Misclassification bias arising from random error in exposure measurement: implications for dual measurement strategies Essay

This research study was done by Chlan and Savik, (2011) in an attempt to explore the anxiety patterns in the ICU patients using mechanical ventilation support. The research employed descriptive statistics for ordinal and interval data that were presented as medians with ranges and provided the skewed data distributions. The categorical data was analyzed and presented as frequencies. The initial analysis graphed the anxiety trajectories for every participant to discern the pattern changes. The mixed model effects were then employed in the analysis since they accommodate nonhomogeneous and correlated residuals that were expected in the repeated measures. The research underscores that the mixed models provides ideal models for analysis of data with disparate time assessment missing points of data or both from the subjects being unwilling or unable to complete the daily assessment of anxiety due to mental status, medical condition of level of fatigue. The research estimated a series of m odels do determine the preferred change model for the study VAS-A (Chlan & Savik, 2011).The unconditional model means were then estimated to determine the appropriateness of further modeling. Each outcome Yii combined the individual deviations and the linear of the grand mean from the grand mean. The unconditional model means were used to assess the two null hypotheses (a) no changes across occasions (b) no variation between participants. Further, an unconditional model of growth with DAY was added to predict the estimation of change coefficients (Chlan and Savik, 2011). The models with multiple within-person error covariance compatible structures with the pattern of correlation between VAS-A scores at dissimilar points of time were then explored. Study Design The researchers employed subjects that included subgroup of participants enrolled in a multi-site, ICU-based randomized trial testing patients undergoing through mechanical ventilatory support (Chlan & Savik, 2011). The study participants were recruited from five medical centers multi-site trial representing 12 separate ICUs. The patients that were receiving mechanical ventilatory support for primary pulmonary problem such as respiratory distress who were alert and interacted with the medical staff were also enrolled to participate in the study. The study employed descriptive design and the subjects in the secondary analysis were those randomized to usual care control condition. Bordens and Abbott, (2014) writes that usual care includes the standardized nursing care protocols and standing medical orders for ever representative ICU whereby registered nurses provide care in 1:2 nurse to patient ratio. The use of randomized trials could possibly cause bias in section of the participants (Friedman, (2004). Delgado-Rodriguez and Llorca, (2004) also highlights that the use of randomized descriptive study design leads to under-representation or over-representation leading to elements of biases. The participants were enrolled at separate times during their stay in the ICU and on course of the mechanical ventilatory assistance. Therefore, there was a possibility of selection bias as a result of random sampling could be controlled by use of population-based controls or controls with disease not related to the exposure (Greenwood & Levin, 2007). Bias and Variable Control The number of missing scores on the VAS-A scale due to systemic error bias when the patients were fatigued to complete the assessment provided a challenge to the study. However, the study did not attempt to discern the anxiety sources and only used the anxiety ratings recorded on one assessment time point per day. While the participants were enrolled at separate times, the results of the study provide that there was no relationship between the initial ratings of anxiety obtained and the number of days in the mechanical ventilatory support and this possibly minimized the chances of selection bias in the study (Koplan, Thacker & Lezin, 1999). The dependent variable of the study was anxiety while dose frequency, sedative exposure, and time represented the independent variables. The dose frequency variable was used as a control variable to control the effects of sedative exposures. Sedative exposures to the ICU patients were instrumental since the patients received robust sedative and an algesic medications that could influence the ratings of their anxiety (Brenner & Blettner, 1993). References Bordens, K. S., & Abbott, B. B. (2014). Research design and methods: A process approach (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Friedman, G. D. (2004). Primer of epidemiology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical. ISBN: 9780071402583. Brenner, H., & Blettner, M. (1993). Misclassification bias arising from random error in exposure measurement: implications for dual measurement strategies. Am J Epidemiol.;138:453–461. Chlan, L., & Savik, K. (January 01, 2011). Patterns of anxiety in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. Nursing Research, 60, 3.Delgado-Rodriguez, M., & Llorca, J. (2004). Bias. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 58(8), 635–641. Greenwood, D. J., & Levin, M. (2007). Introduction to action research: Social research for social change (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN: 9781412925976. Koplan, J. P., Thacker, S. B., & Lezin, N. A. (1999). Epidemiology in the 21st century: Calculation, communication, and intervention. American Journal of Public Health, 89(8), 1153–1155. Source document

Summary of Devil at My Heels

A summary of Devil at My Heels. It’s a memoirist about Louis Zamperini who was a heroic Olympian. It’s also a story of survival as a Japanese POW in World War II. Louis Zamperini was born in Olean, New York, on January 26,1917. He is an Italian. But his family moved to California. Because he couldn’t speak English well so no friends talked to him and always laughed at him. And he became a tough kid. Then his brother, Pete encouraged him to run. So he made his first wise and important decision of his life. He was really good at running, won many prizes. His dream was to attend an Olympic Game. Unfortunately, his whole right lung was full of pus. So he couldn’t run any more. In addition, the 1940 Olympic Game was canceled due to the war. Inevitably, his dream crashed down. It was not long time for him to move into the Expediting Department at Lockheed. He also did well in it. And one day he flew in a B-24 Liberator. Fortune’s wheel didn’t care him. On May 27, he crashed into the Pacific Ocean. He and two other survivors found a raft and waited for rescue. They floated about forty-seven days. They evaded enemy’s attack several times. They killed sharks and ate their livers as food. Waited rainwater to drunk. They were still alive, but captured by the Japanese finally. Following more than two years, he was tortured and humiliated by Japanese. He experienced a lot of dehumanization and torment. Though he endured many torment, he never give up hope. After two years, he backed to home eventually. But he suffered from severe posttraumatic stress disorder. His wife helped him to get through the difficulty. He began to read Bible. He learnt to condone. Ultimately, he condoned all Japanese enemies and held on them.

Canadian Museum of Nature Web Analysis Essay Example for Free

Canadian Museum of Nature Web Analysis Essay The Canadian Museum of Nature’s website is an average piece of work that gathers audience from both English and French speaking individuals. The museum’s Web presence is elegant and simple to use, clearly separating the English segment from the French segment to allow easier navigation throughout the site, which, considering the size and diversity of the system it represents, makes you wonder how the designers and creators managed to pull it off in such a simple way. Rhetorical Design The Canadian Museum of Nature’s website is intended to promote the museum’s products and services on offer at the museum among English speaking and French speaking tourists. Almost anyone visiting this website is most likely looking for information about a certain service or item relating to natural history and tourism, so it is safe to state that the primary audience for this website are nature lovers and tourists wishing to visit Canada or local Canadians looking for a place just to have a good time enjoying the marvels of nature. However, there is something for everyone in this website. Even for those who don’t intend to visit the museum but want to win something, there’s a photo contest section on the home page that might serve to draw more traffic to the site. This enhances the possibility of attracting more members to join in the course of the museum. The website also has links that connect to 5 of their other websites, basically to diversify and exert their web and market presence in the field of nature. The context of the website explores the versatility of the Canadian Museum of Nature’s Internal organization and products and services offered by the museum. Information on the home page is divided into eleven primary categories: Calendar of activities, visitor information, teacher zone, about the museum, renewal, exhibitions, polar year, collections, research, library and products & services. The site also has quick links on shopping, becoming a member, donating to the cause, staff, press room and there is also a link for visitors to post comments and questions to the staff. All these information is carefully and strategically placed on the page to allow for easy navigation and still leaves a lot of space on the site. Congested sites tend to be an eye sore to the readers, but as for this one, no one has to worry about having to go through dozens of information to get to what you’re looking for. Interface Design The entire website is filled with photos of animals and artifacts of natural history which blends in very well with the overall theme of the website. Each page contains at least three amazing photos that keep the visitor glued to the website, even if just for the photos. Actually, come to think of it, the website contains very little text, it is only the overall design and beautiful photos that keep visitors busy on the site since there’s nothing much to read from the website. The home page contains very clear navigational links on the left hand side of the page to other sections of the website with its interface being simple, consistent and functional. However, due to the limited amount of information on the website, the interface does not provide sufficient feedback and does not have a real time visitor – support staff dialog system. Visitors have to leave a message on the contact us section and wait for an unknown amount of time for a feedback. All pages contain site navigation links. Site Design Text on the website is aligned to the left side of the screen, which is very effective for both the new and ordinary users of the site. The design of the site reflects the basic hierarchical organization of the Canadian Museum of Nature. From the home page, links to other major divisions can be easily accessed from the left hand corner; with each major hyperlink having a page that directs the user to other major sub-divisions; which leads the user to the exact information that can best satisfy the user’s specific need. The information on the pages, although minimal, gives a clear understanding of the basic intention of the site owners. The home page contains links to virtually everything someone would be looking for within the website. On the top right hand corner of the site, there’s an appropriately placed site index which is very helpful in the navigation of the website. The site relies heavily on indexes as it is virtually impossible to find what you looking for without linking to a page that contains the sort of information that will be of help to the visitor. Page Design The web pages in this site are designed for users with 15 inch monitors. Since navigation throughout the site relies heavily on the site index and table of contents, the pages reveal a consistent visual hierarchy. The designers of this site rely on museum’s logo on each page as a header to constantly remind the user that they are still on the site, although the site could use the inclusion of a table on the calendar of activities segment to help the reader cut to the chase and find the exact thing he’s looking for instead of browsing through the links. Typography Only three font types have been used throughout the website, in order to make it neat at professional-like, with Verdana being the outstanding one. Coupled with a white background and text that are aligned to the left side of the page, the pages are full of life and bring out the message in a rather natural and easy way. Editorial Style The text in this site is brief and exact to the point even though it doesn’t cover entirely everything a visitor would most likely want to know about. The site does not use titles or subtitles as it contains functional links that act as titles. Graphics & Multimedia The website is fairly simple and does not contain a lot of graphics – only nature photos, which are significant in building the theme of the site – and absolutely no audio, video, animation or multimedia of any sort and therefore it makes it easy for the pages to load faster, even with slower internet connectivity. Overall Impression To sum it up, the website has a fairly simple design. The fact that only three font types have been used in the entire site makes it easy to read through without straining . It is most likely to attract twice as much attention and traffic since it is written in two languages with clear and large enough text. Also, it appeals to its audience due to the fact that it has incorporated exquisite photos of what’s on offer at the museum and there’s also the constant use of the color green, which is a symbol of nature. The green color is likely to blend in with the visitor’s impression of the museum. What I liked most about this website is its simple yet comprehensive design and the fact that it is written for a much more broader audience i. e. the English and French. However, the website is too shallow and doesn’t have enough information for visitors. This makes new visitors to the site dig deeper than the site in order to find information that’s featured in the website. On a general point of view, the website can be rated â€Å"Average†. Canadian Museum of Nature Web Analysis. (2017, Mar 15).

Stakeholders Perception of Sustainable Housing Strategies Research Paper

Stakeholders Perception of Sustainable Housing Strategies - Research Paper Example The study also seeks to address the issue of the rising need for housing in Qatar because of economic development in the country besides seeking to advice stakeholders on the appropriate directions to take in providing sustainable housing for the present and future generations. This is because the changing lifestyles call for changing housing systems and hence the need for using materials that are environmental friendly during construction, occupancy, maintenance, and demolitions. Introduction The study seeks to develop a structural framework that can be used in future constructions for eco-friendly housing facilities in the country. This is because the increasing environmental consciousness in the society requires environmentally favorable structures whose applications are also eco-friendly. Environmental sustainability is currently considered as an environmental challenge and a global issue. Sustainable housing can achieve a better environment by reducing the amount of energy consu mption towards a better living environment. This scope identifies achievement of sustainable housing design with the success of both the environment and the residents. It promotes achievement of human comfort through improving ventilation and natural lighting techniques. Sustainable housing is at the same time related to sustainability of building materials and energy use to reduce the impact of housing on the environment. This paper identifies the stakeholder’s perceptions and attitude that influence sustainable housing design in Qatar. This study focuses on increasing awareness of stakeholders toward sustainable housing design by incorporating new technologies, in order to change the unsustainable designs and practices of building. The aim of the study is to recognize stakeholders’ perceptions through the difference and similarities as will be achieve through some questionnaire surveys, interviews, and case studies with different stakeholders. The study will investig ate the strategy of decisions by utilizing the improvement of sustainable housing (Zhengyu and Jay, 2009). Problem statement The existing need for better constructions towards environmental conservation and preservation in the housing sector has not been met because of prevalent application of ancient architectural practices in constructions. Conservative applications in housing constructions have not considered the dynamic environment that has significantly deteriorated to require housing structures that are more sensitive to the environment. The study therefore seeks to develop a framework for bridging the gap between environmental needs and architectural practices in order to upgrade the housing sector to meet environmental needs. The study explores stakeholders’ perceptions over sustainable housing strategies in Qatar and is significant to the society because of its potential to develop a framework for an eco-friendly industry. This will set an example for other industrie s to emulate towards a favorable environment for better living standards. Its significance also extends to the role of a moral agent as it has the potential of promoting social responsibility among investors in the housing industry and the morality can spread to other construction, manufacturing, and processing.

