Rick Solon, CEO of Orion Bus Company

Regarding your concern about whether historical bidding data can benefit future bids for our bus contract, this is to introduce and recommend a more effective bidding model which could help predict the winning bid and maximize financial returns of the company during bidding process. Firstly, how does the model work? Based on the analysis of the past industry bid data, I discover from the Regression Model (See Exhibit 1) that a strong correlation exists between the winning bid price and several objective factors including Orion cost per bus, the number of units to be purchased, and the bus model, 35’ or 40’, while it has little to do with the condition whether it is diesel-powered or high-floored. Although it’s still hard for us to determine whether to increase the volume of sales or to increase margin at the same volume and produce an absolute price to win the bid due to complex situations, the model does help us gain access to the winning bid price prediction and provide us with an optimal price by taking profit, expected value and winning probability into consideration. Specifically, the highest expected value is the best bidding choice to maximize financial returns. Secondly, how can we apply it in the bid for Louisville, KY bus supply contract? With the aid of the above model, a suggested range of winning bid price is generated which is between $248,001 and $278,189, implying the best choice lies within the interval. Further, Exhibit 2 shows an opposite direction between profit and winning probability, that is, the more profit, the less probability to win, and vice versa. As a result, the key point is how to achieve a best joint between them. Thanks to the model, we can easily arrive at the bid price $259,000 for the contract with the highest expected value $15,034, which is the optimal theoretical bid price with maximum returns in this case. In addition, other subjective factors such as estimates of competitors’ bids should also be considered before making the final decision. The above analysis reveals a significant impact that historical bidding data exerts on the success of our future bid. Accordingly, it’s strongly advisable to collect more information and build database so that more factors could be considered and analyzed for the future bidding. I’m always at your service if you’re interested in in-depth discussion.

Chemistry Lab Report- Exo and Endothermic Reactions Essays

Chemistry Lab Report- Exo and Endothermic Reactions Essays Chemistry Lab Report- Exo and Endothermic Reactions Paper Chemistry Lab Report- Exo and Endothermic Reactions Paper In endothermic reactions heat Vass absorbed. This avgas discerned by the temperature drop and the test tube became cool to touchy Reactions such as Potassium Chloride crystals [s] Water were. Some vigorous reactions {reactions that occurred at a fast pace} were Sodium Hydroxide [I] * Dilute hydrochloric acid [as], Sodium Carbonate [s] + Ethanol Acid [l] and Magnesium ribbon [s] Dilute Sulfuric Acid [I] (mostly reactions involving strong acids + throng bases}. There was no sound or light given off in any of the reactions. Safety: Safety was ensured. We used safety goggles and we didnt touch the chemicals with bare hands. Modifications: For measuring liquids/aqueous solutions a burette or a pipette could have been used for more accurate measurements (instead of using a measuring cylinder}. For non-vigorous reactions, we could have waited for ample time before measuring the temperature again-this would have ensured that both the substances reacted entirely. We could have also noted down the concentration of he solutions, just for reference. Conclusion: Hence I can conclude that there were some reactions that evolved heat and some that absorbed heat. The reactions that released heat are exothermic and the reactions that absorbed heat are endothermic. Out of these, the most vigorous reactions oeuvre acid-base reactions. There was no sound or light given off The most exothermic reaction was Magnesium ribbon [s] + Dilute Sulfuric Acid and the most endothermic reaction was Potassium Chloride crystals [s] + Water [II. All the reactions dealt with heat.

