Management Assessment of Kudler Fine Food

Management Assessment of Kudler Fine Food Free Online Research Papers Since 1998, Kudler Fine Food (KFF) has established itself as one of the premier upscale epicurean stores in the greater San Diego area. Kathy Kudler, founder and president of KFF, established the first store in 1998 and launched two more within the next 5 years. KFF has a top-level team of directors and managers who are committed to the ongoing success and growth of the organization. This paper will identify the primary functions of management and KFF personnel who satisfy these functions, explore the role of information technology within the organization, and analyze KFF’s market using Porter’s Competitive Forces. Primary Functions of Management Planning and Strategizing One key function of management involves identifying organizational goals and developing a plan necessary to achieve these goals. This planning and strategizing requires a realistic assessment of the organization, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks (Gomez, p5.). Kathy Kudler, having served as a vice-president of Marketing for a large defense contractor, is a proficient strategist. Her initial business plan led KFF to a profit within the first nine months of operation. Kathy and her department managers use forecasts to extrapolate past data into future projections (University of Phoenix, Supply Chain Overview). Organizing A company’s organizing function of management facilitates its resources. An effective organizer will arrange personnel, funds, physical assets, technical resources and information when working to achieve desired goals (Gomez, p.6). Harvey Stephens, the director of finance and accounting, demonstrated his organizing leadership style initiating the implementation a company-wide database. The director of store operations, Yvonne Reynolds, has also shown effective organizing management in managing the inventory, purchasing and logistics of each store. Leading Some leaders are very effective in motivating and empowering individuals to do their most capable work. The function of leading involves clear communication of corporate goals, employee motivation, and careful attention to working environment (Gomez, p. 6). Kathy Kudler demonstrated effective leadership by communicating her vision and KFF corporate goals to her executive management. Further leadership of Yvonne Reynold’s encouraged department managers to collaborate with there counterparts at other stores by comparing merchandise price, quality, and delivery. Controlling A controlling manager assesses the company goals, evaluates its direction, and unifies the direction and focus. This leader will measure performance and implement necessary changes while monitoring their progress (Gomez, p.6). As director of administration and human resources, Brenda Wagner develops policies and directs and coordinates human resource activities (University of Phoenix, Job Description). Because both operations and information systems management deal with specialized issues related to control (Gomez, p.6), it is reasonable to identify Harvey Stevens and Yvonne Reynolds as other chief controlling managers. Technology Management KFF management has successfully implemented information and technology management. A wide area network (WAN) allows each store real-time communication to effectively manage inventory and vendors. The La Jolla and Del Mar stores host two inventory servers that can communicate with each other and utilize information received from the point of sale (POS) servers at all three stores (University of Phoenix, Information Technology: Networks). The automated data transmission of the POS servers makes inventory management and control manageable. The POS system also allows for electronic payments. The KFF database stores information about customers, vendors, orders, and inventory. This data provides the executive team with key information when determining direction, developing strategies, and setting clear and focused goals. Finally, KFF can attract customers with a relevant and useful website, allowing customers to view store locations and products through simple one-click navigation. Five Forces of Porter’s Model According to economist and management strategist, Michael Porter, any organization can build a competitive advantage by understanding and focusing on five competitive forces. Because â€Å"competition is at the core of a firm’s success or failure† (Turner, p. 606), KFF management can develop key organizational strategies by assessing how each force currently affects KFF operations. Threat of Entry of New Competitors Kathy Kudler found an open market for a gourmet food store in the late nineties. Since that time, epicurean cooking has grown into a rapidly increasing American trend. Mintel International Group estimated that serious cooking enthusiasts account for an estimated $25 billion in sales of specialty food and drinks, kitchen appliances, and other kitchen related spending (Moran, 2007). As the demand increases there will be new competitors who share Kathys combined interest in gourmet cooking and business opportunities. Additionally, large chain grocery stores are constantly reinventing themselves as customer interests change. These stores can become new competitors as they add products and services currently offered by KFF. Bargaining Power of Suppliers KFF relies on suppliers to offer the best possible prices and timely delivery. Management understands the importance of these suppliers, their services, and continuing a positive relationship with each vendor. Marketing has recently emphasized the need to reduce ordering costs, minimize the quantity of food ordered, and make sure a product does not sell-out. The purchasing department followed up with a supplier relations program currently being rolled-out (University of Phoenix, Marketing