Electric Cars Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Electric Cars - Research Paper Example The company has completed designing the car but wants to increase its output. A rise in output can only be afforded, if the company makes a commercial plan that would help to market the product and make it a leading vehicle in the current competitive industry. The context of this research paper would capture the various details about the product, industry, potential market applications, challengers, risks and path of commercialization that would be useful for the company to make its product acceptable in the market. Product Description An electric car is an eco friendly car that runs with the help of an electric motor or battery stored electrical energy. The electric motors in such cars help to generate torque, thereby giving smooth and strong acceleration to such modern vehicles. Such cars emit less air impurities because they do not discharge tailpipe pollutants. Some electric cars are also powered by solar energy or gasoline, these cars are known as solar and hybrid cars respectively (Westbrook, 2001). Prototype Status The research paper concentrates on a four seating electric car. The car is produced by a Canadian automobile company and its manufacturing division is in Ontario. The car fully runs with electricity and comprises of all the features that a modern car should contain. However, the car is required to be charged every time its cell energy diminishes. The company manufactures only 75 cars per month at present but the figure is expected to augment up to 200 cars per month by 2014. Intellectual Property Status The intellectual property rights are legal rights that are catered to the automobile firms for discovering a new design of a vehicle. Such rights ensure that the state of technology or blueprint newly invented by a company is not copied by any other firm in the industry. A trademark can only be used by a Canadian company according to the norms of Canada. Thus, it is obvious that the Canadian electric car manufacturing firm will possess a trademark that would protect its product from forgery (WIPO, 2013). Industry Analysis Definition of your industry The automobile industry is an industry that comprises a large pool of organizations and companies. Such companies are engaged in designing, selling, manufacturing, marketing and developing motor cycles, mopeds, towed vehicles and motor vehicles. It is a long established business segment since 1890’s. Working and Prospects of the Industry Automobile industry is considered as one of the most important ind ustry in the current global economic system in terms of revenue. The biggest strength of the industry is its diversity; there are infinite companies that participate in automobile manufacturing. The industry stands 3rd in the Fortune 500 list and

Making Connection between Black and White, Changing America and Civil Essay

Making Connection between Black and White, Changing America and Civil Disobidience - Essay Example These authors commonly discuss the problems of American society such as racial divide, immigrant problems, and assimilation of the people of other races into the mainstream white society. Though Goodale’s and Swerdlow’s approach to the problems of American society are more descriptive than prescriptive, Thoreau’s approach is quite prescriptive. He suggests that people of American society seem to be affected with a racial, cultural, political and religious identity confusion. Yet an American’s national identity is composed of a diverse but uniquely uniformed nationality including all of the contradictions. While the uniformity of the American nationality is ensured by a geographical unity, America is a heterogeneous society that contains diverse races, cultures, nationalities, religions, etc. Still American heterogeneous nationality is affected with a number of complexities. In her article, â€Å"Black and White†, Gloria Goodale addresses this racial divide within the heart of American society, whereas Joel Swerdlow, the author of â€Å"Changing America† depicts the changes that America’s racial identity has undergone and still is undergoing. On the other hand, though Henry David Thoreau’s â€Å"Civil Disobedience† deals with the sort of political protest an American should adopt in order to dissent what he or she does not support or think right. Though apparently Thoreau’s proposition â€Å"to withdraw from an evil† relates much to a man’s, especially an American’s, political life, such stance can help dispensing the racial divide in the American society.

Management Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Management Psychology - Essay Example While most of the organizations utilize call centres in order to deliver customer service, the scale of operations vary and depend on a number of dimensions, such as the nature of technology used, strategic purpose, and management style (Mahesh & Kasturi, 2006). The aim of this research is to identify various management approaches used in order to manage call centre staff, and to explore and to evaluate what elements of management psychology are utilized in existing management practices. Also, the paper will explore the assumptions on the individual that underpin the management practices involved in managing call centre staff. Call-centre is a strategic element of any business activity involving customer service. Therefore, employees working in call-centres should be viewed as a strategic asset of a company as they are the main point of contact with the customer (Echchakoui, 2013). In order to ensure effective work in call-centres managers adopt different approaches and methods and create different working environments. Working environment in call-centres is usually quite challenging and difficult to manage as it involves great involvement of human beings. Despite the automatization of the processes and technology development, there is high concentration of individuals on both sides â€Å"of the phone†, which makes this business extremely people-concentrated by the nature. Therefore, because of its people-intensive nature, management of call-centre is quite challenging work (Mahesh & Kasturi, 2006). In order to manage call centre staff, managers employ various techniques and adopt different psychological approaches. These approaches are so different, that some describe call-centres as â€Å"slave galleons of the twenty first century† and â€Å"electronic sweatshops†, while others see call-centres as â€Å"progressive, team-based and career fulfilling environments† (Robinson & Morley,

WestJet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

WestJet - Essay Example Westjet airlines is a Canadian carrier that provides scheduled and charter services to over 87 destinations in Canada, the Caribbean, United States, Mexico and central America. It was established in 1996 and by 2012; it was ranked the ninth largest airline in North America. It has two hubs, Calgary International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport. It also has two focus cities, Edmonton International Airport and Vancouver International Airport. The company’s slogan is â€Å"Owners Care†. The company’s headquarter is in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and headed by Gregg Saretsky who is the CEO/ President. Westjet also operates on vacations to provide hotel, car, air, and excursion packagings. According to a research conducted by TNS Canada, Westjet is the most preferred airline in Canada (Grescoe, 2004). The competition over the Canadian traveler is fierce and Westjet is not spared from the whole situation. Its main competitors include Air Canada and Porte r Airlines most specifically Air Canada. Westgate has adopted a counteractive competition strategy to keep up with the spirit of competition. When Air Canada revealed that, it would be adding a premium economy class to cater for their customers of the business class, which was to include wider seats and a bigger legroom at a slightly higher economy price. Westjet responded by purchasing a fleet of Bombardier Q400s with seat configurations of 737-800. This included roomier premium seats and high-density economy class. Westjet signed a letter of intent for buying 20 Q400’s with another 25 on the way.... Its mission is to enrich the lives of everyone through provision of safe, friendly, and affordable air travel. In fact, Westjet received the â€Å"Business Ethics† Award from the Better Business Bureau in Alberta in 2004. It was also ranked fourth in Reputation Institute’s Corporate Reputation study among the 50 largest companies in Canada and Most admired corporate culture as selected by Waterstone Human Capital in 2011. Westjet’s values include commitment to safety, positive and passionate in everything, appreciative of people and guests, fun, friendly and caring, aligning the interests of West Jetters with the interests of the company and honest, open and keeping to their commitments (Grescoe, 2004). However, there was a major ethical issue in May 2006 between Westjet and Air Canada where Westjet admitted to accessing confidential information from an Air Canada’s website. Air Canada claimed that Westjet unfairly adjusted its scheduling and pricing infor mation to gain a springboard in starting new routes and terminating others. In a joint press release by Westjet and air Canada, Westjet admitted full responsibility stating that the conduct was both unethical and unacceptable. Westjet management admitted that they engaged in an extensive practice of covertly accessing a password-protected proprietary employee Web site maintained by Air Canada to download detailed and commercially sensitive information without authorization or consent from Air Canada (Grescoe, 2004). The most disquieting fact about this confrontation was that the whole affair of corporate spying occurred under the watchful eyes and direction of top management officials at WestJet and it did not stop until Air Canada

Healthcare system Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Healthcare system - Essay Example Each organization faces different challenges. Hence, the articles discusses what can be done to rectify the trials in the healthcare industry. The two changes that will impact this is healthcare reform such as HIPAA and the Medicare issue that is lingering. There are many implication for this marketing strategy since the market is heavily segmented. One of the heavy reflections that was taken from the article is the administration of Social Security within the context of HIPAA. This strategy is more for a standardized approach and does not cater to an individual organization. Hence, a more integrated approach is needed in order to understand and acknowledge the perspectives all stakeholders is illogical because every case is different. The second implication is the tax implications that healthcare organizations may face with new health plans. The role of states health departments is to provide maternal and child health care. State and local health departments must take a proactive approach to not only collect information, which can be an extremely critical situation for medical personnel. Even though it is almost to estimate the cost of fraudulent claims, taxpayers have to atone for the financial woes as their tax money is utilized. Th e worse aspect in this whole scenario is the fact that money lost to improper financial billing can be used to support lower income individuals. The lower income individuals instead have to suffer as a result of fraudulent claims. Health care marketers will play a role in helping their organizations by ensuring that technology and business processes are placed. Another important aspect within the realm of 120,000 eligible healthcare professionals and more than 3,300 hospitals have qualified to participate, which allows a seamless access of patients to extract their information online â€Å"outpatient lab reporting† as a menu

Patton Fuller Financial Statements Essay Example for Free

Patton Fuller Financial Statements Essay Financial statements hold a great deal of information on them and there are many things to consider when reviewing them. A financial statement can be audited or unaudited which vary in expense information. There are effects of revenue sources to consider and businesses have a different revenue every year. They can either be close in dollar amount or could vary significantly. The financial goal to how much revenue a business wants to make should be set in order to plan and control for expenses that the business must pay for in case of emergencies. Financial statements are very detailed and are well informative of the financial status of a business. Audited Versus Unaudited In the Patton-Fuller revenue and expense statement report, the audited or unaudited financial statements vary in their particular expense information. A considerable reduction in the analysis of income is the fundamental procurement of every doubtful account. The distinct term refers to fixed number of accounts receivable that will eventually become bad debt or standardized as unvaluable funds. A statement furnished concerning all third party reports shall always demonstrate the distribution of doubtful accounts noteworthy as an expenditure (Baker Baker, 2011). Management of the doubtful accounts have a million dollar increase particularly on the audited statement report in comparison to the unaudited report. All the allotments in the calculated amounts vary within the net income and operating income from signifying a profit that undoubtedly shows a loss. An audited balance statement affirms an amount of one million dollars that is reduced in revenue corresponding with the unaudited report on the present profit listed that relates to patient balance due.

