Discuss the health problems and health service issues associated with Essay

Discuss the health problems and health service issues associated with homelessness - Essay Example As a means of understanding homelessness to a more full and complete extent, the analyst invariably comes to the realization that this social reality has a direct impact upon the level of health and overall longevity of the individuals that are forced to integrate with it. In such a way, homelessness has a profound impact upon society and health systems of the society due to the fact that the homeless individuals are oftentimes prone to a great number of both physical and emotional hardships that the general population is not. In such a way, this brief analysis will seek to discuss the spectrum of housing need, the reality of the fact that homeless groups are necessarily hard-to-reach and underrepresented within healthcare research and availability, the fact that the homeless cannot and should not be understood as a homogenous group, the impact and reality of the public health issues that homelessness necessarily portends, a discussion of some of the most common health problems that are associated with this group, the nonlinear determination that health has upon the homeless, the lack of understanding and appreciation for homelessness within the medical community (and the research community that is a part of it), the means by which homelessness necessarily reorients the individuals priorities to place a low emphasis upon health and well-being, and the painful and ultimately harmful level that social stigmas attached homelessness necessarily denote. One of the key compliments of homelessness within the current dynamic is necessarily with regards to the ever-increasing population and reduced levels of housing that are available around the globe. Due to the economic downturn, developers and governmental housing projects have necessarily all but ground to a standstill (Seiler & Moss, 2012). What this has created is a situation in which an ever-increasing demand for housing is not being met due to the fact that individuals within the current economy neither have the means more the wherewithal to seek out and purchase, or indeed continue to pay mortgages, on homes and properties that they would otherwise use for themselves and for their families. Although homelessness has traditionally been understood as a problem affecting only the very lowest class within a society, the events of the past several years have highlighted and underscored the fact that homelessness can affect each and every individual within the system to a profound degree. From a societal interpretation of this particular drawback, it is the onus of governmental and state entities to ensure that the supply and demand for housing are being met in an equitable manner (Hwang et al, 2010). Though increased levels of government control with regards to the real estate industry is not something that many individuals within society would necessarily want to take place, the reality of the fact is that the current dynamic of economics take nation necessarily demands action on the part of these local, state and federal entities to ensure that the hemorrhaging problems associated with homelessness are ameliorated in the best means possible. Taking the issue closer to the topic of health and the means by which society integrates with an understanding of homelessness, the reader/analyst should understand that

Implementing an ADR Process Essay Example for Free

Implementing an ADR Process Essay An Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a voluntary procedure where parties come to an agreement to use in conjunction with a formal process of administration, to resolve and settle disagreements or disputes in a work environment (Ann and Jay, 2002). There exist a number of objectives that lead to the use of an ADR processes in an organization. The Alternative Dispute Resolution processes should perform the following factions among others. It should resolve or reduce a number of issues in a dispute, be accessible, use the available resources efficiently, resolve disputes and disagreements as early as they occur, produce effective, lawful and acceptable outcomes to the involved parties and enhance the parties’ satisfaction (Cavel and Vondra, 1994). Types of ADR processes Mediation is a type of neutrally facilitated negotiation. It is a process where the parties to the dispute choose a mutually acceptable and independent third party called the mediator, to assist them in arriving at an amicable solution to their conflict or dispute (Cavel and Vondra, 1994). The mediator enables parties to appraise their own cases with him in confidence, the factors like business relationships, commercial pressures, and reputation issues can be taken into account to necessary extent. Also, the procedure is flexible to suit the parties and the dispute. Mediation is also quick, consequently cheap and entirely confidential. However, Mediation is not suitable where the parties in a dispute require a court judgment (John and Steven, 2003). Conciliation is a process where the conciliator might express an opinion on the advantages of a dispute and will recommend a resolution to that dispute if he is not able persuade the parties to create their own solution (Ann and Jay, 2002). It is often preferred to mediation if the parties want the benefit of a conciliator’s intervention and assistance in the given confidential form provided. Neutral or expert evaluation; Here the parties aggrieved appoint an acceptable and neutral third party to both of them to evaluate their dispute and deduce an opinion on its outcome (Ann and Martin, 2002). They may request for an evaluation of their positions as a matter of law liability. Adjudication is non-housing grant whereby it is a process in which the parties appoint a neutral expert in the subject in disagreement to decide the dispute (Cavel and Vondra, 1994). The adjudicators decision may be binding in the end of a temporary effect or advisory depending on the parties terms of reference availed to him. Implementation of an ADR processes The implementation of an ADR process may face a lot of barriers. For instance, the management may reject it. This may arise where the management do not belief in simple methods of conflict resolution or where they belief Court judgment. Also, another barrier could be misinformation or lack of commitment. Some employees or managers may present the truth about then ADR process as incorrect or as a bad method thereby creating some for of rejection by the other people within an organization (Cavel and Vondra, 1994). The management may also pose a big challenge if it will decline to provide the required leadership in the process of implementing the ADR process. This is where the leading parties may