Overview). Bargaining Power of Customers A 2007 customer survey indicated that 85% of customers surveyed believed the merchandise sold was a good value for their money (University of Phoenix, 2007 Market Survey). This survey showed favorable responses regarding store hours, product selection, product quality, and overall satisfaction. Through this survey, KFF management realized that their customer service and staff knowledge was not at an acceptable level. The marketing department has proposed new initiatives that will cater to the customer including cooking classes and frequent buyer points programs (University of Phoenix, Marketing Overview). Threat of Substitute Products or Services KFF products are the primary factor in their success. Kathy Kudler has managed to create an enterprise based on desirable products and the trend of home-based gourmet cooking. As trends continue to change, KFF will need to adjust to consumer demand. Rivalry Among Existing Firms in the Industry KFF continues to encounter rivalries in the industry. Trader Joes currently has 10 locations in San Diego county, including a store in Encintas and one in La Jolla (Trader Joes). Whole Foods has over 20 stores throughout Southern California including one store in La Jolla (Whole Foods Market). Understanding the power of rivalries, recent KFF marketing strategies include advertising in all forms of media and hosting public relations events and programs (Marketing Overview). The sales and marketing department has approved additional expenditures on market analysis through size and opportunity studies, food marketing trend studies, and benchmarking. KFF is aware of many influences affecting corporate success. By exploring KFF’s history, examining their current business and identifying future strategic implementations, this paper has demonstrated KFF’s thorough attention to leadership functions, technology advantage, and competitive forces. References Gomez-Mejia, L.R. Balkin, D.B. (2002). Management. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition E-Text]. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Retrieved March 25, 2008 from University of Phoenix, Resource MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. Moran, M. (2007, July 1). The Gourmet Retailer. Cooking Enthusiasts Drive Specialty Market. Retrieved March 31, 2008 from gourmetretailer.com/gourmetretailer/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003606103imw=Y. Trader Joes. (n.d.). Where the dickens can you find a Trader Joes. Retrieved March 31, 2008 from http://traderjoes.com/Attachments/SC.pdf Turban, E., Rainer, K.R., Potter, R.. (2003). Introduction to Information Technology. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition E-Text]. New York: John Wiley Sons, Inc. Retrieved March 25, 2008 from University of Phoenix, Resource MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). 2007 Market Survey. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Job Description. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Information Technology: Networks. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Marketing Overview. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Supply Chain Overview. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. Whole Foods Market. (2007). Store Locations. Southern California. Retrieved March 31, 2008 from wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/list_stores.php?state=C Research Papers on Management Assessment of Kudler Fine FoodThe Project Managment Office SystemAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaOpen Architechture a white paperBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalDefinition of Export QuotasResearch Process Part OneMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductPETSTEL analysis of IndiaGenetic Engineering

Public Service Broadcasters in the United Kingdom Thesis Proposal

Public Service Broadcasters in the United Kingdom - Thesis Proposal Example The outcome of the research paper will reveal the requirement for both political independence and political accountability of public service broadcasters in the U.K., the part played by regulators in ensuring these partially conflicting aims, and whether they have been able to achieve their objectives. A comparative perspective will be provided by comparing and contrasting the U.K. experience with that of another country. There are over ten statutory and self-regulatory bodies for media and communications in the UK (Collins and Murroni 1996). To support policy making with specific aims and techniques, meaningful rationales for regulatory interventions have to be determined (Harcourt 2005). There is a requirement for content regulation by Ofcom’s â€Å"Content Board† established by the 2003 Act (Open Society Institute 2009), and for economic regulation of public service broadcasting because of technological The main goal of public broadcasting is to engage viewers and listeners in a dialogue about public life. General characterization of the audiences (Freedman 2008), and a need for Independent of government or vested interests, public broadcasting aims to develop the concept of a shared public life correlating with national or regional communities. Broadcasters committed to quality and creativity contribute to social healing and provide information as well as enjoyment. A profoundly democratic phenomenon through which public opinion is expressed and established (Tracey 1998). Hutchison (1999) emphasizes the function of media policy towards maintaining broadcasting freedom, democracy, the enlightenment of the public, as well protecting the state, the citizen and the society. Various critiques about public service broadcasting include the fact that because of independent television, the BBC is unable to get the audience it requires to justify its license fee monopoly (Franklin 2001).  