Dennis Rader: The BTK Killer

Dennis Rader: The BTK Killer When you hear the words SERIAL KILLER, you instantly think about people like Jeffrey Dahmer, Ed Gein, Ted Bundy, or Charles Manson. You dont think about a family man with a wife and two children, county board member, President of the church congregation council, or a Cub Scout leader. Dennis Rader possessed all of these shining attributes. He also possessed a dark secret. This secret had festered in him from an early age and grew as he got older. Dennis Rader had fantasies about bondage, control, and torture which eventually led to murder. Raders reign of terror began in 1977 and ended with his capture in 2005; almost 30 years later. He labeled his victims as projects.3 He hunted his prey in stages he described as the trolling stage and stalking stage.3 He even called the tools used for his trade his hit kit.3 Dennis Rader was a stone cold killer who had no plans of stopping. The letters BTK stands for Bind, Torture and Kill, which was Raders mode of operation and a name he gave to himself. Throughout the years and in numerous communications with the police, he talked about his need for acknowledgment. In the 1990s BTK had disappeared from sight when, without explanation, he re-emerged in 2004. This re-emergence was more than likely due to his need for acknowledgment or public attention. In 2004, Rader started sending multiple letters, clues, and photos to the authorities that led to his capture and arrest in 2005. In the Beginning Dennis Rader was born on March 9, 1945. His parents were William and Dorothea Rader. His family moved to Wichita Kansas when Dennis was little. While growing up, Rader appeared to be a normal child. He was a member of the Boy Scouts and a church youth group member. He attended Riverview Elementary School1 and was described as a student with withdrawn tendencies.1 Rader later admitted that he developed fantasies about bondage, control and torture from an early age, while still in grade school.1 As he got older, he had fantasies about tying girls up and having his way with them.1 He also admitted to killing cats and dogs as a youth by hanging them.1 He began to perfect the art of hiding his dark secret from everyone at an early age. 1974-The Killing Begins It all started when a family of four, the Otero Family, was brutally and maliciously murdered in their home on January 15th, 1974. These four murders, along with six others, would leave the authorities, media, people of Wichita Kansas, and people around the world baffled and in fear for the next 30 years. A killer was on the loose and Bind, Torture, Kill was his mode of operation. Joseph Sr., Julie, Joseph II, and Josephine Otero were the BTK Killers first victims. Their family consisted of the husband, wife, and 5 children. Only two of the children were murdered and they were the children that were home on the day of the murders. These murders occurred in the early morning hours. Dennis Rader invaded their home at gunpoint and ordered everyone into a bedroom where he tied them up. He tried to kill Joseph Sr. first by putting a bag over his head and pulling tight, but somehow a hole was torn in the bag. He later went back and put another bag over Joseph Sr. head and strangling him with a cord. Julie Otero was the second victim to be killed by Rader. He tried to kill Julie with his hands at first but when that didnt work, he strangled her with a cord. Nine year old Joseph II was the third victim. Joseph was moved to another bedroom and suffocated with two bags placed on his head. The fourth and final victim, on this day, was Josephine Otero. She was eleven year s old. Rader took Josephine to the basement of their house and hung her from the drainage pipe. Rader admitted to having sexual fantasies after she was hung.3 He masturbated on her legs and a pipe near where she was hung. His DNA left at the scene was later matched to other killings. BTKs fifth victim was Katherine Bright. She was killed by Rader in April 1974; just four short months after the Oteros were murdered. She was 21 years old. Radar broke into her house and waited for her to come home but he didnt expect for her brother (Kevin Bright) to be with her. He made her brother tie her up first, and then he tied her brother up in another room in the house. Kathryn put up a fight for her life and was eventually stabbed several times by Rader. She later died in the hospital. Her brother escaped during Raders fight with Kathryn but was shot in the head while he fled. Kevin may be the only person to see the serial killer and live (although his description still didnt help the police capture BTK in the 70s). 1977-The Killing Continues It had been 3 years since the Otero family and Kathryn Bright was brutally murdered by the BTK Killer. His sixth victim was Shirley Vian Relford, 24. Rader admitted in court that Relfords murder was completely random.3 He actually planned on killing a particular person but when he went to knock on the door, no one answered. After continuing to troll the neighborhood, he knocked on one other door and got no response. He approached a little boy, watched what house the little boy went into and followed him. When he got inside the house, he put Shirleys three young children in the bathroom and then tied Shirley up and strangled her. He left his semen on some panties that were found next to her body. December 1977, BTK struck again. This time his victim was Nancy Fox, 25. She was victim number 7 and Rader labeled her as Project Fox Hunt5. He had apparently been watching Fox for a long time, stalking her. He would go by her house several times, rummage through her mailbox to find out what her name was, and stalked her at her job.3 On this night in December, he went by her house and knocked on her door but when no one answered, he broke in. He waited in her house in the kitchen and when she got home, he told her he was going to rape her and tied her to the bed. Afterwards, he strangled her. He left semen on a nightgown that was found next to her body. Rader later described Foxs murder as the perfect hit6(pp. 53) because he said that there was no interference in the killing. 1985-Eight Years Later Eight years after Nancy Fox was murdered, BTK was back on the scene and ready for his next victim. That victim was Marine Hedge, 53. Rader labeled her as Project Cookie.6(pp. 92) The sad part about this murder is that Hedge lived on the same street as Rader; only six doors down to be exact. He broke into her house and waited for her. When she came home, she was not alone. She had a male friend with her so Rader hid out in the house and waited for her male friend to leave. Once her male friend left, Rader strangled her in her bed with his bare hands. Hedge was the first victim where Rader moved the body from the house after killing them. He took her body to his churchs basement and posed it for photographs. Her body was later found in a ditch on the roadside. 1986-Victim #9 On September 16, 1986, Vicki Wegerle became BTKs ninth victim. She was 28 years old. Rader used trickery to get in to Wegerles house. He posed as a telephone repair man3 with a uniform and a hard hat. He called his outfit for this murder his hit clothes.3 When he got into her house, he pulled a gun on her and attacked her. She put up a fight for her life but he eventually overpowered her and strangled her with a nylon sock. He also posed her body for photographs as he had previously done to Hedge. It was later found out that Vicki was not dead when Rader left her house; he only thought she was dead. She later died when the paramedics couldnt revive her. 1991-Final Victim-5 years later BTKs last and final victim was Delores Davis, who was murdered on January 19, 1991. She was 62 years old. By this time, a decade had passed since BTK began his killing spree. Rader had previously cased the place before3 and this time she was in the house. It appears as though Rader had gotten lazy by the 10th murder because he threw a concrete cinder block through Daviss patio glass door and bombarded his way into her house. He made no attempt to conceal the noise that the shattering glass made. He pretended to be a wanted criminal and eventually strangled Davis. She was the second victim that Rader had moved from the location of the murder. Her body was dumped under a bridge. She too was posed and photographed after being killed. Raders mask was left by her face. The Investigation The BTK investigation began in the mid 1970s, spanned the length of 30 years, and concluded with the arrest and conviction of Dennis Rader in 2005. In the early 1980s, the Wichita Police Chief created a secret task force6(pp.86) of special investigators to work on the BTK case. They were the team that hunted BTK. This team was called the Ghostbusters.6(pp. 85) There were tons of calls and tips throughout the BTK investigation. Investigators came up with lists to eliminate and compare suspects. They put together a list with tens of thousands of names 6 (pp.88) This list included men who went to the local college, men who worked with any of the victims, men who were between 21 and 35 years of age in 1974 and lived in the county6(pp. 88), and mostly men with any kind of sex/torture/perverse/stalking behavior on their criminal record. Several of the detectives went door-to-door to most of these suspects houses and asked outright if they would submit to DNA testing. Suspects who were unwi llingly to be tested were placed under surveillance. In the Otero murders, police interviewed more than 1500 people6(pp. 31) to no avail. Police originally thought that organized crime families or drugs may have been involved in the family murders. Some police didnt want to accept the fact that a serial killer may have been on the loose or that there were similarities in the Otero and Bright killings. It wasnt until BTK starting sending the police clues about the murders that they put it all together and realized that a serial killer was on the loose. Three of the victims worked at the same location; Colemans. Even when Kathryns brother Kevin (who survived the attack) gave the police a description of his attacker, they never caught him. Even with all of the man hours and leg work put into the investigation, BTK was not caught back then. From 1991 until 2004, when BTK resumed communication with the police, the trail for the serial killer had gone completely cold. Search and Arrest Warrants and Subpoenas There were several search and arrest warrants issued in the BTK case in the later years. In the beginning, there was mostly list compiling and DNA tests done to eliminate suspects but no definite leads as to who BTK was. There were too many suspects and police kept hitting dead ends. In December 2004, the television station KSN reported that Roger Valadez had been arrested in connection with the BTK killings. The report was based on an anonymous tip that was inaccurate. Mr. Valadez was arrested early that morning on charges of criminal trespassing and housing code violations12 but it was somehow leaked that he was a suspect in the BTK murders. A search warrant was executed on his home. He was cleared by DNA tests of any criminal activity related to the BTK killer.6(pp. 227) Valadez later sued the television station and won. In 2005, police obtained a warrant for the medical records of Raders daughter (Kerri Rader) which was a familial match with semen collected at an earlier crime sc ene.13 His daughters DNA match and other evidence that police had accumulated while surveilling Rader gave them probable cause for a search warrant. Raders home, vehicle, church and office were also searched for evidence after the warrant was executed. Also, a search warrant for Raders DNA was executed after he was arrested. He was cheek swabbed while in police custody. Four swabs were taken; two were immediately sent to the county forensic lab and the other two went to the forensic lab in Topeka, Kansas. 6(pp. 269) Interviews Rader was interviewed by the police in 2005. He talked in the third person as though Dennis Rader was someone else. He ducked questions for many hours. Rader gave away nothing during his interview. He spoke to the detectives as equals, noting that he too was in law enforcement.6 Interrogations In September 1986, Bill Wegerle was interrogated by the police and suspected of killing his wife Vicki Wegerle. He was given two lie detector tests and he failed both.6(pp. 102) He was interrogated for hours and asked a lot of probing questions about his and his wifes relationship. Wegerle told the police that on his way home from work, he saw his own car ride right by him and he saw someone else driving it but he didnt think anything of it at the time.16 They mainly wondered how he sat in the house for forty-five minutes before he found her body.6(pp. 101) The police did not believe Bill initially but later contributed him failing both lie detector tests to the stress of a grieving husband. Dennis Rader was interrogated by FBI profiler Bob Morton and Wichita Police Lt. Ken Landwehr shortly after his arrest in 2005. He was arrested on February 25, 2005 as a suspect in the BTK killings. He was formally charged with the murders on February 28, 2005.9 It was during this interrogation that Dennis Rader confessed to being the BTK killer. His 16 hour confession was given in full and of his own free will and recorded on over 20 DVDs.9 Rader knew that he was going to kill again and he told the officers who interrogated him this. He was already in the process of stalking his next victim when he was arrested. Seizure and Analysis of Forensic Evidence There was a ton of evidence and more than enough to get a conviction once BTK was captured. Due to his sexual perversion, he left semen at most of the locations of his killings. Although BTK wasnt caught until 3 decades later, the case was never closed and police had evidence stored from all of the crime scenes. Rader stayed in contact with police through the years taunting them and sending them clues that would later be used to catch and convict him. For example, Rader was so pleased with himself after he killed Nancy Fox that he called the police the next morning to gloat about it. He spoke 15 words during a three-second span of a seven second recording. The audio quality of the call, taped at a slow speed, so was poor it was not released to the public until August 1979. The tape was sent to the Washington DC, FBI laboratory but it was too brief and distorted by background noise to make a comparison voiceprint.5 This tape was kept as evidence and more than likely presented during R aders trial. Semen was found on or near the bodies of his victims Josephine Otero, Shirley Vian and Nancy Fox; all of the semen was matched to Rader. Also, DNA obtained from fingernail scrapings of Vicki Wegerles left hand matched Raders DNA, eliminating any doubt that he was her murderer. High tech forensic computer detection was used to get evidence off of the disk Rader mailed to a Wichita television station in February 2005. This is how Rader was caught. Using this high tech computer, residual information left over on the disk identified the last person who had used the disk: someone named Dennis. It was also learned that the disk had been used on computers registered to two local organizations, Christ Lutheran Church and Park City Library. An internet search on the churchs name provided the name of the congregations president: Dennis Rader.14 Summary Its sad to say that if he had maintained his silence after his last murder in 1991, BTK would still be a free man today, writing citations and catching dogs for the city of Park City. He probably would have never been caught. But his ego was way too big for his own good, and he just had to let everyone know he was still at large. He wanted to taunt the police with the fact that BTK was still on the loose after 3 decades. His cockiness led to his downfall. Had these murders occurred today, I believe that he would have been caught before he got the chance to kill ten people. Today, we have much more advanced technologies than investigators had in the 70s and ways to gets results faster. Rader left entirely too many clues and had entirely way too much correspondence with the police over the years for them to not have caught him long ago. Some of his murders were way too sloppy and although he had a college education, he didnt appear to be intelligent enough to outsmart 3 decades worth o f police investigators. That is probably the reason why as soon as he re-emerged in 2004, he was caught. Although he planned to kill others, that same year, he never got the chance. Dennis Rader pled guilty to 10 counts of first degree murder and was found guilty and sentenced on August 18, 2005. He was