International business and multinational enterprise Essay

International business and multinational enterprise - Essay Example It would also show why the Russia has become an attractive destination for the foreign firms. Four case studies would also be evaluated and analyzed for their success or failure in the foreign soil. Globalization has been one of the most portent forces that have compelled the global community to cross border restrictions for the wider welfare of the people. Social scientists assert that globalization has broadly brought together goods, services, capital, technology and people across national borders to evolve new global market with common goals (Hill, 2009; Sirgy et al., 2004; Black, 2002). Indeed, the nations have increasingly become interdependent for their socio-economic development. The globalization has reduced the geographical boundaries and has brought regional and local interests on the world map (Croucher, 2004; Tiplady, 2003; Held et al., 1999). Thus, the role and responsibilities of states have become more pronounced vis-Ã  -vis creating a conducive environment for foreign investment. Globalization has also greatly opened new avenues of exploiting competencies and resources for businesses across nations. Through foreign direct investment or FDI, cross border mergers, partnership, export and import of goods and services, the process of international business are expedited. But the policies and legal paradigms of the government become key elements that inculcate trust amongst the foreign firms. Indeed, the political, legal, economic and technological environment created by government initiatives through policies and plans are important criteria for international businesses. Zonis (2000) asserts that the political risks generate an environment of uncertainty primarily through the exercise of power by the government and non government agencies. Thus, non democratic states or states that are transitional economies are prone to exhibit controls which

Announced Firm Negotiation Position Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Announced Firm Negotiation Position - Essay Example Sometimes, including the product price or service fee in the company portfolio listing may not be advantageous at all. In this case, the company’s weak side may be exposed to the buyer and may give a certain impression that may actually affect the buyer’s interest to the deal. To avoid such, both the buyer and the seller should research well not only on the current market but the social factors which affect the negotiation process. For the seller, it is important to know the type of buyers to be able to adjust strategies during the negotiation process before announcing any negotiation position. More often than not, negotiation can actually be flexible for both parties. Metz reported that â€Å"the seller can bend to the time constraints and resource limitations of a particular buyer.† There are a handful of reasons a buyer would be highly interested to the offered deal. It can be his desire to the product’s innovative technology, or his interest in the company’s market position, or his confidence to the seller’s customer base. Negotiation can be absolutely strategic if there is a diversity of buyers that range from a number of large firms to a few small buyers. The seller’s problem lies in the situation where there is only one or no buyer. This case may be used by the buyer to his advantage if he is the only buyer in the negotiation. During the negotiation process, defining your official standpoint or stance is of prime importance important before finally entering the process itself. This negotiation position, regardless you are the seller or the buyer, should be strongly defended by the negotiator during the negotiation process. Practically, the main reason why many people can’t find a good agreement is that each has taken of his own announced position. Your negotiation position is determined by the interests in the

The Effects of Entrepreneurial Orientation on Firm Performance Essay

The Effects of Entrepreneurial Orientation on Firm Performance - Essay Example In order to tie these people up together, there is a need to focus on the fact that any action needs to be affective first in order to be effective. This is where entrepreneurial orientation comes in. It has been described as a process that integrates personal and organisational goals so as to form a common value base. This act in itself will help in garnering better performance standards through better allocation and optimum utilisation of resources. This paper seeks to reveal the effects of this entrepreneurial orientation on firm performance through a study based on two premises that have to do with entrepreneurial control as well as competitive advantage so as to discuss the internal and external factors that affect firm performance when entrepreneurial orientation is exercised. The organisation, in the modern day context, has become a body that is made up of its human resource and the quality that this resource base imbibes into the operational sphere of the organisation. The modern day organisation depends to a great extent on the contribution and quality of its human capital. The human capital may be defined as that element of the organisation’s operational sphere that is a living, breathing part of the activities that put the innate resources and factors of production into application. This application results in profits arising out of the activities of the human capital and the efficiency with which this resource carries out its tasks. This in turn, has a bearing on the achievement of the organisation’s goals in the sense that the organisation is structured according to the quality of the HR within it. Also, it shows the principles that are followed by the management in manning the organisation. The entrepreneurial orientation takes place on the basis of the strategic business plan. This plan for any organisation depends on its resource

Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 18

Business - Essay Example Company has adopted a franchise model to manage its stores (KFC, 2011). There is a tremendous amount of planning that goes into the business. One of the most important is supply chain management. The supply chain is very vast as there are numerous raw materials required for the company to deliver the finished products. Therefore, different raw materials from different suppliers need to be at the right place and at the right time for the operations to run smoothly. Hence, planning is essential in managing the supply chain operations. Planning is also essential in strategy making aspects of the business such as marketing, branding, pricing, etc. Another important aspect of the business that needs planning is the management of the human resources. Each restaurant has many employees working both part time and full time, and in different shifts. This needs intelligent planning on the company’s part in order to ensure effectiveness in its operations. There is a lot of organization in the business. The top management is responsible for executing level management of the company which involves strategy making on various aspects of the business such as expansion, advertising, branding, pricing, growth, investment, etc. The organization must have a top-down approach to management, which means that it has a vertical decision making hierarchy. There are various levels of middle management as the company has operations in different countries with each country needing customised approach. The first line managers are vital to the overall operations as they are the ones who are responsible for delivering the products and services to the customers. They take care of entire management of restaurants at ground

Antony And Cleopatra Wuthering Heights And Atonement English Literature Essay

Antony And Cleopatra Wuthering Heights And Atonement English Literature Essay Duty is a social force that binds a person to a course of action through a legal or moral obligation. Duty can be represented in a variety of ways throughout literature: patriotic duty, duty to your family, partner and yourself. All three authors present this theme to have destructive qualities for the relationships of the characters. Whilst Shakespeare argues that Antonys lacking sense of duty lead to his demise, Bronte and McEwen show that the characters strong sense of duty leads to their ultimate separation. In Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra the main demonstration of destructive duty is shown in the character of Antony who is caught in a conflict between his duty to Rome as a soldier and his love and passion for Cleopatra. Whereas Cathy in Wuthering Heights is caught between her desire for social class and her desire for Heath cliff. On the other hand McEwens Atonement shows how Robbies patriotic duty separates him from his love Cecelia causing the destruction of Cecelia as a person. In his opening lines to Demetrius, Philo complains that The triple pillar of the world has transformed into a strumpets fool when Antony abandons Rome. This foreshadows future events when Antony leaves Rome to be with Cleopatra and engages in war with Rome choosing to fight by sea rather than land. Philos criticism of Antonys dotage, introduces a tension between reason and emotion that runs throughout the play. The theme of duty in Antony and Cleopatra puts a strain on their relationship as Antony has a duty to Rome and Caesar. Sophie Williams argues She has a lack of confidence in Antonys love for her and that She experiences irrational jealousy and reveals great insecurity because even though some critics may view her jealousy as being the actions of a controlling and manipulative woman and find it difficult to interpret aspects of her behaviour as those of a woman in love. Sophie Williams argues that she experiences the volatile and powerful emotions more characteristic of a young woman in love for the first time suggesting Cleopatra to be innocent, a contradiction of the common view taken by many audiences. This causes conflict between Antony and Cleopatra heightens as she becomes increasingly jealous along with their distance apart shown through her conversation with Charmain when she says That I might sleep out this great gap of time My Antony is away this suggests to the audience that she cannot bare to be apart from him. However this could also be perceived by other audiences as Cleopatras desperation in having a lack of control over Antony now that she is parted from him. Overall, this shows how although it appears as if Antony has chosen his duty to Rome above Cleopatra as on the sudden a roman thought hath struck him they are still deeply in love. Shakespeare uses this to demonstrate the destructive qualities of duty as Antony and Cleopatras relationship leads to there ultimate destruction through their deaths. Similarly to Antony and Cleopatra, McEwen uses the physical distance between Cecelia and Robbie created by the war to show the destructive qualities of duty. Whereas Jonathon cape argues The twists and turns of Ian McEwans fiction are built on a knack for sustained illusion. Tom Shone from the New York Times criticises that the young lovers follow the suit that English novelists stopped writing more than 30 years