects. Example1: Fragile x Syndrome. Source: Bray, Anne, Definitions of intellectual disability, [Donald Beasley Institute, 2003] Main characteristics: If the mother does not follow a low phenylalanine diet before birth then the infants will have a low birth weight and grow more slowly than other children. The child will have heart defects or other heart problems, like abnormal small head size and behavioural problems. Example 2: Downs Syndrome Source: Bray, Anne, Definitions of intellectual disability, [Donald Beasley Institute, 2003] Main characteristics: It is caused by a random error in cell division and results in abnormality in physical characteristics like small chin, round face and almond eyes. The baby will have shorter limbs, protruding or oversized tongue and also have obesity problems. 2.2 Give 2 examples of causes of intellectual disability that occur during or immediately following birth and describe 2 main characteristics of the effects. Example 1: Premature Birth. Source: World Health Organisation, International Classification of Disability, and Health. Main characteristics: It happens when mothers smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or use illicit drugs which results in unresponsive reflexes and problem in breathing. If the mother suffers from stressful life events, such as death of a loved one or domestic violence which results in slow heart rate or difficult feeding. 2.3 Give 2 examples of causes of intellectual disability that occur during childhood years and describe the impact on the day to day support needs of the person. Example 1: Malnutrition Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Impact: The person will have problems in doing his daily activities like going to school or understand what is happening around him or eating his food at the time and taking his medication. He won’t be able to concentrate in class and will often feel depressed. He will need words of encouragement from his teachers and parents. His daily activities should be monitored and ensure to keep health appointments with the physio, social worker and therapists. Example 2: Brain injuries. Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Impact: The person will have difficulty with memory tasks like math facts or spelling words. He may not be confident in school will be easily frustrated. He may seem to remember information one day and forget it the next. He will need support in bathing, grooming, and needs reminding of personal hygiene like washing his hands after using the toilet and brushing his teeth. Help from support groups and agencies are also necessary. Outcome 3: Describe conditions frequently associated with intellectual disability. Task 3 Condition 1: Foetal Alcohol syndrome Causes: Mothers drinking during pregnancy leads to foetal alcohol syndrome. Miscarriage, stillbirth premature birth and small birth weight are all associated with it. When a pregnant women drinks alcohol, it easily passes across the placenta to the fetus which can harm the baby’s development. Main Characteristic 1: Children with FAS have distinct facial features including small and narrow eyes, a small head, a smooth area between the nose and the lips and a thin upper lip. Main characteristic 2: They also have hearing and ear problems. Their immune system are also weak due to FAS and they have issues with their height and weight. Description of the Support Needs of the person with the condition: Physical Support: The person needs to be reminded when to take his medicines or needs assistance in taking his medication. They will need assistance in crossing the road and also with daily activities like bathing, grooming and brushing their teeth or putting on their shoes. They will also need speech therapist so that they can interact with their peers. Social Support: The person will need communication and social skills training for interaction with friends, teachers and others. They will need supportive activities like group work to gain confidence and independence. Regular interaction with other children will boost their self-confidence. Cognitive Support: The person will need special education teacher to teach how to talk and what words he should use while talking to someone. He will need a speech therapist to learn how to pronounce a word or say a word clearly. Condition 2: Autism Causes: It is not certain what causes ASD, but it’s likely both genetics and environment play a role. Some studies suggest that people with ASD have abnormal levels of serotonin or other neurotransmitters in the brain. Main Characteristic: 1 People with Autism will have repetitive, obsessive, and unusual behaviour. They will have difficulty in communicating with others does not speak with anyone. They will have excessive lining up of toys or objects and they also have no response to name or social responsiveness. Main Characteristic: 2 They won’t have eye contact while talking to another person and avoid bright lights, noises or physical contact. They won’t be able to understand facial expressions or understand humour or pain, unable to establish friendships and may become isolated. Description of the Support Needs of the person with the condition: Physical Support: They will need an environment which is free from noise and avoid bright lights. They will need constant supervision while doing any work or playing outside. They will need relaxation and stress management like body massage or occupational therapy. Social Support: They will need assistance in learning society rules or social behaviour using logic. They will need advice like how to interact with people and make friends. They will need opportunities for relaxation like chilling out with family and friends. Opportunities for friendships are also important for these people. Cognitive support: The person will need one on one session between him and the