sentenced to 10 consecutive life terms, which require a minimum of 175 years without a chance of parole. Because Kansas had no death penalty at the time the murders were committed, life imprisonment was the maximum penalty allowed by law. His earliest possible release date is February 26, 2180. Rader, 60, will spend the rest of his life at the maximum-security El Dorado Correctional Facility near Wichita. Other cold cases in Kansas were reopened to see if Raders DNA matched crime scenes, but Raders confession was limited to the 10 known victims and police and prosecutors do not believe there were any more victims because of the extensive records and memorabilia he kept on each of his victims.9 During Raders sentencing hearing, the families of the victims were given the chance to give victim impact statements describing how the murders have effected and continues to effect their lives. The families got a chance to speak on behalf of their loved ones who are no longer here because of BTK. C, Si, Ge Doped (6,3) Chiral BNNTs: A Computational Study C, Si, Ge Doped (6,3) Chiral BNNTs: A Computational Study The C, Si, Ge Doped (6,3) Chiral BNNTs: A Computational Study Mohammad Reza Zardoost a,*, Behnam Dehbandib , Marjan Dehbandib Abstract: Electronic structure properties including bond lengths, bond angles, dipole moments ( µ), energies, band gaps, NMR parameters of the isotropic and anisotropic chemical shielding parameters for the sites of various atoms were calculated using density functional theory for C , Si , Ge doped (6,3) Chiral BNNTs. The calculations indicated that average bond lengths were as: Ge-N > Si-N > C-N and Ge-B > Si-B > C-B. The dipole moments for C, Si, and Ge doped (6, 3) Chiral BNNTs structures show fairly large changes with respect to the pristine model. Keywords: NMR, Nanotube, DFT, Dipole moment 1. Introduction Since the early times that carbon nanotube (CNT) was discovered by Iijima [1], the physical, chemical and structural properties and applications of this material have been investigated extensively [2–4]. The properties of CNTs are mostly dependent on the tubular diameter, doped atoms in the structure and chirality, which make their synthesis for the specific purposes difficult. A lot of studies have been done in the investigation of stable structures of non-carbon based nanotubes, among them boron-nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have a great importance [5]. The stable tubular structure of BNNT was initially found by calculations [6] and later was successfully synthesized [7]. After this time, a large growing number of experimental and theoretical studies, specifically ab initio calculations on carbon-, silicon- and germanium substituted BN nanotubes have been performed on the electronic structures of the BNNTs [8–11]. The results show that C, Si and Ge replacements can induce spontaneous magnetization with different deformation in the nanotube [12]. At the present time, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy [13-14] is the best technique to study the electronic structure properties of materials. Doping of Chiral BNNTs by C, Si, Ge atoms changes their properties and so the interactions of the nanotube and foreign atoms or molecules. (see Fig. 1). In this work we studied the electronic structure properties, including bond lengths, bond angles, dipole moments ( µ), energies, band gaps, and NMR parameters in the C, Si, Ge doped Chiral BNNTs structures. a b c d e f g 2. Computational methods All calculations were performed using Gaussian 98 computational package [15] with density functional theory (DFT) method using Becke’s three-parameter hybrid exchange functions with the correlation functions of Lee, Yang, Parr (B3LYP) [16,17] using 6-31G (d) basis set [18]. Previously it has been found that the calculated NMR parameters at the B3LYP and B3PW91 levels have a good agreement with the experiment [19]. It is shown that B3LYP gives reasonable and even accurate band gap values for nanotubes [19] so this function is chosen for band gap calculations. In the present study, we considered a pristine (6,3) chiral BNNTs of diameter 6.6 Ã… and 10.1 Ã… length. This BNNT model consists of 42 Boron, 42 Nitrogen and 18 hydrogens (B42N42H18) B and N sites of this BNNT are doped by C, Si, Ge (see Fig. 1). We have seven models, namely pristine (Fig. 1a), or with a B or N atom doped by C, i.e., the B-C-B or N-C-N model (Fig. 1b, c), doped by a Si atom, i.e., the B-Si-B or N-Si-N model (Fig. 1d, e), doped by a Ge atom, i.e., the B-Ge-B or N-Ge-N model (Fig. 1f, g). We investigated the influence of the C, Si, and Ge doping on the properties of the (6,3) Chiral BNNTs. The hydrogenated models of the pristine (6,3) Chiral BNNTs and the three atoms doped models of BNNTs consisted of 102 atoms with formulas of B42N42H18 (pristine), CB41N42H18 and CB42N41H18 (B-C-B or N-C-N model), SiB41N42H18 and SiB42N41H18 (B-Si-B or N-Si-N model), GeB41N42H18 and GeB42N41H18 (B-Ge-B or N-Ge-N model). The calculated CS tensors in the principal axis system (PAS) with the order of ÏÆ'33 > ÏÆ'22 > ÏÆ'11 [20] for C, Si, and Ge doping for the investigated models of the (6,3) Chiral BNNTs were converted into measurable NMR parameters (isotropic chemical shielding (CSI) and anisotropic chemical shielding (CSA) p arameters) using Eqs. (1) and (2) [23], summarized in Tables 3-6. CSI(ppm)= (ÏÆ'11+ ÏÆ'22+ ÏÆ'33) (1) CSA(ppm)= ÏÆ'33(ÏÆ'11+ ÏÆ'22) (2) For NQR parameters, computational calculations do not directly detect experimentally measurable NQR parameters, nuclear quadrupole coupling constant (CQ), and asymmetry parameter (). Therefore, Eqns. (3) and (4) are used to convert the calculated EFG (electric field gradient) tensors in the principal axis system (PAS) with the order of |qzz| > |qyy| > |qxx| to their proportional experimental parameters; CQ is the interaction energy of nuclear electric quadrupole moment () with the EFG tensors at the sites of quadrupole nuclei (Nuclei with nuclear spin angular momentum greater than >1/2), but the asymmetry parameter () is a measure of the EFG tensors, which describes the deviation from tubular symmetry at the sites of quadrupole nuclei. The standard Q value (Q (11B) = 40.59 mb) reported by Pyykkà ¶ [21] is used in Eq. (3). The NQR parameters of 11B nuclei for the investigated models of the (6,3) BNNTs are summarized in Table 7. (3) (4) 3. Results and discussion 3.1. Structures of the (6,3) Chiral BNNTs The structural properties consisting of the B-N bond lengths, bond angles, dipole moments ( µ), energies, and band gaps for the investigated models of the (6,3) Chiral BNNTs are given in Table 1 and Table 2. R1, R2, and R3 are B-X-B and N-X-N bond lengths (doped atom and its neighbors). ÃŽ ±, ÃŽ ², and ÃŽ ³ are B-X-B and N-X-N angles. There are Six forms of C, Si, Ge doped Chiral BNNTs for the (6,3) Chiral model. These calculations indicated that the average of the (X = C, Si, Ge) bond lengths of the B-X-B and N-X-N models is larger than those the pristine models. The reason seems to be increasing of atomic radius going from carbon to Ge. The bond angles produce some structural deformations that are responsible for deformation in structure by changing the doped atom size respect to carbon. For the B-X-B and N-X-N (X = C, Si, Ge) models, the diameter values are larger than those the pristine models. It has worth to be noted that the significant changes of geometries are just for those atoms placed in the nearest neighborhood of X atom and those of other atoms almost remained unchanged. 3.2. Energy band structure and density of states Table2. Energy, LUMO, HOMO, LUMO-HOMO gap, dipole moment ÃŽ ¼, and electronegativity (χ) of the studied structures at B3LYP/6-31G(d). The total densities of states (DOS) of these tubes are presented in Fig. 2. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the calculated HOMO-LUMO gap (band gap) of the (6,3) Chiral BNNTs is 6.2 (eV) and the calculated band gaps of the C , Si , Ge doped models molecular orbital’s are 3.5,5.8 , 5.0 , 5.0 , 5.5 and 5.0 (eV) respectively (See Table 2). Doping of C, Si, and Ge in these tubes causes significant changes in the gaps of the DOS plots. In comparison with the pristine model, the band gaps of these models are reduced that increase their electrical conductance. These results indicated that the doping of C, Si, Ge atom by B, N atoms B-X-B and N-X-N model (X=C, Si, Ge) has more influence on the band gap of the Chiral BNNTs (see Table 2). By increasing atomic number and size polarizability increases that enhances dipole moment. Dipole moments ( µ) of the C, Si, Ge doped Chiral BNNTs structures (Fig. 1) indicate slightly changes with respect to the pristine model. 3.3. NMR parameters of the (6,3) Chiral BNNTs The NMR parameters for the investigated models of the (6,3) Chiral BNNTs are tabulated in Table 3, 4, 5 and Table 6. In the pristine model of the (6,3) Chiral BNNTs, there are 42 B atoms and 42 N atoms in the considered model and the NMR parameters are separated into five layers and six Columns, which means that the CS parameters for the atoms of each layer and Column have equivalent chemical environment and electrostatic properties. In Fig. 1b,c,d,e ,f,g the B and N atoms has been replaced by the C, Si, Ge atoms. Table 3 Isotropic shielding parameters of the studied structures at B3LYP/6-31G(d) The calculated results in Table 3 indicate that doping C, Si, and Ge slightly changes the NMR parameters of the various B and N atoms in (Fig.1b–g) of the Si, Ge, C doped(6,3) Chiral SWBNNTs except for the N25 and N27 atoms for which the changes are significant. Because among the atoms of (Fig.1b–e) B–X model (X= C, Si, Ge), the N25 and N27 atoms are the nearest neighbors of the C, Si, and Ge atoms; hence, both the CSI and CSA parameters show the most significant changes due to the C, Si, Ge doping. Also, changes in the CSI parameters of the N10 and N12 atoms, which are the next nearest neighbors of the C, Si, Ge atoms, are also notable. There are differences between the properties of the electronic structures of C, Si, Ge atoms. Comparison of the calculated NMR parameters in (Fig. 1b–g) indicates that the properties of the electronic structure of the Ge doped (6,3) Chiral SWBNNTs are more influenced than those of the Si–N model, where the N atom is doped by the Si atom. We studied the electronic energies of the models. The changes in the NMR parameter due to the C, Si, and Ge doping are more significant for the N–Si, N–Ge, N-C models with the pristine model. 3.2. NQR parameters The 11B NQR parameters (ÃŽ ·Q and CQ) in the geometrically optimized SWBNNT models were calculated from the EFG tensors. The results are tabulated in Table 7. A quick look at the results reveals that the calculated NQR parameters are not similar for various nuclei; therefore, the electrostatic environment of BNNT is not equivalent in length in all BNNT models. Since, in contrast with CNTs, the ends of BNNTs are different, the NQR values decrease from each end to the opposite end of the chiral model. It was proved before that the end nuclei in the SW-BNNTs are crucial to their growth and also field emission properties [22, 23]. Since no experimental NQR data for BNNTs are available in the literature, the tables do not include any reference experimental data for the calculated results. B17 and B46 in all models have the largest CQ that states greater orientation of the EFG tensor eigenvalues along the z-axis of the electronic distribution at the sites of the 11B17 and 11B46 nuclei. The electrostatic environments of atom B17 and B46 are stronger than in the other layers along the length of the tube. The largest change in CQ is due to B46, located in the layer of doped atoms, because doping changes the geometrical parameters and hence the electronic behavior of atoms. Table 8 The 11B NQR parametersThe highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) in the pristine, and C–X (X=B, N) models are plotted in Fig. 3. For the pristine model, HOMO and LUMO are uniformly distributed throughout the B–N bonds, whereas, in the C–X model (X=B, N) models, HOMO and LUMO are highly localized at the doped regions. (see Fig. 3) In comparison with the pristine model, band gaps of the C, Si, and Ge doped models increased their electrical conductance. Conclusion We studied the electronic structure properties including bond lengths, bond angles, dipole moments (ÃŽ ¼), energies, band gaps, the NMR parameter of the six C, Si, Ge doped SWBNNTs models by means of DFT calculations. The calculated results indicated that the average Ge-B bond lengths of the Ge-N model are larger than those the pristine and the C–B, C–N, Si–B, Si-N and Ge-B models: Ge–N>Si–N>Ge–B>Si–B>C–N>Pure>C-B. The values of dipole moments (ÃŽ ¼) of the six C, Si, Ge doped SWBNNTs are Ge–N> Si–N> Ge–B> C–N> Pure> Si–B > C-B. In comparison with the pristine model, the band gaps of the six C, Si, Ge doped models are reduced and their electrical conductance increased as: C–B > Si–B = Si–N = Ge–N > Ge–B > C-N. The NMR values for the B and N atoms directly bound to the C, Si, and Ge in the C, Si, and Ge doped models are significantly changed. Comparison of the calculated NMR parameters in the X–B and X-N (X=C, Si, Ge) models shows that the properties of the electronic structure of the X-B doped (6,3) Chiral SWBNNTs are more influenced than X–N model in Fig. 1b–g. The electronic sites of the B and N atoms in X-N model have greater effects than X-B model in Fig. 1 in the C, Ge, and Si doping processes. References [1]S. Iijima, Single-shell carbon nanotubes of 1-nm diameter, Nature 354 (1991) 56. [2]H. Terrones, F. Lopez-Urias, E. Muooz-Sandoval, J.A. Rodriguez-Manzo, A. Zamudio, A.L. Elias, M. Terrones, Magnetization of carbon-doped MgO nanotube, Solid State Sci. 8 (2006) 303. [3]F. Moreau, R. Langlet, P.h. Lambin, P.P. Kuzhir, D.S. Bychanok, S.A. Maksimenko, Dielectric properties of a novel high absorbing onion-like-carbon based polymer composite, Solid State Sci. 11 (2009) 1752. [4]R. Joshi, J. Engstler, P. Haridoss, J.J. Schneider, Formation of carbon nanotubes from a silicon carbide/carbon composite,Solid State Sci. 11 (2009) 422. [5]A. Loiseau, F. Willaime, N. Demoncy, N. Schramcheko, G. Hug, C. Colliex, H. Pascard, Mathematical modeling for the simulation of heavy metal ions, Carbon 36 (1998) 743. [6]X. Blase, A. Rubio, S.G. Louie, M.L. Cohen, Stability and band gap constancy of boron-nitride nanotubes, Eur. Phys. Lett. 28(1994) 335. [7]N.G. Chopra, R.J. Luyken, K. Cherrey, V.H. Crespi, M.L. Cohen, S.G. Louie, A. Zettl, Boron-nitride nanotubes, Science 269 (1995) 966. [8]L. Guo, R.N. Singh, Catalytic growth of boron nitride nanotubes using gas precursors, Physica E 41 (2009) 448. [9]B. Fakrach, A. Rahmani, H. Chadli, K. Sbai, J.-L. Sauvajol, Raman spectrum of single-walled boron nitride nanotube, Physica E 41 (2009) 1800. [10]M. Mirzaei, An electronic structure study of O-terminated zigzag BN nanotubes, Physica E 41 (2009) 883. [11]M. Giahi, M. Mirzaei, Computational NQR study of a boron nitride nanocone, Z. Naturforsch. A 64 (2009) 251. [12]J. Wu, W. Zhang, Chem. Phys. Lett. 457 (2008) 169. [13]R. R. Zope, B.I. Dunlap, Phys. Rev. B. 72 (2005) 45439-6. [14]F.A. Bovey, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Academic Press, San Diego, 1988. [15]M.J. Frisch, G.W. Trucks, H.B. Schlegel, G.E. Scuseria, M.A. Robb, J.R. Cheese- man, V.G. Zakrzewski, J.A. Montgomery Jr., R.E. Stratmann, J.C. Burant, S. Dapprich, J.M. Millam, A.D. Daniels, K.N. Kudin, M.C. Strain, O. Farkas, J. Tomasi, V. Barone, M. Cossi, R. Cammi, B. Mennucci, C. Pomelli, C. Adamo, S. Clifford, J. Ochterski, G.A. Petersson, P.Y. Ayala, Q. Cui, K. Morokuma, D.K. Malick, A.D. Rabuck, K. Raghavachari, J.B. Foresman, J. Cioslowski, J.V. Ortiz, A.G. Baboul, B.B. Stefanov, G. Liu, A. Liashenko, P. Piskorz, I. Komaromi, R. Gomperts, R.L. Martin, D.J. Fox, T. Keith, M.A. Al-Laham, C.Y. Peng, A. Nanayakkara, C. Gonzalez, M. Challacombe, P.M.W. Gill, B. Johnson, W. Chen, M.W.Wong, J.L. Andres, C. Gonzalez, M. Head-Gordon, E.S. Replogle, J.A. Pople, GAUSSIAN 98, Gaussian, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, 1998. [16]A.D. Becke, J. Chem. Phys. 98 (1993) 5648-5652. [17]C. Lee, W. Yang, R. G. Parr, Phys. Rev. B. 37 (1988) 785. [18]G. A. Petersson and M. A. Al-Laham, J. Chem. Phys. 94, 6081 (1991). [19]M. Mirzaei, N.L. Hadipour, J Phys Chem A. 110 (2006) 4833-4838. [20]Y. Matsuda, J. Tahir-Kheli and W. A. Goddard, The Journal of Physical Chemistry letters 1 (2010) 2946. [21]R.S.Drago,Physical Methods for Chemists,second ed. ,Saunders College, Florida, 1992. [21]P. Pyykkà ¶, Mol. Phys. 99 (2001) 1617. [22] S. Hou, Z. Shen, J. Zhang, X. Zhao, Z. Xue, Chem. Phys. Lett. 393 (2004) 179. [23] E. Bengu, L.D. Marks, Phys. Rev. Lett. 86 (2001) 2385.

