Fluency Reading Plan Essay

Brief Synopsis- The story takes place on Manor Farm and has a third person perspective. The animals on the farm are unhappy with their current conditions. Led by a few pigs they revolt against the farmer that housed them. They hope to form a utopian farm for all animals. However, Napoleon (one of the pigs that started the revolution) starts to manipulate the animals and the humans around the farm. The farm starts to resemble its former self and Major begins to resemble the villainous farmer. This book is basically depicting communism in an interesting way. Overview of the Unit Reading fluency is an extremely difficult area to assess and instruct. In general, there are three areas that are addressed that make up fluency phonemic awareness (being able to say words and understand the construct of the letters that make up the word), grammar and comprehension. These three areas formed together help a teacher assess the students they have. However, it is still very difficult to classify since fluency seems to come natural to many students especially by grade 8 (Rasinski, 2004). Keeping all of this in mind there still needs to be a definitive gauge for assessment. This unit is based around some reading aloud in class. After the students have read on their own time, having them reread the various passages out loud will help to increase their fluency. According to the book Classrooms that Work, â€Å"repeated readings is a way to help students recognize high-frequency words more easily, thereby strengthening their ease of reading† (Addison-Wesley 1998). This will also allow for the next area of significance to become a link in the fluency chain-vocabulary. The student’s readings will provide opportunities to ask them about the various vocabulary words in this unit. The unit will stress various vocabulary words and a higher order of thinking to gain comprehension. As they read, the teacher can pick out these words and engage the students to see if they comprehend what is being said. If the students do not understand the words, the next step cannot happen which is comprehension. Comprehension and fluency are forever linked. One cannot happen without the other. The easiest way to label it is students must be able to understand what they read. That is why in many younger grades, grade levels are not simply based on the student being able to read the words, but to what degree they understand what they are reading. The main construct of the lesson is to expand the knowledge of the students and have them reading something outside of their normal realm. Students should always feel they are learning something new (Grabe, 2010). This book and unit will allow for that to happen. Reading aloud by the students, by the teacher, and discussions about various vocabulary and plot themes will make this lesson successful. The students will read a great book that is a classic and they will gain an understanding of some high school level vocabulary and thought processes. References Cunningham, P. M. & Allington, R. L. Classrooms That Work: They Can All Read and Write. Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc. 1999 Rasinski, T. (2004). Creating fluent readers. Educational Leadership, 61(6), 46-51. Grabe, W. (2010). Reading in a second language. Ernst Klett Sprachen.

Bank of the Philippine Islands

BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is that country's second-largest bank, trailing only Metropolitan Bank ; Trust. It is also the Philippines' oldest bank and one of the oldest of all Asian banks. BPI offers a full range of commercial and retail financial services, including corporate finance services, asset management, and brokerage and other financial consulting services.BPI's retail network includes more than 700 branches throughout the Philippines, as well as branches in New York, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. The bank also operates a network of more than 1,200 automated teller machines and more than 8,500 retailer-based point-of-sale machines. In 1999, BPI pioneered online banking in the Philippines with the launch of online bank BPI Direct in 1999.In addition to its banking products and services, BPI has also developed a strong non-life insurance operation, chiefly under subsidiary BPI/MS Insurance Corporation. Listed on the Philippines Stock Exchange, BPI has long been majority controlled by Philippines conglomerate Ayala Corporation. * leader in electronic banking, having introduced most of the firsts in the industry, such as: * automated teller machines (ATMs), * a point-of-sale debit system * kiosk banking * phone banking internet banking * mobile banking * owned by the Ayala Corporation Business Evolution * post World War II era, BPI evolved from a purely commercial bank to a fully diversified universal bank * accomplished mainly through mergers and acquisitions in the eighties when it absorbed an investment house, a stockbrokerage company, a leasing company, a savings bank, and a retail finance company * Since the late 1990s – consummated three bank mergers * 1996 – merged with City Trust Banking Corporation 2000 * consummated the biggest merger then in the banking industry when it merged with the former Far East Bank ; Trust Company (FEBTC) * formalized its acquisition of three major insurance companies in the life, non-life and reinsurance fields * 2005 – acquired and merged with Prudential Bank MERGERS April 2007 – Bank of the Philippine Islands (Europe) Plc * October 2008 – BPI, Ayala Corporation and Globe Telecom signed a Memorandum of Agreement to form the country’s first mobile microfinance bank * 2009 – entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership with The Philippine American Life Insurance Company (Philamlife) to form BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corp Principal Subsidiaries * BPI Family Savings Bank, Inc. * BPI Capital Corporation * BPI Leasing Corporation * BPI Direct Savings Bank * BPI International Finance Limited, Hong Kong BPI Express Remittance Corporation * Bank of the Philippine Island (Europe) Plc, * Ayala Plans, Inc. * BPI/MS1 Insurance Corporation Reasons Of merger * Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, BPI’s Chairman, said the purchase would further â€Å"enhance† the operations of BPI with increased or widened network. * N ew incentive package by BSP with respect to mergers and acquisitions * BPI has been on the lookout for some good acquisitions in order to bolster its position as a rising regional financial powerhouse. The merger is seen to offer a good strategic fit to BPI in penetrating the attractive customer segment of Prudential composed mostly of middle market entrepreneurs. * With the merger, BPI will solidify its position as the country’s second largest bank with combined assets totaling P456. 09 billion. * BPI expects to gain at least 200,000 new accounts with the acquisition. BPI and FAR EAST BANK TRUST COMPANY MERGER The majority stockholders of the Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) and Far East Bank and Trust Co. FEBTC) approved the merger of the two banks, making the combined entity the 10th largest financial institution in the region with over $3. 5 billion in capital. The merger catapulted BPI/FEBTC as the country's largest bank, accounting for 14 percent of the entire banking i ndustry's total resources with combined  assets of P372. 4 billion. The merged institution will also have the largest branch network of 680. BPI president Xavier Loinaz, in an interview, said they expect the integration of the two banks to be firmed up by the end of March this year. We think that by end of March this year, they (merger process) would be falling into place,† Loinaz said, when asked about the merger timetable. FEBTC president Octavio Espiritu assured FEBTC employees that they will work out ways to thresh out remaining issues regarding the merger particularly the possible massive displacement of FEBTC personnel. While they are finalizing the integration, both Loinaz and Espiritu said the performance of their respective banks in 1999 was relatively â€Å"flat†. â€Å"We haven't seen any growth for the year, pretty much the same level as last year.Loans are flat for 1999,† Loinaz said, adding that BPI's bottomline was also â€Å"flat†. The sa me thing with FEBTC, Espiritu said the bank's income was down due to loans provisioning amounting to about P2 billion for the year. This year, Loinaz said they are still waiting for the economy to turn around. â€Å"Last year was quite disappointing. We showed a slight drop in (bottomline) the previous year,† he added. Loinaz said they do not expect â€Å"too much† from the first year of merger of BPI and FEBTC.But, he informed the stockholder that for 2000, the pro-forma projected earnings per share for the merged bank would be 5. 37 percent, 6. 31 percent in 2001 and 6. 79 percent in 2001. Based on BPI's closing price on Oct. 20, 1999, the day that the merger agreement was signed and announced, the exchange ratio represented an implied value of P82. 50 per FEBTC share or an implied premium of 18 percent to FEBTC's closing price on that day. According to Loinaz, they look forward to working with DBS Bank which now owns about 20 percent of the merged bank. DBS Bank is the second largest bank in the region.

A Career as an Animator

Animation is a series of paintings of objects, such as dolls and models, computer graphics, or pictures. These are different, bringing a variety of entertainment to the audience. Animation brings excitement and mystery and attracts viewers interested. It adds color to the eyes and soul in the form of 'magic' living in the eyes of those living in these ordinary, ordinary living things among things that are not real but in their imagination. The creators of these wonderful arts and works are animators. By choosing a computer animation program at the MediaTech Institute in Dallas, Texas you can learn everything you need to start a career as a computer animator. For most computer animators, the Holy Grail of animation professionals is making feature films, and your guidance at MediaTech Academy will lay the foundation for those dreams. In the computer animation project of MediaTech Institute in Dallas, Texas, you can have practical experience in developing and creating animation projects and find half of the process of creating computer animation projects including animation movies, without animation-containing content can do. The basic steps involved in the process are as follows: In the early 21st century, I met animation as a career choice. I decided to become an animator, and I did not know anything about animation. This is exactly the same as what happened with my parents' marriage arrangements - in both cases it is a blind day and there are surprises on the way! Let's talk the whole story. I went to residential school and the system made all the choices. Even if it is not a doctor, like Cliche, it seems that we all want to be an engineer. We do not want to be an evolutionary biologist or an adventurous underwater photographer. The majority of my extraordinary friends became an ordinary engineer in the walls of the crowd pretending to be another brick. There must be a potential genius among us; we just encourage us to find our own call. When I refused the proj ect, I was very lost. My dream of becoming an engineer got even worse, everyone Choosing a career for many people is not easy. I am enthusiastic working from animals to small animals to large animals. Handling animals is what I dream of. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of studies on animals that make my career search more complicated. After a few hours of search, I really chose the career of two careers, veterinarians and animal rescue which I attracted my attention. - Itching and scratching are not only Simpsons cartoon characters, but they are the main symptoms of most types of Mange. Symptoms of this symptom such as mottled hair loss, decreased eating habits, animal sleepiness and unsteady behavior are easily detected, but on the other hand it is far more difficult to diagnose. In order to receive appropriate treatment, the animal must receive medical care from licensed and certified veterinarian immediately.

