Principles of Economics The Theory of Consumer Choice Essay

Principles of Economics The Theory of Consumer Choice - Essay Example Other factors being constant, the higher price for gasoline will limit my buying opportunities for other products and services. Alternatively, higher gasoline prices will affect the prices of other products and services. Higher prices of other products will further affect my overall consumption, since I will be able to purchase smaller quantities of all products and services within a budget constraint that is this will have an income effect on my consumption, which will take me to a lower indifference curve. Since gasoline is a supplementary product to cars, my choice of a car will be directly affected by the expectations for changes in gas prices and by the gas consumption of the cars. A car that gets 7 miles per gallon will spend more than 14 gallons per 100 miles. A car that gets 25 miles per gallon is thrice more economical, spending 4 gallons per 100 miles. At the higher gas price ($2.25) the price difference of gasoline expenditure is $32 compared to $9 per 100 miles for the more economical car. Provided my budget remains constant, it will be financially justified to prefer the car that gets 25 miles per gallon.

Marketing Strategies Of Tomato Farmers

Marketing Strategies Of Tomato Farmers He got the Teachers Certificate at Mount Mary Training College; Somanya in 1998. He successfully earned a Diploma in French Studies Diplome Universitaire dEtudes Franà §aises DUEF at, University of Abomey; Calavi, Bà ©nin in 2007. He further studied at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi and attained B.A. (Honours), French and Sociology and Social Work in 2008. He enrolled again in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Business School and studied Master of Business Administration (MBA) Marketing 2011. He has taught in many schools including Botokrom D/C JSS, Grace D/C JSS both in the Brong Ahafo Region, Infant Jesus at Ayeduase, Kumasi. He served as a Research and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Modern Languages of KNUST. He is currently teaching French and English at Jachie Pramso SHS. Keywords: Marketing strategies, Tomato farmers, Liberalized economy. Abstract This study was conducted in connection with the Master of Business Administration (MBA) dissertation at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Kumasi, Ghana. Purpose: In the mist of intense trade liberalization and globalization when localization and protectionist policies are discouraged, this study sought to find out the role of formal marketing strategies and technology in sustaining increased profitability of tomato farmers in Ghana. Methodology/Approach: Empirical research was conducted by collecting both primary and secondary information from a sample of 450 tomato farmers, traders and tomato factory personnel. The data from tomato farmers, traders and the tomato factory were accessed through questionnaires and an in-depth interview. Findings: Formal marketing strategies and technology are complementary factors in the determination of the profitability level of tomato farmers. Farmers who well combine formal marketing strategies with technology are successful. Technology without formal marketing strategies or the vice versa negatively affect tomato farmers profitability. Tomato farmers should adopt formal marketing strategies and apply the latest technology. Introduction There is a plethora of literature on marketing strategies that accentuates the imperativeness of marketing functions in organizations. As a result, marketing practices of Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs), Large and Multinational Companies as well as Not-for-profit Organizations have interested researchers in our recent era. In recent years there have been signs of substantial research interest in marketing practices of SMEs (Sengupta, 2006). Most of these studies have indicated the role of marketing to be critical in the sustainability of the small firms (Sengupta, 2006). Marketing strategies are extremely vital to organisations corporate goals of achieving high revenue. Given that a firms survival depends on its capacity to create value, and value is defined by customers (Day, 1990), marketing makes a fundamental contribution to long-term business success. However, businesses that concern themselves with rigorous evaluation of marketing results are in the minority (Ambler, 2000). Researchers widely agree that marketing in small firms differ from that of their larger counterparts (Fillis, 2002; Gilmore et al., 2001; Hill, 2001a; Coviello et al., 2000). Small firm marketing has been characterised as haphazard, informal, loose, unstructured, spontaneous, reactive, as well as conforming to industry norms (Gilmore et al., 2001). Stokes (2000) adds that in small firms, marketing is used for the needs of the moment and only little attention is paid to plans, strategies and analysis. However, this is in contrast of marketing in large firms, which is seen as formal, planned and well structured. One reason for this difference is that small firms have certain limitations. Compared to their larger counterparts, small enterprises have limited resources related to finance, time and marketing knowledge (Gilmore et al., 2001). Consequently, complex theories and sophisticated processes seem to be inappropriate in small enterprises (Hogarth-Scott et al., 1996). Despite the differences, it has been noted that the basic marketing concepts, such as segmentation, customer orientation, targeting, positioning and seeking for competitive advantage apply to small as well as to large enterprises (Hogarth-Scott et al., 1996). According to Rolle (2006), in the light of the incidence of huge post harvest losses in Africa and new challenges faced under trade liberalization and globalization, serious efforts are needed to reduce post harvest losses, especially of fruits and vegetables. This would include linking operations and actors involved more closely and systematically, modernizing marketing infrastructure and technologies, capacity building of individual actors, and strengthening the policy or institutional settings for better marketing. Obviously, post harvest management determines food quality and safety, competitiveness in the market, and