Strategic operations management Macys Inc

Introduction Operations management is an approach to the management practice in which executives of the firm plan, supervise and control all the business processes (Bowman, 2009). The management process is also concerned with redesigning as well as realigning the operations of the firm to attain the specific goals.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Strategic operations management: Macy’s Inc specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The process of designing and realigning involves coming up with various strategies including business strategies, operations strategies as well as corporate strategies that are critical in the attainment of the organizational goals (Chase et al., 2007). In essence, strategic operations management encompasses strategies and procedures that the firm undertakes to achieve its goals. The paper examines the way organizations apply strategic operations management processes, in particul ar, the business and operations strategies. Macy’s Inc is one of the companies that have utilized strategic operations in the management processes. The paper critically examines Macy’s operations and business strategies. In the analysis, the paper will examine the linkages between operations strategy and business strategies in the attainment of the organizational goals through the application of various analytical tools including PESTEL, porter’s five forces, BCG, supply chain and the value chain. In addition, the paper will also examine various technological applications that are critical in the supply and value chain applied in the operations strategies. The link between operations and business strategies Operations strategies and business strategies Operations strategies refer to an organization’s layout detailing the decisions that the business utilizes to achieve the set targets (Cigolini et al., 2004). Operations strategies involve designing, superv ising and control of the business processes in order to attain the set goals and objectives. On the other hand, business strategies entail practices that businesses utilizes to achieve the long-term objectives such as growth, allocation of resources and globalization (De Treville et al., 2004). In addition, business strategies encompass the way a business carries out its accomplishments compared to the rivals. In other words, business strategies involve processes that contribute to competitive advantage. The company, mission and vision Macy’s, Inc, a subsidiary of Macy’s company, is one of the leading national retailers dealing in a variety of products including furniture galleries, clothing, jewelry, beauty products, accessories as well as footwear among others. The firm was founded in 1929 and has corporate headquarters in New York and Cincinnati. In addition, the company operates over eight hundred departmental stores as well as furniture arcades in over forty state s. The company currently has over 170,000 personnel.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Macy’s Inc. vision is to be an Omni-channel retailer that provides iconic trademarks in its stores as well as through dynamic online websites worldwide. Further, the firm’s familiarity with the needs of clients is critical in maintaining unique identity and focus to the consumers. The mission of the firm is to achieve augmented sales levels of products. Further, the corporation strives to expand profitability, enhance return on capital as well as maximize the returns on equity. The company strives to maintain and expand its share in the retail chain market by offering merchandise of high value to the consumers through the combination of fashion and quality at economical prices. As such, the firm seeks to undertake a number of strategic issues to maintain its position i n the retail chain market. In addition, in order to offer the customers the best shopping experiences, Macy’s Inc. is developing skills in its retail operations. Actually, the personnel of the company is recruited based on skills and strength. The firm has also increased the focus on the needs of the millennial clients that account for the largest proportion of the nation’s populace. In essence, the company plans to improve sales and profits by offering products to the customers between the ages of 13 and 30 years. Macy’s Inc. operations focus on the satisfaction of the customer needs. As such, through the talented and the experienced personnel, the company undertakes aggressive execution of customer-centric tactics to the attainment of competitive edge of rivals. In addition, the company’s openness and honesty in conversing with the stakeholders ensure proactive transfer of information between stakeholders updating the personnel, suppliers, company analy sts and media on current invaluable operational developments. The skills, judgment and talents of Macy’s Inc. personnel are significant in the operations of the corporation. In other words, the employees work to enormous extents in ensuring the achievements of the strategic goals of the firm. In fact, the workforce is essential in the attraction and retention of clients, thereby gaining competitive advantage. Macy’s Inc. business strategy The firm’s business tactics encompass My Macy’s localization, multi-channel integration and MAGIC selling strategies. The business strategies play significant roles in propelling sales levels. To begin with, through My Macy’s localization strategy, Macy’s molds the merchandise as well as the shopping experiences in specific stores to the customers frequenting such stores. Through, this strategy, the firm has gained significant competitive advantages over rival firms since Macy’s is capable of providi ng customers with exact products in the right localities and at the precise moment (Evans Berman, 2001). In addition, the firm’s â€Å"My Macy’s 2.0.