Four Stages of Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Four Stages of Leadership - Essay Example Teamwork is also essential for any success of a leader (Stagish, 2006). This is because when a leader does not work with the employees, but instead issues orders, the employees can fail to work effectively. Through teamwork, the satisfaction of the employees will increase. There will be the creation of good ideas that will come out of the association between the leaders and employees (Kramer, 2002). For people to trust the leaders in a company, the leader has to portray some behaviors deemed ethical by the society. The leader should be honest in all the work that he does in the organization (Porter-O’Grady, 2010). He should be sincere when dealing with all employees and not exhibit double standard while issuing orders. The leaders should also have integrity. This means that, in all the decisions that he has to make, he should have the same stand. He should be able to show competence in his dealings. This means that the basis of his decisions should not rely on his emotions or his desires. The leader should also depict intelligence to their juniors. The employees will thus trust the leader’s opinion, since his intellect can be trusted. Vital behaviors are necessary for a leader to adapt and ensure that he achieves teamwork in all his dealings. The leader has to ensure he understands the benefits of teamwork. He should know that, through teamwork, creative ideas could crop up (Shockley-Zalabak, 2010). The leader should thus aim to encourage all employees to participate actively in meetings and jobs that they do. This will lead to the employees helping each other the moment they get a problem. The result will be a better time management as less time is wasted. Second level The organization should adapt the synergic approach. I believe that leaders of an organization can work well with the employees to make certain that they realize the objectives of the organization as well as benefit the society. This can be a milestone in increasing the growth of t he company (Holmes, 2005). The company needs to ensure the employees understand the need to please the society and achieve the goals of the company. The leader of the company should share and find ways of achieving the goals of the company through teamwork. The employees will then learn to help each other in the company, especially when they are in the same field in the organization. This is because when the employees work together, they learn to come up with an idea that works very well in a situation. The leader can analyze the effect of the change in the active participation of employees in the team (Salas, 2001). This way, they will appreciate teamwork, internalize it and use it in all the activities they do in the company. The leaders should also build their trust in the employees. They can do this by sharing with them and showing them that they can be trusted. Leaders should understand the imperativeness of earning the trust of the employees. Their consistency and competence a re what the employees will use to judge and trust them. A leader can openly tell the employees that he can be trusted, and act in ways that make the employees believe him. Third Level The purpose of the company should be to offer the best services for the clients of the organization. They should be very kind and respectful to them regardless of the attitude of the clients. This means that they should be very tolerant will all the clients. The employees should also be able to make

Ethnic Diversity in the Uk Essay Example for Free

Ethnic Diversity in the Uk Essay Immigration, annexation, and colonialism are processes that may create subordinate groups. Other processes such as extermination and expulsion may remove the presence of a subordinate group. Significant for racial and ethnic oppression in the United States today is the distinction between assimilation and pluralism. Assimilation demands subordinate-group conformity to the dominant group, and pluralism implies mutual respect among diverse groups. The definition of ethnicity people value differently for each of the primary and secondary factors Primary whether it be Race, Nationality, Language, Religion, Perceived Ethnic Identity. Secondary whether it be Social status, residential concentrations, age, gender and caste. The processes which create and maintain ethnic diversity are such as Colonisation, annexation and international migration showing the role of those processes that create ethnic diversity in one country. The problems that come with the processes is ethnic diversity whether it be Segregation, pluralism, multiculturalism and discrimination that also shows the economic, social and spatial outcomes of ethnic diversity’ showing the role of these processes and their outcomes for one ethnically diverse city. The problem with Britain is that has been colonised over the centuries by various groups from Romans (introducing the catholic religion as a new ethnicity) the introduction of one of the first colonial powers to rule the British empire. The British isles came together as a political unit through annexation over a number of centuries culminating in Ireland. First wave of Immigrants was in the mid nineteenth century when thousands of Irish fled the potato famine and came to cities with major ports e. g. Liverpool in aid of work and living this is classified as international migration. Most significant increase in ethnic diversity in Britain started in the 1950s. During two world wars hundreds of thousands of men from across the empire had fought for Britain. India alone provided 1. 3 million soldiers. During these years many remained in Britain, forming small ethnic communities in ports this was due to India being a colonial country under British rule. A Number of Jewish immigrants also fled to Britain from the nazi oppression in Europe. At the end of the WWII there work shortages throughout Europe and Britain. 157,000 polish immigrants arrived in Britain in search of work. Shortly after where joined by the Italians but there was still a labour shortage and eventually workers were recruited from the colonies this is all international migration due to it being an economical climate issue. 22nd June 1948, the empire wind rush brought the first of many West Indians to live and work in Britain during the 1950s. In 1956, London transport was struggling to find workers so advertised in Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica for bus drivers and conductors. More and more immigrants flocked to Britain throughout the years from Barbadians, West Indians in 1958 and in the 1960s they were joined by immigrants from Indian sub continent which had become India, west and east Pakistan, following independence from Britain. The new immigrants were different to the rest as instead of flocking to the port areas they moved to the London area filling low paid, unskilled jobs in factories and the service sector. Car engineering in car manufacturers in the West Midlands were another focus. They frequently established clusters or neighbourhoods in the poorest areas in the inner cities Toxteth in Liverpool, Brixton and Bethnal Green in London. In most cases the new immigrants eventually established their own places of worship and other ethnic services. These new immigrants were not welcomed easily into British society and there were protests at their arrival. The government reacted by amending the British nationality Act to make it more difficult for non white immigrants to bring their family members with them. In spit of this, the numbers of non-white residents continued to grow and by 1970 they numbered 1. 5 million, one third of these were children born in Britain. Racial prejudice was quite widespread and there were racially motivated riots in the 1980s. Riots were started by claims that ethnic minorities, especially black male youths, were being targeted by the police. These minorities are being represented by racial unequal treatment. The amount of ethnics taking and filling British jobs is causing ethnic conflict between white Caucasian. conflict sociologists see the social world as being in continual struggle. The conflict perspective assumes that the social structure is best understood in terms of conflict or tension between the competing groups within Britain. The result of this conflict is significant economic disparity and structural inequality in education, the labor market, housing, and healthcare delivery. Specifically, society is a struggle between the privileged (the dominant group) and the exploited (the subordinate groups). Such conflicts need not be physically violent and may take the form of immigration restrictions, real estate practices, or disputes over cuts in the federal budget.