the profits earned by producers. The post harvest management of fruits and vegetables in most developing countries in the sub-region is however, far from satisfactory. The major constraints include inefficient handling and transportation; poor technologies for storage, processing, and packaging; involvement of too many diverse actors; and poor infrastructure (Rolle, 2006). Definition Most scholars on the theme of marketing strategy attempt defining it with broad encompassing concepts and statements. Baker (1978) considers it as being a broad means of achieving given aims. While Luck and Ferrell (1979) simply define it as being fundamental means and schemes. Kotler (1976) thinks it is the grand design to achieve objectives. Some of the definitions of marketing strategy by some scholars are based on marketing concepts such as the marketing mix, the product life cycle, market share and competition and positioning. Foxall (1981) defines marketing strategy as being an indication of how each element of the marketing mix will be used to achieve the marketing objectives. Chang and Campo-Flores (1980) proposed product strategy, the distribution strategy, sales promotion strategy and pricing strategy. While Jain (1981) agrees with them, Udell (1968) simplifies marketing strategy as price and non-price strategies. Kotler (1965) and Baker (1978) outline that; the marketing s trategy for a particular product needs should be modified as the product moves through the various stages of its PLC. Bloom and Kotler (1975) explain the issues involved in marketing strategy to be linked to the market share base. They suggest that a company can identify its optimal market share given a particular set of conditions. Once identified, it needs a strategy to achieve the optimum. In line with Buzzell, Gale and Sultan (1979), they agree that a company can choose to build, maintain or even reduce market share alternatively labelled as building, holding and harvesting. Another approach from the literature in the explanation of marketing strategy is the utilisation of the concept of positioning. Wind and Claycamp (1976) explain a products position as its overall situation in the market relative to its sales, market share and profitability. Positioning is the selection of a marketing from a range of alternatives (Cravens, 1975 ). Segmentation as a Marketing Strategy Some researchers consider skilful segmentation as marketing strategies and as such convince marketers to apply them. The goal is to find several homogeneous groups that differ maximally across one another. They suggest segmentation options and techniques. Dickson and Ginter (1987) convincingly argue that the demand functions should be the theoretical basis for segment definition. They add that other bases for identifying or defining segments will be useful only to the extent that they correspond empirically to these demand functions and lead to identification of the true market segments. Thus, the choice of segmentation variables and the relationship of these variables to the differences in demand functions determine how successfully distinct segments are found. Relationship Marketing as a Marketing Strategy Grà ¶nroos (1983 and 1980) develops the customer relationship life-cycle model, originally called the marketing circle, to cover the long-term nature of the establishment and evolution of the relationship between a firm and its customers. According to Grà ¶nroos (1989 and1990), to establish, maintain, and enhance relationships with customers and other partners at a profit, so that the objectives of the parties involved are met is relationship marketing. This is achieved by a mutual exchange and fulfilment of promises. Such relationships are usually but not necessarily always long-term. Establishing a relationship, for example with a customer, can be divided into two parts: to attract the customer and to build the relationship with that customer so that the economic goals of that relationship are achieved. Berry and Parasuraman (1991) propose that: Relationship marketing concerns attracting, developing, and retaining customer relationships. Gummesson (1994) proposes that: Relationship marketing (RM) is marketing seen as relationships, networks, and interaction. Sheth (1994) defines relationship marketing as: The understanding, explanation, and management of the ongoing collaborative business relationship between suppliers and customers. Sheth and Parvatiyar (1995) view relationship marketing as: Attempts to involve and integrate customers, suppliers, and other infrastructural partners into a firms developmental and marketing activities. An integral element of the relationship marketing approach is the promise concept which has been strongly emphasized by Calonius (1988). According to him, the responsibilities of marketing do not only, or predominantly, include giving promises and thus persuading customers as passive counterparts in the marketplace to act in a given way. A firm that is preoccupied with giving promises may attract new customers and initially build relationships. However, if promises are not kept, the evolving relationship cannot be maintained and enhanced. Fulfilling promises that have been given is equally important as a means of achieving customer satisfaction, retention of the customer base, and long-term profitability. However, some of the scholars have a different perspective of marketing strategy extending its boundaries to affect departments and units of the business. For instance, marketing strategy is viewed as a mechanism that not only guides the SBU in its relationships with its environment, but also influences and shapes its internal structures, processes, and operations (Hambrick, 1980; Miles and Snow, 1978). The Business Dictionary defines marketing strategy as a written plan (usually a part of the overall corporate plan) which combines product development, promotion, distribution, and pricing approach, identifies the firms marketing goals, and explains how they will be achieved within a stated timeframe. Various articles analyze marketing strategies of organisations (e.g. Shaw and Wong 1996; McBurnie and Clutterbuck 1987; Hooley and Lynch 1985; Lai et al. 1992; Siu 2000; and Siu and Liu 2005). Nonetheless, the majority of research concentrates on large firms and few on farmers especially tomato