not be willing to play a lead role in its implementation. Another challenge that may be realized is the lack of any form of commitment by the implementing group or lack of a proper legislation for its implementation. Some people on the other hand my go to court to acquire an injunction over the use of this process in an organization. While on the other hand the law firm workforce may fear the possible consequences of adapting ADR process subjecting it to criticism (John and Steven, 2003). Therefore, to overcome these challenges, one needs to have a number of methods. For instance, the person implementing an ADR Process should improve the communication to the rest of the employees and the management in general. Effective communication ensures that the process shall be well explained and illustrated while giving the advantages of accepting its use in the organization if implemented (Steven and Graham, 1993). Also, it is necessary that the concerned parties should hold a meeting for brainstorming and analysis of the strengths of the proposed ADR Process and its implementation. Involving the all affected stakeholders in implementation process ensures that the stakeholders own the process by their active contribution and participation, thus likely to result less resistance. Moreover, this will ensure that the persons concerned are well informed and are part of the process thereby reducing the chances of rejection and other barriers to its implementation. Another way of overcoming the implementation of an ADR Process is by adopting good leadership behavior by the leading persons in the organization. In this regard, a hands-off leadership style which is closely related to â€Å"laissez-faire† is appropriate leadership behavior whereby the top managerial carder provides no or little direction and gives workforce as much freedom in the implementation process (Donald, 2004, p. 216). The authority is given to the staff enabling them to make decisions, determine goals, and resolve problems on their own. However, the management should lead by supporting the implementation of the ADR Process and also provide relevant advice as to the advantages and disadvantages of using the process in the organization in resolving disputes and not imposing the process. Also, an appropriate advice should be given in relation to the legal processes and other court related problems like delays which are likely to drag the resolution of a dispute that would be resolved in a matter of days or hours between the parties. In addition, the cost that is involved in the legal process is higher that that used in the ADR Process. This should discourage the aggrieved parties from taking the case to the courts. The ADR Process plan may be accepted by the management if the definition of the intermediaries like the conciliators, mediators among others is well done and identified. The management might also accept the plan if legality part of the intermediaries is well done especially in adjudication where the experts are involved in the dispute resolution (Ann and Martin, 2002; John and Steven, 2003). This mainly because of the associated advantages of using an AR process like satisfactory results, more flexibility, participation and control, better case understanding, management improvement and reduction of hostility (Cavel and Vondra, 1994). The management is also likely to accept the ADR Process plan if the cost is conspicuously advantageous in adopting the ADR Process and if it proofs that by adopting it, the parting are likely to resolve their disputes amicably are return to their normal way of working because as an organization, it is only fare that the employees are working with harmony and agreement. In conclusion, it is clear that an ADR Process is good for an organization if it is implemented and well used. As much as there are challenges that are associated with its implementation, it is proper that it is well explained both to the management and the rest of the employees so as to embrace its merits and foster a sense of collective acceptability thereby reducing the chances of its rejection.

The Makeover Beauty Salon Marketing Essay

The Makeover Beauty Salon Marketing Essay Introduction The Makeover Beauty Salon is a beauty salon that aims at rendering maximum customer satisfaction by providing the best service, using high quality products, and building a pleasant environment at an affordable price, to meet the needs of customers of all social status. I am the owner of The Makeover Beauty Salon and I perceive an unsatisfied customer need for a low-cost salon that provides maximum flexibility and great customer attention. Using this strategy, The Makeover Beauty Salon will gain much reputation and create long-term relationships with its customers. The Makeover Beauty Salon is the only area salon to be online and fully automated and will have the most aggressive marketing campaign of any other area salon. The Makeover Beauty Salon will target two different market segments: Youngsters will typically make up 70-75% of the clientele.   Young mothers with children.   http://www.bplans.com/hair_salon_business_plan/images/bc49aab41b914ef99dca65af1ff71a82.png Future Opportunities The main segment of the population that is targeted by the salon is the younger generation, which is the youth. It has been noticed that adolescents like different and new looks, which are apart from others. They like to look very special and The Makeover Beauty Salon has all the means to satisfy the needs of the main targeted group. This opportunity will be researched and developed on a trial basis. For example, every weekend, people can go to the salon and i will do their makeup or hair. If successful, it could become a major new source of income without creating the need for additional staff or production space. The management team of The Makeover Beauty Salon I will be the only manager of the salon. I will have as assistant, Miss Shazia. The latter takes the responsibility of supervising the workers when I will not be present at the salon. Miss Shazia has a degree in management of salon and she has two years of experience from another salon. I have also appointed two caretakers, Mrs Aisha and Miss Dolly, who will take care of customers children when the customers will be pampering themselves. Growth opportunities improve employee retention within our industry. The salon acknowledges the need for growth of the individual. II The Business The company After a tedious search for a suitable place for the salon, finally one was found at the centre of the island. The location of the salon would be perfect, as it can welcome customers from all over Mauritius. The exact location is in the centre of Curepipe. The recently completed highway in the surrounding offers  hundreds of thousands of local residents, shoppers from outside the area, and travelers that use this new highway.  