Graduation Speech: Lifes Defining Moments :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

I was watching a re-run of the "Dr. Phil" show the other day, and he was offering advice to someone who had an anger problem. Dr. Phil asked him to recall the top 10 defining moments in his life, which is where the secret to his anger problem was supposed to lie. So, I began thinking about what are the top ten defining moments in my life? The birth of my daughter was the first thing that came to my mind. She made me a mother, along with a 24-hour worrier and an insomniac. As I began to dwell more on the topic I realized that going to college has not only been one of my defining moments, it has made me who I am. With all the different classes we take Community College, we realize interests we never knew we had. My first three quarters here, I was in the Running Start program, which allowed me to graduate high school while taking college courses. I took a political science class, just to fulfill my American history credit, and I realized I love politics. I never knew I had such a passion for debating heated topics like gun control until the teacher couldn't get me to stop talking in class. psychology taught me that my weird 2-year-old isn't so weird after all. And chemistry taught me that I really don't care for science that much. So, when my friends tell me they aren't going to college because they don't know what they want to do, I ask them how are you ever going to figure it out? As you guys have your celebrations and get-togethers today, I encourage you to think about your first day at Johnson and how you have changed since then. Do you look on the world in a different way, or did college just confirm that this is the person you truly are? On one hand, my viewpoints on topics changed completely, when my professors opened up my eyes to things like discrimination and class-ism, and on other hand some of my beliefs were strongly supported. Throughout school, I had everyone supporting me. When you have a baby young, everyone pressures you to finish school. I'm very proud to say that I continued school, not only for myself, but for my family too. Not because it is what I was suppose to do, although it is what was best for me.

Flexible Staffing Arrangements Essay examples -- Work Working Workforc

Flexible Staffing Arrangements Options for flexible work schedules--once nonexistent--have become a reality, with benefits for workers and employees alike. Job sharing, compressed work weeks, reduced hours, work at home, and flextime have provided employees with the means to realize a better balance between work and family and an opportunity to engage simultaneously in more than one endeavor, e.g., school and work, two careers, and work and leisure. They can also lead to economic and emotional stress and to limited opportunities for professional growth. This Digest examines flexible work options, including the characteristics of workers who select them, the organizations that offer them, and the influence they have on worker satisfaction, performance, productivity, and career progression. Flexible Staffing Arrangements Over the years, employers have established employment arrangements with workers that include working in shifts, on "temporary" assignments, in a part-time capacity, and through independent contract work. The impetus for these arrangements is the organizations desire to realize its short-term service and production goals and to reap the low-cost benefits of a contingent work force. Today, with businesses facing increasingly competitive markets and unprecedented customer demands for services, the employment of workers in shifts to cover a 24-hour day is increasing. In fact, one in five workers is hired to work outside the typical 9-to-5 time slot ("No More Nine-to-Five" 1998). Manufacturing companies have traditionally operated day and night, often to capitalize on equipment usage. However, many other types of companies are now offering their services around the clock, e.g., financial services, 24-hou... ... to Growth in Use of Part-Time Faculty." Chronicle of Higher Education 44, no. 15 (December 5, 1997): A18. Lief, L. "An End to the Dead-End Job?" U.S. News & World Report 123, no. 16 (October 27, 1997): 86-87. McShulskis, E. "Retirees Returning to Work Threaten Some Full-Time Workers." HRMagazine 42, no. 3 (March 1997):26-28. McShulskis, E. "Part-Time Plans Have a Positive Impact." HRMagazine 43, no. 1 (January 1998): 26. "No More Nine-to-Five." The Economist 346, no. 8050 (January 1998): 53-55. "No Part-Time Job Explosion." The Economist 344, no. 8030 (August 16, 1997): 23. "Part-Time Professionals Push Positive Image." CQ Researcher 7, no. 40 (October 24, 1997): 944. Tolliver, C. "The Payback from Part Time." HR Focus 74, no. 12 (December 1997): 1, 3-4. "Using Part-Time Workers." IRS Employment Review no. 629 (April 1997): E13-E16.

Free Essays - A Schoolyard Lesson :: Personal Narrative Essays

A Schoolyard Lesson "Get up, get up you have school today," my mother blurted out, as I fell out of bed. I stood up and waddled to the bathroom. Looking into the mirror I smiled to myself; I knew today was going to be just fine. My family and I had just moved from Guatemala, and today was to be my first day at Bel Air Elementary School. I usually don't get worried about these situations, since I've been through the routine before, besides I tend to make friends easily. Why would today be any different, I told myself. I finished brushing my teeth and splashing my face, then continued to get dressed. I threw on some Bugle Boy caches, a Polo shirt, and some Nikes. After giving up on my hair; I ran into the kitchen and snatched my lunch box off the counter. Soon I was out the door and on to face my first day at my new school. After defeating the labyrinth of streets that we call our neighborhood, and meeting my first crossing guard; I made my way into the school. It was quite crowded , but I knew where I was headed. I proceeded up the stairs and down the hall to room 212, where I sat down in the front row. I turned around and took a quick peak at the class; scanning the room for someone to talk to. When I saw no opportunities I began to get a bit timid, but as soon as the bell rang I felt all right. We went through the motions for awhile: filling out paper work, introducing ourselves, all the first day stuff. I heard a few kids say they were new to the area, of which Brian Vedder was the only boy. He wasn't much to look at, not a soap opera star, or a great athlete, just a regular kid. Nonetheless I thought I'd like to meet him and talk to him later on in the day. By this time we all were becoming restless, and I definitely knew why. Everyone was waiting for recess, the time when kids get to have fun and let it all hang out. After all we didn't have class