† internal initiative has augmented sophistications the company service delivery to the clientele.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Strategic operations management: Macy’s Inc specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Secondly, the multi-channel strategy has enhanced the company’s sales in a number of ways. For instance, the tactic incorporates the stores to the internet as well as mobile gadgets that allow the delivery of stock to customers in any locality. Additionally, the strategy utilizes online fulfillment centers that deliver merchandise to clients in different regions leading to improved customer shopping experience. Third, MAGIC selling strategy allows the firm to meet and engage clients through asking questions, giving op tions and pieces of advice as well as inspiring the clients to purchase the firm’s products. Further, the MAGIC selling process has ensured customer contentment leading to increasing sales (Gunasekaran et al., 2004). Strategic operations The company strategic operations revolve around reaching the target clients at the shortest time possible, in the most convenient way and at the least cost possible. As such, the company strives to create a channel of distribution that endeavors to attain the major operational goals. The strategic operations are based on the company mission of providing value to the customers. The strategic operations of the company include modernized supply chain, customer-oriented management and the corporate strategies that are supported by suitable technological applications. The company is currently focusing on offering satisfying customer shopping experience in all its stores. As such, the company aims to streamline and harmonize operations in all its r etail stores as well as supply chain processes in order to respond speedily to the needs and requests of the customers. The significant program in the retail store’s operations is to discover and disseminate best-in-class practices, procedures and measures to guarantee continuous implementation of novel and innovative standards. Technology is the major driver to attain the required standards. The company’s regular guide will provide comprehensible and viable course of action for the retail store’s development, illustratable supply of products as well as in-store communication procedures to set up perfect implementation and operational excellence. In addition, the company has continued to adapt system landscape, supply chain as well as exchange demanding scheduling procedures. The adaptation of the business processes will enable the firm to enhance in-season flexibilities experienced in the fashionable products, attain increased responsiveness to varying trends a nd to accomplish the economies of scale in all the retail activities.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Essentially, all the company operations are focused on fulfilling the consumer needs. As such, the company has adopted the sell-through oriented perspective or pull model in the strategic operations. The current strategic operations of the firm can be observed in increased capital investments on the development and improvement of its stores. For instance, the company has developed Herald Square store in New York to combine all the products under one roof, increasing the growth of the company sales. The diversification processes of the operations require that the firm’s supply chain reflect the customer needs as well as vision and mission of the company. Moreover, the company is also focusing on the supply chain design that mirrors the client needs to enhance the sourcing of distinctive merchandise to the stores. The adaptation of the appropriate supply chain design results in increased competitive advantage. Environmental analysis Porter’s five forces The analysis of t he retail chain industry in which Macy’s operates exploits the application of five forces model developed by Porter. The model provides the necessary tools that are critical in the appraisal of the competitiveness of the companies within the retail chain industry (Heikkilà ¤, 2002). Most importantly, the model offers analytical tool on how the external environment has influenced the strategic operations and business strategies. The buyers bargaining power The consumers can effortlessly surrogate the products and services offered by Macy’s company in the retail industry through purchasing the products provided by other companies in the industry. As a result, the organization’s share of the market can be abated. Therefore, the buyers have high bargaining power in the industry. Bargaining power of sellers Companies within the retail chain trade control higher proportion of