With this high concentration of customers there  is no big and sophisticated salon in the locality. This is one of the main advantages of opening the salon at that particular location. Services and products offered The Makeover Beauty Salon is considered an innovating beauty salon which offers a wide range of services that include: Hair:  cuts, relaxers, perms, colors, shampoo, conditioning, curling, reconstructing, weaving, and waving Nails:  manicures, pedicures, polish, sculptured nails Skin Care:  European facials, body waxing, massage Makeup: bridal makeup, casual makeup, formal makeup, amongst others Service is offered on a walk-in basis or by appointment. The Makeover Beauty Salon will emphasize a customer-centric service where the customers needs are always the priority. The Makeover Beauty Salon will also sell hair care products, which is forecasted to account for about 15% of sales. These professional-quality supplies will include shampoos, conditioners, brushes, combs, and other styling aids. Company Overview The Makeover Beauty Salon is located in Curepipe and will offer affordable priced, convenient hair styling. The Makeover Beauty Salon will accept walk-ins as well as appointments for the entire family. The salon will grow its market share based on superior customer attention. The Salon is a family hair salon, also known as a quick hair salon and this new salon has everything to set up a new path and disguise people in an unexpected way. It is owned by Miss Chellen, who has recently returned from the United States, with innovative ideas, after advanced studies about the fashion and makeup line, and also in beauty salon management. Company Ownership The Makeover Beauty Salon will be entirely owner by me. I have done a degree in Beauty Salon management and a degree in General Cosmetology in the United States. I also worked in a salon for more than 5 years there. I have a very friendly approach in the salon and when I am tutoring. Salons motto: The trend begins here Vision Mission The Makeover Beauty Salons vision is to create a harmonious, productive, and profitable salon environment, supplying the community with Avon cosmetology. The mission statement is very clear: The Makeover Beauty Salon has been established to set a new path in the beauty line by providing an exceptional service which aims at satisfying people of all age. Through its services, the salon aims at exceeding customers expectations. Objectives To cater for the fast changing trends of makeup and hairstyles. To make people look more special and different from others. To supply services and products that enhances our clients physical appearance and mental relaxation. Keys to Success Set up the salon in a location easily accessible to everyone. The environment should be very appealing, friendly and relaxing. Try to be as innovative as possible in styles. Dare to try something new. Aim at complete customer satisfaction by offering the best service at affordable prices. The Makeover Beauty Salon can best be described as presently being in the business of cosmetology, education, and wellness. In recent times our key strengths have been customer service. The Makeover Beauty Salon will use automation to keep hold of clients. According to studies, it takes 3 times the amount of effort to attract a new client than the effort to retain a satisfied client. at present, 10% of all salons are automated. in the vicinity, 3 salons are automated and none use the technology to market and track clients. Automation is a key to growing and maintaining our target market. Goals and Objectives It is the goal of The Makeover Beauty Salon to provide the community with an institution of cosmetology that targets all socioeconomic standings and is a model for the industry nationally. Startup Summary After several months of search for a salon to purchase, the owner decided to start a salon from the ground up. The Makeover Beauty Salon will incur the following start-up costs: Computer with point of sale terminal. Computer with printer for back office. Five cutting stations, each station requires a barber chair, cabinet, large mirror, blow dryer, curling iron, electric razor, several pairs of scissors, spray bottle, two sided mirror, and assorted combs and brushes. Desk for reception area. Three couches for the reception area. Display shelf for sale of retail products. Assorted plants. Assorted toys for the children. Legal fees for business formation and generation/review of contracts. http://www.bplans.com/hair_salon_business_plan/images/6ff2aec4851d460cb0a964e4122e4fa2.png Startup funding Start-up Expenditure to Fund $2000 Start-up Assets to Fund $104,000 Total Funding Required $106,000 Assets Non-cash Assets from Start-up $8,450 Cash Requirements from Start-up $89,720 Additional Cash Raised $0 Cash Balance on Starting Date $89,720 Total Assets $98,170 Liabilities and Capital Liabilities Current Borrowing $0 Long-term Liabilities $40,000 Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills) $0 Other Current Liabilities (interest-free) $0 Total Liabilities $40000 Capital Planned Investment Chellen $100,000 Investor 2 $0 Other $0 Additional Investment Requirement $0 Total Planned Investment $100,000 Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses) ($1,100) Total Capital $98,900 Total Capital and Liabilities $104,000 Total Funding $106,000 Start-up Requirements Start-up Expenses Legal $1,000 Stationery etc. $100 Other $0 Total Start-up Expenses $2,000 Start-up Assets Cash Required $89,720 Other Current Assets $0 Long-term Assets $7,000 Total Assets $104,000 Total Requirements $106,000 III Management Team I will be working full time at the Makeover Beauty Salon. She will be in charge of all recruitment and training, purchasing, and retail sales. Apart from the assistant manager and the two caretakers, I will also employ a receptionist to  take care of all of the appointments as well as the people who walk in, and be responsible for the point of sale.  The receptionist will be paid an hourly wage. I even plan to hire some part-time hair stylists during wedding periods and the eves of festivals, which will operate on an hourly/commission basis.   I thought of using a partial commission basis to create incentives for greater customer attention. The better service employees provide to their customers, the greater customer satisfaction will be derived and the more money they will make off commissions. Miss Chellen will be pleased to pay for this type of performance. IV Organizational Structure The organisational structure of The Makeover Beauty The New Looking salon will be like a flat organisation structure. It is supervised closely by the founder. Thus, efficiency is maintained and so is the satisfaction of customers. The salon is structured as follows in the diagram below. Director Children Caretakers Manager of salon Assisstant Manager Part-timers Part-timers Part-timers Diagram 1: This represents the business structure. Intellectual Property The patent license, trademark and copyright agreements have already been applied for approval. V Industry Analysis SWOT Analysis Strengths à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢outstanding location. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Well-qualified employees with good hair cutting skills with a wide style collection, and Customer-focused business practices. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢A wide range of services offered. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Cutthroat prices. Weaknesses à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢As a new entrant to the market, The Makeover Beauty Salon lacks brand equity that many other salons have gained over years of service. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Large costs related with a start-up company. Opportunities à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢A steady growing market that is traditionally unaffected by the economic environment. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢The ability to decrease marginal fixed costs as the customer base grows. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Increasing sales opportunities as more people from an individual family visits The Makeover Beauty Salon. Threats à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Competition from already established salons. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢A change in traffic patterns as they relate to the mall where The Makeover Beauty Salon is located. The hair styling industry is highly divided with national chains, some of which operates diverse franchises catering to all the market segments, and also including thousands of mom and pop salons that are very limited in scale and services. This makes for an extremely aggressive market that has low barriers to entry and exit. Moreover, the customers of hair styling have considerable control due to the low switching costs they have. However, most companies have tried to pursue only one general strategy in gaining more reputation. The Makeover Beauty Salon is of the view that that it is possible to offer a differentiated service through superior customer service at no greater considerable cost if the right employee incentives are provided. With this strategy in mind, the salons purpose is to boost the number of clients served by at least 30% per year. Target Market The Makeover Beauty Salon will be targeting two different groups of customers, but will lay more emphasis on the youths. It will work hard to distinctly appeal to each of these groups. By focusing on more than one group, the salon is minimizing its risk that in a downturn one group will negatively affect the company. Market Segmentation The Makeover Beauty Salon will target three different market segments: Youngsters will normally make up 70-75% of the clientele, as they are very conscious about looking good, having perfectly trimmed eyebrows and they like to keep changing their styles regularly. Young mothers with children. Most young children are notoriously difficult when it comes to getting haircuts. A family style salon is a more laid-back place that allows the children to play while they are waiting and then will work with the parents in calming the kids nerves when they are ready for their shearing. Target Market Segment Strategy The Makeover Beauty Salon will target each of the two groups separately. The youngsters will be pampered in a very bright, appealing, colorful and attractive atmosphere. Employees will use the latest equipment available with them, which would suit their preferences and with which they will feel at ease. The Makeover Beauty Salon will also  target mothers with children by offering the kids toys to play with while they wait and child-friendly hair stylists. Moreover, children will receive a special rate reflecting the fact that childrens hair grows so fast that it can be costly to keep up with regular cuts, as well as the recognition that it generally takes lesser time to cut a childs hair so it should be naturally less expensive. Competition and Buying Patterns The Makeover Beauty Salon competitors include: Traditional barbers. They do not work on appointments as it offers an open door service. While barbers are willing to give you whatever cut you want, they are generally providing straight forward haircuts, typically on the conservative side. The advantages of a barber are they are low-cost and easy to use. Their disadvantages is often conservative styling capacities, sometimes a long wait as the barber may be an old timer who enjoys to chit chat. Franchised quick salons.   An example of this would be Supercuts or Best Cuts. In essence this is a franchised version of The Makeover Beauty Salon. The advantage of this style is the store will be the same from location to location and some people like this predictability.   Independent salons. These salons typically focus on a specific niche and do not serve a large group of customers. The advantages to these could be an independent salon that caters for all of your needs. The disadvantage is that because they tend to be more focused, more often than not this type of salon will not offer exactly what  customers are looking for. Competitive Edge The Makeover Beauty Salon aims to be very different from the beauty salons which offer only one or two services. From surveys, it has been concluded that customers often get frustrated as they have to get their hair done at one place and facial and makeup done at another place. This becomes very annoying for clients as they have to travel a lot and it is tiresome as well. Therefore the Makeover Beauty Salon plans to offer all these services under the same roof. As such, clients will be more at ease to make themselves beautiful. There exist several salons that are already proving the same services as the Makeover Beauty Salon, but they charge very high prices which everybody cannot afford as these salons are situates mostly in towns, where high rent have to be paid. Therefore, to attract the maximum number of customers, the Makeover Beauty Salon plans to offer better quality service than the other salons, but at affordable prices so that everyone can afford making then look beautiful, especially the youngsters, as they are the one that the salon is targeting at. Basically the atmosphere prevailing at the Makeover Beauty Salon will be very cozy and relaxing, where clients would love to be pampered. A welcoming drink will be served to clients as they enter the salon they can chose amongst tea, coffee, juice, soft drink. A television will be located in the waiting room and a radio in