ago. McEwen shows this through the introduction of Bryonys cunning plot to get Robbie arrested, although he presents Cecilia and Robbies love affair as ongoing, ill wait for you was eternal. It was the reason he had survived. It was the ordinary way of saying she would refuse all other men. Only you. Come back. This suggests to the audience the strength of Cecilias love for Robbie is unconditional as no amount of bad art or bad faith can ever quite cheapen it. This could be perceived by some audiences as showing how duty is not a destructive force on characters relationship s as the destruction was caused by bryonys lie. However similarly to Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra McEwen represents Cecelias and Robbies love affair as ongoing through messages representing their feelings in letters which could be viewed by some audiences as a modern take on the messengers in Antony and Cleopatra. This shows how duty can lead to the destruction of characters as the introduction of bryonys lie causes them to be separated from each other and bryonys lie ultimately leads to Robbies death in the war. Meaning that if it was not for her lie the sequence of events prior to his death may not have happened and his duty to war would not have stopped their relationship from developing. Similarly to Antony in Antony and Cleopatra, in Wuthering Heights duty is also a theme that leads to the destruction of characters. Bronte introduces this through the character of Cathy as she experiences a conflict of emotions just like Antony, as Cathy marries Linton for his social status rather than love but her loyalty and her devoted passion is directed almost entirely towards Heathcliff. This is shown through desperation in trying to keep Heathcliff in her life as she announces well, if I cannot keep Heathcliff for my friend-if Edgar will be mean and jealous, ill try to break their hearts by breaking my own. That will be a prompt way of finishing all, when I am pushed to extremity this suggests to the audience the level of desperation she experiences in trying to keep Heathcliff in her life causes her to act irrationally. On the other hand some audiences many view her as trying to punish both men because she cannot obtain what she desires most. It can be argued that Instead of being compassionate and heroic, Heathcliff and Catherine are selfish and petty. This shows the destructive nature of duty as Cathys duty as her duty to Linton as his wife ensures that she cannot peruse a life with Heathcliff. Furthermore, when Antony marries Octavia to prove to Caesar that he is still loyal to Rome he is once again showing that at this point in the play his sense of duty out weighs his love and devotion towards Cleopatra. Shakespeare shows Antonys duty to Rome through their final conversation before he leaves her, quarrel no more, but be prepared to know the purpose I bare suggesting that Antony knows his duty presenting him as the strong leader and authoritive figure as he is known to be in leaving Cleopatra because his duty to Rome was much greater. It is also evident that his marriage to Octavia was a decision influenced heavily by duty rather than love which Shakespeare shows in the way they communicate with each other using through the use of Octavia in using formal language to refer to Antony as my lord and sir. Which Contrasts highly to the ways in which Antony and Cleopatra communicate in verse and use powerful and emotive language in referring to each other as Antony describes ho w age cannot wither her, nor custom stale Her infinite variety and when Cleopatra says o happy horse, to bear the weight of Antony!. This suggests that they do not have the level of comfort and familiarity that Shakespeare presents Antony and Cleopatra to have. Implying that even though Antony is physically parted by from Cleopatra because of his duty to Rome, it has not diminished their love. It also shows how duty compels people to do things which they would not choose to if they had a choice as Antony would not have gone to Rome and married Octavia. This shows the destruction duty has on characters because Antonys betrayal of Caesar ultimately leads to his destruction as it sparks a war between Rome and Antony where he makes the fatal mistake to fight by sea as he is heavy influenced by Cleopatra famous for her fleet of ships as even the winds are love-sick with her sails. However, as the play progresses Antonys loyalty and duty becomes greater for Cleopatra as he leaves Rome and Octavia behind to join Cleopatra in Egypt as Caesar describes him as being an obstruct between his lust and him this suggests that Antony has let his feelings towards Cleopatra effect his judgment and leads him to disregarding his duty as a soldier to Rome. Shakespeare presents this as an unusual act for Antony to do due to Caesars outrage as he believes he hath given his empire up to a whore this use of strong language shows Caesars level of disgust in Antonys actions showing how this was unusual to roman culture. Shakespeare shows Antonys shift in priorities through his disregard for Rome and the reactions of Caesar. This shows how duty is destructive as this event is a representation of a turning point in the play where Antony looses the respect of his soldiers, resulting in the abdication of Enobarbus. Similarly to Antony