the market. As a result, the firm engages large number of suppliers in business. The control of larger segments of the market gives power to the Macy’s since the firm can create scarce strategies to the suppliers by switching to other potential manufactures and wholesalers effortlessly and cheaply. In principle, the suppliers in the retail industry enjoy low purchasing power. Threats of new market entrants The ever-increasing competition in the retail chain industry due to the mushrooming of other industries in the trade compels the firms to incur additional expenses. Actually, Macy’s incurs the additional costs in sustaining trademark devotion as well as marketing of products. Most importantly, the presence of outstanding delivery chains, localities, and trademark as well as the financial capital of the companies provide the advantage of warding off potential competitors Competitive rivalry in the industry Companies operating in retail industry are very aggressive. However, due to the market leadership capabilities of Macy’s in the industry, establish ment of the operations in the industry is uncomplicated. In other words, the company utilizes its technological advancements as well as financial strengths, thereby increasing the competitive edge over the other firms. In addition, the increased competition in the trade reduces the share of market controlled by corporation. In this industry, competition is high. Threat of substitute products The players in the retail chain industry offer similar diverse products. The existing firms in the industry offer convenience and low prices, thereby augmenting substitute threats. Moreover, consumers are embracing online shopping due to price benefits gained from the companies by passing savings to buyers. The sprawling of various alternatives presents the Macy’s with frantic operations. As a result, the corporation ventures Boston Consulting Group (BCG) analysis The BCG is an invaluable framework utilized in the appraisal of Macy’s trademarks portfolio strategic position (Hansen Birkinshaw, 2007). Further, the tool is important in comprehending the investment decisions that Macy’s Inc. should undertake. BCG MATRIX Relative market share Stars The stars entail the products that do better than the rivals in the market operations do (Shanahan, 2002). In Macy’s Inc., online sales are classified under stars since they provide greater prospects for increasing the company’s proceeds. Therefore, the firm should increase investments and development of online sales. In fact, over 40% increase was realized in online vending in 2011. Therefore, online sales are invaluable in the lasting achievement of Macy’s. Cash Cows The cash flows represent the goods that enable the company to attain leadership position in the market. However, the goods bear minimal growth prospects in the future. The over 800 departmental stores continue to provide constant flow of returns that can be ventured in Stars. Question Marks The products with low proportion of the market but have high prospects for growth in the market is accounted for by the Question marks (Langabeer, 2000). Private labels brands such as clothing designs have the potential of capturing the market share through the provision of funds for innovation to make the brands attractive to the consumers. Dogs Dogs refer to the goods with a low proportion of the market and are not attractive as well as have low growth prospects (Porter, 2000). Macy’s warehouse stores fall under the Dogs category since the company does not sell products in bulk compared to competitors such as BJ’s and Costco wholesale clubs. In essence, the company should not invest further in warehouses. PESTEL analysis Political aspects Macy’s Inc. recognizes the significant role played by the political environment in ensuring trust and success in the operations. For instance, the friendly and stable political environmental enables smooth operations of the firm. Economic aspects The firm cont inues to experience growth in the operations as well as sales in America through the utilization of multi-channel stores. Additionally, the firm’s returns on invested capital and cash flows have increased over the years leading to enhanced shareholder value. Socio-cultural aspects Culture influences the performance and productivity of Macy’s in a number of ways. First, the corporation recognizes the worth of its personnel’s ideas and beliefs without prejudice. The company also satisfies its client social assurance by the provision of high-quality goods and services Technological aspects The utilization of contemporary technology enables efficiency and competitiveness of Macy’s. For instance, the company’s online shopping experience has increased the company’s sales as well as proceeds. Further, the utilization of computer tablets and hand-held gadgets has increased competitiveness and efficiency. Environmental aspects The company recognizes the significance of environmental sustainability. As such, the firm improves the environment through the elimination of wasteful undertakings as well as utilizing the scarce resources efficiently. Legal aspects The flexible legal requirements in the US provide an environment that is conducive for Macy’s operations. Further, the company adheres to the legal regulations