the hair-drying area, as this may take some time. VI Marketing Plan Marketing Strategy The Makeover Beauty Salon has a very simple marketing strategy: satisfying its clients. Miss Chellen is of the view that when a customer leaves her salon, he/she should have a new look which would be perfect for the occasion the latter would be attending, and the latter should also be representing the Makeover Beauty Salon through his/her makeup and hairstyle the client should be a medium of portraying the salons qualities, service and image. Miss Chellen has no plans to advertise her new salon. According to researches, a satisfied customer is able to influence 11 14 people positively. Therefore, the owner of the salon is of the view that its the satisfied customers that will bring new customers to her salon and her business grows. She has, in her mind, a strategy to reward her potential clients who are able to attract new customer into the salon. Sales Strategy The Makeover Beauty Salon sales approach will be based on exceptionally professional communications with the customer. Normally the quick salons lay emphasis on being quick and inexpensive, often at the cost of customer service. Anytime that a potential customer will talk with someone at the Makeover Beauty Salon, the owner/employee will have an opportunity to impress the customer. Employee training will emphasize seizing these opportunities. The Makeover Beauty Salon will also have the chance to increase sales of its retail hair care products every time it has a customer in the chair. The Makeover Beauty Salon offers interesting discounts on the hair care products for employees to use these products, so that they can explain to the customer about their personal experiences. Additionally, the Makeover Beauty Salon offers a product-based commission structure for the hair care products where they give away the product to the employee for commissions for selling the items to their customers. These personal testimonials and commission structure will allow  the salon to generate good sales from the retail hair care products. Sales forecasts The first diagram above depicts the first years forecast of the Makeover Beauty Salon sales. In the first 4 months, sales will be very steady as the salon will experience new customers, who will get to know about the services that the salon offers. During the subsequent months, an increase in all the services offered is expected, as the customers will be satisfied with the service of the salon. Sales Forecast Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Sales Youngsters $20,150 $35,260 $41,100 Women with small children $2,015 $3,526 $4,110 Retail hair care products $29,225 $32,975 $40,500 Total Sales $51,390 $71,761 $85,710 Direct Cost of Sales Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Youngsters $2,600 $4,750 $4,900 Women with small children $260 $475 $490 Retail hair care products $14,500 $26,000 $27,500 Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales $17,360 $31,225 $32,890 VII Operation Plan Facilities The salon will be offering home styling and makeup for brides or any other special weekends, but for that, an appointment is compulsory this should be done at least 3 weeks before the due date. Potential clients will not be charged with the travelling costs. Hours of operation The salon will be open week from 8 am to 5pm on Monday to Saturday. However, on Saturdays and public holidays, it will be opened from 10 am to 1 pm. Employee Training Education Employees will be trained not only in their specific styling duties but in the philosophy and applications of our concept. They will receive extensive information from the owner and be kept informed of the latest information concerning styling and makeup applications through continuous training. Systems Controls A big emphasis is being placed on extensive research into the quality and integrity of our products. They will constantly be tested for our own high standards of effectiveness and professionalism. Cosmetic products costs and inventory control will be handled by our computer system and checked daily by management. Facilities The salon will be offering home styling and makeup for brides or any other special weekends, but for that, an appointment is compulsory this should be done at least 3 weeks before the due date. Potential clients will not be charged with the travelling costs. Hours of operation The salon will be open week from 8 am to 5pm on Monday to Saturday. However, on Saturdays and public holidays, it will be opened from 10 am to 1 pm. Employee Training Education Employees will be trained not only in their specific styling duties but in the philosophy and applications of our concept. They will receive extensive information from the owner and be kept informed of the latest information concerning styling and makeup applications through continuous training. Systems Controls A big emphasis is being placed on extensive research into the quality and integrity of our products. They will constantly be tested for our own high standards of effectiveness and professionalism. Cosmetic products costs and inventory control will be handled by our computer system and checked daily by management. VIII Financial Plan Start-up Funding Start-up Expenses to Fund $1,817 Start-up Assets to Fund $60,600 Total Funding Required $62,417 Assets Non-cash Assets from Start-up $60,100 Cash Requirements from Start-up $500 Additional Cash Raised $0 Cash Balance on Starting Date $500 Total Assets $60,600 Liabilities and Capital Liabilities Current Borrowing $0 Long-term Liabilities $61,917 Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills) $0 Other Current Liabilities (interest-free) $0 Total Liabilities $61,917 Capital Planned Investment Owner $500 Investor $0 Additional Investment Requirement $0 Total Planned Investment $500 Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses) ($1,817) Total Capital ($1,317) Total Capital and Liabilities $60,600 Total Funding $62,417 Important Assumptions The following section will detail important Financial Assumptions. General Assumptions Year 1 Year 2 Year 2 Plan Month 1 2 3 Current Interest Rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% Long-term Interest Rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% Tax Rate 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% Other 0 0 0 Projected Cash Flow The cash flow depends on assumptions for inventory turnover, payment days, and accounts receivable management. Our projected same-day collections are critical, and are reasonable and customary in the salon industry. We do not expect to need significant additional support even when we reach the less profitable months, as they are expected. http://www.bplans.com/hair_salon_business_plan/images/d5e510e0cfe04c2484123f1575a810dc.png Projected Cash