Wuthering Heights Heathcliff Essay -- English Literature Heathcliff V

Wuthering Heights' Heathcliff "Wuthering Heights" centres on the story of Heathcliff. The first paragraph provides a vivid physical picture of him, as Lockwood describes how his "black eyes" withdraw suspiciously under his brows at Lockwood's approach. Nelly's story begins with his introduction into the Earnshaw family. His vengeful desire to do evil and his love for Catherine drive the entire plot. Heathcliff, however, defies being understood and it is difficult for the reader to resist seeing what they want to see in him. By the name Heath-cliff it hints to the reader that he is empty like a heath or dangerous like a cliff. The house which he is brought to also gives the reader a picture of stormy bad weather. Bronte teases the reader with two sides to his character. One that his cruelty is only an expression of his frustrated love for Catherine and thus seen as a romantic hero. The other, a demon or a devil who is hungry for recognition, money and power and thus seen as a villain. A romantic hero in a novel is usually someone who appears dangerous, daring or cold at first who later emerges to be fiercely devoted and loving. A villain is usually someone who's violent and ill disposed towards others, the wicked enemy of the hero in a story or play. As soon as Heathcliff entered the home after being picked up from the streets of Liverpool he caused havoc and jealousy. He upset the family and above all Hindley, as Mr. Earnshaw seemed to have a soft spot for him. Heathcliff abused from this and used it as an opportunity to blackmail Hindley. Once, when the father gave them two horses, Heathcliffs' appeared to have a defect so he made Hindley change with him or he would have his father of the beating... ...e would be with Catherine again he saw happiness "last night I was at the threshold of death, alone, I am within sight of my heaven. I have my eyes on it hardly three feet to sever me!" Bronte was very successful in combining two completely distinct characters into one man. As the reader has seen Heathcliff could either be seen as a romantic hero somewhat like Romeo in "Romeo and Juliet" who at the end of the play took his own life to be with his love Juliet as he could not stand being alone in this world without her or as a tyrant who destroyed the lives and futures of two families. In my opinion I see Heathcliff as a villain he managed single handedly to win his way from nothing. Nevertheless happiness is restored at the end of the novel moral rightness is restored when Hareton and Cathy get married and the two house holds are left to rest in peace. Wuthering Heights' Heathcliff Essay -- English Literature Heathcliff V Wuthering Heights' Heathcliff "Wuthering Heights" centres on the story of Heathcliff. The first paragraph provides a vivid physical picture of him, as Lockwood describes how his "black eyes" withdraw suspiciously under his brows at Lockwood's approach. Nelly's story begins with his introduction into the Earnshaw family. His vengeful desire to do evil and his love for Catherine drive the entire plot. Heathcliff, however, defies being understood and it is difficult for the reader to resist seeing what they want to see in him. By the name Heath-cliff it hints to the reader that he is empty like a heath or dangerous like a cliff. The house which he is brought to also gives the reader a picture of stormy bad weather. Bronte teases the reader with two sides to his character. One that his cruelty is only an expression of his frustrated love for Catherine and thus seen as a romantic hero. The other, a demon or a devil who is hungry for recognition, money and power and thus seen as a villain. A romantic hero in a novel is usually someone who appears dangerous, daring or cold at first who later emerges to be fiercely devoted and loving. A villain is usually someone who's violent and ill disposed towards others, the wicked enemy of the hero in a story or play. As soon as Heathcliff entered the home after being picked up from the streets of Liverpool he caused havoc and jealousy. He upset the family and above all Hindley, as Mr. Earnshaw seemed to have a soft spot for him. Heathcliff abused from this and used it as an opportunity to blackmail Hindley. Once, when the father gave them two horses, Heathcliffs' appeared to have a defect so he made Hindley change with him or he would have his father of the beating... ...e would be with Catherine again he saw happiness "last night I was at the threshold of death, alone, I am within sight of my heaven. I have my eyes on it hardly three feet to sever me!" Bronte was very successful in combining two completely distinct characters into one man. As the reader has seen Heathcliff could either be seen as a romantic hero somewhat like Romeo in "Romeo and Juliet" who at the end of the play took his own life to be with his love Juliet as he could not stand being alone in this world without her or as a tyrant who destroyed the lives and futures of two families. In my opinion I see Heathcliff as a villain he managed single handedly to win his way from nothing. Nevertheless happiness is restored at the end of the novel moral rightness is restored when Hareton and Cathy get married and the two house holds are left to rest in peace.