What is nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

What is nursing - Essay Example Under professional and ethical nursing, the NMC code and nursing accountability is discussed among other issues. The paper also highlights on the personal, social and political context of nursing among other important aspects that have helped to shape nursing as a profession. I will draw on practical experiences in the past to elaborate what others have said about nursing in literature. Nursing is among the most demanding professions. It entails both promotion and protection of the health needs of individuals, families, and communities (Basford, & Oliver, 2003). Since the natural environment is one of the leading causes of infections, nursing also entails protection and management of the natural environment (American Holistic Nurses Association, & Noreen, 2000). Nurses are community and social workers whose principal role is to eliminate illnesses by promoting good health. This entails good nutrition and hygiene. In general terms, nursing roles require the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections. The four core values in nursing include caring, integrity, diversity, and excellence (Black, & Kay, 2014.). These values are important to ensure that patient care is professional and yields excellent results. Meta-paradigm for nurses is a conceptual framework that involves the client (patients), the environment, nursing and the environment (Dossey, & Lynn, 2009. The client is the recipient of care while the environment entails the internal and external factors surrounding patient care. Health is the client’s degree of wellness while nursing includes the attributes, actions and characteristics of the individual nurse providing care to the client (Butts, & Karen, 2013. The four nursing frameworks work hand in hand to enhance service delivery in the nursing profession. Based on my role as a student nurse and a placement nurse, my experience

Culture eats strategy for breakfast Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Culture eats strategy for breakfast - Essay Example It can be noted from the definition of organizational culture, and from its components that organizational culture is made up of many aspects that can hinder the implementation of strategies within an organization. This is because the organizational culture has an influence on how firms exercise their choices to take decisions against competing options, in the way they deliver their strategy. It is imperative to note that organizational culture is superior to strategies that leaders may want to implement. Culture determines the response of employees to new programs and their commitment to such strategies. Given that organizational culture is an outgrowth of leadership, it is possible to change the organizational culture by involving all stakeholders. This is because organizational culture represents the overall aspects of beliefs and values of a company’s employees. It is the major determinant of how employees act, within an organization, and how they behave. ... It should be noted that decision making is extremely crucial in any organization. Organizational decisions, especially managerial decisions determine the organization’s direction in terms of achieving its objectives. Therefore, when a firm makes right decisions in a timely manner, it benefits from superior performance. Efficiency is achieved because such an organization does not waste time. Consequently, the nature of organizational culture determines the period taken for decision making. Successful organizations have a culture of involving all the stakeholders in making decisions, and the process takes the least time. Culture also determines how people work in an organization to ensure that new strategies are implemented successfully. Organizational culture is the key determinant of how far management can trust employees so that they can be involved in successful implementation of new strategies that can ensure organizational success. Without trust, major organizational activ ities cannot be performed effectively. Trust is a key factor in the smooth running of an organization. Productivity is achieved when there is trust between management and workers such that they work together in an environment of mutual trust and respect. Management should trust employees. Employees should trust management too. This is what can ensure organizational success and organizational stability. Trust among top management team members facilitates strategy implementation (Nelson & Quick, 2011, p, 499). Employees can buy ideas from management readily when there is trust. Organizational strategy involves planning, program budgeting and performance measurement, among other activities that may lead to superior organizational performance or effectiveness. These activities are very

A Detailed Analysis of the OpenOffice Research Paper

A Detailed Analysis of the OpenOffice - Research Paper Example In addition, the twin licensing system outlines that we are permitted to select either license. Moreover, both the LGPL and SISSL are OSI accepted as open source system licenses (OpenOffice1, 2012; OpenOffice, 2010). Application Similar to all other open source software applications, OpenOffice can be used as a commercial tool. In fact, as compared to other freeware applications, open source software is not restricted to only educational or personal use. In addition, there is no limit on where or how we utilize this software. Additionally, there are numerous applications of OpenOffice software. In this scenario, one of the key applications is Word processor application for creating documents. It also includes Spreadsheet-based application that is similar to MS Excel. Moreover, it also contains a Presentation Package for the creation of presentations. Furthermore, similar to MS Access, OpenOffice also offers database management system capability. As well, one of the most popular tools that OpenOffice contains is a drawing tool that is missing in traditional MS Office Package (OpenOffice1, 2012; OpenOffice, 2010). Goals OpenOffice.org is going to launch a 3rd version of the OpenOffice in the market, which is the result of over 20 years' software engineering. Intended from the initiate as a single element of software, it has reliability other products cannot compete. In addition, a totally open development procedure outlines that anybody is able to report bugs, can add new and innovative features, or improve the software. Moreover, OpenOffice.org version 3 offers everything that we need from our office software to carry out, the way we want to use it (OpenOffice1, 2012; OpenOffice, 2010).  Similar to all other open source software applications, OpenOffice can be used as a commercial tool. In fact, as compared to other freeware applications, open source software is not restricted to only educational or personal use. In addition, there is no limit on where or how we utilize this software. Additionally, there are numerous applications of OpenOffice software.  

Accounting Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Accounting - Speech or Presentation Example bove financial statements, prepaid rates were deducted from the rate expense in the profit and loss account since the rates paid in advanced does not adhere to the year 20X1 and the expense is of the next year rather than of the current year. Hence it is not included in calculating the net profit. A business is considered to be going concern if there is no intention to terminate the business in the near future. However, if the business is short of working capital and the owner is unable to pay of its creditors, the business may be forced to close. The prudence concept is intended to prevent profit from being overstated. Overstating the profit can have serious drawbacks for a business. If the profit is overstated, the owner may believe that his income is higher than it really is, and may withdraw too much money from the business. This may lead to shortage of cash and eventually to the failure of the business (Randall 48). Hence it is extremely important for a business to show a realistic a profit figure on its financial statements and it is better for profit to be understated rather overstated. This principle of preventing the profit to overstate is also known as principle of conservatism. So the prudence concept is aimed at ensuring that the profits are realistic and not overstated. The business should record its transactions in the same way in the same accounting period and in all the future periods. The accounting methods used by the business should remain consistent. The concept of consistency is important to ensure that the profits or losses of different periods, and the balance sheets can be compared to achieve better results. In the above financial statements, business uses a straight line depreciation method for fixtures and fittings. According to the consistency concept, the business should consistently use this method for fixtures and fittings in the future as well and should not switch to other depreciation methods. John Higgins may issue preference

Personal statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 10

Personal statement - Essay Example I have been a proud candidate for the major of Economics which has interested me as a potential subject for the development of my natural capabilities. I have always been interested in the subject of Economics and I have had the opportunity to realize the relevance of this subject in the international business arena. As an individual who has been born and brought up in a Chinese family which runs some important business back home, I had a great opportunity to have the first-hand experience of my family’s business. I have also been running a small business with friends and partners in the e-bay. Thus, I have been an individual with lots of experience and interest in business and money matters, and I have been greatly interested in economics as it provides the suitable and interesting areas of discussion. I developed an essential interest in the matters of economics ever since I began to take part in the family business and it came to my notice that having a great awareness of t he elements of economics can greatly help me in my business endeavors of the future. However, I failed to realize that my personal relationship with people around me was getting worse, due mainly to my disregard for the friends and people around. I soon felt that I was not in company with several individuals who share common interest. Many often, I thought I was an isolated member of my society, be it family, college, or other places of social relations. Thus, I was very dull with the way I was developing in my circle. To tell about my personal background, I was born to a family which has a high reputation in business and our family business is a company trading firm, Import and Export Corporation. I have been fortunate enough to be abreast of the developments in business, economy, cost decision-making and accounting from the time I became an adult. In our

Foster Parenting and Foster Care in Louisiana Research Paper

Foster Parenting and Foster Care in Louisiana - Research Paper Example Foster parents need to develop for the child a ‘family-like environment’ (Department of Children and Family Services, Foster Parenting 2012), ensuring that the vital needs of the child, in terms of food, clothing, health and education, are fully covered. Foster parents also need to support the personal development and growth of the child (Department of Children and Family Services, Foster Parenting 2012). It should be noted that foster parents do not have parental rights, at least not at the same level as the birth parents; for this reason, foster parents need to cooperate with the local authorities and the birth parents for identifying the needs of the child in terms of daily care. The above rules are common in foster parenting schemes developed across USA. In Louisiana, authorities have focused on the support of foster parents so that the care provided to the children, in the context of foster parenting, to be as appropriate as possible. In 2003, the number of children in foster care in Louisiana has been estimated to 4,541 (Foster Care Month Organization 2005). Among those children, 53 are male, while the average age of children in foster care is 10 years (Foster Care Month Organization 2005). As of September of 2003, the average period that a foster child stays in a foster family has been estimated to 29 months, which can be characterized as rather long (Foster Care Month Organization 2005). In 2004, the number of certified foster homes in Louisiana was estimated to 2,822 (Foster Care Month Organization 2005). In order for a family to provide foster care, it has to ask for a foster care certification. The requirements of this certification are the following ones: a) provision of information to foster family in regard to the needs and the demands of the program, b) the submission of a relevant application, c) fingerprints are provided by all members of the foster family, meaning those members who are