farmers. There are some pertinent questions that need further research. Our investigation sets out to analyze the marketing strategies of tomato farmers in the liberalized economy of Ghana. The specific objectives of study of our study are to: assess the marketing strategies of tomato farmers; establish the viability of the tomato farming; evaluate the impact of technology on profitability in tomato farming. The research also attempts to seek answers to the following questions. What marketing strategies are pursued by tomato farmers? How viable and is tomato farming? What is the impact of technology on profitability in tomato farming? The article is grouped into four main parts. The first part contains introduction including background of the study, the problem statement, objectives of the study and research questions. The relevant literature review and hypotheses are shown in the next section. Method adopted for the study, data and hypotheses testing are found in the third portion of the article. The last segment of the article covers findings, conclusions, and implications for business marketing practice. Literature and hypothesis Least successful Most successful Formal Marketing strategies without technology Formal Marketing strategies with technology Informal marketing strategies and lack of Technology Technology without formal marketing strategies Least successful Figure 1 Conceptual framework marketing strategy and technology diamond Figure 1 above describes a model of marketing skills with technology being complementary variables for the success of marketing tomatoes. Thus, H1 Formal Marketing strategies with technology will positively affect tomato farmers profitability. H2 Technology without formal marketing strategies will negatively affect tomato farmers profitability. H3 Informal marketing strategies (head vending, open market display vocal announcement etc.) and lack of Technology will negatively affect tomato farmers profitability. H4 Formal Marketing strategies without technology will negatively affect tomato farmers profitability. In part as a consequence of structural adjustment, import quotas in Ghana were abolished in 1992 and tariffs for imported agricultural produce have been reduced to 20 percent. As a result, tomato paste imports into Ghana amounted to over 78,000 tons of paste per year of which 12,000 tons were exported after they were repackaged. This suggests domestic tomato paste consumption in Ghana of around 66,000 tons in 2007. Available figures indicate that from 1991 to 2002 the quantity of imported tomato paste rose from 3,600 tonnes to 24,077 tonnes. In addition the value of tomato paste imports also rose from US$5.3 million to US$17.5 million over the same period (Meenakshi, 2006). (Trusty Foods Limited) TFL has alleged that importers use under-invoicing to compete in the Ghanaian tomato paste market and this enables them to command a larger market share. Available evidence suggests that so dramatic has this rise been that Ghana currently ranks second as a destination for imported tomato pas te (Meenakshi, 2006). The import surge has been such that trigger volumes were breached in 2000 and 2002. Major exporters of tomato paste to Ghana from 1999 to 2003 have been Italy (36%), China (16%), USA (8%), Spain (7%), Turkey (7%), Greece (6%), Portugal (5%) and Chile (5%). The quantity of imported tomato paste rose from 3,209 tonnes in 1998 to 24,077 tonnes in 2002. As a result, the potential growth of the domestic tomato sector has been hampered. Elizabeth and Shashi (2010) however think the local industry cannot satisfy the demand for tomatoes. At current market prices for tomato, domestically produced paste typically will not be competitive with imported paste from the EU and China (Elizabeth and Shashi 2010). They find out that Ghana has neither sufficient supply of fresh tomatoes, nor sufficient processing capacity even if production of fresh tomato increased, to supply the market at current demand. Ghana has a total processing capacity of 1200 tons of fresh tomato per day (500 tons at Trusty Foods and Northern Star, and 200 tons at Afrique Link Ltd in Wenchi). They conclude that Ghana would not be able to produce locally all the tomato paste that is currently imported for domestic consumption, using the three existing large processors. Boateng (2011) finds that Ghanas tomato industry has expressed concern about developments in the import of tomatoes and tomato paste. The National Tomato Traders Association (NTTA) has alleged tomato imports from neighbouring Burkina Faso in particular pose a threat to their livelihoods. Morris and Brady (2004) found that many small farmers, increasing profitability may result from the development of non-traditional agricultural enterprises, non-traditional crops, markets, and/or adding value to products may be the key in todays agriculture. Thus the production of different crops, and/or improving some foods, from simply marketing them raw to preparing them in different forms, and therefore adding value to them, appears to be a promising alternative for many growers. In the agricultural sector adding value can contribute to farmers maximisation of their produce, both in quantitative as well as in qualitative terms, while at the same time they benefit commercially. Not agreeing entirely with earlier researchers, Born and Bachmann (2006), realise that adding value to farm produce, while not a panacea to cure existing food-related challenges, can provide some relief, either directly or indirectly to many farmers. In commercial terms, adding value can take place at farmers markets, where farm operators can avoid middlemen and maximise their sales (Kirwan, 2004 and Abel et al., 1999). In this regard, Brunori and Rossi (2000,) found that in some communities, selling directly to consumers allows farmers to employ more family labour and increase the value-added on the farm. Along these lines, Born and Bachmann (2006) indicate that there has been a tremendous growth in adding value to raw agricultural products, and that value-added products can make a positive contribution to the community (Born and Bachmann, 2006). The process of adding-value to foods can be as simple as packaging lettuce or other foods, however, many other forms exist: food processing and marketing (Falk, 