Small-Scale Fish Farming in Bangladesh

Small-scale fish farming in Bangladesh Introduction For many people in Bangladesh small-scale fish farming is an important opportunity to generate income and is a significant nutritional source providing protein-rich food all year round. It comprises of a range of options that can be adapted to suit the needs and capacity of people living in rural Bangladesh. The two approaches commonly implemented on a small scale are: †¢ Local pond fish farming Open water fish farming in lakes, rivers, dams and reservoirs The benefit to low-income farmers is that they are able to invest in fish cultivation when there is sufficient income, which will then be able to generate additional income and food when other sources of income are limited. Much of Bangladesh is flooded annually during the monsoon season as water flows into the country through the Ganga (Ganges), Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. This provides an extensive range of habitats for wild and cultivated fish species.Fish catches are h ighest after the monsoon rains when supplies of other foods, such as rice, are low. With so much water, fishing plays a vital role in the economy of rural villages. Fish farming options Capital intensive One of the main trends in fish culture over recent years has been towards capital-intensive, high-input high-yield systems, which can dramatically improve the rate of production if operated in ideal conditions. The development of practical hatching techniques has vastly improved fish cultivation and allowed careful breeding and selection of desired species to take place.Although these techniques were introduced to Bangladesh some years ago, it has taken time for them to become established. Commercially produced fish have become a significant proportion of the total fish supply. But intensive cultivation methods increase the cost of fish production beyond the reach of poorer farmers. Consequently, alternative low-cost approaches have been promoted by NGOs working in the country. Fish farming for the poorAn enormous variety of water bodies, including rivers, irrigation canals, flood plains, beels (large depressions), ox bow lakes and ponds are dispersed throughout Bangladesh offering considerable potential for fish cultivation, but a general lack of capital, access to resources and knowledge means that many farmers are unable to provide all the commercial inputs required for intensive production methods. An alternative low-cost approach is more appropriate for many people, relying on existing water bodies and natural vegetation and household waste, supplemented with animal protein in the form of snails and homemade supplements for fish feed.Many NGOs are adopting strategies to minimise the inherent riskiness of fish culture by undertaking research into low-input systems, low-cost technology, fast growing species and alternative management practices. Pond culture Site selection is an important factor in the success of a fish farm but the ideal site is usually not available to poorer families. Site location will be dependent on a number of factors: †¢ The fish species being raised. †¢ Soil quality, which affects water quality and productivity. †¢ An adequate supply of water. †¢ Land ownership. Marketplace and market conditions. †¢ Fish food and other inputs available to the farmer. †¢ Groups adjacent to water. †¢ More than 1 metre water retention capacity for at least 6 months of the year. †¢ Pollution free. Ideally, the fishpond should be 0. 5 to 1. 0 metres at the shallow end and sloping to 1. 5 to 2 . 0 metres at the drain end. Drain vales, baffle boards or tilt-over standpipes should be incorporated into the design. It should be possible to drain the pond within three days. The edges of the pond should have a slope of 2:1 or 3:1 on all sides.If possible the pond should be located to take advantage of the effect of the wind on the surface of the pond to mix the water; although locations that are too windy can cause erosion of dykes. If the site is very windy the long side of the pond should be at right angles to the prevailing wind. Hedges and trees can be used to protect the pond. In practice, existing ponds and pools are abundant in Bangladesh, often located near to farmers’ homes. Small-scale fish cultivation is mainly a secondary occupation for farmers. These ponds tend to be small (less than 0. 5 acres) and do not have any water drain facility. They are commonly referred to as fishponds but are in fact â€Å"borrow pits†, where earth has been removed for building. Fish breading is just one of the activities that the ponds are used for. Other uses may include domestic water use, washing, irrigation or duck keeping. Ponds are occasionally integrated into paddy fields as additional ditches. Consequently, the ponds have many limitations for producing fish. In managing the ponds there are many potential problems to be considered, including: †¢ Broken pond ba nks; check the pond walls on a regular basis. An irregular water supply, too much water in the monsoon season and too little in the summer. †¢ Predators; check the pond for signs of snake and rat holes. The Boal fish is a particular menace that eats smaller fish. †¢ Grazing animals can damage the pond banks and should be kept out of the way. †¢ Silting or a build up of organic matter; check the bottom of the pond and scoop silt out when required. Mud on the bottom of the ponds can be agitated with a rope to release harmful gasses. †¢ Leakage; check the inlet and outlet on a regular basis. Fish diseases; check the fish on a regular basis. †¢ Poor water quality; lime can be added to improve the water quality. Open water fish farming Open water fish farming is particularly suited to Bangladesh with its many water sources. Cages or pens are used to separate an area of larger water bodies for fish cultivation. The selected water source should be of good quality w ith low turbidity. Dams and reservoirs primarily exist to store water but as a secondary function these bodies of water can be stocked with