Relevance of Shakespeare Today

The relevance of Shakespeare is, in my opinion, unquestionable, even in contemporary times. Not only is his contribution to the English language immense in its proportions, but also enduring. Even today, William Shakespeare is a household name the world over. He is quite literally, the figure-head of English literature, even to the average layman. Innumerable versions of his immortal works are seen again and again in our films, plays and even our writing. His simple yet deep concepts have stood the test of time and are still as insightful as they were in his day.Over the years, there have been several adaptations both on stage and in film of Shakespearean works. His plays have inspired successful Hollywood films such 10 Things I Hate About You, based on Taming of the Shrew. The Indian film industry too has drawn heavily on Shakespeare as seen in movies like Angoor, where the plot is drawn almost entirely from A Comedy of Errors and Omkara, an adaptation of Othello. One of his most we ll-known plays, Romeo and Juliet, has inspired scores of movies such as Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet, and the more recent Ishaqzaade.To add to this, there have been countless stage productions of his plays. His works continue to captivate audiences to this day. His most popular plays are still a source of ideas to filmmakers in need of a muse. Although it has been said that his plots were repetitive and they are viewed as cliched and overdone from today’s standpoint, the fact remains that these very stories are what draw audiences time after time. A pioneer in his art, he flouted all theatrical conventions of his time and in doing so, altered the very structure of drama.Critics have noted his disregard for Aristotle’s rules regarding literary unities, but in the words of Pope, â€Å"To judge of Shakespeare by Aristotle's rules, is like trying a man by the laws of one country who acted under those of another†. Pope, in the Preface to his six-folio edition o f the works of Shakespeare also says, â€Å"Shakespeare is not so much an imitator, as an instrument of nature†. This, undoubtedly, was a response to the accusations of several scholars that all of Shakespeare’s work was, in fact, indebted to Christopher Marlowe.They even went as far as to attribute all of the innovations and dramatic techniques that first appeared in Shakespeare’s writing to Marlowe. Despite such harsh criticism and vilification, the works of Shakespeare are today some of the most celebrated in English literature. Shakespeare’s approach to writing plays revolutionized Elizabethan theatre. Such forwardness of thought and modernity of outlook was previously unseen in his day and age. He addressed contentious subjects that his contemporaries had hitherto not considered.He started the trend of writing in blank verse, which transformed all preceding dramatic norms. He used language according to his own fashion, coining words and expressions t hat have today become so commonplace, that they seem to have been part of the very idiom of language. To this day, expressions such as ‘too much of a good thing’ (As You Like It), ‘in my mind's eye’ (Hamlet), ‘it was Greek to me’ (Julius Caesar), ‘break the ice’ (The Taming of the Shrew) and ‘bated breath’ (The Merchant of Venice) are used in everyday speech and writing.Shakespearean quotes such as â€Å"To be, or not to be: that is the question† (Hamlet – Act III, Scene I) and â€Å"This above all: to thine own self be true† (Hamlet – Act I, Scene III) have passed into standard usage. His plays were written keeping in mind the tastes and preferences of the Elizabethan audiences. He wrote sonnets to appease his patrons and keep a stable income, which enabled him to further his career as a playwright. Not only did his writing have to appeal to the nobles, but also to the commoners, the  "groundlings†.Accepting the challenge, Shakespeare incorporated into his writing not only grandiose depictions of scenes of historical importance, but also earthy, rustic humour in order to please the masses. The themes he dealt with, although in accordance with a particular setting, were universal and easy to relate to irrespective of social class or position. There are few others who hold such widespread acclaim as William Shakespeare. His writing has influenced several writers through the ages, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, John Steinbeck, Aldous Huxley, William Faulkner and Pearl S Buck, to name a few.A number of writers have quoted Shakespeare in their writing or drawn their titles from his works. Thomas Hardy chose Under the Greenwood Tree as the title for one of his novels, alluding to the following lines from As You Like It: â€Å"Under the green wood tree / Who loves to lie with me / And turn his merry note / Unto the sweet bird's throat. † From King John†™s definition of life: â€Å"Life is as tedious as a twice told tale / Vexing the dull air of a drowsy man. The title, Twice Told Tales was taken by both, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Charles Dickens. Aldous Huxley derived the title of his science fiction Brave New World from The Tempest: â€Å"O, wonder! / How many goodly creatures are there here! / How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world / That hath such people in it. † Pearl S Buck named her collected works Words of Love, which was taken from King Lear: â€Å"And your large speeches may your deeds approve / That good effects may spring from words of love. John Steinbeck drew the title of his novel The Winter of Our Discontent from the soliloquy of Richard III: â€Å"Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this son of York. † The title of William Faulkner's novel The Sound and the Fury is taken from the soliloquy of Macbeth: â€Å"It is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury / Sig nifying nothing. † The astute quality of Shakespeare’s plots is highlighted by the depth of the characterization.Shakespeare’s portrayal of both minor as well as major characters in all of his plays is intricate and inclusive. Few writers have been able to provide such consistent renderings in their works. Such detailed development in terms of plot and character has so far not been rivalled. Despite new advances, Shakespeare’s colossal role in the progression of English literature remains unparalleled till date. In particular, it was Shakespeare’s ability to effortlessly mingle comedy with tragedy that led to his fame, and what makes his works invaluable even today.In the Preface to Dr. Johnson’s edition of Shakespeare (1765), he writes, â€Å"This is the praise of Shakespeare, that his drama is the mirror of life; that he who has mazed his imagination in following the phantoms which other writers raise up before him, may here be cured of hi s delirious ecstasies by reading human sentiments in human language; by scenes from which a hermit may estimate the transactions of the world, and a confessor predict the progress of the passions. I thereby conclude by once again affirming the relevance of Shakespeare in contemporary times as is plainly seen by the vast influence his work has had on the advancement of the English language and the course of development of English literature. Relevance of Shakespeare Today The relevance of Shakespeare is, in my opinion, unquestionable, even in contemporary times. Not only is his contribution to the English language immense in its proportions, but also enduring. Even today, William Shakespeare is a household name the world over. He is quite literally, the figure-head of English literature, even to the average layman. Innumerable versions of his immortal works are seen again and again in our films, plays and even our writing. His simple yet deep concepts have stood the test of time and are still as insightful as they were in his day.Over the years, there have been several adaptations both on stage and in film of Shakespearean works. His plays have inspired successful Hollywood films such 10 Things I Hate About You, based on Taming of the Shrew. The Indian film industry too has drawn heavily on Shakespeare as seen in movies like Angoor, where the plot is drawn almost entirely from A Comedy of Errors and Omkara, an adaptation of Othello. One of his most we ll-known plays, Romeo and Juliet, has inspired scores of movies such as Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet, and the more recent Ishaqzaade.To add to this, there have been countless stage productions of his plays. His works continue to captivate audiences to this day. His most popular plays are still a source of ideas to filmmakers in need of a muse. Although it has been said that his plots were repetitive and they are viewed as cliched and overdone from today’s standpoint, the fact remains that these very stories are what draw audiences time after time. A pioneer in his art, he flouted all theatrical conventions of his time and in doing so, altered the very structure of drama.Critics have noted his disregard for Aristotle’s rules regarding literary unities, but in the words of Pope, â€Å"To judge of Shakespeare by Aristotle's rules, is like trying a man by the laws of one country who acted under those of another†. Pope, in the Preface to his six-folio edition o f the works of Shakespeare also says, â€Å"Shakespeare is not so much an imitator, as an instrument of nature†. This, undoubtedly, was a response to the accusations of several scholars that all of Shakespeare’s work was, in fact, indebted to Christopher Marlowe.They even went as far as to attribute all of the innovations and dramatic techniques that first appeared in Shakespeare’s writing to Marlowe. Despite such harsh criticism and vilification, the works of Shakespeare are today some of the most celebrated in English literature. Shakespeare’s approach to writing plays revolutionized Elizabethan theatre. Such forwardness of thought and modernity of outlook was previously unseen in his day and age. He addressed contentious subjects that his contemporaries had hitherto not considered.He started the trend of writing in blank verse, which transformed all preceding dramatic norms. He used language according to his own fashion, coining words and expressions t hat have today become so commonplace, that they seem to have been part of the very idiom of language. To this day, expressions such as ‘too much of a good thing’ (As You Like It), ‘in my mind's eye’ (Hamlet), ‘it was Greek to me’ (Julius Caesar), ‘break the ice’ (The Taming of the Shrew) and ‘bated breath’ (The Merchant of Venice) are used in everyday speech and writing.Shakespearean quotes such as â€Å"To be, or not to be: that is the question† (Hamlet – Act III, Scene I) and â€Å"This above all: to thine own self be true† (Hamlet – Act I, Scene III) have passed into standard usage. His plays were written keeping in mind the tastes and preferences of the Elizabethan audiences. He wrote sonnets to appease his patrons and keep a stable income, which enabled him to further his career as a playwright. Not only did his writing have to appeal to the nobles, but also to the commoners, the  "groundlings†.Accepting the challenge, Shakespeare incorporated into his writing not only grandiose depictions of scenes of historical importance, but also earthy, rustic humour in order to please the masses. The themes he dealt with, although in accordance with a particular setting, were universal and easy to relate to irrespective of social class or position. There are few others who hold such widespread acclaim as William Shakespeare. His writing has influenced several writers through the ages, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, John Steinbeck, Aldous Huxley, William Faulkner and Pearl S Buck, to name a few.A number of writers have quoted Shakespeare in their writing or drawn their titles from his works. Thomas Hardy chose Under the Greenwood Tree as the title for one of his novels, alluding to the following lines from As You Like It: â€Å"Under the green wood tree / Who loves to lie with me / And turn his merry note / Unto the sweet bird's throat. † From King John†™s definition of life: â€Å"Life is as tedious as a twice told tale / Vexing the dull air of a drowsy man. The title, Twice Told Tales was taken by both, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Charles Dickens. Aldous Huxley derived the title of his science fiction Brave New World from The Tempest: â€Å"O, wonder! / How many goodly creatures are there here! / How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world / That hath such people in it. † Pearl S Buck named her collected works Words of Love, which was taken from King Lear: â€Å"And your large speeches may your deeds approve / That good effects may spring from words of love. John Steinbeck drew the title of his novel The Winter of Our Discontent from the soliloquy of Richard III: â€Å"Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this son of York. † The title of William Faulkner's novel The Sound and the Fury is taken from the soliloquy of Macbeth: â€Å"It is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury / Sig nifying nothing. † The astute quality of Shakespeare’s plots is highlighted by the depth of the characterization.Shakespeare’s portrayal of both minor as well as major characters in all of his plays is intricate and inclusive. Few writers have been able to provide such consistent renderings in their works. Such detailed development in terms of plot and character has so far not been rivalled. Despite new advances, Shakespeare’s colossal role in the progression of English literature remains unparalleled till date. In particular, it was Shakespeare’s ability to effortlessly mingle comedy with tragedy that led to his fame, and what makes his works invaluable even today.In the Preface to Dr. Johnson’s edition of Shakespeare (1765), he writes, â€Å"This is the praise of Shakespeare, that his drama is the mirror of life; that he who has mazed his imagination in following the phantoms which other writers raise up before him, may here be cured of hi s delirious ecstasies by reading human sentiments in human language; by scenes from which a hermit may estimate the transactions of the world, and a confessor predict the progress of the passions. I thereby conclude by once again affirming the relevance of Shakespeare in contemporary times as is plainly seen by the vast influence his work has had on the advancement of the English language and the course of development of English literature.