2002), distributing, cooking, combining, churning, culturing, grinding, or labelling (Born and Bachmann, 2006). Adding value to foods can increase food variety, as well as food availability, particularly when fruit, vegetables and other food leftovers that otherwise would be discarded are further processed into conserves, pickles, sauces and many other varieties of food products. Fulton (2003) explains that increasingly, farmers are creating producer alliances with other growers and investing in value-added business activities as a marketing strategy. In the study of Hee and Jae-Eun (2011) they found that organic food retailers develop effective marketing strategies emphasizing ecological beauty or product safety to satisfy the values of potential consumers. The study also suggests that these retailers try to change consumers perceptions of higher prices to affordable prices using marketing strategies (e.g. discount, advertisement, new product development), which make consumers believe that they are capable to buy organic personal care products. Organic personal care product retailers attract potential consumers by displaying their products near the organic food sections at a grocery store. Organic personal care product retailers develop combine management activities called co-marketing with organic food product retailers. In addition, food networks is another strategy. Renting et al (2003), realise that some UK supermarkets buy and add value to fresh produce bought from farmers, including in the preparations of fresh salads and pies (Fearne and Hughes, 1999). In this process, consumers are introduced to local produce and presented with the products transformation into meals for their convenience and delight. Despite these proactive efforts by some supermarkets, such as in improving quality and safety standards, or in purchase integration and consolidation (Reardon et al., 2003; Weatherspoon and Reardon, 2003), large supermarkets have also contributed to major negative impacts among small, independent food growers. For example, in some cases supermarkets presence has resulted in the exclusion of small farms (Reardon et al., 2003; Weatherspoon and Reardon, 2003), squeezing and threatening the very existence of this group of food producers. With regard to promotion, print media like teen magazines as well as magazines dealing with sports or animals, represent an appropriate communication channel for directly addressing juveniles (Angelika and Ulrich, 2011). In comparison to the communication channel; television, print media mainly have the advantage of being more affordable (Dammler et al., 2000) for producers of organic products as many of these are small- or medium-sized companies. In general, print media only reach smaller groups of people and their stimulus is less intensive. However, it can be applied efficiently to systematically address target groups with high involvement for particular topics (Dammler et al., 2000). In order to enhance a positive image of organic products furthermore, testimonials, such as celebrities from music, movies, television or sports represent relevant persons of identification were utilized in ads (Blackwell et al., 2006). Communication measures should increasingly encompass those channels that attract customers: chat rooms, weblogs and podcasts. Communication with juveniles is seen as one of the most promising and challenging marketing measures of the future in order to increase their involvement in organic food (Niessen, 2010). In countries with successful domestic tomato processing, the fresh and processed markets may be fully integrated or fully or partially separate. In the US, the fresh and processed markets are completely separate and so tomatoes for each can be considered as separate commodities (Allen 2008). Tomatoes for processing typically have a higher percentage of soluble solids and are grown under contract between growers and processors. This market can be characterised by extremely high yields and low prices. In contrast, fresh tomatoes are sold on the open market and prices are higher (USDA 2009). For example, in 2007, farmers in California were paid as little as 3 cents per pound of processing tomatoes, while nearby heirloom tomatoes were selling for $2.50 per pound at the farm gate (Allen 2008). However, in most developed tomato sectors, tomatoes for processing and the fresh market are somewhat integrated (USDA 2009). For example, in Turkey, tomatoes for processing tend to be grown on small farms with 80% involving contracts between the farmer and the processor prior to planting. In Mexico, most of the countrys processing tomato production is in Sinaloa and so is spatially separated. However, product moves between fresh and processed markets according to relative prices (Cook and Calvin 2005). Pricing Strategies According to Pitt et al. (1997) price management includes a large number of decisions. Firms make decisions regarding price objectives, overall price strategy, structural questions regarding product line and market segment price differentials, the employment of various types of price promotions and discounts, and the establishment of specific price levels for individual products and services. An observation of pricing decisions in many companies in markets and countries around the world suggests that a firms pricing actions have at least four key underlying dimensions. The first of these is the extent to which pricing decisions are cost-based versus market-based. Cost-based pricing finds management placing far more emphasis on covering its own costs than on other determinants of price (e.g. demand conditions, competitive market structures, company marketing strategy, etc.). It typically involves a reliance on some sort of cost-plus, keystone, or target return formula. Market-based pricing is more customer-centred; wherein the principal purpose of price is to reflect the amount of value the customer is getting from the firms total product and/or service offering (Pitt et al, 1997). The second component is concerned with whether pricing is more risk-averse or risk-assumptive. Risk-averse pricing represents a conservative approach. Prices are modified only when absolutely necessary, price levels are kept in close proximity to those of competitors, and the price structure is kept as simple as possible. The main characteristic of the