therapist. He will need assistance in things like reading a book or solving a math problem. If there is a changes which is made then he should be informed in a manner that makes sense to the person. Reference: FAQ on Intellectual Disability, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Condition 3: Epilepsy Causes: Epilepsy can be due to severe head injury, strokes, birth trauma, brain tumours, toxins, brain infection, brain diseases, genetic condition or drug abuse.In many cases the cause is unknown. Main Characteristic 1: The person affected will have recurring and spontaneous seizures .The person may be unconscious or completely unaware of what is happening. Main characteristic 2: Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others repeatedly twist their arms or legs. Seizures may be partial affecting small part of the brain or generalised, affecting whole brain. Description of the Support Needs of the person with condition: Physical Support: Making sure that the environment is safe while walking around so that they won’t get injured when seizure occurs. The environment should be hazard free. He should be monitored weather he is taking his medication at the right time or is he getting any side effects which needs to be reported to the right people. Social Support: He should be encouraged to attend school and work and needs to be reminded constantly that he should not be ashamed of his condition. He should be encouraged to maintain contact and communication with friends and co-workers. He should not be treated differently from other co-workers only because of his condition and he should be treated with respect. His dignity should be maintained during seizure episodes. Cognitive Support: He could be missing learning opportunities during seizure and might need extra teaching support. Keeping an appointment dairy will ensure that he is keeping up to date with his activities. Reference: Bray, Anne, Definitions of intellectual disability. [Donald Beasley Institute,  2003]

Certified to Live :: Graduate Admissions Essays

Certified to Live    The day had finally come, and now it was over. I had worked diligently for four years, and what did I have to show for it? One measly little degree. All that work just for a piece of paper.    That night, after the graduation ceremony, I tossed and turned thinking about the past four years and what this degree meant. According to the University of Southern Mississippi Honors College, I was now certified to be a filmmaker. But what did that mean? Sure, I knew how to work a camera, edit film; I even knew the format for writing a script. I could classify movies into genres, and decipher the most complicated plots. However, these things did not ensure me a career in film. I needed talent, creativity, and drive to really be successful. I was suddenly very nervous about what I was going to do if I failed, and even got out my old college bulletin to look at other possible majors. A few more years of school did not sound so bad.    Then, I started recalling the past few years of my life. I had had so much fun in college. Staying up all night and talking with my friends, people-watching on the campus lawn, all those midnight McDonald's runs. College had been my first time to really be away from my family and friends. It had given me a chance to really come into my own, to realize the kind of person I really wanted to be. I had been able to make mistakes freely, and learn from them.    Throughout the four years, some of my professors had been wonderful. There had been my Freshman Comp. Professor who had pushed me until I finally became a good writer. My film editing instructor had always liked my work, and said she would help me to get started in the business.    The more I thought about it, the more I realized I knew.

Chinesse Education :: essays research papers

China has a long and rich cultural tradition in which education has played a major role. In 124 BC the first university was established for training prospective bureaucrats in Confucian learning and the Chinese classics. Only members of the upper class could attend school. Peasants and factory workers did not have the time to attend school; therefore as of 1949 only 20% of China was literate. The Communists who controlled China considered illiteracy a major stumbling block in their promotion of political programs. They then combined political propaganda with educational development. During the first few years (1949-51) of this push on education, over 60 million peasants enrolled in winter schools, or sessions, established to take advantage of the slack season for agricultural workers. Mao, the Communist leader of China, felt that the ultimate goal of education was to eliminate class distinction. After Mao’s death in 1976 a review of government policies concerning education was started. Out of this review came standardized testing and the reinstitution of entrance exams to get into schools and these exams were also used to get in the civil service.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Chinese children entered school at age six and stayed for six years. They would study the Chinese language, math and other basic subjects. After going to an elementary school children would enter a middle school. The subjects the Chinese taught were particularly important for the advancement of the country. During the Ming dynasty Chinese novels became very popular. There were many poems and collections of short stories. The Ming also established free schools for the public hoping to expand education in china.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Gifted students were selected for studying abroad especially in the United States. As these students finished their education and returned to China some of them teaching at Chinese Universities a major political unrest began to place.