and Cleopatra Cathays marriage to Linton reflects the feeling of obligation rather than love. It has been suggested that Instead of being blissfully in love, Catherine marries someone else and breaks Heathcliffs heart. Too proud to tell each other their true feelings, they fight, storm and rage against each other, destroying themselves in the process. Bronte displays this through the imagery of nature where she describes her love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods and that Time will change it as she was well aware, as winter changes the trees my love for Heath cliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Suggesting that her love for Heathcliff is the foundation of her relationship with Linton. Bronte uses this to suggest the destructive qualities of duty as Cathys duty to Linton as his wife means that she is separated by an oath from her true love, Heathcliff. Also the fact it would be heavily frowned upon for a woman of her social status to converse with Heathcliff. The minor characters such as the messengers in Antony and Cleopatra also have an important duty as they are the main form of communication between the characters especially from Rome to Egypt and are used by Shakespeare to create suspense and introduce changes to the plot. The messengers are often used to introduce bad news as the nature of bad news infects the teller to Cleopatra and Antony such as when Antonys wife died and when Cleopatra learns of Antonys marriage to Octavia. The messengers often find themselves in the middle of a conflict as communicating this bad news results in them getting caught in the crossfire, leading them to a defensive outlook and constantly having to remind the emotional characters that I have done my duty. This shows how Shakespeare uses the messengers to show how the major characters conflict between duty and passion leads them to displaying outrageous act of emotions. Shakespeares presentation of duty shows a continuous conflict with love and passion which he uses essentially to create suspense and intrigue in the audiences mind as to the ongoing battle between the head and the heart which is used by many literary authors to this day. It can be argued that Antonys duty to Rome is a perfect demonstration of a persons moral obligation in conjunction with their wants and desires. Shakespeare shows in the play Antony and Cleopatra that Antonys heart; his love for Cleopatra clouded his judgment when it came to making decisions on how best to defeat Caesar. This was shown by Shakespeare through the use of minor characters such as Antonys fleet advising him that it would be more advantageous for Antony to fight by land. However, Antony allowed himself to be persuaded by his passion for Cleopatra which Shakespeare used to present the destructive nature of duty though his defeat in battle. Shakespeare shows Antonys increasing lack of duty towards Rome thro ugh the famous quote let Rome in tyber melt, and the wide arch of the ranged empire fall suggesting that Antonys prioritys have shifted from Rome to Egypt. However this dwindles in the next act when he worries about loosing himself in dotage. McEwen uses the repetition of physical windows to understand how confusion came to be a key theme within the novel as McEwens uses multi-narrative witch allows the reader to grasp the full extent of the story. McEwen uses this narration to show how duty can be destructive to characters because it allows the audience to see how bryonys mistake effects different characters from the individuals point of view in the novel through her lie she causes the newly in love Cecelia and Robbie to be separated. It also leads to the destruction of bryony herself as she is constantly trying to atone for her mistakes throughout her life and can never get the forgiveness she wanted from Robbie and Cecelia. Similarly to Antony and Cleopatra repetition is another tactic Bronte employs in organizing Wuthering Heights. However unlike Antony and Cleopatra, in Wuthering Heights, it seems that nothing ends in the world of this novel. Bronte creates the illusion of time running in cycles which she achieves through repetitive story lines, and the events of the past reoccurring in the present. Bronte introduces this through the use of the younger characters in the ways that the names of the characters are recycled organizing the novel into recurring parallels allowing the reader to make connections between the different generations. On the other hand, Shakespeare uses symbolism in referring to Antony as a cloud that changes shape as it tumbles across the sky, which reflects how Antony changes through the different acts of the play. Shakespeare shows Antonys changes through the changing shape of the clouds as sometimes we see a cloud as dragonish showing how he turns from a bear or lion, to a towered citadel, a pendent rock, suggesting that Antony can mock our eyes with air as Antony seems to change from the reputable conqueror into a debased victim. As he says to Eros, his uncharacteristic defeat, both on the battlefield and in matters of love, makes it difficult for him to hold this visible shape. In addition Antonys two attempts at battle with Caesar at sea, result in his navy being betrayed by the queens retreat which shows how Antony does not learn from his mistakes. It could be