Most Significant Events During World War II Essay

Most Significant Events During World War II - Essay Example I think that this event achieved the intended goals. William Schneider stated that "Suburban growth is not likely to end anytime soon.† and I fully concur. Years have passed and more communities and homes have urbanized (Martin, 1979). In 1950s, the suburbs’ homes were single story-ranch styled residences, but the houses now are 2, 4, or still yet 4 story mansions. Automobiles also made the suburbs reachable. In the midcentury, the automobile background defined America in many ways. Henry Ford was behind the reason why suburbs developed the way they did in the year 1953. His inventive plan of making cars lessened manufacturing expenses thus decreasing the retail cost for clients. This made the life of suburbs easy because they could go to work every day and return. The government also played a considerable role in this development; they provided financial support and loans to people who were willing to move to newly designed suburbs. They encouraged the movement from the city; the federal legislation came up with an inexpensive method where people were allowed to build a new house outside the city instead of developing a pre-existing house inside the city (Gilbert, 2004). Some of the earliest and most well-known suburbs in the post war period were the Levittown developments. Civil Rights and the Crisis of Liberalism: (1947-1969) Greatly walled out from 1950s success; Latinos and African-Americans, fought to acquire the freedoms denied from them through rampant racial discrimination. When the civil-rights movement began to blossom, young, fairly wealthy baby-boomers spread the revolt to other sets of American life (Genovese, 1993). Their fundamental goals at times collided with Lyndon Johnson’s liberal policy of making use of federal... This essay stresses that as aggravation mounted during the era of limits, conservatives struggled to reinstate customary religious and social principles. Ronald Reagan had a program to decrease government regulations, increase military spending, and lessen taxes. A recent conservative Supreme Court set restrictions on government involvement in the matters to do with social rights, abortion, and the church/state division. However as the national arrears rose more and a depression deepened, electorates reined in the conservative association. This report makes a conclusion that the U.S. has the vitality and the strength to carry on shaping this world. America is a world leader but in many cases, it has failed the world. U.S. ought to prevail over its political dysfunction and re-orient its strategy. If U.S. does not come up with better strategies, in the next ten years, their economy will stagnate or decline and their political climate will not improve either. Am sure most America citizens know that their economy is gradually collapsing due to of enormous trade arrears, white-collar jobs outsource, unbalanced budget, wavering housing market and increasing national debt. The wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq are adding more monetary demands to their economy. If this continues, United States can go bankrupt in a-few years. Drastic measures ought to be carried out but politicians are virtually doing nothing. In ten years, I do not anticipate any changes with America unless different strategies are implemented.

An examination of the concept of class divisions according to paul fussell Essay Example for Free

An examination of the concept of class divisions according to paul fussell Essay Class Based on Paul Fussell’s class divisions, I believe that I am a member of the high proletarian class. I am content being in this particular class because of the way this class lives, and I do not aspire to become a member of a different class; I believe that it would be unrealistic for me to do so. As Fussell mentions, when one thinks of class, he often thinks in terms of whether somebody is rich or poor. Fussell believes that class is more than net worth, and he talks about class in a variety of different ways; he considers how each class consumes goods, dresses, lives, and even the words that members of each class use in conversation. Based on what Fussell has said about each class, I would be most accurately categorized as a high proletarian. High proletarians, according to Fussell are â€Å"not consumed with worry about choosing the correct status emblems†¦they can do, say, wear, and look like pretty much anything they want without undue feelings of shame† (46). Anybody who sees me often knows that I have a very simple wardrobe; I wear a pair of jeans, running shoes, a jacket, and a random t-shirt underneath. I am not concerned with how I dress or how other people see me. I am much more concerned with how people view my accomplishments and my actions, which I put much more effort into. Fussell also talks about the actions and skills of the high proletarians, saying â€Å"the special anxiety of the high proles is fear about the loss or reduction of status: you’re proud to be a master carpenter, and you want the world to understand clearly the difference between you and a laborer† (45). I have worked at an ice cream shop for the past seven years, and I make sure everybody is aware of what I’m capable of and my status at the ice cream shop. I may wear the same thing to work all of the time, and every employee may wear the same work shirt in the ice cream shop, but I make it known to everybody that I have the experience and the skillset that I have worked hard to acquire. I am content being a member of this class. Not only do I feel like describes me the most accurately, but, in my opinion, it also sounds like the most enjoyable class to be a member of. As mentioned before, high proletarians aren’t extremely concerned with status symbols or how other people perceive their tastes and desires. As a result, high proletarians are more focused on having things that they enjoy. A great example of this is the food eaten by each class.   When talking about the meals that the upper-middle class eats, Fussell says that â€Å"sometimes it seems that anything will be consumed so as long as it’s not native†¦tacos and pizza are out, and so are common ‘Chinese’ dishes† (103).   The upper-middle class seems to care less about how the food they’re eating tastes, but whether that food fits into their perceived standards. High proletarians, on the other hand, pay little attention to whether a certain food is exotic or no t, instead focusing on the food itself. When I get home after a long day of work or twelve hours of classes, I do not care about whether the food that I’m eating is fancy or high-class. The high proletarian approach to food and dining is much simpler than that of the upper-middle class, and this simpler way of living is prevalent throughout all aspects of high proletarian living, whether it’s home dà ©cor, consumption of goods, or use of words and language in writing and while speaking. As a high proletarian, I am right in the middle of the nine classes listed by Fussell, which means that it wouldn’t be difficult for me to drift into either a higher class or a lower class. As mentioned before, I am content with the class that I belong to, the high proletarian, and I have no desire to become a member of a higher or a lower class. Those on the higher end of the class spectrum, according to Fussell, often act like stereotypical rich people. For example, a common theme for those in the upper-middle class is â€Å"living in a house with more rooms than you need† (33). I would much rather live in a home or apartment with just enough space to live comfortably; wasting money on rooms that I won’t use isn’t a very appealing thought for me. The destitute (one of the lowest classes), on the other hand, â€Å"never have even seasonal work and live wholly on welfare† (50). I work hard for the things that I have, and it would be almost torturous for me to rely on welfare to live. Initially, I was under the impression that moving between the class above you and below you can be, for the most part, a choice, but after reading Fussell’s book, I have realized that being a member of a certain class is only partially choice. I don’t care about whether I wear the same jacket five days a week, and I also wouldn’t want to have to rely on someone else to buy that same jacker for me. I am a high proletarian because the traits and characteristics that I have make me a high proletarian, and I will always have those traits. Due to this, I don’t think that it would be realistic for me to change drastically enough to become a member of a new class. Of course, there is the possibility that I will adopt certain characteristics of a higher or lower class, but I will, overall, still be a member of the high proletarian class. Paul Fussell’s Class: A Guide Through the American Status System has helped me to determine that I am a member of the high proletarian class. I am content being a member of this class because of its simplicity, and I do not aspire to be a member of a higher class because I don’t think it would be realistic for me to do so. Work Cited Fussell, Paul.  Class: A Guide Through the American Class System. New York: Simon Schuster, 1992. Print.

Hitachi Essay Example for Free

Hitachi Essay 1. Product line The three main products of every company are1-door, 2-door and 3-door+ refrigerators since all of them produce it. This leads to a tense competition of those items. Most of companies have the high competition in segment of 2-door refrigerators. Moreover, Side by side refrigerators are produced by only Hitachi and Samsung because of negative growth in this segment. 2. Pricing Strategy Hitachi is using â€Å"Premium pricing† that suit to their products. Hitachi would like to make the brand image to show the customers about high quality of their products and gain number 1 value market share. In the other way, Mitsubishi is using competitive price because they would like to reach on the target audiences and remain to be number 1 of market. Toshiba also uses Competitive pricing in order to be competitive with other brands. Samsung is using lower pricing to attract most in the lower to middle incomes segment. 3.Distribution Strategy Every companies use Selective for distribution strategy to sells product to customers. There are two types of distribution channels; Mass merchandized and General electric shop (dealers). The mass merchandized are PowerBuy, Power Mall (Paragon), HomePro, BigC and Tesco Lotus to sell their products to customers. Moreover, every brand also sells their products locally through local dealers. The dealers are in every parts of Thailand. 4. Target Audience All companies have roughly the same primary and secondary target audience which are households and organizations respectively. However, the target audience of each brand is targeted differently based on income level, age and lifestyle. The primary target audiences of Hitachi are middle to upper incomes because Hitachi set price as premium pricing and age of target audience is middle age to adulthood (aged between 35 and 50) because the design is conservative. Mitsubishi produces innovative design for focusing on middle incomes and people of middle age to adulthood (aged between 35 and 50). Samsung focus on lower to middle incomes because they use lower pricing strategy and they use celebrities as the presenters in advertisement to attract those who are interested in the celebrities which is usually people of middle to low income and have younger age (between 25 and 35). Toshiba focus on middle income because they are using competitive pricing. The range of age of target audience of Toshiba is wide because they have conservative design and has just come up with more innovative design in order to attract people of younger age, therefore the age range will be between 25 and 50. Moreover, the companies also focus on the organization in secondary target customers because the companies can get the opportunity to sell the products if the organizations would like to order the large volumes of refrigerators. The organizations can be either government or private sector. Both of target audiences are important for the companies. Customers choose the brand base on their perception, which is along of line of quality, value, and cost. 5. Positioning In the positioning mapping Hitachi is currently in quadrant of having High Price and conservative design. Mitsubishi and Samsung have the high innovative design but Mitsubishi is perceived as high price whereas Samsung is perceived as low price. Toshiba is in conservative design with moderating price in order to be competitive with other brands. 6. Objectives -Marketing Hitachi focuses on gaining more profit to be number 1 of value market share in the refrigerator industry. They can gain more opportunity than other competitors and make the relationship to customers in long-term by service quality. Mitsubishi focuses on remaining the number 1 in market by maintain the existing customers. Samsung focuses on being number 1 of 2-door market share because 2-door market is the largest market share in the industry. To be the number 1 of market share of 2-door refrigerators, the company has the varied models of 2-door refrigerators and made the lower prices. Toshiba focuses on retrieving from the Mega-flood effect in 2011 because the flood was attacked to Toshiba factory and warehouse. It makes the products become shortage in the market. They have to recovery to come back on the market. Promotion Hitachi provides offering premiums to consumers and gaining closer relationship with the people in the long-term. Mitsubishi uses Discount prices to consumers. It makes the customers become confidence to the company and achieve the company’s goal to be remaining number 1 in the market. Samsung has Heavy promotions to consumers, price reduction, premiums and more. The company would like to be the first brand to be the customers’ mind. Toshiba would like to continuous price reduction in order to not promote much like other competitors.