pricing strategy is a reluctance to rock the boat. Risk-assumptive pricing finds managers employing pricing schemes that are more novel, untested, and that have the potential of producing losses in revenue to the firm. However, there is a calculable probability of greater payoff should they succeed (Pitt et al, 1997). Again according to Pitt et al. (1997) the third component emphasizes whether a firms pricing is done in a more reactive or proactive manner. Reactive pricing involves mimicking the price moves of competitors, adjusting prices only after a change in regulations or a new technological breakthrough that radically affects costs, and so forth. Proactive pricing describes the firm that takes a leadership role not only in changing price, but in being the first to introduce new pricing structures and payment schemes. It also reflects more aggressiveness in pricing, as well as speed or quickness in adjusting prices to reflect new opportunities. The fourth underlying component is the extent to which management emphasizes standardization versus flexibility in pricing. Standardization is reflected in a tendency to charge a universal price for ones product or service regardless of the user, the buying situation, or environmental (including competitive) contingencies. Flexibility, alternatively, finds the company varying prices based on segment or user elasticity, time and place of purchase, as well as in response to opportunities for product or service unbundling or bundling, and anticipated or actual moves by competitors, among other factors (Pitt et al, 1997). There may well be other underlying dimensions which characterize a firms pricing behaviour, (e.g. an ethical dimension, although ethics in pricing are not all that well-defined). These dimensions above clearly interact with each other. Thus, being more proactive with ones pricing actions may entail greater risk. The success of firms in virtually all industries is increasingly dependent on their ability to engage in pricing that is market-based, risk-assumptive, proactive, and flexible. We refer to this combination of elements as entrepreneurial pricing (Pitt et al, 1997). Methods The descriptive study was adopted for the purpose of this research. Empirical data in the form of both quantitative and qualitative data was gathered. Tomato farmers whether large scale or subsistence farmers were the target because they produce the tomatoes for consumers and supply the industry with the chief raw material, (tomatoes). Their marketing tactics and level of technology were assessed through questionnaires. Wholesale buyers and sellers (the market queens) form part of the tomato industry because they purchase from the farmers (production unit) and sell to retailers who are in contact with individual consumers. Data from them made the study complete. The Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC) has a stake in the industry because it also buys tomatoes from the farmers to process them into paste. Information from them also made the findings of the study complete and unbiased. Though very difficult to estimate as the 2010 population and housing census were inaccessible at the time of this research, according to the 2000 census, the region had a population of 920, 089 making it the ninth most populous region in Ghana (Ghana Statistical Service 2000). The major occupations in the region were; agriculture and related workers (66.4%), production and transport equipment workers (14.7%), sales workers, (9.6%), service workers (4.0%) and professional, technical and related workers (3.8%). In all the districts, agriculture and related workers are the single largest occupation. Approximately 611,000 people were farmers. It was difficult to determine the number of tomato farmers from this population. The researchers sampled 260 tomato farmers, 60 tomato traders and 10 workers at the Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC). Convenience sampling was appropriate for the tomato farmers, wholesale buyers and sellers (the market queens) and the retailers while both convenience and purposive sampling was adopted for the top management of Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC). Purposive sampling provided us with in-dept information sought after. Thus the top management of the Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC) was targeted with purposive sampling while the workers sampled conveniently. Research Instruments Apart from questionnaires that gathered data from the tomato farmers, wholesale buyers and seller (the market queens) and retailers, semi-structured in-depth interview was suitable for the workers of Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC). Literature review also deeply explored into the marketing strategies of the tomato industry in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Both open and closed ended questions form the questionnaires. There were two different sets of questionnaires for the farmers, the wholesale buyers and sellers. The first part of the questions generally boarded on demographics of tomato farmers and traders. The last two sections sought to measure the marketing skills and level of technology of the farmers. These were interviewer administered because many of the respondents were illiterates. Questions were even interpreted in to the language understood by the respondents. On the other hand, those who were able to read and answer the questions were self-administered. Likert scale was adapted to measure opinions on Marketing strategies and level of technology of tomato farmers. Thus opinions were measured with 5-point scales ranging from 1 (total disagreement) to 5 (total agreement). For the management of the Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC), an in-depth interview was appropriate as this enabled the researchers to probe deep for rich data. With an interview guide and the 5-point scales ranging from 1 (total disagreement) to 5 (total agreement), data collected with this tool was effective and successful. The target population was served with introductory letters from the Department marketing and Corporate Strategy Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This and the professional approach by the researchers, assured respondents of their confidentiality. Averagely, detail data was willingly given for the success of the study. Marketing strategies- market research, segmentation, targeting, positioning, relationship marketing IMC tools: advertising, promotion, public relations, internet marketing etc. Technology- modern farming implements and practices (fertilizers, weed killers irrigation facilities etc), haulage, processing and storage. Explanation of Measurement Item Marketing strategies: MS1: Conducting marketing research periodically increases profitability. MS2: Segmentation, targeting and positioning are successful marketing strategies. MS3: Relationship marketing everlasting business relationship with customers. MS4: International marketing strategies increase market share. The four Ps in marketing: 4Ps 1: Enhanced product quality has preferential advantage. 4Ps 2: Pricing policies determine the purch