concerning quality, safety and job conditions of the employees. Supply chain management and service delivery The delivery of products at Macy’s focuses on the improvement of its transportation channels such as cubes and containers (Yu, 2012). The firm also supplies products through online sources, mobile as well as stores. Further, through the company’s multi-channel delivery approach, the products of the firm are provided to the consumers in incorporated and holistic channels. The link of operational strategy to business strategy The achievement of the company’s optimal targets depends on t he relationship between the strategic operations and the business strategies (Smith, 2002). For instance, the multi-channel integration, MAGIC selling and localization operation strategies of the firm must adhere to the conditions dictating the business environment such as political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental and legal aspects. In addition, the firms operations including the delivery series and service delivery to customers must de designed in such a way that counter the threats that may jeopardize the operations of the firm in the market such new competitive rivalry in the market, ease of product substitution as well as new market entrants (Irwin, 2003). Moreover, the layout of business choices that are critical in the attainment of objectives must consider the performance of the firm’s products in the market to aid in the development of framework for appraising brand portfolio in trade. Strategic appraisal of strategic operations Supply chain an d value chain analysis Macy’s Inc. has managed to create efficient distribution channels for its products as well as increased worth of operations through the utilization of technology leading to increased sales and precise inventory (Lakshminarasimha Vijayan, 2008). For instance, through the utilization of Electronic data interchange (EDI) and bar code scanning, the company is capable of effectively tracking stocks in delivery locations. Further, the utilization of the departmental stores for brick-and-mortar sales and fulfillment centers have increased the efficiency in the delivery of orders made through the web. Moreover, with the adoption of the Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, the firm can read the various inventory tags delivered at a distance. Actually, the use of RFID has led to augmented levels of sales and delivery of inventory as well as efficiencies. The technology has also ensured reduced expenses. In principle, the RFID expertise has enabled M acy’s to achieve value through improving the accuracy of the firm’s inventory. In other words, the expertise enables the incorporation of warehouse management structure and bar code scanning processes as well as standard cycle inventory calculations in the supply centers, thereby increasing stock accuracy by over ninety percent. Moreover, the technology is invaluable in increasing sales and reducing costs through pushing the tagging of inventory to the vendors. Exploitation of value chain and quality Macy’s Inc. has undertaken various steps to organize its operations through the integration and cooperation of communication as well as production chambers to ensure increased value and satisfaction for clients (De Treville et al., 2004). The firm also utilizes the value chain to increase efficiency in the distribution of inventory. Macy’s Inc. majorly utilizes technology in its activities to operate efficiently as well as offer quality products to the consum ers. For instance, the use of RFID technology has enabled augmented sales through stimulating the multi-channel strategy. In fact, the technology has led to increased online sales by over forty percent. The expertise also increases consumer satisfaction through provision of assistance in the selection of products. In addition, the denim fit finder and beauty shop have enabled the selection of perfect brands across multiple brands. Moreover, the use of RFID expertise has enabled precise placement of inventory according to insignia, magnitude and fashion accelerating delivery and efficiency. Essentially, values in operations are undertaken to add more value to the products the company offer to the consumers. Conclusion In conclusion, the strategic operations of Macy’s Inc depend on its operations tactics and business strategies. The firm employs multi-channel, localization and MGIC selling strategies in the operations. The operations strategies depend on the macro-environment f orces such as competitors, technological, political, socio-cultural, and economic aspects as well as well as customer needs in industry that Macy’s operates. In addition, the provision of high-quality products to the customers is paramount the firm. Moreover, the utilization of innovative expertise is critical in ensuring the attainment of effective value and effective inventory delivery channels. In fact, the exploitation of RFID expertise has led to augmented levels of efficiency and sales at Macy’s Inc. References Bowman, C 2009, â€Å"What are dynamic capabilities and are they a useful construct in strategic management?