Flow Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Cash Received Cash from Operations Cash Sales $277,143 $504,802 $525,337 Subtotal Cash from Operations $277,143 $504,802 $525,337 Additional Cash Received Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received $0 $0 $0 New Current Borrowing $0 $0 $0 New Other Liabilities (interest-free) $0 $0 $0 New Long-term Liabilities $0 $0 $0 Sales of Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 Sales of Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0 New Investment Received $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Cash Received $277,143 $504,802 $525,337 Expenditures Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Expenditures from Operations Cash Spending $251,600 $275,200 $279,200 Bill Payments $101,816 $172,090 $181,489 Subtotal Spent on Operations $353,416 $447,290 $460,689 Additional Cash Spent Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out $0 $0 $0 Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing $0 $0 $0 Other Liabilities Principal Repayment $0 $0 $0 Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment $0 $0 $0 Purchase Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 Purchase Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0 Dividends $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Cash Spent $353,416 $447,290 $460,689 Net Cash Flow ($76,273) $57,513 $64,648 Cash Balance $20,307 $77,820 $142,467 Projected Balance Sheet of The Makeover Beauty Salon Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Assets Current Assets Cash $20,307 $77,820 $142,467 Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 Total Current Assets $20,307 $77,820 $142,467 Long-term Assets Long-term Assets $7,320 $7,320 $7,320 Accumulated Depreciation $1,464 $2,928 $4,392 Total Long-term Assets $5,856 $4,392 $2,928 Total Assets $26,163 $82,212 $145,395 Liabilities and Capital Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Current Liabilities Accounts Payable $11,945 $14,341 $14,968 Current Borrowing $0 $0 $0 Other Current Liabilities $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Current Liabilities $11,945 $14,341 $14,968 Long-term Liabilities $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 Total Liabilities $56,945 $59,341 $59,968 Paid-in Capital $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 Retained Earnings ($1,100) ($90,782) ($37,130) Earnings ($89,682) $53,652 $62,557 Total Capital ($30,782) $22,870 $85,427 Total Liabilities and Capital $26,163 $82,212 $145,395 Net Worth ($30,782) $22,870 $85,427 IX Critical Risk factors Management Risks: It can be considered the identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks followed by coordinated and economical application of resources to minimize, monitor, and control the probability and/or impact of unfortunate event or to maximize the realization of opportunities. Risks can come from uncertainty in financial markets, project failures and legal liabilities in the Makeover Beauty Salon. Other potential Management risks may be: Defective products/services. Health and safety incidents. Faulty equipment.(e.g. damaged wires or sockets) Environmental risks (e.g. noise pollution and the use of eco-friendly product) Technological obsolescence. Theft of assets Marketing Risks: Marketing is a risk and you cant go on happily thinking that whatever youre doing is working for the best of the organization. By the time you do so, the market will have shifted from under your feet. Some marketing risks may be: Government action ( pass law to limit the time for using salon till late night) Rival (imitation of ideas is done quickly by competitors) Operating Risks: It is a risk arising from execution of a companys business functions. As such, it is a very broad concept including e.g fraud risks, legal risks, physical or environmental risks in the Makeover Beauty Salon. Other forms of operating risks may be: the type of product received from suppliers the neighbourhood problem which can halt work the defect that hairstyle is not done according to customer wish regulation which employee dont accept culture for where on a day some worker have to leave for prayer Financial Risks: It is basically any risk related with any form of financing. Risk is probability of unfavorable condition; in financial sector it is the probability of actual return being less than expected return for a business company. Intellectual Property Infringement: It is the infringement of an intellectual prop

The Scarlet Letter 10 :: essays research papers

'Among many morals which press upon us from the poor minister's miserable experience, we put only this into a sentence: Be true! Be true! Be true! Show freely to the world, if not your worst, yet some trait whereby the worst may be inferred!';(Ch.24: 236) Hawthorne expresses the purpose of writing this novel in that short sentence. He creates characters who have sin and disguise these sins for their own salvation. Slowly these sins evolve the characters, it strengthens Hester, humanizes Dimmesdale, and turns Chillingworth into a demon. The story is Hawthorne's depiction of the effects of sin on the hearts and minds of humanity during the Puritan society through the characters Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth. Hester's sin is that her passion and love were of more importance to her than the Puritan moral code, but she learns the error of her ways and slowly regains the adoration of the community. For instance, 'What we did had a consecration of its own. We felt it so! We said so to each other! Hast thou forgotten it?';(Ch.17: 179). Hester fully acknowledges her guilt and displays it with pride to the world. This was obvious by the way she displays the scarlet letter with elaborate designs showing that she is proud. Furthermore, she does not want to live a life of lies anymore when she states 'forgive me! In all things else, I have striven to be true! Truth was the one virtue which I might have held fast, and did hold fast, through all extremity save when thy good--the life--they fame--were put in question! Then I consented a deception. But a lie is never good, even though death threaten the other side!';(Ch.17: 177). Hester learns from her sin, and grows strong, a direct result from her pu nishment. The scarlet letter 'A' was as if a blessing to Hester changing her into an honest person with good virtues. Fittingly, she chooses to stay in Boston with Pearl although Hawthorne admits, ';…that this woman should still call that place her home, where, and where only, she must needs be the type of shame';(Ch.5: 73). She is trying to stay and face her consequences instead of running in the other direction. Most people would leave a town where they are looked upon as trash the scum of society. Finally, the colonists come to think of the scarlet letter as '…the cross on a nun's bosom';(Ch.