An A student

So much so that common phrases such as â€Å"An easy ‘A'† and â€Å"An ‘A' for effort† have emerged, while others insist that an â€Å"A† is closer to perfection Han it is to â€Å"a good effort†. Grades are supposed to be a numerical/letter representation of ones academic progress in a course or lesson. But more often than not, good grades become a goal and not a reward; thus students are striving for grades and not the knowledge which they represent. In his article â€Å"Making the Grade†, Kurt Westfield points out that students are often undeserving granted good grades.This allows the same students to graduate with a degree and find a Job, without the actual knowledge needed to strive in their field. Similarly, he then goes on to note that these under-qualified students that are now in the workplace aren't ready for the tasks at hand. Universities are sending students into their careers with the same immediate they had throughout chor eographs, find the quick and easy way to get the Job done. Consequently, Jobs and projects could be done incorrectly or left incomplete. The difference is, though, that when these real world Jobs are incomplete or incorrect, they can create real world problems and difficulties.The grading system was made with the intention that it would accurately reflect a dents performance in a class. It's commonly believed that if a student understands a subject well, they deserve an â€Å"A†. But for a student to actually deserve that grade, they must also complete the entire workload, whether they know they information or not. The grade in the class is determined by the amount of work the student completes correctly, and this is where the controversy starts. Some argue that if a student demonstrates that he/she understands the given subject, he/she should be given a passing grade (whether their work was completed or not).Others argue that if a student truly works their hardest and gives a strong effort in the class, they deserve a passing grade (whether their work was correct or not). At the end of the day though, if searching for a simple â€Å"A† grade in a class, one must be willing to work and study for that class, and complete each assignment with accuracy (easier said than done, of course! ). The source of the problem resides in the earliest years of the school system. Starting from a young age, students are being taught and prepared for the next school year instead of for life.Elementary school students are being prepared for adolescent, meddlesomeness are being prepared for householders, householders for college, etc. Each year of schooling teaches you Just enough to get through the next year. The problem is, though, that by the time the student reaches college he/ she is not ready for life as an adult, only for more school. Meaning that students are going into college with the idea that they need to pass, and not the idea that they need to be prepar ing for their future. Students aren't realizing that what they are learning is essential for their Job until it's too late and they are unable to perform.