Laura Ashley | Analysis

Laura Ashley | Analysis Laura Ashley, one of todays most recognizable fashion and home furnishings brands was founded by Laura and her husband Bernard Ashley. Their initiative enjoyed huge success on and by 1970 when sales had reached  £300,000 and a large number of shops were opening. Licensing operations brought about the opening of department store concessions in Australia, Canada and Japan in 1971, while further shops opened in Paris and San Francisco in 1974, and UK shop openings continued with a vengeance. The Company was listed to the Alternative Investment Market of London Stock Exchange on 5 December 1985. (Laura Ashley Official Website, 2009) 1.2 Business Summary Laura Ashley Holdings plc is engaged in the design, manufacture, sourcing, distribution and sale of clothing, accessories and home furnishings. The Company has four divisions: Home Accessories (30%), Furniture (28%), Decorating (23%) and Fashion (19%). (Laura Ashley Osiris Financials, 2009) It operates through retail and non-retail operations. Retail operations include Laura Ashleys managed stores, mail order and E-commerce, while non -retail operations include licensing, franchising and manufacturing. As of January 26, 2008, the Companys property portfolio in the United Kingdom included 208 stores, with three principal store types: mixed product stores (selling all product categories); home stores (selling the full range of home products), and 31 home concession stores. (Laura Ashley Annual Report, 2009) 2 PESTEL ANALYSIS 2.1 Political Factors The Political situation of a country emphasizes on: Role of government Its impact in a company or firm The UK government makes sure that the market is open to fair and healthy competition thus appointing regulating bodies such as ASA, Competitions Appeal Tribunal, Competition Commission, Department for Business, Enterprise Regulatory Reform and many others to monitor the actions and policies of companies. At the same time, they are willing for people to invest in the current economy to climb out of the economic depression and hence provide incentives such as VAT relaxation, transport subsidies and high investment returns to make businesses more profitable1. The rapid development of the UK markets and the tightening of trade barriers in many European countries have created an opportunity for local companies. The maturity and the slow growth in the UK clothes retail sectors for female population and furniture and home decor have made Laura Ashley look for new investment ventures. Recent reports suggest that many household brands are planning to shift their focus on Mens Fashion markets where consumers, with growing disposable incomes, are keen to spend. Even though the political conditions are favourable, there still might be some legal barriers left for expansion to be profitable. Even though countries like UK and France have tightened trade barriers they are still cautious that foreign players will provide tough competition to become a market leader. Furthermore, it is expected that UK will tighten foreign investment laws, thus creating problems for international brands who seek expansion here. (Fuller Arnold, 2007) 2.2 Economical Factors The economys current state of recession is placing a heavy toll on all businesses. According to recent reports Laura Ashley store sales fell 6.2 per cent in the 53-week period despite total UK store sales jumping 10.8 per cent and internet sales rocketing 65.4 per cent. Laura Ashley said that since December, gross margins had come under pressure due to the continued deterioration of the UK economy, its impact on the retail sector and consumer confidence, the weakness of sterling and increased promotional activity (Harrison, 2009). Despite the volatile economy, Laura Ashley is in a strong position because their products have very high perceived value from their customers. Their highly differentiated merchandise and the loyalty of their customers can sustain them even in the economic recession. When the economy falters, consumers simply buy less and may move a greater share of their wallet to less-stylish and lower-cost offerings from deep discounters like ASDA or Tesco. Laura Ashley i s particularly susceptible to these conditions because their products are mainly in the upper price range. Expansion in the targeted market will provide the firm with more sustainability if they may endure down turns in any other product. (Laura Ashley Annual Report, 2009) 2.3 Socio Cultural The UK market for clothes is changing. The focus on design is growing, and as a consequence there is a trend for customers to express themselves with the look of what they are wearing. In addition, figures point that this particular demographic is growing (Datamonitor, 2008c). Laura Ashleys textile products are specifically tailored to cater for this demographic and their understanding of the buying patterns of UK customers, both for clothes retail products and furniture products bringing sustained benefits to the company. Trend exist in the UK market that young people between 20-40 patronize UK a lot and prefer to buy products which carry a local label rather than opting for a foreign brand. In addition, to their good grasp of the demographics of the UK market, Laura Ashley try to follow the success of franchises such as Topshop, Esprit and Zara by switching their focus from traditional wear and introducing more fashionable clothing. To what extent they succeed is debatable, as Laura Ashleys products are moderately priced, unlike the low price offered by the likes of Topshop, Espirt and Zara. (Beatty, 2003) 2.4 Technological Technological changes over the last few years have made a significant impact on the way firms do business and on the products and services as well. (Barney Hesterly, 2008) As with other retail business operators, the Internet, and more precisely, online shopping creates opportunity for Laura Ashley to expand their market share. According to recent financial reports, Laura Ashleys good online shopping service has brought them significant financial benefits even in the period of global recession. Customers have become more and more accustomed to shopping from home, and this is especially true for the companys fashion products Keeping in mind that the targeted market is mostly students and working professionals who dont get time from their activities so very often, it provides an efficient and profitable way to market their portfolio to these people. Sales at Laura Ashley jumped 8.4 per cent since the beginning of 2009, mainly due to an 11% increase in online and mail orders. (Retail W eek, 2009) 2.5 Environmental UK is seen as a leading player in combating the issue of adverse climate changes all over the globe. And to maintain reputation and address the issues there are numerous measures it has taken over the years to make operations in the country eco-friendly. Companies such as Laura Ashley are no exception. The carbon emissions from their manufacturing plants as well as the transportation system are closely monitored, as is the case with every other company. The same mindset is found in the people specially the generation which is coming up as they are witnessing the drastic changes and getting affected by it. Laura Ashley is respected as one of the most responsible Fashion manufacturer. Laura Ashley is one of the pioneers in going green. In fall 2007, the firms CEO unveiled an environmental strategy that includes the use of renewable energy systems at logistics centres including the introduction of biodiesel for the firms trucking fleet. It gives a lot of attention to sustainable managem ent of all its operations. This factor serves as an added value factor for the company to attract more consumers as well as maintain the loyalty of the customers. 2.6 Legal The legal system of UK is very consumer friendly. It provides little or no assistance when we talk about retailers. As per the legal system, a customer can return the purchased goods within a specific time period which is offered by every retailer as a mandatory requirement (Office of Fair Trading, 2009). So many retailers see a lot of returns coming back, hence reducing the sale margins. The staff that is employed has to be paid a National minimum wage as per the legal system and there are complex contractual legislations in place which give an upper hand to the employees. As an employer and as a business, there should be proper health and safety rules in place to protect the workers as well as the customers, failure of which can lead to legal lawsuits which is becoming a common trend nowadays. But since the origins of the company are Welsh, it doesnt find it difficult to cope with these legal issues in place and have showed extreme employee satisfaction, both, in terms of job as well as working conditions. The large base of loyal customers speaks for itself about the treatment they have given to their customers over decades. 3 SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 3.1 Criteria for Selecting New Suppliers Quality: Quality is one of the major issues that would be kept in mind while selecting potential suppliers. To generate more profits, Laura Ashley need to provide more value for money and this could be done by improving the quality of their products. It is so often said that people and organizations alike are measured by what they create and what they do and this is no different in this case. This also enables to compete with high value brands and men might opt for Laura Ashley if the difference in quality is not that significant. It is not only limited to the quality of the product but also includes the services which they provide to Laura Ashley and making sure that standards are met in accordingly. Speed: This is important to meet customers demands on time. In busy periods like Christmas and Easter, there might be a surge in volumes expected and the supplier should possess the ability to meet those demands Dependability: Dependability is taken to be a more important attribute than performance. And arguably the most important criteria when selecting a potential supplier. Suppliers should be have Availability: The ability of the system to deliver as and when services requested e.g. surge in volumes Reliability: The ability of the system to deliver services as specified e.g. in a particular region Safety: The ability of the system to operate without catastrophic failure e.g. through bad economic conditions Security: The ability of the system to protect against accidental or deliberate intrusions e.g. factory fire Flexibility: As said in old times, flexibility comes with time. In this business, it is meaningless because your first impression is the last impression. The potential supplier should be flexible enough to provide Product service: Ensuring that they cater all the service requests put forth by Laura Ashley Product Mix: Ensuring that they have enough variance and diversity in the materials that they supply e.g. to cater different age groups Volume: Can cope with times when demand is high and can hold thought he periods when the demand is low e.g. economic recession Delivery: Ensuring that delivery is done when and wherever required. There might be outlets in cities where they dont have a distribution centre. So the supplier should have enough resources to deliver to those areas. Cost: As said before, the supplier should be cost effective. There should be if not favourable then perfect balance between the cost and the quality of the supplies. If the supplier has high costs, then automatically the profits margins go down. Having said that, it is also not expected that there should be a big compromise on quality to bring down the cost. Location: Since Laura Ashley is a global brand, it has its processing outlets in various locations. Suppliers should be able to cater all locations and if not, then should have other contractors who meet the same standards to serve those locations. Transportation: The supplier should make sure that it has sizable fleet to transport the supplies. Reliance on private services is not secure as there might be events which could lead to disruption in supply e.g. recent air strikes by BA, volcanic eruption causing air traffic to a halt. The potential supplier is expected to see through these and other kinds of threats that might lead to cut supplies to Laura Ashley. JIT: This is another vital factor in choosing a supplier. JIT refers to Just in time which means that processing centres are supplied whenever there is a need. The main aim of this selection criterion is to reduce the amount of money that is being spent to buy raw materials. This allows Laura Ashley to invest whenever there is a change in trend or if they want to invest in some other business venture. Expenses are cut further down by having less storage space, less staff wages and more importantly less losses that occur to stored raw materials. Diversity: The supplier should be able to realize the fact that UK is a very diverse country and people from many countries from all over the world come here to work, study and visit. Every country has their own fashion trend which in many cases is related to what they wear e.g. in Russia people prefer to wear warm clothes as they experience a very harsh and long winter whereas people from Pakistan may like lighter and more relaxed clothing as the temperature is very pleasant. So there is a diverse mix of fabrics that can be required and the supplier should be able to provide this. 3.2 Supply Chain Diagram Internet Fashion tips. Display ideas, Young Enthusiastic Staff, Refunds and Exchanges Orders delivered on time. Central Distribution centre designed around product delivery Control, Coordination, Accessories Outsourced, Pre cut Fabric Packs, Quick Response, Low Cost, Quality Control Low Level Stock Holding. Forecasting can be done easily Replenishment Fabric Acquired in different colours and types Customer Services Management Value Delivery: Distribution Manufacturing Order Assembly and inventory management Procurement Product Specialisation Design 3.3 Suggestions for type of supply chain management A 5% reduction in costs can have the same effect on the bottom line as a 25% increase in turnover (Chris Hicks, 2009) External Supply chain management (ESCM) which involves relationship with other companies: relationship with customers through market sales and relationship with suppliers through procurement. Internal supply chain management (ISCM) which involves different businesses, manufacturing units and departments within one company. For a company like Laura Ashley, it is beneficial to adopt an external supply chain management system. The advantages of adopting this outweigh the disadvantages significantly. The first and foremost advantage is that of cost. Operating in ESCM, Laura Ashley doesnt have to employ permanent or contracted staff in the same capacity as it would do in ISCM. There would be less tax payable and operating cost would be reduced considerably. Secondly, selecting potential suppliers according to the factors previously discussed, the business would benefit from flexibility, dependability and would be more diversified. Lastly, the company can go on to have healthy relationships with other industry partners and future alliances are a viable option. On the other hand, ISCM has its own advantages. It would