fingerlings or fry and the fish can be harvested later on using nets.In river locations a slow current is necessary and there should be little disturbance from water traffic. The disadvantages are: †¢ Fish farmers have little control of the water, as they do not own the dam or reservoir. †¢ Water cannot be drained, as the main function of the resource is to provide water. †¢ There are likely to be more predators of the fish in the water. †¢ It is not possible to feed or fertilize the water, as occurs in more intensive fish farming, so there is a reliance on naturally occurring fish food. There is a potential risk from disease but stock held in small-scale cages scattered around villages will probably be less vulnerable than stock held in more concentrated and centralized commercial systems. †¢ The risk from theft and van dalism is a serious problem in some places. This is especially real for the poorest people who are perceived as easy victims. †¢ A significant expansion of cage culture activities in some villages could lead to local depletion of snail or other foods, to the detriment of ducks and other domestic and wild animals. †¢ Multiple ownership of ponds can be a major drawback to the effective use of such resources.Consensus over access to the water for the poor has to be developed. Figure 2: Bilkish Begum and Hamida Begum working with fish cages (Photo credit: Practical Action / Zul) Fish cages Cages are used as a form of farming in their own right within flowing or large bodies of water and can also be used in small pond fish culture to protect fingerlings in the initial stages of development. Small cages with a capacity of one cubic metre are suitable for fingerling protection. The cage can hold up to 300 fish at a time. People grow fish in their local ponds using a simple fish c age known locally as a â€Å"hapa†.A few young fish are put into each â€Å"hapa†, which acts as their home, floating just below the surface of the pond. Cage construction Cages can be made using a few cheap materials. Bamboo poles form an outer frame that is covered in netting; inside is a â€Å"nursery† section for the younger, more delicate fish; and floats are added at the corners. A cage is a very simple means of restraining fish in one place and it can be easily made using local materials. Cage design must incorporate certain physical properties, including the ability to hold fish securely but also to be within the financial means of the cage operators.The cages presently used are small in size, measuring between 1 and 2m3, inexpensive and simple to construct. Farmers use both fixed and floating cages. In general, fixed cages are installed in water where the depth is relatively low and bamboo poles can be fixed into the riverbed or substrate. Floating cage s do not have this limitation and can be used in deep water. Floating cages tend to be easier to manage but when selecting the type and design the following points should be considered: †¢ Ability †¢ Input availability †¢ Natural disaster †¢ Type of water body Water depth †¢ Water current †¢ Water retention period over one year †¢ Social problem †¢ Cage management Fixed cages Fixed cages are very easy to construct and only require a small amount of capital investment. The materials needed to make fixed cages are netting with an 8mm mesh size, bamboo, rope, twine and sinker. Routine management is difficult for these cages and storms, strong currents, tidal surges and flooding may cause damage if precautionary measures are not taken. Fixed cages are difficult to move from one place to another during water fluctuation.A top cover is usually provided on cages to reduce the risk of fish escaping, especially in areas prone to flash floods where wate r levels rise very quickly. A small opening is kept at one edge or in the middle of the top covering for feeding purposes. A feeding platform made of fine mesh is placed on the bottom of each cage to minimise food loss. To fix the cage, four bamboo poles are fixed in the substrate and the four top and bottom corners of the cage are tied to the bamboo poles with nylon rope, allowing the cage netting to stretch.To minimise installation cost and to reduce daily management labour, cages are sometimes fixed in rows with a narrow space between the adjacent cages. Floating cages The size of the cage is usually 1m3. A top net is always used to minimise escapees because the cage is only a few centimetres above the water surface. The top of the cage is on hinges that can be opened to allow feeding, the checking of fish, the removal of waste and harvesting. A layer of fine mesh net is placed along the bottom of the cage and 10 centimetres up each side which reduces food loss.However, where wat er has a high turbidity, the use of fine mesh is not recommended as it clogs up the mesh and causes structural stress on the cage frame. In these areas, feeding trays should be used instead of fine mesh. Buoyancy is achieved by using four plastic floats (buoys) which are tied to the four horizontal frames, approximately 10 centimetres from the top of the cage. Bamboo frame cage To make a 1m3 bamboo cage, twelve one metre long bamboo sticks (about 2cm in diameter) are required and fixed into the holes of the angles, one angle for each corner, giving a box shape. Advantages and disadvantages of fixed and floating cages | |Fixed cages |Floating cages | |Advantages | |Cost per unit is small |Water volume remains constant even with a fluctuation in the water | |Not damaged by storms |level | |Easy age management |Cage can be installed in deep water | |Cage bags spread properly in the water |Floating cage with box type frame gives adequate space inside | |Easy to construct | |In tidal water bodies the effective cage depth is greater | |Disadvantages | |Water depth inside cage varies with the fluctuation of the water |Cost per unit is higher than fixed cages | |level |Algae deposits on cage net affect the water exchange | |Vulnerable to tidal surge and storm |Cage management i. e. cleaning, moving and sampling are not easy | |Cage cannot be