argued that if Cleopatra really loved Antony, she would not have accompanied him in the first place or she would have stood by him and realized the concequences of turning back. This demonstrates to the reader the destructive qualities of duty as although Antony has given up so much for Cleopatra; she still puts Egypt first when she realizes that Antony cannot win. this ultimately leads to the deaths of the two characters because in Antonys outrage he exclaims this foul Egyptian hath betrayed me calling her a triple-turned whore! which leads to her ordering Charmain to go tell him I have slain myself causing him to order Eros to draw his sword and kill him ultimately resulting in his own destruction. In addition, Shakespeare uses social status to demonstrate how powerful the conflict between duty and passion can be as the characters in Antony and Cleopatra are of a high status in society which Shakespeare displays through Enobarbus extravagant descriptions of the barge she sat in as being like a burnished throne that burned on the water with purple sales that were so perfumed that the winds were love-sick with them and yet they still allow themselves to be diminished though their lack of awareness when passion outweighs reason. The character of Antony appears, at first glance to be a powerful man as a leading member of the triumvirate as he was the triple pillar of the word. Shakespeare demonstrates the destructive quality of passion in contrast with duty as Antony was once a feared and respected solder with an air of authority which was diminished through his love affair with Cleopatra as a result of a combination of clouded decisions. In contrast to Antony and Cleopatra where there separation is a culmination of their mutual social status in both Wuthering Heights and Atonement it is the male characters lack of social status that results in the separation from the people they love. Bronte introduces this in Wuthering heights through Cathys considerable advance in social status over Heathcliff as she says that it would be degrading to me to marry Heathcliff now suggesting to the audience that at this time a persons social status was considerably more important than a persons happiness this was particularly prevalent in people of a higher social status as marrying as Cathys marriage to Heathcliff would simply never happen. Bronte uses this to show the destructive nature of duty as social status is used as a barrier. Similarly to Antony and Cleopatra Bronte uses the locations of thrush cross grange to represent Linton and Wuthering heights to represent heath cliff .The parallels of two warring houses, Wuthering Heights and Thrush cross Grange, represent opposing rfhth, worlds and values which further suggests to the audience the difficulty of Cathys choice due to the enormous differences between the two lifestyles. Bronte shows Cathys decision through the motif of a conflict between nature and culture shown in the descriptions of the two locations. Bronte organizes her novel by arranging its elements of characters, places, and themes into there corresponding pairs. Catherine and Heath cliff are closely matched in many ways, and see themselves as identical Hes more I than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same, and Lintons is as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire. As she proclaims to Nelly that I am Heathcliff! hes always, always in my mind: not as a pleasure, anymore than I am always a pleasure to myself but as my own being This suggests to the audience that Cathy and Heathcliff are in effect made for each other which show the audience the destructive attributes of duty because she is unable to be with him which may describe as a tragedy. The way Catherines character is divided into two warring sides creates intrigue in the novel and shows the obligation of traditional values in restraining love as Cathy says if all else perished, and he remained, should still continue to be and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger; I should not seem a part of it. This is shown through the side of Cathy that wants Edgar and the side that wants Heathcliff. As some critics argue that The entire drama is a destruction of a human soul; how love can save and damn one man. This shows the destructive nature of duty because Cathy is constantly caught between her duty to her family in marrying a man of a high social status and her desire to be with her true love, Heathcliff. In conclusion, all three writers show the destructive nature of duty through the characters fight between their head and there heart which is continuously represented in Wuthering heights and Antony and Cleopatra through the use of two locations and the limitations of their choices. Additionally all three writers show the destructive nature of duty through the physical separation of the characters from the people they love due to circumstance. In Wuthering heights this is represented through Cathy having to remain in thrush cross grange due to her marriage to Linton causing her to be separated from Heathcliff. This is also represented in atonement through Robbie being separated from Cecelia through his duty as a soldier and in Antony and Cleopatra Anthonys duty to Rome where each writer presents the failure of the characters who are in love in saving each other.