provide Laura Ashley with more independence. Dependability on suppliers would be reduced. Everything done in-house would also reduce the cost but not to the levels ESCM would do. Also, reliance on external sources would decrease. But keeping in mind the fact the current economic conditions, there are few companies who can afford to take the burden of operating in ICSM. Employee wages, benefits, operating costs, taxes and increasing competition in market has made it difficult to sustain as one big unit. (Douglas Lambertz, 2005) 4 PORTERS FIVE FORCE ANALYSIS 4.1 Threat of Entry The clothing and furniture market in the UK is very competitive, with low entry and exist costs. Even though growth is on a decline, the clothing and furniture market in the UK is very lucrative for new entrants due to the low entry costs and the lack of significant investment required. (Datamonitor, 2008c) Even though the threat of entry is generally high, Laura Ashleys differentiated products create a barrier of entry for new consumers. The product differentiation of Laura Ashleys merchandise, especially with regard to their furniture, is valued very highly by their customers. This type of product differentiation is often quite hard to imitate by new entrants and thus the threat of entry for Laura Ashley is substantially lower than for other players who sell less differentiated product. (Barney Hesterly, 2008) In addition, Laura Ashley was founded in 1953, and for most of their existence they have been among top market performers. In those 6 decades they were able to gain the approval of multitude of repeat customers this creating excellent brand reputation and customer loyalty. This represents an additional barrier of entry for new players in the market. (Laura Ashley Annual Report, 2009) 4.2 Threat of Rivalry The UK market is highly fragmented with a generally slow industry growth. That leads to extremely fierce competition, as many companies are battling over market share. The industry is characterized by frequent price cutting by firms, intense advertising campaigns and rapid competitive actions and reactions in the industry. (Laura Ashley Annual Report, 2009) Laura Ashleys ability to differentiate their products enables them to demand a higher price of their products and not be caught in the price war. As long as they can maintain the high value perception of their products and continue to be lead differentiators in the furniture market the threat of rivalry will be relatively low, considering the turbulent market. (Barney Hesterly, 2008) In the clothing market Laura Ashley attempts to diversify its products by including more fashionable clothes, suited for the younger demographic. However, this strategy may be construed as risky because it endangers the customer perception of the brand. (Beatty, 2003) 4.3 Threat of Substitutes Laura Ashley is relatively safe from substitute products because their products are already different in the perception of their customers. It is hard to substitute a highly differentiated product. (Barney Hesterly, 2008) 4.4 Threat of Suppliers Laura Ashley is a very big customer for its suppliers therefore they can enjoy a very safe position with regard to the threat of suppliers. Whereas, for suppliers Laura Ashley is a big an important customer, for the company itself it is quite easy to switch their supplier. That enables them to demand better prices and quality from their supplier. (Datamonitor, 2008c) 4.5 Threat of Buyers The threat of buyers in the market is very high, and even though Laura Ashley is in a better position than less differentiated competitors, there is still a lot of rivalry even in the high value high price market niche. In addition there is no added cost in the industry for the customers to change their supplier. (Datamonitor, 2008c) 5 BUSINESS RISK ANALYSIS The technique to identify risk and assess factors jeopardizing the success of the project or obstacles in achieving goals is known as Business Risk Analysis. This also helps in the identification of measures to diminish the probability of the occurrence of these factors and recognize countermeasures to deal with these constraints effectively. In case of Laura Ashley, the following risks have been identified that the market will face with the desired strategies to overcome them. Competition: Competition from rival brands is the biggest threat that Laura Ashley has. Brands such as Primark and Madhouse have outsourced their production to cheaper countries like China and Bangladesh. This has enabled men to buy cheap clothes and be fashionable at the same time. This can only be eliminated by competing with them on cost effectiveness and providing more value for money. Some part of the production line can be outsourced by Laura Ashley to compete in this regard but the question remains if that would stand up to the quality standards of Laura Ashley and would it continue to have the same brand value. Lack of skills: The UK market currently has a shortage of technical expertise. The times ahead see UK as dependable on foreign expertise influentially from Asia. This poses a risk as Laura Ashley might have to pay high salaries and benefits to attract engineers, designers and workers from abroad. Training people and nurturing talent is a sensible way to cater the future demand of experts in this field Loss of assets: Assets might be lost to any unseen circumstances. Companies such as BP have suffered huge losses in past five years due to fire and inadequate measures to control them. This is the reason that the red tape industry in UK emphasizes so much on Health and Safety and hence precautions have to been taken which are costly and reduce the efficiency. With proper SHE analysis, this can be reduced and there should be enough packaged finished product in stores to meet the demands. Suppliers: Suppliers can be a benefit to Laura Ashley as well as a threat. With better quotes from rival firms they can bring about changes into the supply chain leading to a fall in retailing. Examples of this includes Next and Marks and Spencer who experienced this in 2007 (Datamonitor, 2007) and saw a steep fall in sales. The risk can be reduced by having more than one supplier at a time, making them compete for orders and ensuring supply as well. Production delivery failure: Failure to produce the volumes in time would see customer dissatisfaction which could end up in lower turnover. Contractors can be arranged to ensure that whatever is produced is delivered on time and there are no delays from the production line to the outlet shelves. High maintenance cost: Maintenance of retail outlets, production facility, and delivery fleet and storage houses is very important. If not properly maintained, this can incur heavy losses. Yearly or half yearly checks should be carried out to ensure the assets are running in good condition. Financial instability: The economic downturn has seen many retail outlets close e.g. Woolworths. In this period of financial depression, people might stop spending and hence affect the revenues generated. By keeping varied fashion items targeting different sections of age groups, sales can be increased e.g. providing fashionable clothing for 25-30 year olds, Formal suiting and shirts for 30-40 year old and a more sober and decent wardrobe for 35-45 can attract more customers. Also introducing accessories to complement clothes such as scarves, ties, cufflinks and under garments can increase sales. Outsourcing: Many rivals have outsourced their entire production line. This has led to very competitive market conditions. Retailers such as BHS and Primark rely heavily on this. They make use of cheap labour in foreign countries and so can sell at better rates than Laura Ashley. To overcome this problem, It is suggested that Laura Ashley may outsource some of its production line in order to compete on level terms with other retailers. Changing Fashion Trends: Fast changing trends has made people spend considerably less at any given time. Considering the fact that it is 25-45 age group that Laura Ashley is targeting, fashion changes very quickly in this particular and people falling in this category are more conscious about this fact. It is not deemed a good practice to stock up shelves with a monotonous style of clothing. Introducing fashionable clothing at regular intervals would serve as an attractive factor for customers. Environmental: Weather plays an indirect role as a threat. Extreme wintry conditions see less people buy less fashionable clothes and inclination increases towards over coats and jackets. As mentioned before, keeping a variation of retail products in outlets can nullify this risk. Introduction of seasonal collection earlier than other retailers can lead to a strong selling trend and at the same time build a strong customer base. There are several other risks involved which dont affect the market directly but they do have an effect. Sliding value of the Sterling Pound, rising inflation, higher bank interest rates and non-availability of finance in the market also disturb the economic balance and lessening the buying power of the customers. These risks are arguably common to the market rather than to a particular retailer and hence have a lesser effect than the rest. 6 STAKEHOLDERS The primary secondary and tertiary stakeholders of Laura Ashley are identified as: 6.1. Primary Stakeholders Owners and shareholders Managers Employees and staff 6.2. Secondary Stakeholders Customers Suppliers Distributors 6.3. Tertiary Stakeholders Government (national and local) Local community Suppliers of suppliers Stock market Competitors 6.4. Expectations of Primary Stakeholders: Owners and shareholders of Laura Ashley have a distinctive financial interest in the companys performance and growth. They have their money invested in the company and foresee its growth and expect good returns on their investments. Shareholders expect returns in terms of the higher resale value of the shares and expect substantial dividends. Whereas, the owners expect their company to grow and perform well against the competition and increase its market shares. Managers, as internal stakeholders, want higher incomes, more powers and freedom in terms of decision making, planning and control of operations. In other words they demand higher degrees of responsibilities as they have and additional duty of sustaining the health of the organization by meeting the demands of shareholders and employees. Employees and staff are one of the prime stakeholders of any organization. They look up to the organization for better incomes, job security, promotions and growth prospects, good working environment, fringe benefits, opportunities personal growth and training. 6.5. Expectations of Secondary Stakeholders: Customers of Laura Ashley expect quality products and services. They demand value for their money, certain supply of goods, variety of products and designs, truthful and comprehensible information about the products, services and customer policies. Also, they expect Laura Ashley to be an innovator in the market. They look for brand prestige and brand value. They expect Laura Ashley to be a brand with high brand image. Suppliers of Laura Ashley demand regular and consistent business at good profit margins. In other words they look for a long term business relationship which such a prestigious brand. They look for increase in the volumes of the order they receive. They expect quick payments for their productions. Being the suppliers of a leading brand they expect Laura Ashley to offer them fair prices. They want the brand to prosper as it will lead to more orders. Distributors look forward to the growth of business and expansion in the geographical areas they operate. 6.6. Expectations of Tertiary Stakeholders: The government wants all kinds of taxes (both central and local) flowing in to its reserves from the businesses; which include VAT (Value Added Tax), Corporate Tax, Import duties, Business Rates etc. The government demands Laura Ashley to adhere to the corporate laws and abide by the legislations aimed at consumer protection, welfare of employees and the local community. The government also expect the company to comply with the laws aimed at environment protection and efficient use of resources. The government wants Laura Ashley to prosper as it will help in creating more employment opportunities. Also, the growth of Laura Ashley would contribute to the national economy. The local community look forward to the company for significant number of jobs for the local residents. They look forward to Laura Ashley to be an ethically sound company. They expect the company to safeguard the environment and avoid creating pollution (noise and land). They expect the company to work for the development of the society and show a social responsible behaviour. The community also wants a thriving business from Laura Ashley, as it would give a push to the local businesses. The suppliers of suppliers can be pointed out as the stakeholders as they want consistent business. The rise and fall of stock market depends on the performance of the companies. Therefore people in the stock market want big companies to perform well as it will have a positive impact on the whole market. Competitors are corporate stakeholders with a claim to fair treatment (Green, 1994). In markets with saturated customer base, business expansion may seem to be possible only at the expense of competitors success (Spence et al., 2002). Thus, competitors impact the way a business is run. 6.7. Vision Statement Our goal is to add value to the lives of: Our employees by providing equal opportunities of growth, Our shareholders and business partners through lucrative growth and innovation, Our customers, by providing them value for their money, quality products and excellent service, Our suppliers and sub-suppliers through fair and ethical trade, The people around the world by striving for a cleaner, healthier and greener environment and a better world to live in with equal opportunities for all, 6.8. Mission Statement Our aim is to deliver a sensational shopping experience offering the finest range of menswear, highest standard of service and top quality products. 6.9. Social Compliance Policy There should be a clear and distinctive Social Compliance policy of any company as it helps to reinforce the trust of stakeholders in the company. For the suppliers to be qualified as the business partners with the company, they should make sure that they implement ethical practices within their manufacturing facilities. They should not employ child labour. They should provide their workforce fair wages, hygienic, clean and safe working conditions. Also, they should ensure that they are not damaging the environment in any way. The suppliers should ensure that their sub-suppliers are following the same ethical and environmental practices. 6.10. Conclusion Laura Ashley Holdings has faced the difficulties of the current economic conditions, resulting from the all-so-famous credit crunch. The company was particularly hit by the decreased consumer spending and the fluctuations of the Pound sterling. Still, it managed to stay flexible and competitive thanks to its healthy financials, mainly in terms of the fact that no assets are financed by debt, and the successful strategy of differentiation, store utilizati