One Evil Summer :: essays research papers

One Evil Summer   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It’s finally summer and a time to do what you want and have as much fun as you can. Well that’s not the case with Amanda Conklin’s who lives in a cruel and crazy town on a very scary street, Fear Street. Amanda was going threw a lot of bad tuff times, like when the town accused her of lighting an old mans house on fire, or the time when she was accused of stealing from her school gym. Amanda was also doing fairly bad in school and especially at the end of her school year. Amanda was so frustrated that she told everyone she would soon run away and a few nights that exactly what she did and on that night she was hit by car and the next morning she was sent to a mental hospital nearby her home. She then came out of the mental hospital a month later and went back to school. The bad thing was tat she didn’t know any of the stuff they were studying and there was only one week left of school. She was doing terrible in school and on last day of school she got her report card and it was terrible. When she came home he showed it to her mother and it was recommended that she should go to summer school. So the summer that Amanda thought would be the greatest summer yet was turned into the worst. Amanda’s family decided to move the family to a nearby beach in Seahaven. In Saehaven Amanda was sent to summer school and hated it. Amanda’s parents aid that they wer going on a 3week trip and already have everything planned. Amanda’s brother and sister were going to be baby sat by who was said to be the town’s best baby sitter, her name was Chrissy Meleings. Chrissy was known as the best baby sitter Amandas sister and brother loved her and so did the rest of the town but Amanda had a feeling there was something wrong with her. So Amanda started asking around to see if Chrissie was bad or not. It took long but she found out about her reacent babysitttings from her friend heather and found out that Amanda would kill any animals of yours steal toys and it is rumored that she killed some of the kids she babysat. Amanda was going crazy and it was the second week since Christie has been babysitting her sister and brother and Amanda noticed her cat was missing she then searched all around for it.

Is the Globalization tide turning? Essay

Marber attempts to analyze the origin and goals of the G8 countries and postulates that G8 needs to reinvent and reorient itself to address changing dynamics at the global level. The Cold War played a crucial role in the formation of Group of Eight (G8) as a forum to address and promote multilateralism among the nations that endorsed market-centric approach to economics. Politically and economically G8 sought to offer a viable alternative to centrally planned socialist economics. G8 nations placed emphasis on stability from a cross-regional perspective and hence promoted economic interdependence among the member nations. To a large extent G8 has been successful and its success encouraged the hitherto closed economies to open and emulate the economic model of G8 nations. The fact that Soviet Union broke up into 15 different countries and they all shifted their economic approach to market-centric one is an ample evidence of G8 and its policies. Despite the success it has enjoyed since formed G8 is in urgent need of reorienting itself. Some of the â€Å"developing nations† have indeed developed to a large extent and G8 needs to acknowledge this fundamental fact of economic evolution. With globalization as its central tenet G8 needs a fresh approach for ensuring multilateralism in the future. This becomes doubly difficult as the world is witnessing lack of global consensus on trade, security and law. Due to the various financial crises and terrorism at the global level there is now the looming threat of reversion i. e. protectionist trade policies and capital controls. In order not to lose its relevance in the increasingly globalized world, G8 needs to address the paradox of countries cooperating with each other economically but moving apart politically. The former centrally planned economies in Latin America, Asia and Africa have abandoned their old economic policies and have embraced free market ideology. Marber stresses the fact that the some of the emerging economies actually fund the deficits of G8 governments and postulates the concept of E8 i. e. Emerging 8 nations that will include China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey and Mexico. Marber further differentiates G8 from E8 based on parameters like median age and purchasing power parity and concludes that E8 will soon outperform the G8 nations. To accommodate this G8 needs to shed its old image of dominant hegemony and needs to take a fresh look at the emerging economies. The emerging economies do not represent the entire global citizenry by any means, but they do exhibit tendencies to join global commonwealth as responsible nations. Though the corporations in the G8 nations have acknowledged the relevance of E8, it has been observed the G8 nations are bit slow to integrate themselves into the changing economic world order. Marber provides numerous examples of the way corporations in G8 countries engage and compete in the emerging markets. The paper then differentiates all the emerging economies in detail individually and states the advantages these economies currently enjoy. China for example has renegotiated a new bilateral meeting with US to