† International Journal Management Review, vo.11 no.1, pp.29-49. Chase, RB, Jacobs, FR Aquilano, NJ 2007, Operations management for competitive advantage, McGraw-Hill, New York. Cigolini, R, Cozzi, M Perona, M 2004, â€Å"A new framework for supply chain management: conceptual model and empirical test,† International Journal of Produc tion Economics, vol.24 no.1, pp.7-41. De Treville, S, Shapiro, RD Hameri, AP 2004, â€Å"From supply chain to demand chain: the role of lead time reduction in improving demand chain performance,† Journal of Operations Management, vol.21 no.3, pp.613-627. Evans, JR Berman, B 2001, â€Å"Conceptualizing and operationalizing the business-to-business value chain,† Industrial Marketing Management, vol.30 no.2, pp.135-148. Gunasekaran, A, Patel, C McGaughey, RE 2004, â€Å"A framework for supply chain performance measurement,† International Journal of Production Economics, vol.87 no.12, pp.333-347. Hansen, T M Birkinshaw, J 2007, The innovation value chain,† Harvard Business Review, vol.16 no.4, pp.121-130. Heikkilà ¤, J 2002, â€Å"From supply to demand chain management: efficiency and customer satisfaction,† Journal of Operations Management, vol.20 no.4, pp.747-767. Irwin, R 2003, â€Å"Strategic cost management: the value chain perspective.† Journal of Management Accounting Research, vol.37 no.16, pp.179-197. Lakshminarasimha, A Vijayan, A 2008, â€Å"Value Chain Analysis: Social Networking Communities,† Journal of Marketing Management, vol.3 no.3, pp.34-42. Langabeer, JR 2000, â€Å"Aligning demand management with business strategy,† Supply Chain Management Review, vol.4 no.2, pp.10-22. Porter, M 2000, â€Å"Location, competition, and economic development: local clusters in a global economy,† Economic Development Quarterly, vol.14 no.1, pp.15–35. Shanahan, YP 2002, â€Å"A contingent examination of strategy-cost system alignment: customer retention and customer profitability analysis,† Managerial Auditing Journal, vol.13 no.7, pp.411 –18. Smith, M 2002, â€Å"Derrick’s Ice-Cream Company: applying the BCG matrix in customer profitability analysis,† Accounting Education, vol.11 no.4, pp.365 –375. Yu, W 2012, â€Å"Business environment, employee competenci es and operations strategy: an empirical study of retail firms,† Journal of Management and Mathematics, vol.6 no.1, pp.321-327. This research paper on Strategic operations management: Macy’s Inc was written and submitted by user Rivka Moreno 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.

Sample AP Spanish Argumentative Essay

Sample AP Spanish Argumentative EssayWhen preparing a sample argumentative essay on an AP Spanish Language course, students should think about what types of questions they will be asked and how the answer will be presented. Many writing samples on essay topics come from textbooks, but the way in which students write essays differs from one to another.The idea behind learning the English language as a tool for furthering one's knowledge in the foreign language is not new. But the kind of approach that a student takes towards the subject varies. Students who learned the English language from their teacher may adopt a straightforward approach, using vocabulary words and phrases from the textbook.When a student learns English as a tool for learning Spanish, they use the English language as a basis for learning and understanding. The ideas that are used in the text will be introduced to them when they write their own writing. It will be important to structure their writings in a way that demonstrates their knowledge of the Spanish language.One of the methods of composing essays on a subject like English or Spanish is to use a sample argumentative essay that is written in a specific language. One way to accomplish this is to read the passage of text and analyze it in English. Then, one can create a copy of the argumentative essay that is written in Spanish.Another way to determine the format for one's writing is to read a sample argumentative essay that is written in English. Once one has learned how to use the written English language as a foundation for understanding the Spanish language, they can create one of their own. Writing samples that are used in class are also a good source for starting a writing project.Students who take an AP Spanish Language Course can expect to be asked about their writing ability. The teacher or professor should make sure that the student has a sample argumentative essay that they can read to get a feel for the way that the essay will be written. The main goal is to get the student to think about what is written and how it is presented.When students are preparing writing samples that they can use as a basis for the argumentative essay that they are going to write, they should use phrases that can be found in their native language. These could be simple verbs that would be used to complete a sentence. By using vocabulary words that are more complex in the English language, the student will have a better understanding of the question or statement that is being presented.A sample argumentative essay is used as a guide to help the student understand how to frame their argument in such a way that it presents the best results in the final result. The lesson that is provided to the student is as important as the written piece. Using the writing samples as a basis for the argumentative essay helps the student to get the most out of the opportunity.