A Stressful Life :: Biography, Faulkner

William Faulkner was an American Poet, and writer. When he was young he loved football and later discovered that he also liked writing. When he started to work as a writer he started to fill stressed by the pressure he had so he started drinking. William Faulkner was born on 25 September 1897 in New Albany, Mississippi (Akers 1). He was the son of Murry Cuthbert and Maud Butler, and the first out of his four brothers (Kawin 1) His other three brothers were Murry born 1899, John born 1901, and Dean born1907. He learned to handle guns and hunt during his childhood. He lived among horses and dogs while their father ran the livery stable (Skei 2). He became shy, and did not do his schoolwork (Inge 6). He later quit school, returning only during the fall to play football (Skei 3). He attended school until eleventh grade because he was denied graduation (Inge 6). His family was well known for banking and the railroad. His father soon became the secretary and business manager of the University of Oxford (Kawin 1). Attended the University of Mississippi studying William Shakespeare(Skei 4). During his early life he worked as a store clerk, carpenter, general construction- worker, coal shoveler, deck hand, cadet –aviator, and in a bookstore in NY (Akers 2). He also worked at his grandfather’s bank and learned the medicine value of his liquor (Inge 1). Then he returned to Mississippi and worked as a postmaster from December 1921 to October 1924, but was accused of throwing all incoming mail into the garbage can (Inge 3). In 1918 he tried to join the U.S. Army Signal Corps, but did not meet the height and weight requirements (Kawin 1). He liked the British uniform and was nicknamed â€Å"Count† because his uniform was the latest in fashion (Inge 6). So then he enlisted in the Canadian RAF. He joined the air force in 1918 and got a commission as a R.F.C. pilot (Kawin 1). In training he crashed a plane that cost the British government $ 84.30 (Inge 1). World War 1 ended before he finished his training as a pilot (Inge 2). In 1919 he entered Oxford Unive rsity as a special student until 1920. As a special student he surpassed French and Spanish but did performed awful in English (Inge 2). In 1918 Estelle Oldham announced her engagement with Cornell Franklin. She had two children from her marriage with Cornell (Skei 3).

Van Gogh failure Essay -- Essays Papers

Van Gogh failure In the realm of art there have been numerous accounts of infamous artists who have stood out in their art period, such as Goya, Monet and Picasso. One artist who stood out during his art period was Vincent van Gogh, not only for his artwork but also because of his tragic life. Vincent van Gogh is now a world-renowned painter who was born on March 30th, 1853. He was born in Groot Zundert in North Brabant and was the son of Theodorus van Gogh. His art is considered to be part of the expressionism era and his most famous art works include Starry Night, Sun Flowers and The Mulberry Tree. But though he has had much love, admiration and popularity after his death, van Gogh could be considered a failure during his life, for he could not have any type of stable relationship with anyone. He failed to get along with other people including other artists, failed to have a stable relationship with his family and also failed in having any type of successful love relationships. Although an artist should be able to be at peace with his/her surroundings, van Gogh could never blend in with society nor could he get along with other artists. As a young man, his peers did not accept Vincent: â€Å"in the class of Mr. Bokma he certainly was the most advanced, but he does not feel at home at the school, he is ‘like a fish out of water’ he says, and is ridiculed for is peculiarities in dress and manners.† (48). Van Gogh was uncomfortable in his surroundings at Brussel, a school for teaching religion, and was mocked by his classmates because his attire was disagreeable to their taste. As he matured as a man, he still was unable to get along with other people: â€Å"Acquaintances, and relatives are shocked to see him walk about with such a slovenly woman; nobody cares to associate with him any longer and his home life is such that nobody come to visit him.† (56) Many people disagreed or disliked the fact that he was involved with a woman , who was â€Å"such a slovenly woman†, and so they never cared to visit Vincent anymore or have any association with him any longer. Even as an artist, van Gogh could not even get along with other artists let alone society as a whole: â€Å" Vincent and I simply cannot live together in peace, in consequence of incompatibility of temper, and he as well as I, we need quiet for our work.†(73). This quote was from a letter from G... ...d he has also drawn a portrait of her (which seems to have been lost), but the thought of a more intimate relation did not occur to her, and when Vincent spoke to her at last about his love, a very decided no was the immediate reply†(54). Once again as Vincent gathered his courage to express his love, but again denied. Lastly, Vincent failed again to establish a love relationship with a woman named Kee, who entered into his life when he lived in Holland. His method, which he followed to win her heart, was, â€Å"to love her so long, that she’ll love me in the end†(130). But in the end she never loved Vincent and once again Vincent was left alone. In all of his attempts, Vincent had failed in all his adventures to develop any type of love relationships. For a world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh led a life of failure. He failed in almost to get along with people in society. He failed to have a healthy and balanced l relationship with his family. Lastly he had failed in any type of love interest, for a number of women who entered his life. Love, admiration and popularity simply was not a life that Vincent van Gogh had lead, instead one of heartache, solitude and rejection.

The Positive Impact of Legalizing Marijuana Essay -- Drugs Legalize Le

The Positive Impact of Legalizing Marijuana For many years, the United States government has prohibited drugs such as marijuana from sale in the marketplace. Yet, with prohibition, marijuana use has decreased only minimally. Because of prohibition, the media has publicized only the bad aspects of marijuana use. What many people do not realize are the many positive aspects of marijuana legalization, including new medical cures, cleaner and more efficient industry, and reduced marijuana usage. Marijuana, as most people commonly know it, is really a plant called hemp, or 'cannabis sativa'. There are other plants called hemp, but cannabis hemp is the most useful of these plants. 'Hemp' is any durable plant used since prehistory for many purposes. Cannabis is the most durable of the hemp plants, and it produces the toughest cloth, named 'canvass'. The cannabis plant also produces three other very important products that other plants do not (in usable form): seed, pulp, and medicine. To understand why hemp is illegal, it is necessar y that we take a look at the law prohibiting hemp today. The law that prohibits hemp is called the "Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act of 1970". The Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-513) overhauled the nation's drug regulation apparatus. Title II of the law, known as the Controlled Substances Act, established criteria for determining which drugs should be controlled, mechanisms for reducing the availability of controlled drugs, and a structure of penalties for illegal distribution and possession of controlled drugs. Marijuana, hashish, and THC are listed in Schedule I, the most restrictive classification. We also have to understand the reasons why marijuana, the drug,... ...dystonia can also attest to benefits derived from smoking marijuana. In 1981, it was reported that patients with idiopathic dystonia improved when they smoked marijuana. This is a group of disorders characterized by abnormal movements and postures resulting from prolonged spasms or muscle contractions. Animal studies confirmed that cannabinoids might have antidysotonic properties, and scientists undertook another human experiment in 1986 that showed the same results. There are many uses for marijuana, and many are unexplored. Actually, some are explored in depth because of interest, and others are left behind. There are probably many other uses that have not been found because of the lack of experimentation on the drug as a whole. If the drug is legalized, there will be much more research done on the drug, and hopefully the drug will begin to be approved for use.