Report on Pizza Hut

Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut A PRESENTATION REPORT ON PIZZA HUT PESHAWAR ACCEP TED TO SIR IMRAN WAZIR ACC EPTE D BY : ADNAN KHAN MUJAHID HUSSAIN NAVEED SAEED SHAHZAD TAHIR ZARTASHIA ARSHAD BBA (HONS) – C 1st Semester Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 1 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut TABLE OF CONTENTS S. No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Topic Letter of acceptance Executive summary History of Pizza Introduction & History Of Pizza Hut Pizza Hut Mission Statement Comparative Strategy PEST SWOT Segmentation Positioning Targeting Pizza Hut Strategies Functional Level Strategy TQM (Total Quality Management) Business Level Strategy Pricing Strategy Market Share Four P's of Marketing ? Product ? Price ? Place ? Promotion Conclusion References Page Number 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 12 13 14 14 14 15 16 17 18 Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 2 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE To: Mr. Imran Wazir, Lecturer IM| Sciences, Peshawar. Subject: PREPARATION OF REPORT We are Hereby Presenting the presentation on Company Pizza Hut and assure you submission of our report in compliance with the instruction envisaged. Name of topic is repeated for ready reference please. â€Å"Marketing Plans & Business report on Pizza Hut† Yours sincerely, Adnan Khan Mujahid Hussain Naveed Saeed Shahzad Tahir Zartashia Arshad Date: March 03, 2009 Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 3 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut EXECUTIVE SUMMARY During the past four decades Pizza Hut has built a reputation for excellence that has earned the respect of consumers and industry experts alike. Building a leading pizza company has required relentless innovation, commitment to quality and dedication to customer service and value. The qualities of entrepreneurship, growth and leadership have characterized Pizza Hut’s business through more than four decades of success. Through the strength of its heritage, its culture and its people and franchisees, Pizza Hut looks forward to more success in future. There are different objectives of every organization. In order to achieve these objectives different targets are set. Targets pass down the hierarchy depending on the nature of the business. Therefore, in order to achieve the objectives, management decides on different strategies. These strategies are divided into many sub-parts and are useful for the running of the business. The employees and the management know what they have to achieve through the targets which have been set to them and the strategies they have adopted help them know the way they will achieve the objectives. Similarly, Pizza Hut has different targets set to them and they have adopted different strategies to successfully achieve the targets set. These targets are set by the RSC i. e. the restaurant support centre in Karachi. These targets are passed on to the RGM (restaurant general manager) and he passes them to the workforce. These targets fall within the organizational structure in which there are many people who have different targets to achieve. In order to successfully achieve the targets they need to co-operate and work in a friendly environment. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 4 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut HISTORY OF PIZZA About Pizza, Some will tell you Italy. That's wrong. What you know as pizza came into vogue around the time of Napoleon and the French revolution. Italians, known to be lovers of fine food and wines perfected and imported this terrific dish to America. From here it quickly endeared itself to mass production and re-export to the rest of the world. Bon appetite! INTRODUCTION & HISTORY OF PIZZA HUT In 1958, Frank and Dan Carney had an idea for a great local pizza restaurant in Wichita Kansas. The small 25 seat restaurant only had room for 9 letters on the sign†¦ the building looked like a hut†¦ so ‘Pizza Hut' was born! Fifteen years later, we opened the first UK restaurant and since then we've become the biggest Pizza Company on the planet, Let see listen Pizza Hut Story from them! †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ 1958 Frank and Dan Carney open the first Pizza Hut in Wichita, Kansas. 1972 1000 restaurants are open throughout the USA. 1973 Pizza Hut went international with restaurants in Japan, Canada & England. The first UK Pizza Hut opened in Islington, London. 977 PepsiCo bought Pizza Hut. 1980 Pan Pizza was introduced. 1982 The UK joint venture started between PepsiCo and Whitbread. 1984 Over 50 restaurants so far in the UK. 1986 By now, there were 100 restaurants in the UK and 5000 worldwide. 1987 An average of one restaurant opened each week in the UK. 1988 The UK's First Delivery Unit was opened in Kingsbury, London. 1992 There were 9,000 restaurants in 84 countries. 1993 There were 300 restaurants and delivery stores in the UK. 1994 10,000 Pizza Huts were open for business. 1997 PepsiCo decided to focus on their drinks business. As a result, Tricon Global Restaurants was born, creating the largest restaurant brand in the World. Tricon became the partner company with Whitbread. 1999 Pizza Hut had over 400 restaurants, employing 14000 people. 2002 Tricon Global became YUM! Brands Inc. 2006 Whitbread sold their share of the joint venture to Yum! Brands Inc. Pizza Hut UK Ltd was now 100% owned by Yum! 2008 We bought Godfather's Pizza in Ireland with 28 stores. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 5 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut Pizza Hut's Mission Statement We take pride in making a perfect pizza and providing courteous and helpful service on time all the time. Every customer says, â€Å"I'll be back! † We are the employer of choice offering team members opportunities For Growth, Advancement, And Rewarding Careers in a Fun, Safe Working Environment. †¢ P. E. A. R. L. S ? PASSION for excellence in Doing everything ? EXECUTE with positive energy and urgency. ? ACCOUNTABLE for growth in customer satisfaction and profitability. ? RECOGNIZE the achievement of others and have fun doing it. ? LISTEN and more importantly, respond to the voice of the customer. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 6 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut COMPARATIVE STRATEGY: This forced competitors to look for new methods of increasing their customer bases. Many pizza chains decided to diversify and offer new nonpizza items such as Buffalo wings, and Italian cheese bread. The current trend in pizza chains today is the same. They all try to come up with some newer, bigger, better, pizza for a low price. Offering special promotions and new pizza variations are popular today as well. For example, chicken is now a common topping found on pizzas. In the past, Pizza Hut has always had the first mover advantage. Their marketing strategy in the past has always been to be first. One of their main strategies that they still follow today is the diversification of the products they offer. Pizza Hut is always adding something new to their menu, trying to reach new markets. For example, in 1992 the famous buffet was launched in Pizza Hut restaurants worldwide. They were trying to offer many different food items for customers who didn't necessarily want pizza. Another strategy they used in the past and are still using is the diversification of their pizzas. Pizza Hut is always trying to come up with some innovative way to make a pizza into something slightly different different enough that customers will think it’s a whole new product. For example, let's look at some of the pizzas Pizza Hut has marketed in the past. In 1983, Pizza Hut introduced their Pan Pizza, which had a guarantee of being ready to eat in 5 minutes when dining at Pizza Hut restaurants. In 1993, they introduced the â€Å"Bigfoot,† which was two square feet of pizza cut into 21 slices. In 1995, they introduced â€Å"Stuffed Crust Pizza,† where the crust would be filled with cheese. In 1997, they marketed â€Å"The Edge,† which had cheese and toppings all the way to the edge of the pizza. Currently, they are marketing â€Å"The Big New Yorker,† trying to bring the famous New York style pizza to the whole country. Lastly, Pizza Hut has always valued customer service and satisfaction. In 1995, Pizza Hut began two customer satisfaction programs: a UAN (in USA 1-800) number customer hotline and a customer call-back program. These were implemented to make sure their customers were happy, and always wanted to return. In our plan, we will first give a situation analysis of current and relevant environmental conditions that affect our plan. Next, we will give a brief analysis of the current fast food industry, and any trends or changes that might occur in the future. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 7 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 8 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut ENVIRONMENTAL AND INTERNAL ANALYSIS OF PIZZA HUT In our visit to Pizza Hut we conducted research on PEST (Political, Economic, Social and Technological) Analysis. In the internal analysis of Pizza Hut we have considered SWOT of the Company. PEST (Political, Economic, Social & Technological) i. POLITICAL ISSUES: Political issues include regulatory frame work operating in judicial system which may affect the business in different ways. There are not many political factors in Peshawar affecting Pizza Hut as is lack of competition. Factors such as laws on business employment, pollution and taxation apply on the organization which it has to follow regarding the rules. ii. ECNOMIC FACTORS: If the county’s economy is better so the GDP of the country will be good, this is a green signal for the business as the per capita income of the people will be increased and they will spend more money. In our survey we came to know that most of the people in the beginning of the months spend more and they visit pizza hut very often. When the inflation rate increases the cost of raw material also increases and this leads towards high prices of the products and vice versa. iii. SOCIAL FACTORS: Pizza hut is a multinational and it is basically originated from America so the organization is overwhelmed by western culture. There are social forms of society which consist of Upper class, middle class, middle upper class, lower class and lower class. Every country has cultural norms, values, beliefs and religion which can affect the organization. iv. TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS: Now a day’s technology is improving so as baking and heating ovens will be of new and efficient technology and will provide efficient service. Due to new technology there are new ways of marketing like internet; telemarketing and the organization can advertise their products with much more faster pace. Computer based customer data that is MIS (managing information system) helps in collecting customer data, daily transactions, future forecasting and decision making. New vehicles will make their service more efficient. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 9 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut SWOT ANALYSIS: Every organization has its strengths, weakness, opportunity and threats. So, the SWOT analysis for pizza hut is as under: Strengths: Pizza Hut is the market leader in providing different products of pizzas as there are no competitors in this sector. There good image makes the organization more strong. Pizza Hut is providing good taste, quality products with qualified staff, good atmosphere and hygienic environment. They are specialized in pizzas. Motivation level of staff is very high which make the organization more prosperous. They are ISO (International Standard Organization) certified. They have enough resources for operating different activities of the organization. They are providing free home delivery service. They have created monopoly in this sector. Another big Strength and even a Competitive Advantageis the fact that they have a full service restaurant as well as delivery services. Most of Pizza Hut's competitors do not have restaurants. Because of the restaurant, Pizza Hut can market too many different segments that other pizza chains cannot. For example, Pizza Hut can market to families much easier than Domino's or Little Caesar's. Weaknesses: However, the fact that Pizza Hut does have a restaurant to run is also a weakness. Pizza Hut has higher overhead costs, due to the restaurant that other competitors don't have to deal with. Another result of higher overhead costs is higher prices Pizza Hut must charge. Obviously, Pizza Hut is not the low cost producer. They rely on their quality pizza and good service to account for their higher prices. They are providing less range of products comparatively with high prices. They are more focused on Western taste instead of Eastern. Opportunities: New markets can be explored and new opportunities they can gain. Pizza Hut can come up with the new products considering the Eastern taste of the people as like McDonalds. Diversification of new products can increase their arket share. They can reduce their prices because of more resources. Threats: Pizza Hut's number one threats are from their competitors. Currently, Their closest competitor is Domino's Pizza who is working to open their Branch at Karachi. Domino's main competitive advantage over Pizza Hut is their Lower price. ii. Little Caesar's who is establishing their self in India and might move to i. Institute of Mana gement Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 10 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut Pakistan is another one of Pizza Hut's competitors, right behind Domino's in market share. Little Caesar's is famous for offering large quantities of pizza for less money. iii. New entrance like Dominos pizza in Pakistan market can affect their market share. iv. Other local restaurants can affect their market share by providing pizzas with lower price. v. Social factors can affect their image as a Western organization. SEGMENTATION: Main segments which Pizza hut has captured are the combination of higher incomes and dual career families , due to higher income consumer have more disposable income , allowing them to eat out more often . Pizza Hut holds the most market share in the Pizza industry, the perceived quality and service of the company will help to ensure a better the average chance at a successful introduction of a new product. The introduction of a product that keeps with today trends is also important to reduce the risk of failure. Pizza Hut maximum market segment is younger generations. These generation ranges from 12 to 30, the overall spending of these generations is mostly on non essential items, the higher amount of spending has been done on eating out. POSITIONING Pizza Hut was among the first multinational brands to enter the food retail sector in Pakistan. When the first Pizza Hut restaurant opened in Karachi the quick service industry was at a nascent stage and the pizza category was dominated by a sole regional player who had a marginal presence. Pizza Hut went on to play a significant role in pioneering and developing this category in Pakistan. Worldwide and in Pakistan, Pizza Hut has come to become synonymous with the ‘best pizzas under one roof'. This is because at Pizza Hut the belief is that every pizza has its own magic, thus making it a destination product – which everyone seeks. It is this belief that has ignited the passion to create, innovate and serve the finest product the industry has to offer, while setting standards for others to strive to replicate. Pizza Hut is committed to providing uncompromising product quality, offering customers the highest value for money and giving service that is warm, friendly and personal. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 11 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut A critical factor in Pizza Hut's success has been its unique dining experience. Crew members at Pizza Hut strive each day to provide ‘CUSTOMER MANIA' – the kind of service that ensures that every visit of the customer is a memorable one. Pizza Hut's constant endeavor to provide extra value – whether it is pizzas which are available to suit every price range, new promotions or the introduction of innovative product ranges – that puts a ‘Yum' on every customer's face – has allowed it to increase its presence in Pakistan to the current 38 restaurants across 9 cities. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 12 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut Market Targeting: Pizza hut targeted market defines them as a family product. This is because they don’t really directly market their customers. They are target everyone whereas their competitors target a certain gender or age. But pizza hut targets a wide range of customers. This is because they want to make the most money and who blames them. They have many competitors and they are bound to try everything to cope up tops. Their competitors are everywhere. There are just a few that are main competitors and pizza hut will always try to be the best and get the most money by making their products better quality but also cheaper. They try to offer something different with their product as well. They offer a range of stuffed crusts to try and attract customers. They also do vegetarian options with meet free pizzas and a salad and pasta bar. Not a lot of restaurants offer a salad and a pasta bar. This is another competitive idea to attract or customers. STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY PIZZA HUT: A business's strategy is the pattern of decisions and actions that are taken by the business to achieve its goals. A business has a variety of goals and objectives. All businesses need to organize their business activities in order to achieve their business objectives. Running a business involves planning the current as well as future activities. Hence, in order to achieve the business objectives, all business organizations adopt different strategies. Similarly, Pizza Hut has adopted many strategies which help achieve the targets set by the main office to the local store opened at Peshawar. Changes are the external as well as internal environment has led Pizza Hut rethink their past strategies and has therefore designed new strategies after noticing the changes in the environment. These environmental changes are seen through the PEST and SWOT analysis. After considering all the factors Pizza Hut has decided upon the strategies and their current strategies are divided into five main categories and further have sub-parts. These strategies are: – Functional Strategies: These are strategies designed to improve the efficiency of a business's operations. They often focus on an area, such as marketing, human resource etc. All business organizations adopt strategies at functional level as once the functional objectives are achieved, corporate objectives become easy. In order to make the functional strategy efficient, Pizza Hut has made all the functional departments co-operate with each other. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 13 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut Total Quality Management (TQM): This is the most important for a food chain like Pizza Hut. All the employees’ backof-the-house i. e. the kitchen assistants are trained accordingly. They are given extra classes in order to meet the quality standards set by Pizza Hut around the world. This strategy is important in order to satisfy the CHAMPS. This strategy is strictly implemented in Pizza Hut in order to fulfill the quality standards. Different quality management staff is also there at Pizza Hut. The shift managers have the task to observe whether the quality standards are met or not, whereas there are a total quality management department at the main office in Karachi. This department has the task to implement quality standards and know whether they are achieved or not. Business Level Strategy: Business level strategies are plans made to gain a competitive advantage over its rivals in a market. Hence, all the businesses need to adopt business level strategies in order to compete in a competitive environment. If we take a look at the Pakistani market, there are no large competitors of Pizza Hut but unlimited small competitors exist in the market. The threat of competitors is very low as there is no international food chain offering pizza in Pakistan at present. Therefore, present strategies adopted by Pizza Hut are keeping in consideration the present competition. Whereas, in future this competition will increase and Pizza Hut will have to change all its business level strategies in order to compete with its rivals. In very near future Dominos is opening its first branch in Karachi. This would be a threat for Pizza Hut and hence, the strategies would be changed. Pricing Strategy: The level of competition a business faces determines its pricing strategy. Sometimes a business has the scope to set its price and sometimes a business cannot. When a business has the scope to set its price there is a number of pricing strategies or policies it might choose. As there are no such competitors of Pizza Hut which could compete with the quality of pizza produced at Pizza Hut, therefore, the pricing strategy adopted by Pizza Hut is ‘market skimming'. Pizza Hut has adopted this pricing strategy as they want to hold maximum share of the market by maximum profit. This is a golden era for Pizza Hut, as there are no competitors and hence, Pizza Hut is free to charge any price they want. They are charging higher prices due to the uniqueness of the product. They satisfy the target market as the food quality is worth the price paid. The pricing strategy is not just to get the worth Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 14 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut of quality but also to gain maximum profits before any competitor enters because then Pizza Hut will have to change its pricing strategy. Although the prices would be lowered with the new entrants in the market but not to a greater extent as the quality food products are not home-produced. They are imported from different countries keeping in view the best quality. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 15 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut Market Share: As there are Dozens of Pizza Suppliers Globally Providing Services in different part of the World, but Pizza Hut is the One who got the Bigger Market Share Globally. This is the Survey taken by www. survey. com that Pizza Hut is having 48% of Overall Pizza Market in the World. After that Dominos is leading with a percentage of 20% while the rest 32% is divided in the Remaining Pizza Providers Globally. MARKET SHARE OTHERS 32% PIZZA HUT PIZZA HUT 48% DOMINO'S OTHERS DOMINO'S 20% Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 16 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut FOUR P’S OF MARKETING PRODUCT: Product refers to the actual program you are planning. The goal of pizza hut is to develop the best product with the resources available. Pizza Hut sells pizzas in four different sizes: personal (an individual serving), small, medium and large, though most stores have done away from with the small size. A variety of toppings are available, plus â€Å"specialty† styles, including Meat Lovers, Pepperoni Lovers, Cheese Lovers, Veggie Lovers, Double Cheeseburger, Supreme, Super Supreme and the newly introduced Pizza Mia. The pan pizza has a thicker crust than most other commercially available pizzas . o their products have help them to retain their customers and to increase them . they provide their customers with complete nutrition plan and healthy food is guaranteed. The nutrition plan also clearly tells diabetes patients can use what range of food at pizza hut. Over weight patients are also satisfied and the pizza with less cholesterol can be ordered. This encourages t he customers to visit pizza hut rather than going elsewhere. As pizza hut has to boost its sales in the existing markets, so they the new food products are introduced in all branches line-by–line because all branches are operated in co-operation with one another. Different products for different regions are also developed as there are choice differences. Pizza hut offers a long list of products and never afraid to offer new products like in Peshawar according to market they introduce the very first â€Å"Chapli Kabab Pizza† which was very healthy product by Pizza hut in this region. There are a lot many products according to different geographical places. Like in India they have got there vegetable pizzas, which has a large market there BUT not the Cow Meat Pizza. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 17 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut PRICE: . As there are no such competitors of Pizza Hut which could compete with the quality of pizza produced at Pizza Hut, therefore, the pricing strategy adopted by Pizza Hut is ‘market skimming'. Pizza Hut has adopted this pricing strategy as they want to hold maximum share of the market by maximum profit. This is a golden era for Pizza Hut, as there are no competitors and hence, Pizza Hut is free to charge any price they want. They are charging higher prices due to the uniqueness of the product. They satisfy the target market as the food quality is worth the price paid. The pricing strategy is not just to get the worth of quality but also to gain maximum profits before any competitor enters because then Pizza Hut will have to change its pricing strategy. Although the prices would be lowered with the new entrants in the market but not to a greater extent as the quality food products are not home-produced. They are imported from different countries keeping in view the best quality. First, this pricing strategy will help segment the market. Different groups of customers are willing to pay different prices for the same product. The high/low pricing strategy will also create excitement. The pricing strategy adopted by Pizza Hut is ‘market skimming'. Pizza Hut has adopted this pricing strategy as they want to hold maximum share of the market by maximum profit. This product will emphasize product and service quality PLACE/DISTRIBUTION: It refers to the best place to offer program. That is the place where it is located and through what channels are we distributing programs and the competitive advantage lies in distribution. The pizza hut Peshawar is situated out of the market area near Army Stadium and Shami road. This site has been chosen keeping in view the following factors. It is in an out of centre location on retail or Leisure Park with good parking accessibility. Secondly the catchment area is of a specified minimum size and within a given drive time to the site. Distribution The type of distribution channel used by Pizza Hut is the direct channel. The direct channel is successful when there is an extremely large market that is geographically dispersed. The direct channel is also useful when there are a large number of buyers, but a small amount purchased by each. Pizza Hut uses three different methods of selling its products directly to the market. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 18 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut i. The first method of distribution used by Pizza Hut is Home. Office delivery. Customers can call Pizza Hut ahead of time, place an order, and the order is delivered to the customer's home. can go to the nearest Pizza Hut, place an order and either leave with the order or eat at the restaurant. One of Pizza Hut's largest competitive advantages is its restaurant style facility. Pizza Hut offers a clean place to sit down and enjoy the variety of pizzas, salads, and sandwiches in a fun, family atmosphere. ii. Another method of distribution is for customers to dine-in. Customers iii. The third method of distribution is to order Online. Selective County Customers can now go on the Internet and place an order for Pizza. This method is useful because it allows customers to view the entire menu, download any special coupons, and order without having to disclose any credit card numbers. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 19 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut PROMOTION: The objectives of promotion are to introduce a new product, stimulate demand, change the short-term behavior of the customers, and encourage repeat or greater usage by current customers. Pizza hut uses many promotional strategies. The main promotion is a coupon to purchase. This promotion is also distributed mainly by mail, but also by fliers on college campuses around the country in order to reach the target market. They are using billboards on main stream places to get there customer. They are also distributing door to door brochures to capture more and more customers. Pizza huts also using marketing techniques. These are the strategies Pizza hut is using for its marketing. Pizza huts try's to attract the younger generation as their main market segment. Apart from this Pizza Hut is using intense marketing strategies they are also giving ads in magazines. Advertising camping will creates awareness of the products in our target markets. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 20 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut CONCLUSION Pizza Hut has many targets which it has achieve in a given period of time. The time-period is mostly a year. Therefore, in order to fulfill the targets different strategies are adopted by Pizza Hut. It can be concluded that these strategies have been successful and there is flexibility in the strategies, as they can be changed with the changes in the market conditions as well as the targets. Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 21 Report and Marketing Strategies of Pizza Hut REFERENCES Mr. Amir Zeb, Shift Manager, Pizza Hut, Peshawar Mr. Hamad Zeb, Shift Manger, Pizza Hut, Peshawar Lower staff of Pizza Hut, Peshawar Google Search Engine www. definitions. com www. answers. com www. about. com www. wikipedia. org www. pizzahut. com Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar Pakistan Page 22