The Basics of Getting Started in Homeschooling

The Basics of Getting Started in Homeschooling When youre new to homeschooling, the logistics can seem overwhelming, but it doesnt have to be a stressful time. These homeschooling basics will help you have your homeschool up and running as stress-free as possible. 1. Make the Decision to Homeschool Making the decision to homeschool can be  difficult and is not one to be made lightly. As you are  deciding if homeschooling is right for you, consider factors such as: The time commitmentThe pros and cons of homeschooling based on your family’s needsYour spouse and child’s opinions about homeschooling There are many factors that go into deciding to homeschool and many are unique to your family’s specific needs. Talk to other homeschooling families in person or online. Consider attending a homeschool support group meeting or find out if the groups in your area offer  events for new homeschooling families. Some groups will pair families with an experienced mentor or host QA nights. 2. Understand  Homeschool Laws It is important to know and follow the homeschool laws and requirements of your state or region. Although homeschooling is legal in all 50  states, some  are more heavily regulated than others, particularly if your child is  a certain age (6 or 7 to 16 or 17  in most states) or has already been enrolled in public school. Make sure that you understand what is required of you to withdraw your child from school (if applicable) and  begin homeschooling. If your child has not been in school, make sure you know the age by which you must notify your state that you will be educating at home. 3.  Start  Strong Once you make the decision to homeschool, you’ll want to do all that you can to ensure that you start on a positive note.  If your student is transitioning from public school to homeschool, there are steps you can  take to smooth the transition. For example, you’ll want to allow time for everyone to make the adjustment. You don’t have to make every decision right away. You may find yourself in the position of wondering what to do if your child doesn’t want to homeschool. Sometimes that is simply part of the adjustment period. Other times, there are root causes that you will need to address. Be willing to learn from the mistakes of veteran homeschooling parents and to listen to your own instincts regarding your children. 4. Choose a Support Group Meeting together with other homeschoolers can be helpful, but finding a support group can sometimes be difficult. It often takes patience to find the right match for your family. Support groups can be a great source of encouragement. The leaders and members can often help with choosing curriculum, understanding whats required for record-keeping, understanding state homeschool laws, and providing opportunities and activities for your students. You can begin by searching for homeschool support groups by state or asking other homeschool families you may know. You may also find great support in online support groups. 5. Select  Curriculum Selecting your homeschool curriculum can be overwhelming. There is a dizzying array of options and it’s easy  to overspend and still not find the right curriculum for your student. You may not even need curriculum right away and can utilize free printables and your local library while you decide. Consider used curriculum or creating your own in order to save money on homeschool curriculum. 6. Learn the Basics  of Record Keeping It is very important to keep good records of your childs homeschool years. Your records can be as simple as a daily journal or as elaborate as a purchased computer program or notebook system. Your state may require that you write a homeschool progress report, keep a record of grades, or turn in a portfolio. Even if your state doesn’t require such reporting, many parents enjoy keeping portfolios, progress reports, or work samples as keepsakes of their children’s homeschooling years. 7. Learn the Basics of Scheduling Homeschoolers generally have a great deal of freedom and flexibility when it comes to  scheduling, but it sometimes takes a while to find  what works best for your family. Learning how to create a homeschool schedule doesnt have to be difficult when you break it down into manageable steps. It can be  helpful to ask other homeschooling families what a typical homeschool day looks like for them. A few tips to  consider: When your kids work best: Are they early birds or  night owls?Your spouse’s work scheduleOutside classes and commitments 8. Understand Homeschool Methods There are many methods  for homeschooling your children. Finding the right style for your family may take some trial and error. It’s  not uncommon to try a few different methods throughout your homeschooling years or to mix and match. You may find that some aspects of unschooling may work for your family or there may be some bits of the Charlotte Mason method or some unit study techniques you’d like to employ. The most important thing to remember is to be open to what works for your family rather than feeling that you have to make a lifetime commitment to a particular homeschooling method. 9. Attend a Homeschool Convention Homeschool conventions are much more than book sales. Most, particularly larger conventions, have vendor workshops and special speakers in addition to the vendor hall. The speakers can be a great source of inspiration and guidance. Homeschool conventions also provide a chance to talk to vendors who can answer your questions and help you determine which curriculum is right for your student. 10. Know What to Do If You Begin Homeschool  Mid-year Is it possible to begin homeschooling midyear? Yes! Just remember to check your state’s homeschool laws so that you know how to properly withdraw your children from school and begin homeschooling. Don’t feel that you have to jump into a homeschool curriculum right away. Utilize your library and online resources while you figure out the best homeschool curriculum choices for your student. Homeschooling is a big decision, but it doesnt have to be difficult or overwhelming to get started.