The Best Ideas Arise from a Passionate Interest in Commonplace Things

The best ideas arise from a passionate interest in commonplace things Mankind has demonstrated a profound ability to draw inspiration from even the most mundane situations and surroundings. Throughout history, the commonplace has often spurred uncommon achievements for impassioned thinkers including Archimedes, Leonardo da Vinci and Isaac Newton. In modern times, the scientific community increasingly gleans groundbreaking ideas from the natural world in the emerging field of biomimicry.Archimedes’ eureka moment in the bath is the stuff of legend, but it is unlikely the great mathematician and inventor would have delivered the famed remark without pursuing his profound interest in hydrodynamics and the intertwined relationships of buoyancy and displacement. On one hand, water was (and remains) a ubiquitous presence for the seafaring Greeks. Likewise, anyone who has watched a child in the bathtub can relate to the simple joys it affords.Archimedes eponymous principle, however, t ook a natural interest in water and floating bodies several steps further to determine whether a crown was made of solid gold and better define the laws of physics. Leonardo da Vinci, the archetypal Renaissance Man, was unquestionably inspired by commonplace things throughout his feverishly productive life. One must look no further than the genius’s manuscripts and notebooks for evidence that da Vinci was intensely curious about some of the world’s most ordinary elements.Studies of the human body, certainly among the most familiar of forms, are likely the master’s most replicated composition. Perhaps it is no coincidence the Italian’s Vitruvian Man pen-and-ink sketch ranks among the most well-known and reproduced drawings in the world. Whether Leonardo’s passion and interest in reproducing the human body contributed to his other innovations and inventions beyond art is difficult to assess, but one thing is certain: da Vinci’s unquenchable th irst for knowledge of his earthly surroundings was inextricably tied to his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.The unlikely course of events that lead Isaac Newton to formulate the theory of gravity offers an example of a revolutionary idea spurred by something as banal as a piece of fruit. â€Å"What is the invisible force that causes an apple to fall to the ground? † the great thinker wondered. While some have disputed the veracity of Newton’s apple incident, there is no doubting the role the everyday world played in conjunction with Newton’s observant and contemplative mind.While the laws of motion took years to fully devise and compose, there is perhaps no better illustration of the nascent brilliance the human mind is capable of revealing when awakened by the natural elements. Many of the world’s leading contemporary minds continue to find inspiration in their environs. Over the last decade, the scientific community has become m ore willing to turn to nature for answers to difficult questions. As it turns out, potentially outstanding ideas have often been tested and confirmed or rejected by the flora and fauna all around us through natural selection, according to pioneers in the biomimicry field.Proponents of biomimicry have studied humpback whale flippers as a means to improve wind turbine performance and plant leaves as a model for â€Å"green cleaning† process that some paints and building materials now incorporate. Clearly there is much still to be learned from nature. It has been a long time coming, but it appears many in the world are prepared to accept that the best ideas arise from a passionate interest in commonplace things. Perhaps necessity is not the true mother of invention – history demonstrates that inquiring minds and Mother Nature herself more often inspire greatness.

The Cons of Marijuana Usage

The legalization of marijuana is one of the most highly debated about subjects facing Americans today. Advocates of legalization use two major arguments in their effort to have marijuana legalized. First, which is by far the biggest argument is that marijuana has a significant medical use. The second argument is that marijuana does not cause harm to those that smoke it. Both of these arguments can be easily discounted by the numerous studies that have been done on the effects of marijuana both medicinal and recreational. In the following paragraphs we will explore the hard facts of marijuana that will discount the validity of the previously mentioned arguments as well as some common fallacies. I will focus first on the medical fallacy. There currently exists a great debate concerning smoking marijuana as a medicine. Many well-intentioned leaders and members of the public have been led misled by the well-financed and organized pro-drug legalization lobby into believing there is merit to their argument that smoking marijuana is a safe and effective medicine. A review of the scientific research, expert medical testimony, and government agency findings shows this to be erroneous. There is no justification for using marijuana as a medicine. The movement to legitimize smoking marijuana as a medicine is not encouraged by the Federal Food and Drug Administration, health and medical associations, or medical experts; but instead by groups such as the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and the Drug Policy Foundation (DPF). These organizations have little medical expertise and favor various forms of legalizing illicit drugs. The studies cited by the marijuana advocates have been found to be unscientific, poorly researched, and involved pharmaceutical THC, not marijuana. An advocate that claimed he was an expert, testified at the 1987 federal hearings to reschedule marijuana, was in fact a wellness counselor at a health spa who admitted under oath to using every illegal mind-altering drug he ever studied. Another â€Å"expert† admitted he had not kept up with new medical or scientific information on marijuana for over 18 years. Another doctor claimed there was voluminous medical research on the effectiveness of marijuana but under oath, when asked to cite the number of the studies, he replied, â€Å"I would doubt very few. † The fact is that there is not one reliable scientific study that shows smoking marijuana to be a safe and effective drug. The majority of the marijuana advocates’ â€Å"evidence† comes from unscientific, non-scrutinized or analyzed anecdotal statements from people with a variety of illnesses. It is unknown whether these individuals used marijuana prior to their illness or are using marijuana in combination with other medicines. It is also unknown whether they have had recent medical examinations, are justifying their use of marijuana, experiencing a placebo effect, or experiencing the intoxicating effect of smoking marijuana. The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana (THC) is already legally available in pharmaceutical capsule form by prescription from medical doctors. This drug, Marinol, is less often prescribed because of the potential adverse effects, and there are more effective new medicines currently available. Marinol differs from the crude plant marijuana because it consists of one pure, well-studied, FDA-approved pharmaceutical in stable known dosages. Marijuana is an unstable mixture of over 400 chemicals