Exxon Mobil Essay

Company Description Exxon mobile also know as Xom in the New York Stock Exchange is on of the largest producers of fossil fuels. Exxon engages in oil and gas exploration, production, supply, transportation and marketing in a global economy (Bloomberg). They hold over 13 billion barrels of oil in reserve. Exxon also has thirty eight refineries spread over 21 countries (Annual Report). The company also has a thought put capacity of 6. 3 million barrels of oil daily. Target MarketExxon has a huge target market in today’s economy. They not only provide to anyone driving a commercial motor vehicle but also to larger wholesalers. These wholesalers consist of smaller independent gas and service stations that do not have their own refineries. Xom also provides six hundred airports and two hundred seaports with fuel (Annual Report). These two markets consume a tremendous amount of fuel each year. This is a niche market for Xom because these airports and seaports can not use alternative energy in their endeavors. CompetitionAlthough Exxon is the largest fossil fuel producer they do have some competition with British Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell and Chevron. These companies’s do not have the same output as Xom, but some might say they are ahead in many ways. British petroleum (BP) has been doing a lot with alternative energy for the future unlike Exxon which has mainly focused on gasoline. Shell has also made some large landmarks in alternative energy like the use of sugar cane for fuels (Bloomberg). Competitive AdvantagesExxon Mobile conducts oil and gasoline exploration in every major accessible area in the world (Integrated Solutions). They also have the largest amount of financial capital for new research and exploration. Exxon is also the largest publically traded energy company in the world and serves over two hundred countries (Annual Report). They also have discipline and consistency which means that they continue to grow in the areas they feel necessary while holding back in others like alternative energy. Current ChallengesOne of the biggest challenges that Exxon faces is the huge increase in energy by new developing nations. By 2030 there is an estimated forty percent increase in energy. This poses a problem because Xom must learn to boost efficiency, develop new supplies while still managing environmental risks. That is the next challenge that they face managing environmental risks like mitigating global co2 emissions. They have started to face this problem already by investing in CO2Remove project. This project is set to develop ways to lower co2 emission and create new guidelines for the industry (Integrated Solutions). Exxon also faces challenges with alternative energy like wind power, ethanol and solar power. The last challenge is with nuclear power and its high cost particularly in the U. S. In the U. S the cost of nuclear energy highly exceeds the cost of coal and gas. There is also the problem of how to properly dispose of radioactive waste and safe control of nuclear material. Exxon also is having trouble opening new facilities because no one wants nuclear plants near them. Part II Exxon Mobil is the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, providing energy that helps underpin growing economies and improve living standards around the world. To be successful, ExxonMobil must be at the leading edge of competition in every aspect of our business. This requires that the Corporation’s substantial resources, including financial, operational, technological, and human, be employed wisely and evaluated regularly. The success of the company depends mainly on customer satisfaction. For this reason, it is good for a company like Exxon Mobil to have solid mission and vision statements to act as a guideline for the sales and services to be implemented by the company. The mission statement and vision statement are as follows: Mission Statement Exxon Mobil Corporation is committed to being the world’s premier petroleum and petrochemical company. To that end, we must continuously achieve superior financial and operating results while adhering to the highest standards of business conduct. These unwavering expectations provide the foundation for our commitments to those with whom we interact (Annual Report). Vision Statement -providing reliable, affordable energy supplies in a reasonable manner. -safely and reliably producing oil, natural gas, and hydrocarbon -finding and developing new supplies and products to bring to the market – maximizing resource and asset value -improving energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts -developing the next generation of scientists and engineers Strengths: The size of the Corporation is the most obvious strength for Exxon Mobil. Exxon Mobil is affiliated with over 200 countries and territories (Annual Report). There are 6. 1 billion shares and over 2. 5 million shareholders. Another strength of the company is the diverse workforce that allows them to achieve superior results. Exxon Mobil benefits from the cultural differences, knowledge, and skills of our employees who represent the diverse communities of the world. Weaknesses: There were three employee fatalities and five contractor fatalities since 2005. However, the company has learned from these incidents and is working hard at preventing such incidents in the future. Also, replacing the oil that is extracted from the locations is another weakness. They also face the challenge of continuing their pace of significant energy efficiency improvements year after year. Opportunities: ExxonMobil has a list of significant Arctic opportunities, with ongoing studies spanning the range of exploration, project assessment and planning, and technology development. We recognize that energy is vital to economic progress. Exxon Mobil is drilling in some of these areas, which helps boost