The Charismatic Gifts Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Charismatic Gifts Debate - Essay Example Some people believe that the sign gifts exist in the present day. They believe miracles and signs that used to happen in the past are still the same miracles that happen in the present day2. The people that hold this view believe that since the miracles also happened after the coming of Jesus they exist to the present day. An example is; the signs God gave to Moses to show the Israelites that God exists, resemble those that happened in the New Testament. The signs the disciples received in the form of gifts that appeared like fire flames were also found in the New Testament. Therefore, people who believe in the existence of the signs believe this because God still showed his power and presence in the New Testament. They believe that the sign gifts were in the world all the time even during the times when the disciples of God preached the word of God throughout the nation. They believe that the people who do not experience these miracles and the sign gifts are people who do not believ e3. 1. Adeyemi Remi, Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Receiving the Content of God's Heart (Atlantic: Airleaf, 2006), 43. 2. Robinson Darrell, Incredibly Gifted: A Fresh, Biblical Look at Spiritual Gifts (Hannibal: Hannibal books, 2003), 12-23. 3. Stamp John, The signs of an apostle, and the evidence for the cessation of miraculous signs (New York: Cengage Publisher. 2006), 78-92. There are also people who believe that the sign gifts are things that God used to reach people in the past, but they do not exist in the present world. They concluded this by studying the nature and purpose of these gifts. They believe that the signs used by God in the past were for people to understand and realize the new things that God was doing. This is because God used the signs to show the people that he was instructing them. Therefore, remove any doubts that they might have that it was not him. Some of the things that God wanted man to do were things that they had not done because it was unlawful. An examp le is like when Jesus allowed the uncircumcised Gentiles to be among the people of God. If God had not used exceptional signs to show that he was the one that had accepted the Gentiles, the people could never believe. They could never allow them to join their religion. Jesus went ahead and swept everyone from the temple as traders used the house of prayer as a place to sell their merchandise. If God had sent a prophet or an ordinary man to come and chase away the traders from the temple, the traders could never have listened. Therefore, in the past, for the people of God to change and do what he required, they had to see a miracle or a sign4. Even the groups that mocked Jesus and never believed, asked Jesus to demonstrate a sign so that they could believe. The biggest sign that God gave to humankind and enabled them believe and spread the good news of God was when Jesus resurrected. When the people who opposed Jesus saw the sign from the resurrection of Jesus, most of them became be lievers. 4. Eddy Paul and Boyd Gregory, Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology (New York: Baker Academic, 2009), 34-35. They even preached the word of God to other places of the world, as they knew that it was God who had spoken to them. This was the main sign to make all people believers of God and his teachings. God gave the apostles sign gifts to facilitate the spread of the word of God5. There are people who believ

The European Union will not last another Decade Essay - 1

The European Union will not last another Decade - Essay Example The general view among many Europeans is that the Union is gradually becoming an immaterial isthmus of the Eurasian continent. Analysts have identified key issues that make the European Union weak and unable to progress further soon. Structural economic challenges pose the greatest threat to the Unions survival. It is said that globalization has made other regions become more competitive than the Eurozone. Many members of the European Union lack competitiveness. Globalization has allowed business establishments to produce where expenses of producing goods and services are lowest. Third world countries, as well as some of the emerging markets, are competitively outpacing the developed nations in growing and developing their economies. These countries are quickly adapting specialized high-value productions (Sanchis Marco, n.d.). Their labor markets are very skilled, therefore, able to be productive in high technological industries. It is a fact that the working conditions in the European Union for workers is better, that they provide better social amenities and that the working conditions are supremely better in terms of social benefits. However, the better quality of social amenities offered means that the cost of production must sufficiently accommodate those costs, and, therefore, translates to higher prices for goods and services delivered. Private investors have not made the situation any better as they relocate production to the much cheaper cost of production locations in the emerging markets, which serve a double purpose of offering ready markets for some of their products. The proportion of inactive and active individuals in the Eurozone is worsening by the day (Laursen, 2013). It is projected that countries within the European Union will not have enough human assets, while at the same time these countries have failed to