The Da Vinci Code Chapter 42-43

CHAPTER 42 The Depository Bank of Zurich was a twenty-four-hour Geldschrank bank offering the full modern array of anonymous services in the tradition of the Swiss numbered account. Maintaining offices in Zurich, Kuala Lumpur, New York, and Paris, the bank had expanded its services in recent years to offer anonymous computer source code escrow services and faceless digitized backup. The bread and butter of its operation was by far its oldest and simplest offering – the anonyme Lager – blind drop services, otherwise known as anonymous safe-deposit boxes. Clients wishing to store anything from stock certificates to valuable paintings could deposit their belongings anonymously, through a series of high-tech veils of privacy, withdrawing items at any time, also in total anonymity. As Sophie pulled the taxi to a stop in front of their destination, Langdon gazed out at the building's uncompromising architecture and sensed the Depository Bank of Zurich was a firm with little sense of humor. The building was a windowless rectangle that seemed to be forged entirely of dull steel. Resembling an enormous metal brick, the edifice sat back from the road with a fifteen-foot-tall, neon, equilateral cross glowing over its facade. Switzerland's reputation for secrecy in banking had become one of the country's most lucrative exports. Facilities like this had become controversial in the art community because they provided a perfect place for art thieves to hide stolen goods, for years if necessary, until the heat was off. Because deposits were protected from police inspection by privacy laws and were attached to numbered accounts rather than people's names, thieves could rest easily knowing their stolen goods were safe and could never be traced to them. Sophie stopped the taxi at an imposing gate that blocked the bank's driveway – a cement-lined ramp that descended beneath the building. A video camera overhead was aimed directly at them, and Langdon had the feeling that this camera, unlike those at the Louvre, was authentic. Sophie rolled down the window and surveyed the electronic podium on the driver's side. An LCD screen provided directions in seven languages. Topping the list was English. INSERT KEY. Sophie took the gold laser-pocked key from her pocket and turned her attention back to the podium. Below the screen was a triangular hole. â€Å"Something tells me it will fit,† Langdon said. Sophie aligned the key's triangular shaft with the hole and inserted it, sliding it in until the entire shaft had disappeared. This key apparently required no turning. Instantly, the gate began to swing open. Sophie took her foot off the brake and coasted down to a second gate and podium. Behind her, the first gate closed, trapping them like a ship in a lock. Langdon disliked the constricted sensation. Let's hope this second gate works too. This second podium bore familiar directions. INSERT KEY. When Sophie inserted the key, the second gate immediately opened. Moments later they were winding down the ramp into the belly of the structure. The private garage was small and dim, with spaces for about a dozen cars. At the far end, Langdon spied the building's main entrance. A red carpet stretched across the cement floor, welcoming visitors to a huge door that appeared to be forged of solid metal. Talk about mixed messages, Langdon thought. Welcome and keep out. Sophie pulled the taxi into a parking space near the entrance and killed the engine. â€Å"You'd better leave the gun here.† With pleasure, Langdon thought, sliding the pistol under the seat. Sophie and Langdon got out and walked up the red carpet toward the slab of steel. The door had no handle, but on the wall beside it was another triangular keyhole. No directions were posted this time. â€Å"Keeps out the slow learners,† Langdon said. Sophie laughed, looking nervous. â€Å"Here we go.† She stuck the key in the hole, and the door swung inward with a low hum. Exchanging glances, Sophie and Langdon entered. The door shut with a thud behind them. The foyer of the Depository Bank of Zurich employed as imposing a decor as any Langdon had ever seen. Where most banks were content with the usual polished marble and granite, this one had opted for wall-to-wall metal and rivets. Who's their decorator? Langdon wondered. Allied Steel? Sophie looked equally intimidated as her eyes scanned the lobby. The gray metal was everywhere – the floor, walls, counters, doors, even the lobby chairs appeared to be fashioned of molded iron. Nonetheless, the effect was impressive. The message was clear: You are walking into a vault. A large man behind the counter glanced up as they entered. He turned off the small television he was watching and greeted them with a pleasant smile. Despite his enormous muscles and visible sidearm, his diction chimed with the polished courtesy of a Swiss bellhop. â€Å"Bonsoir,†he said. â€Å"How may I help you?† The dual-language greeting was the newest hospitality trick of the European host. It presumed nothing and opened the door for the guest to reply in whichever language was more comfortable. Sophie replied with neither. She simply laid the gold key on the counter in front of the man. The man glanced down and immediately stood straighter. â€Å"Of course. Your elevator is at the end of the hall. I will alert someone that you are on your way.† Sophie nodded and took her key back. â€Å"Which floor?† The man gave her an odd look. â€Å"Your key instructs the elevator which floor.† She smiled. â€Å"Ah, yes.† The guard watched as the two newcomers made their way to the elevators, inserted their key, boarded the lift, and disappeared. As soon as the door had closed, he grabbed the phone. He was not calling to alert anyone of their arrival; there was no need for that. A vault greeter already had been alerted automatically when the client's key was inserted outside in the entry gate. Instead, the guard was calling the bank's night manager. As the line rang, the guard switched the television back on and stared at it. The news story he had been watching was just ending. It didn't matter. He got another look at the two faces on the television. The manager answered. â€Å"Oui?† â€Å"We have a situation down here.† â€Å"What's happening?† the manager demanded. â€Å"The French police are tracking two fugitives tonight.† â€Å"So?† â€Å"Both of them just walked into our bank.† The manager cursed quietly. â€Å"Okay. I'll contact Monsieur Vernet immediately.† The guard then hung up and placed a second call. This one to Interpol. Langdon was surprised to feel the elevator dropping rather than climbing. He had no idea how many floors they had descended beneath the Depository Bank of Zurich before the door finally opened. He didn't care. He was happy to be out of the elevator. Displaying impressive alacrity, a host was already standing there to greet them. He was elderly and pleasant, wearing a neatly pressed flannel suit that made him look oddly out of place – an old-world banker in a high-tech world. â€Å"Bonsoir,†the man said. â€Å"Good evening. Would you be so kind as to follow me, s'il vous plait?† Without waiting for a response, he spun on his heel and strode briskly down a narrow metal corridor. Langdon walked with Sophie down a series of corridors, past several large rooms filled with blinking mainframe computers. â€Å"Voici,†their host said, arriving at a steel door and opening it for them. â€Å"Here you are.† Langdon and Sophie stepped into another world. The small room before them looked like a lavish sitting room at a fine hotel. Gone were the metal and rivets, replaced with oriental carpets, dark oak furniture, and cushioned chairs. On the broad desk in the middle of the room, two crystal glasses at beside an opened bottle of Perrier, its bubbles still fizzing. A pewter pot of coffee steamed beside it. Clockwork, Langdon thought. Leave it to the Swiss. The man gave a perceptive smile. â€Å"I sense this is your first visit to us?† Sophie hesitated and then nodded.† Understood. Keys are often passed on as inheritance, and our first-time users are invariably uncertain of the protocol.† He motioned to the table of drinks. â€Å"This room is yours as long as you care to use it.† â€Å"You say keys are sometimes inherited?† Sophie asked. â€Å"Indeed. Your key is like a Swiss numbered account, which are often willed through generations. On our gold accounts, the shortest safety-deposit box lease is fifty years. Paid in advance. So we see plenty of family turnover.† Langdon stared. â€Å"Did you say fifty years?† â€Å"At a minimum,† their host replied. â€Å"Of course, you can purchase much longer leases, but barring further arrangements, if there is no activity on an account for fifty years, the contents of that safe- deposit box are automatically destroyed. Shall I run through the process of accessing your box?† Sophie nodded. â€Å"Please.† Their host swept an arm across the luxurious salon. â€Å"This is your private viewing room. Once I leave the room, you may spend all the time you need in here to review and modify the contents of your safe-deposit box, which arrives†¦ over here.† He walked them to the far wall where a wide conveyor belt entered the room in a graceful curve, vaguely resembling a baggage claim carousel. â€Å"You insert your key in that slot there†¦ .† The man pointed to a large electronic podium facing the conveyor belt. The podium had a familiar triangular hole. â€Å"Once the computer confirms the markings on your key, you enter your account number, and your safe-deposit box will be retrieved robotically from the vault below for your inspection. When you are finished with your box, you place it back on the conveyor belt, insert your key again, and the process is reversed. Because everything is automated, your privacy is guaranteed, even from the staff of this bank. If you n eed anything at all, simply press the call button on the table in the center of the room.† Sophie was about to ask a question when a telephone rang. The man looked puzzled and embarrassed. â€Å"Excuse me, please.† He walked over to the phone, which was sitting on the table beside the coffee and Perrier. â€Å"Oui?† he answered. His brow furrowed as he listened to the caller. â€Å"Oui†¦oui†¦d'accord.† He hung up, and gave them an uneasy smile. â€Å"I'm sorry, I must leave you now. Make yourselves at home.† He moved quickly toward the door. â€Å"Excuse me,† Sophie called. â€Å"Could you clarify something before you go? You mentioned that we enter an account number?