their economy. Other such opportunities include the Canadian Beaufort Sea, West Greenland, and the Orphan Basin. Threats: Threats to Exxon Mobil include drilling restrictions, other independent companies, global warming. Managing the risks from increases in global greenhouse gas emissions is an important concern for ExxonMobil, industry and governments around the world. Exxon Mobil is living up to its vision and mission. They are the premiere gas and oil supplier of the world and do so while staying energy efficient and have very high standards of the functions of business. The company reaches out to its customers and strives to be as helpful and satisfying as possible. They are reliable and for the most part affordable. They continue to develop next generation technology and scientific practices. The company grows stronger each year. Part III Financial AnalysisThe financial analysis for Exxon Mobil Corporation seems to be in very strong financial position overall and when compared to the competition. The revenue for 2007 was reported at 404,552,000 with a net income of 40,610. When compared to BP, Shell, and Marathon it seems to dominate the market and the competition by a gross margin of 20. 8%, which was at least 5% above the nearest competitor and closest to the industry average of 25%. Exxon Mobil’s current ratio was 1. and was highest of the competition. The industry average is 1. 2, the higher the ratio number, and the better the ability to repay current loans. The debt to equity ratio of . 08 is considered extremely low and looked at as being very safe, and was the lowest of the competition. With such a strong performing company and profits come strong earnings, at $7. 35 per share earnings was one of the highest of the industry. Company comparisonWhen Exxon Mobil is compared to the competition it seems to be out performing the rest of the industry and is proven with the financial statements and ratios. This is definitely a great long term company to invest in, when compared to the competition in this industry. Part IV Strategy to Competitive Advantage- As global warming increases Exxon needs to go green. One strategy they need to have is a renewable energy producer, such as electricity from a carbon emitting utility. There are tons of opportunities to gain a competitive advantage by understanding the carbon constraints. First, Exxon needs to minimize the additional costs more effectively than competitors. Second, differentiate their product by binding carbon credits into their offering. Then, Exxon needs to turn their capacity to supply carbon credits into a profit centre (Energy-Edge). Expand or Reduce Operations- Exxon is ramping up its oil exploration and drilling, and even worse, is looking to expand its leadership in exploiting Canada’s tar sands. They need to stop expanding and start reducing its operations. An expansion is increasing production capacity by 40 percent. But, the mining and processing of tar sands is highly destructive to the local environment and is an enormous generator of greenhouse gas emissions (Coop America). New Products or Services- Exxon has launched a new service called the fleet card program. The program offers a number of valuable features including: greater control over driver’s expenses, money-saving rebates on fuel purchases, special discounts on business-related products and services, innovative technology and the convenience of more than 16,000 Exxon and Mobil branded locations nationwide (All Business). Environmental Factors that Influence the Operation- The main environment factor is the climate change on the business from greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide emissions. Exxon Mobile needs to view â€Å"carbon exposure† as more than just a key factor in future corporate competitiveness (Energy-edge). They need to use their profit money towards renewable energy research and development, to break individuals’ oil addiction and create a secure and green energy future for the US. (Coop America) Work at or Investing in Exxon- People should invest rather than work at Exxon Mobile. One reason is that Exxon is ranked number two in the Fortune 500. The world’s energy need, will increase in the near future. Growth in developing countries will drive most of this increase, but energy demand is expected to increase in the United States, too. (ExxonMobil) Exxon spends about $80billion to invest in future energy development.

Business Trip Brussels Essay

My flight to Stockholm would be late landing. The pilot told us that we were in a ‘stack’ of planes circling above the snow clouds that were giving Brussels its first taste of winter. Air traffic control had closed the runways for a short period at dawn, and the early morning flights from all around Europe were now being allocated new landing slots along with the long-haul jumbos from the Far East and the US. After a 20-minute delay, we descended bumpily through the clouds, and landed on a recently cleared runway. Even then there was a further ‘hold’ on a taxiway; we were told that the de-icing of the apron was being completed so that planes could proceed to their allocated stands and airbridges. All around the airport I could see the scurrying flashing beacons of the snow-clearing vehicles, the catering suppliers’ vans, the aviation fuel trucks, the baggage trailers, buses transporting crews and passengers, security police cars, and an assortment of other vehicles all going purposefully about their work. Brussels airport always looks busy, with over 10 million passengers a year, but this morning the complexity and scale of the operations were particularly evident. Finally, about an hour late, we pulled up to the gate, the engines were turned off, and we disembarked into an icy-cold airbridge, leaving behind a particularly untidy plane strewn with litter from a full cabin of restless passengers. We passed the team of