Capital Asset Pricing Model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Capital Asset Pricing Model - Essay Example The underlying theme associated with CAPM is investor’s relationship and the advantages which an investor can attain by the application of this model. The investors are linked in two ways with this technique; one is the time value of money and the other is the risk factor involved in a project. The time value of money can be depicted using the risk-free (Rf) rate in the formula which can then be compensated with the investors for placing money in any investment after a certain period of time. The risk part of CAPM formula is used for representation of risk and calculates only the amount of compensation which any investor can undertake for facing any additional risk. These financials can be calculated using the risk measurement tool i.e. beta, which has the ability to compare the returns of the asset towards the market after a certain period of time having definite market premium. According to the CAPM tool, the expected return of a security calculated on a portfolio is equal t o the rate of a risk-free security, which is further raised by including a risk premium. If this is expected return is not able to be ascertained or is not able to even beat the expected return then the required return and the investment will not be undertaken. Practical Implementation of CAPM This pricing model which is regarded as CAPM was put forwarded in the year 1960 and since then it is under deep influence of criticisms. The argument of such critics involves hypothesis that CAPM does not put forward realistic market conditions.

An Evaluation of Case Studies and Their Contribution to Cognitive Neuro

Cognitive psychology is the study of the brains internal processes that guide behaviour; to study cognition, psychologists examine case studies of patients with damaged brains that can infer areas, and functions involved in particular processes. Patient studies have provided insights into the processes that take place within our minds, and have enabled psychologists to create models, which can be tested and fractionated. Cognitive neuropsychology has developed from cognitive psychology to become a discipline in its own right; it investigates the function and structures of the brain involved in cognitive processes and should not be confused with cognitive neuroscience, which is primarily concerned with neural structures and their functions. Cognitive psychologists investigate processes using case studies of brain-damaged patients, these are then analysed to build models that represent normal cognitive processes. This essay will examine the contribution case studies have made to the development of cognitive neuropsychology as a discipline in its own right and draw attention to issues surrounding the use of brain damaged patients to infer cognitive functions and processes. At the same time, it will evaluate the contribution that case studies have made to our understanding of cognitive processes. Cognitive processes are the unseen systems used by our minds to complete tasks such as solving problems, recognising an object, or learning a language. These unseen mental processes take place in the brain, which is a complex piece of equipment often compared to a computer. When the internal workings of a computer are exposed, all that we see are microchips, circuit boards, hard drives and other assorted pieces, which, all work and ... ...gy; therefore, case studies have contributed to the development of this branch of psychology as a discipline in its own right. Works Cited Caramazza, A., & Coltheart, M. (2006). Cognitive Neuropsychology twenty years on. Cognitive Neuropsychology, Vol. 23, pp. 3-12. Gazzaniga, M. (2011). Interview with Michael Gazzaniga. Year in Cognitive Neuroscience, Vol. 1224, pp.1-8. Jansari, A. (2010). Cognitive neuropsychology In H. Kaye (Ed.), Cognitive Psychology Methods Companion (2nd ed., pp.59-101), Milton Keynes: The Open University. McKone, E., Kanwisher, N. & Duchaine, B. C. (2007). Can generic expertise explain special processing for faces?. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Vol 11, pp.8-15. Young, A. W., Newcombe, F., Haan, E., Small, M., & Hay, D. C. (1993). Face perception after brain injury. Brain: A Journal of Neurology, Vol. 116, pp. 941-959.