† The man paused at the door, looking pale. â€Å"But of course. Like most Swiss banks, our safe-deposit boxes are attached to a number, not a name. You have a key and a personal account number known only to you. Your key is only half of your identification. Your personal account number is the other half. Otherwise, if you lost your key, anyone could use it.† Sophie hesitated. â€Å"And if my benefactor gave me no account number?† The banker's heart pounded. Then you obviously have no business here! He gave them a calm smile. â€Å"I will ask someone to help you. He will be in shortly.† Leaving, the banker closed the door behind him and twisted a heavy lock, sealing them inside. Across town, Collet was standing in the Gare du Nord train terminal when his phone rang. It was Fache. â€Å"Interpol got a tip,† he said. â€Å"Forget the train. Langdon and Neveu just walked into the Paris branch of the Depository Bank of Zurich. I want your men over there right away.† â€Å"Any leads yet on what Sauniere was trying to tell Agent Neveu and Robert Langdon?† Fache's tone was cold. â€Å"If you arrest them, Lieutenant Collet, then I can ask them personally.† Collet took the hint. â€Å"Twenty-four Rue Haxo. Right away, Captain.† He hung up and radioed his men. CHAPTER 43 Andre Vernet – president of the Paris branch of the Depository Bank of Zurich – lived in a lavish flat above the bank. Despite his plush accommodations, he had always dreamed of owning a riverside apartment on L'lle Saint-Louis, where he could rub shoulders with the true cognoscenti, rather than here, where he simply met the filthy rich. When I retire, Vernet told himself, I will fill my cellar with rare Bordeaux, adorn my salon with a Fragonard and perhaps a Boucher, and spend my days hunting for antique furniture and rare books in the Quartier Latin. Tonight, Vernet had been awake only six and a half minutes. Even so, as he hurried through the bank's underground corridor, he looked as if his personal tailor and hairdresser had polished him to a fine sheen. Impeccably dressed in a silk suit, Vernet sprayed some breath spray in his mouth and tightened his tie as he walked. No stranger to being awoken to attend to his international clients arriving from different time zones, Vernet modeled his sleep habits after the Maasai warriors – the African tribe famous for their ability to rise from the deepest sleep to a state of total battle readiness in a matter of seconds. Battle ready, Vernet thought, fearing the comparison might be uncharacteristically apt tonight. The arrival of a gold key client always required an extra flurry of attention, but the arrival of a gold key client who was wanted by the Judicial Police would be an extremely delicate matter. The bank had enough battles with law enforcement over the privacy rights of their clients without proof that some of them were criminals. Five minutes, Vernet told himself. I need these people out of my bank before the police arrive. If he moved quickly, this impending disaster could be deftly sidestepped. Vernet could tell the police that the fugitives in question had indeed walked into his bank as reported, but because they were not clients and had no account number, they were turned away. He wished the damned watchman had not called Interpol. Discretion was apparently not part of the vocabulary of a 15-euro-per-hour watchman. Stopping at the doorway, he took a deep breath and loosened his muscles. Then, forcing a balmy smile, he unlocked the door and swirled into the room like a warm breeze. â€Å"Good evening,† he said, his eyes finding his clients. â€Å"I am Andre Vernet. How can I be of serv – † The rest of the sentence lodged somewhere beneath his Adam's apple. The woman before him was as unexpected a visitor as Vernet had ever had. â€Å"I'm sorry, do we know each other?† Sophie asked. She did not recognize the banker, but he for a moment looked as if he'd seen a ghost. â€Å"No†¦ ,† the bank president fumbled. â€Å"I don't†¦ believe so. Our services are anonymous.† He exhaled and forced a calm smile. â€Å"My assistant tells me you have a gold key but no account number? Might I ask how you came by this key?† â€Å"My grandfather gave it to me,† Sophie replied, watching the man closely. His uneasiness seemed more evident now. â€Å"Really? Your grandfather gave you the key but failed to give you the account number?† â€Å"I don't think he had time,† Sophie said. â€Å"He was murdered tonight.† Her words sent the man staggering backward. â€Å"Jacques Sauniere is dead?† he demanded, his eyes filling with horror. â€Å"But†¦ how?!† Now it was Sophie who reeled, numb with shock. â€Å"You knew my grandfather?† Banker Andre Vernet looked equally astounded, steadying himself by leaning on an end table. â€Å"Jacques and I were dear friends. When did this happen?† â€Å"Earlier this evening. Inside the Louvre.† Vernet walked to a deep leather chair and sank into it. â€Å"I need to ask you both a very important question.† He glanced up at Langdon and then back to Sophie. â€Å"Did either of you have anything to do with his death?† â€Å"No!† Sophie declared. â€Å"Absolutely not.† Vernet's face was grim, and he paused, pondering. â€Å"Your pictures are being circulated by Interpol. This is how I recognized you. You're wanted for a murder.† Sophie slumped. Fache ran an Interpol broadcast already? It seemed the captain was more motivated than Sophie had anticipated. She quickly told Vernet who Langdon was and what had happened inside the Louvre tonight. Vernet looked amazed. â€Å"And as your grandfather was dying, he left you a message telling you to find Mr. Langdon?† â€Å"Yes. And this key.† Sophie laid the gold key on the coffee table in front of Vernet, placing the Priory seal face down. Vernet glanced at the key but made no move to touch it. â€Å"He left you only this key? Nothing else? No slip of paper?† Sophie knew she had been in a hurry inside the Louvre, but she was certain she had seen nothing else behind Madonna of the Rocks. â€Å"No. Just the key.† Vernet gave a helpless sigh. â€Å"I'm afraid every key is electronically paired with a ten-digit account number that functions as a password. Without that number, your key is worthless.† Ten digits.Sophie reluctantly calculated the cryptographic odds. Over ten billion possible choices. Even if she could bring in DCPJ's most powerful parallel processing computers, she still would need weeks to break the code. â€Å"Certainly, monsieur, considering the circumstances, you can help us.† â€Å"I'm sorry. I truly can do nothing. Clients select their own account numbers via a secure terminal, meaning account numbers are known only to the client and computer. This is one way we ensure anonymity. And the safety of our employees.† Sophie understood. Convenience stores did the same thing. EMPLOYEES DO NOT HAVE KEYS TO THE SAFE. This bank obviously did not want to risk someone stealing a key and then holding an employee hostage for the account number. Sophie sat down beside Langdon, glanced down at the key and then up at Vernet. â€Å"Do you have any idea what my grandfather is storing in your bank?† â€Å"None whatsoever. That is the definition of a Geldschrank bank.† â€Å"Monsieur Vernet,† she pressed,† our time tonight is short. I am going to be very direct if I may.† She reached out to the gold key and flipped it over, watching the man's eyes as she revealed the Priory of Sion seal. â€Å"Does the symbol on this key mean anything to you?† Vernet glanced down at the fleur-de-lis seal and made no reaction. â€Å"No, but many of our clients emboss corporate logos or initials onto their keys.† Sophie sighed, still watching him carefully. â€Å"This seal is the symbol of a secret society known as the Priory of Sion.† Vernet again showed no reaction. â€Å"I know nothing of this. Your grandfather was a friend, but we spoke mostly of business.† The man adjusted his tie, looking nervous now. â€Å"Monsieur Vernet,† Sophie pressed, her tone firm. â€Å"My grandfather called me tonight and told me he and I were in grave danger. He said he had to give me something. He gave me a key to your bank. Now he is dead. Anything you can tell us would be helpful.† Vernet broke a sweat. â€Å"We need to get out of the building. I'm afraid the police will arrive shortly. My watchman felt obliged to call Interpol.† Sophie had feared as much. She took one last shot. â€Å"My grandfather said he needed to tell me the truth about my family. Does that mean anything to you?† â€Å"Mademoiselle, your family died in a car accident when you were young. I'm sorry. I know your grandfather loved you very much. He mentioned to me several times how much it pained him that you two had fallen out of touch.† Sophie was uncertain how to respond. Langdon asked,† Do the contents of this account have anything to do with the Sangreal?† Vernet gave him an odd look. â€Å"I have no idea what that is.† Just then, Vernet's cell phone rang, and he snatched it off his belt. â€Å"Oui?† He listened a moment, his expression one of surprise and growing concern. â€Å"La police? Si rapidement?† He cursed, gave some quick directions in French, and said he would be up to the lobby in a minute. Hanging up the phone, he turned back to Sophie. â€Å"The police have responded far more quickly than usual. They are arriving as we speak.† Sophie had no intention of leaving empty-handed. â€Å"Tell them we came and went already. If they want to search the bank, demand a search warrant. That will take them time.† â€Å"Listen,† Vernet said,† Jacques was a friend, and my bank does not need this kind of press, so for those two reasons, I have no intention of allowing this arrest to be made on my premises. Give me a minute and I will see what I can do to help you leave the bank undetected. Beyond that, I cannot get involved.† He stood up and hurried for the door. â€Å"Stay here. I'll make arrangements and be right back.† â€Å"But the safe-deposit box,† Sophie declared. â€Å"We can't just leave.† â€Å"There's nothing I can do,† Vernet said, hurrying out the door. â€Å"I'm sorry.† Sophie stared after him a moment, wondering if maybe the account number was buried in one of the countless letters and packages her grandfather had sent her over the years and which she had left unopened. Langdon stood suddenly, and Sophie sensed an unexpected glimmer of contentment in his eyes. â€Å"Robert? You're smiling.† â€Å"Your grandfather was a genius.† â€Å"I'm sorry?† â€Å"Ten digits?† Sophie had no idea what he was talking about. â€Å"The account number,† he said, a familiar lopsided grin now craning his face. â€Å"I'm pretty sure he left it for us after all.† â€Å"Where?† Langdon produced the printout of the crime scene photo and spread it out on the coffee table. Sophie needed only to read the first line to know Langdon was correct. 13-3-2-21-1-1-8-5 O, Draconian devil! Oh, lame saint! P. S. Find Robert Langdon