cleaners and maintenance staff waiting just outside. They will have a hard time this morning; more mess to clear and probably less time than usual to do it, as the airline will want a quick turnaround to get back on to schedule,’ I commented to my colleagues. We could just hear the sounds of frantic activities going on below the plane: baggage and cargo being unloaded, catering vehicles arriving, fuel being loaded, and technicians checking over the engines and control surfaces. Everyone trying to get their work completed quickly and correctly, not least so that they could get back indoors out of the biting cold wind! From the airbridge we walked past the crowded seating areas, where plane-sized groups were gathering anxiously awaiting the signal from the gate staff to board their much delayed flights. Then on to the moving walkways, conveyed leisurely past other departure lounges, equally overfilled with passengers. Anxious to get ahead of the crowd, we took to a running pace past the rows of cafes, bars and shops, hoping to avoid the usual morning queue for Passport Control. I should have remembered the old saying ‘more haste, less speed’ because my next journey was to the First Aid room! I had apparently slipped on some spilt coffee that had not been cleaned up in the haste of the morning, and had fallen awkwardly, straining my ankle and breaking my duty-free brandy. ‘At least they would clean the floor after that,’ I thought, sadly. Suitably patched up, I hobbled with my colleagues and joined the long queue for Passport Control, and eventually through to Baggage Reclaim. Even with the excellent new baggage-handling systems in Brussels, the passengers usually get there first, but the accident had changed all that! Scanning the video screens, we found no reference to our flight arrival; the remaining bags from our flight had apparently already been removed from the carousel and were stored in an adjacent office. After a simple signing ceremony, we were reunited with our belongings, and hastened (slowly in my case) to the taxi rank. Our hopes of a quick ride to the city were dispelled when we saw the long queue in the icy wind, so we made our way to the station below, where a dedicated ‘City Express’ train departs every 20 minutes for the Gare de Nord and Gare Centrale. We just missed one! After a busy and successful day at our Brussels office, a taxi was called, and we were back at the airport in the thick of the evening rush hour. The departures check-in area is the upper floor of a vast new terminal extension, and is very orderly and well equipped. Facing you on entry from the taxi drop-off point is a huge electronic display which lists all departures scheduled for the next few hours and showing the appropriate check-in desk number for each flight. The speed of the check-in systems has been improved dramatically, so there was no queue at our desk, and the three of us were issued with boarding passes in only a couple of minutes. Our baggage sped away on conveyors down to the new sorting hall two storeys below. Brochures explain that the new terminal extension was designed to make it possible to go from check-in to final boarding in only 20 minutes, which has involved investment in a state-of-the-art automated baggage-handling system. On my last visit, following traffic delays on the way to the airport, I found that this system works, but I doubt that it would if everyone arrived only 20 minutes before departure! It is no wonder that they advise checking in one hour before; it also gives passengers much more time to spend money in the duty-free shops, restaurants and bars! By this time, my injured leg had swollen up and was throbbing painfully. This seemed to be a routine situation for the check-in staff, who arranged for a wheelchair and attendant to take me through Border Control and security checks. While my colleagues travelled down to the departures hall by escalator, I took the slower route by lift, meeting just outside the duty-free shops where the attendant left them to take care of me. We had some time to spare, so we replenished the brandy, bought some Belgian chocolates and headed for a cafe-bar. While Brussels is renowned for its excellent cuisine, we didn’t expect to find high standards of food in the quick-service environment of an airport, but we were wrong! The delicious aromas of freshly prepared food attracted our custom, and we weren’t disappointed. After a welcome glass of speciality raspberry-flavoured beer to round off the meal, we headed for the airline’s executive lounge. The view across the airfield was not promising! After a bright, crisp day, more snow-laden clouds had arrived and a chill wind cut across the tarmac. De-icing crews were working on the parked aircraft and others were treating the runways, taking quick action between the aircraft movements. Concerned that we might be delayed and miss our connection at Oslo, we checked with the staff at the airline’s flight information desk. After some phoning, they confirmed that, although there could be some delays, Oslo had arranged to hold connecting flights, as many passengers originated from Brussels. Their professional and friendly advice made us feel much more at ease, and they even offered to allow us to send fax or phone messages to our destination. They couldn’t have been more helpful. Announcements of the minor delays were made over the speaker system, but it wasn’t long before we were directed to the departure lounge and were preparing to board. Outside, around the aircraft in the gloom, the baggage trucks were pulling away and the giant push-off tractor was being connected up to the nose-wheel. Ten minutes later, we were at the end of the runway, ready for take-off. ‘Today must have been a very busy one for everyone involved in keeping the airport open,’ I thought, ‘but perhaps every day has its own challenges in such a complex operation. ’