installed in all types of water bodies |Due to water flow sometimes the cage bag does not spread properly | |Prone to crab cutting |Easy to steal fish by lifting the cage | |Poorer fish growth and higher mortality rate |During flooding may wash away | Cage managementCare of cages – cleaning of aquatic weeds nearby, removal of water hyacinth, cleaning of waste feeds from cages, cleaning of deposited silts from cage, removal of dead fishes, checking cage frames, floats, ties, anchors, feeding trays etc. , cage shifting, considering the water level, checking water pollution and guarding. Care of net – Algae attachme nt should be cleaned at regular basis to ensure water exchange, net holes must be checked properly and need quick repairing when necessary. Care of fish – profitability depends on proper attention to the fish growth, regular, adequate and quality feeding is important. Fish health and disease should be monitored during feeding and sampling.The fish must be fed daily using aquatic weed or a mixture of rice bran, oil cakes, kitchen waste, chopped snails or cow dung. Minimising risk of cage culture †¢ Appropriate cage design can help minimise failure. †¢ The use of more than one cage per household greatly reduces the risk of an individual losing all fish. †¢ Placing many cages together in clusters also reduces the risk of poaching. †¢ Individual farmers can form groups that can guard the fish and therefore considerably reduce potential poaching threats. Fish types Fish is an important part of the diet for the people in Bangladesh providing protein calcium, fat ty acids and vitamins.Traditionally, a variety of local species were used in ponds, mainly carp, caught from the wild as spawn (fertilised eggs or small fish). One of the main drawbacks of this source of supply is that along with the desired fish species come many undesirable ones Most of the species currently used in the cages in Bangladesh are exotics. However, for decades these fish have bred naturally and distributed themselves throughout the flood plains and the delta. Common fish types The selection a suitable fish species will depend on various biological and economic factors, such as; †¢ Market price †¢ Growth rate †¢ Ability to reproduce simple culture of young fish Match of fish and available fish feed †¢ Water temperature is an important criteria in assessing which fish species is suitable. The main types of cultivated fish are Carp, Tilapia and Catfish. Other fish suitable to cultivation are eel, tawes, mullet, snakeskin, and rohu. Some fish are more suitable to pond conditions than others, some fish will not adapt the confined conditions while others such as the indigenous Koi (Anabas testidunous) have been found to thrive in cages. Small indigenous species In addition to the main cultivated species there are many indigenous breeds of fish that play an important role in the nutrition of the population.These fish are classed as small indigenous species although not all fish within this classification are particularly small. Of the 260 species of fresh water fish found locally, over 140 species are classified as Small Indigenous Species (SIS) and account for over 80% of the total catch, consumed by the poorer section, as preferred species. The term SIS would seem to be a recent re interpretation of the Bangla word chotmach (literally small fish) as opposed to Boromach (literally large fish). Common fish within the small indigenous species category include: Figure 3: Bilkish with prepared food for her fish (Photo credit: Practical Action / Zul) †¢ Small catfish †¢ Knifefishes Snakeheads †¢ Needlefishes †¢ Minnows, Rasboras, and bards †¢ Loaches †¢ Anchovies and sardines †¢ Spiny eels †¢ Climbing perch †¢ Gobies †¢ Mud Perches †¢ Glassfishes †¢ Fresh water prawns Small, low-value fish are particularly important for the extremely poor after the rice harvest when the demand for their labour declines. Feeding the fish With the non-intensive approach it is possible to feed fish on nothing more than scraps and waste, duck weed, oil cake, kitchen waste, rice bran and snails which will provide all the nutrition required. Some low-cost feeds are bought in by the households, typically rice bran and oilcake, but these costs are minimal.Occasionally, the diet may be supplemented with commercially available compound feeds. In most cases a mixture of diets is offered, according to their availability and needs of the fish. Fish harvesting and marketing Growth is r apid in the warm climate of Bangladesh and the fish attain marketable size within 3-9 months, providing farmers with a rapid return on their investment and labour. Fingerling production culture cycle is between 1 and 2 months. Cage nursery producers can sell fingerlings to the pond farmers and ox-bow lake operators. Fish for food culture cycle is between 4 and 6 months. Fish food producers consume the cage fish as well as selling them in the market.Figure 4: A group of landless women discussing finances in Madaripur (Photo credit: Practical Action / Neil Cooper) Profitability depends on many factors including the type of water body and culture, cage construction materials, the choice of fish species, fingerling size and price, stocking density, feed price, availability of protein rich feed, culture duration, cage management, harvesting and marketing. Another concern relates to economies of scale. Almost all enterprises are subject to economies of scale, and cage culture is no except ion. The labour of looking after one small cage is far greater per kilogram of product than that for looking after a large one.The cost of the cage per kilogram of production will also be higher for a small cage versus a large cage. However, co-operative use of labour can be used to realise economies of scale in relation to labour, and this is already done in many villages. The third concern, related to the second, is comparative advantage. A significant proportion of the fish is intended to be sold for cash rather than consumed by the farmer and his family. In the medium term, an important