address trade issues and currently seems to financing major portion of US debt. India on the other hand seems to enjoy the benefits of world’s largest English speaking democracy and is deemed as a super power in the making in high-tech fields. Turkey is situated in a strategically important location and trace an historical relationship with Europe and its secular model seems to be proving a huge benefit. Mexico as largest trading partner of the United States is integrating itself faster into the US and Canadian economies within the framework of NAFTA. In contrast another Latin American giant Brazil has developed its capabilities in fields ranging from agriculture to aviation. South Africa possesses a capability to enmesh disparate political groups and ideologies in the African continent. According to Marber these are the salient facts that needs to be taken into consideration if G8 is to refashion itself and still play a meaningful role in the future. In this regard Marber mentions eight policy areas for G8, where G8 nations need to place a greater emphasis. He further explains these policy areas like trade, security etc in detail and is of the opinion that these need to be taken up seriously by the G8 nations and regain their pioneering efforts in globalization. The health of globalized system of interconnected and interdependent economies requires a vast diversification beyond the existing G8 nations. Marber claims that E8 nations should not just be free riders but should become active participants and hence should share responsibility in maintaining globalized world order. G8 nations on their part should cease to be patronizing and instead should seek to build partnerships with the emerging nations actively. According to Marber there is an acute need of expanded and enabled group deriving largely from the existing G8 nations and believes inclusion of E8 nations will be the right step in that direction. He concludes by saying this is the logical step forward that would preemptively exclude looming threat protectionist globalization. The central tenet of the paper lies in its emphasis on E8 nations as a counter threat to emerging anti-multilateralism. Answers to the Questions: 1. How many other were involved in writing this article? Answer: Three. Peter Marber was main author but he has been assisted by two of his colleagues (Christian Deseglise and Avi Sharon). 2. What are the 5 factors that contributed to a visible crack in the G8? Answer: The five factors that contributed to a visible crack are: 1) collapse of WTOs Doha talks on trade 2) lack of global consensus on environment laid out in Kyoto protocol 3) undermining of International Criminal Court 4) protectionist government policies related to selective cross-border acquisitions and 5) lack of consensus on the invasion of Iraq. 3. What are the 8 policy areas that will bring the G8/E8 together? Answer: The policy areas that will bring G8/E8 together are: a) Trade b) Security c) Energy d) Immigration e) Environment f) Health & Drugs g) Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) h) Poverty Works Cited Marber, Peter. From the G8 to the â€Å"E8† Is the Globalization Tide Turning? World Policy Journal 23. 3 (2006): 42-51.

3-Dimensional Carbon Nanotube for Li-Ion Battery Anode

3 Dimensional Carbon Nanotube for Li-Ion Battery Anode (Journal of Power Sources 219 (2012) 364-370) Chiwon Kang1†¡, Indranil Lahiri1†¡, Rangasamy Baskaran2, Won-Gi Kim2, Yang-Kook Sun2, Wonbong Choi1, 3* Nanomaterials and Device Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University; 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174, USA 2Department of Energy Engineering, Hanyang University; 17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Korea 3Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas; North Texas Discovery Park 3940 North Elm St. Suite E-132, Denton, TX 76207, USACorresponding Author *Email: [email  protected] edu Author Contributions †¡These authors contributed equally. Abstract Carbon nanotubes, in different forms and architectures, have demonstrated good promise as electrode material for Li-ion batteries, owing to large surface area, shorter Li-conduction distance and high electrical conductiv ity. However, practical application of such Li-ion batteries demands higher volumetric capacity, which is otherwise low for most nanomaterials, used as electrodes.In order to address this urgent issue, we have developed a novel 3-dimensional (3D) anode, based on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), for Li-ion batteries. The unique 3D design of the electrode allowed much higher solid loading of active anode material, MWCNTs in this case and resulted in more amount of Li+ ion intake in comparison to those of conventional 2D Cu current collector. Though one such 3D anode was demonstrated to offer 50% higher capacity, compared to its 2D counterpart, its ability to deliver much higher capacity, by geometrical modification, is presented.Furthermore, deposition of amorphous Si (a-Si) layer on the 3D electrode (a-Si/MWCNTs hybrid structure) offered enhancement in electrochemical response. Correlation between electrochemical performances and structural properties of the 3D anodes highlights the possible charge transfer mechanism. Graphical abstract Keywords Li-ion batteries, carbon nanotubes, 3D Cu current collector, anode materials, amorphous Si, a-Si/MWCNTs composite 1. IntroductionLi-ion batteries (LIB) has been widely used as one of the most important energy storage devices in diverse applications such as green electric vehicles (EV), portable electronics and power tools, since it is commercialized by Sony in 1991 [1]. The commercial cell is assembled by carbonaceous anode, separator and a Li containing layered structure cathode (e. g. LiCoO2). In terms of carbonaceous anodes, graphite and soft or poorly ordered carbons (e. g. mesocarbon microbeads or spherical graphite, microcarbon fiber) have been employed.The reasons behind their commercial prominence contain the relatively low cost of carbon, the excellent mechanical sustainability for lithium insertion and desertion (having minimum volume change ) and their formation of a protective surface film with many elec trolytes [2-4]. Nevertheless, fully intercalated highly crystalline graphites have relatively lower specific capacity (372 mAhg-1, the stoichiometric formulae of LiC6) and cannot meet the demands of next generation LIB with respect to high specific capacity and volumetric capacity. To address these issues, other elemental compounds have been explored such as Al, Si, Ge and Sn [5].Among those elements, Si is known to have highest theoretical specific capacity (4,200 mAhg-1), however huge volume expansion/contraction (300–400%) during lithiation/delithiation brings about pulverization, resulting in capacity fading in a high number of cycles. To overcome such inherit limitations of bulk electrode materials, worldwide research groups have intensively focused on novel and suitable nanomaterials such as silicon nanotubes [6], silicon nanowires [7], nano sized transitional metal oxides [8-10], graphene [11] and carbon nanotubes 12-14]. Out of the many nanomaterials available, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted great attention for anode materials due to their high surface area, short diffusion length of Li+ ions and high electrical conductivity [15]. Past researches including from our group have demonstrated outstanding performance of MWCNT based binder-free anodes in terms of high specific capacity, excellent rate capability and extremely or nil capacity degradation during long cycle operation [16-17].However, carbon nano materials are known as low-density materials, which results in low volumetric capacity and low volumetric energy/power density. Therefore higher solid loading of MWCNTs as active materials is one of the most significant issues to be realized in practice. Very recently, it argued that nanotube based active materials have a critical shortcoming in terms of their very low weight per unit electrode area [18].Thus, their gravimetric energy density may not give a realistic picture to commercial application. The critical limitation may lead to s cale-up issues for their potential application in the development of EV. To counter this issue, we propose a new geometry of 3D Cu current collectors, which can play a crucial role in creating higher surface area to accommodate more solid loading of MWCNTs on the uniformly arrayed patterns in the 3D structure, leading to higher specific capacity and C-rate capability.Until now, efforts have been dedicated to employ a number of 3D structured current collectors including carbon papers [19], a self-assembled 3D bicontinuous nanoarchitecture [20], aluminum nanorods [21], and nanoporous nickel [22]. The previous research proved that a self-assembled 3D bicontinuous nanoarchitecture could be one of the ideal electrode architectures in order to realize not only high volume fraction of nanostructured electrolytically active materials (NiOOH/Nickel and MnO2 cathodes) but also their efficient ion and electron transport [20].In addition, ALD coated TiO2 anodes on 3D aluminum nanorod current co llectors showed the 10 times increase in their theoretical area and total capacity (0. 0112 mAhcm-2), compared to those resulted from the same anodes on 2D flat aluminum plate and high rate capability (the capacity ratios at 10 C/0. 5 C and 20 C/0. 5 C of the 3D anode were 0. 4 and 0. 35, respectively. ) [21]. Currently, the diverse types of hybrid anode structures have been designed and synthesized in order to expect the synergetic combination of two different types of nanomaterials for the igher electrochemical performances. As one of the most preferable combinations, MWCNTs/Si hybrid structure can be chosen due to the better mechanical accommodation of MWCNTs of the large volume expansion/constriction of Si during lithiation/delithiation process and the higher bonding strength between MWCNTs and Si. There were some selected reports on MWCNTs/Si composite structures, employing either SiH4 CVD method [23] or sputter deposition [24]. In this study, we present a novel concept 3D anod e system, comprising of MWCNTs directly grown on 3D Cu mesh using catalytic thermal CVD method [25].Electrochemical performances of this 3D anode structure are compared with those of MWCNTs directly grown on 2D Cu foil. Furthermore, enhanced electrochemical properties of a-Si/MWCNTs hybrid structure, synthesized on 3D Cu mesh using a two step process of CVD and sputtering deposition, are presented. Morphology and structure of as-grown MWCNTs and a-Si/MWCNTs hybrid anode structures and their role in the electrochemical performance are discussed. 2. Experimental A Cu mesh (TWP Inc. with average dimensions of 50  µm thickness and 65  µm hole size was prepared. In parallel, a 50  µm thick pure Cu foil (Nimrod Hall Copper, 99. 9% purity) was also employed. Both types of samples were used as substrates for depositing Ti (underlayer)/Ni (catalyst) thin film through a RF and DC magnetron sputtering system. These Ti/Ni thin film deposited samples were cut to 14 mm diameter disc shape f or 2032 button cell assembly, before inserting into a thermal CVD system for direct MWCNT growth.During CVD, samples were heated very rapidly, under an inert Ar gas environment, to the growth temperature of 750 °C, and MWCNT growth began with flow of a mixture of ethylene (C2H4) and hydrogen (H2) gas (1:2 volume ratio) in the chamber. After 50 minutes of growth, the samples were cooled to room temperature within the furnace under an Ar gas envelope. Amorphous Si (a-Si) was deposited further on the as-grown MWCNT samples using the sputtering system with the incorporation of Ti adhesion layer in order to enhance bonding strength between a-Si and MWCNTs.Weights of samples were measured before and after CVD growth to exactly identify weights of the active materials (i. e. MWCNTs and a-Si thin layer). Morphology and structural properties of the prepared anode structures were carefully investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopes (FESEM) (JEOL, JSM-7000F), an energy d ispersive spectroscope (EDS) (Thermo Electron Corporation, NORAN System SIX), a Raman spectrometer (Ar+ laser with ? = 514 nm, 33 mW power) and a field emission transmission electron microscope (FETEM) (FEI, TECHNAI F20).Electrochemical performance for these anodic materials was conducted in a typical coin cell (half cell). The cells were assembled in a CR2032 press. The complete cell assembly was carried out in an argon glovebox under extremely low levels of oxygen and humidity (both individually