including many toxic psychoactive chemicals, which are largely unstudied and appear in uncontrolled strengths. The manufacturers of Marinol, Roxane Laboratories Incorporated, do not agree with the pro-marijuana advocates that THC is safe and harmless. In the Physician’s Desk Reference, a good portion of the description of Marinol includes warnings about the adverse effects. Seriously, doesn t common sense dictate that it is not good medical practice to allow a substance to be used as a medicine if that product is ingested by smoking, not FDA-approved, made up of hundreds of different chemicals, and self-prescribed and administered by the patient. The federal government, over the last 20 years involving a number of administrations from both political parties, has determined that smoking marijuana has no redeeming medicinal value, and is in fact harmful to health. These governmental agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U. S. Public Health Service. Their latest finding, as recently as 1994, was affirmed in a decision by the U. S. Court of Appeals in Washington, DC Since the pro-marijuana lobby has been unsuccessful in dealing with the federal government, they have targeted state and local governments to legitimize smoking marijuana as a medicine. A careful examination of their legislative and/or ballot proposals reveals they are written to effectively neutralize the enforcement of most marijuana laws. Crude, intoxicating marijuana under their proposals would be easier to obtain and use than even the most harmless, low-level prescription drug. Major medical and health organizations, as well as the vast majority of nationally recognized expert medical doctors, scientists and researchers, have not accepted smoking marijuana as a safe and effective medicine. These organizations include: the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, National Sclerosis Association, the American Glaucoma Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute, National Cancer Institute, National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Dental Research, and the National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Diseases. There are thousands of studies available documenting the harmful physical and psychological effects of smoking marijuana. The harmful consequences include but are not limited to premature cancer, addiction, coordination and perception impairment, a number of mental disorders including depression, hostility and increased aggressiveness, general apathy, memory loss, reproductive disabilities, impairment to the immune system, numerous airway injuries, and other general problems associated with intoxication. So far I have shown why marijuana should be disregarded as medicinal now I intend to discount some more common fallacies that marijuana advocates like to throw around as well as the argument that marijuana causes no harm to the smoker. First, advocates for marijuana like to say laws against alcohol and drugs don t work so why have them. They often use prohibition in the early 1900 s as an example. Even though prohibition was unpopular and only in effect for about fourteen years, it did impact the use of alcohol. Alcohol use, alcohol-related deaths, and admissions to hospitals for other alcohol related illnesses were all reduced approximately 50 percent. Also, contrary to what you hear, there’s no evidence of a big increase in crime. That probably makes for good gangster movies, but little else. Prohibition was rescinded because alcohol historically had been part of our lives, and the majority didn t support prohibition. Drugs, on the other hand, have not been part of our everyday lives, and over 80 percent of Americans favor drug prohibition A second fallacy is that legalizing marijuana would reduce the number of crimes and would free up prison space for more violent offenders. First of all there are 12 million arrests made annually out of which 1 million are for drug violations, of these only 12 percent are sentenced to prison. Most of the criminals that are locked up already have rap sheets a mile long for different crimes anyways. Now if we legalize marijuana the arrests would stop because of the change in the criminal code but the criminals wouldn t change their behavior and become law-abiding citizens. They will continue to commit crimes to pay rent, buy cars, go to concerts, buy clothes, eat, and buy legal drugs. Thirdly, most advocates like to use the Netherlands as an example of marijuana being legalized and not having any problems. The Netherlands has begun experiencing a variety of problems including a rise in crime, welfare, unemployment, and addicts from other countries migrating there to indulge their drug appetites. A fourth common fallacy is that if we legalize marijuana we would save at least 20 billion dollars annually that is now used towards law enforcement. What this fallacy assumes is that there would be no governmental costs associated with distribution, regulation, and control of legal drugs. Using alcohol as a model, we know these costs can be substantial. Knowing government, there is very little they do that is cost effective. In 1965, when we started Medicare, Congress projected that it would cost this country $12 billion by 1990. The actual costs that year were $110 billion. In 1968 food stamps cost $173 million annually, and now, less than 30 years later, the price tag is $24 billion. And, finally the greatest fallacy that marijuana does not harm the user. The fact remains that marijuana and hashish are intoxicating substances that make the user high. The degree of mental and physical impairment depends on the amount and strength of marijuana smoked. There is a substantial difference between the 2 to 5 percent THC weed of the ’70s and the 10 to 20 percent THC in today’s weed. There is a definite reason why the higher grade is more desirable and expensive, and that’s simply because it gives the user a more powerful high. Studies show marijuana can and often does cause apathy, diminishes mental capacity, causes difficulty in concentrating, decline in performance, and lost motivation. Thousands of studies also show marijuana use adversely affects the brain, reproduction process, immune system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and remains in the body for extended periods of time. In addition, marijuana use often impairs normal thought processes, distorts reality, reduces self-control, and releases inhibitions, all of which increase the chance of harmful and criminal behavior. Many times the user is unaware he or she is being affected unless told by others. A Stanford Medical School study showed pilots to be impaired 24 hours after smoking one joint, even though they felt they were functioning normally. In conclusion, the bottom line is, whenever persons are under the influence, they pose a threat to themselves and others. We don’t need more intoxicated people on our streets, at public events, or driving on our highways. Traffic fatality studies clearly demonstrate a disproportionate number of deaths caused by drivers under the influence of marijuana. Why would we want to make a substance like that legal, inexpensive and readily available to satisfy he desires of a few who already choose to violate our laws? Haven’t the advocates learned anything from our experience with drunkenness?