question is whether small-scale producers in villages are well placed to compete – either with larger commercial producers, or producers from elsewhere. If they are not, and if competition increases, then prices – and returns – will steadily decline.In practice there is strong local demand for fish throughout the country, and small-scale producers are well placed to serve wid ely-dispersed rural markets. Secondly, the use of surplus off-season and/or family labour is itself a comparative advantage. Thirdly, in those systems which use local food resources, such as natural foods and kitchen wastes, feed costs are relatively low compared with those for commercial producers. Small-scale fish producers should therefore be able to survive competition in much the same way as village-scale poultry producers have survived, and even to some extent benefit from the increasing number of intensive poultry operations. References and further reading †¢ Small-scale Freshwater Fish Farming by van Ear et al.Agromisa 1996 †¢ Cage and Pen Fish Farming: Carrying Capacity Models and Environmental Impact FAO Fisheries Technicla Paper 225, 1984 †¢ Food, Livelihoods and Freshwater Ecology: The Significance of Small Indigenous Fish Species, ITDG Bangladesh, 1999 For further information, please contact: Practical Action The Schumacher Centre for Technology and Devel opment Bourton-on-Dunsmore Warwickshire CV23 9QZ United Kingdom Tel: + 44 (0)1926 634400 Fax: + 44 (0)1926 634401 E-mail [email  protected] org. uk Website: www. practicalaction. org Practical Action Bangladesh G. P. O. Box 3881 Dhaka 1000 Bangladesh Tel: + 880 – (0)2 – 8111934, 9110060, 9123671 Fax: + 880 – (0)2 – 8113134 E-mail: [email  protected] org. bd

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson - 574 Words

Could you imagine having your name pulled out of the lottery? It is everyone’s dream to hit that jackpot, and obtain any prize that is in store for them. What if the prize wasn’t cash or your dream boat? What if it entailed a city wide gathering in your name with the intentions of you getting stoned? That doesn’t seem like a dream come true. That is exactly what happens in the short story â€Å"The Lottery† by Shirley Jackson. This horrific tale is about a mass city wide gathering where everyone participates in the ritualistic stoning of one of their citizens. This short story is the perfect example for learning about group violence, and is ideal for teaching children and teens a lesson in following the crowd. However, during the time period it was created, â€Å"The Lottery† was not accepted well by its readers. Because of its geographical reference and time period, â€Å"The Lottery† has become one of the most controversial and influential short stories The New Yorker has ever published. â€Å"The Lottery† was written in the year of 1948. Although many controversial topics and stories have come about, nothing like â€Å"The Lottery† had ever come about. There were stories about forbidden love and mental illnesses in â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† and â€Å"The Story of an Hour† that were considered controversial, but there were no stories about a town coming together to stone one of its citizens to death. In 2014, â€Å"The Lottery† would be considered minute in gore compared to the many films and stories thatShow MoreRelatedThe Lottery, By Shirley Jackson1195 Words   |  5 PagesOn the surface, Shirley Jackson’s short story, â€Å"The Lottery,† reads as a work of horror. There is a village that holds an annual lottery where the winner is stoned to death so the village and its people could prosper. Some underlying themes include: the idea that faith and tradition are often followed blindly, and those who veer away from tradition are met with punishment, as well as the idea of a herd mentality and bystander apathy. What the author manages to do successfully is that she actuallyRead MoreThe Lottery by Shirley Jackson757 Words   |  4 Pagessucceed but many fail just like the main character Tessie Hutchinson in Shirley Jackson’s short story â€Å"The Lottery†. When someone hears the word â€Å"lottery†, he or she may think that someone will be rewarded with prize. But â€Å"The Lottery† By Shirley Jackson is different than what one thinks. In the story, a lottery is going to be conducted not like Mega Million or Powerball one play here. In the story, the person who wins the lottery is stoned to death instead of being rewarded with the prize. TessieRead MoreThe Lottery By Shirley Jackson931 Words   |  4 PagesIn 1948 Shirley Jackson composed the controversial short story â€Å"The Lottery.† Generally speaking, a title such as â€Å"The Lottery† is usuall y affiliated with an optimistic outlook. However, Jackson’s approach is quite unorthodox and will surely leave readers contemplating the intent of her content. The story exposes a crude, senseless lottery system in which random villagers are murdered amongst their peers. Essentially, the lottery system counteracts as a form of population control, but negatives easilyRead MoreThe Lottery By Shirley Jackson1504 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"The Lottery† by Shirley Jackson In The Lottery Shirley Jackson fills her story with many literary elements to mask the evil. The story demonstrates how it is in human nature to blindly follow traditions. Even though some people have no idea why they follow these traditions. The title of the story plays a role in how Shirley Jackson used some literary elements to help mask the evils and develop the story. The title â€Å"The Lottery† serves as an allegory. When people think of the lottery majorityRead More`` The Lottery `` By Shirley Jackson894 Words   |  4 Pagesshort story â€Å"The Lottery†, author Shirley Jackson demonstrates Zimbardo’s concepts in three different areas: Authority figures, Tradition and Superstition, and Loyalty. The first concept Jackson portrays in â€Å"The Lottery† is the authority figures. Jackson indicates that the lottery is being held in the town center by one authority figure, Mr. Summers, annually on June 27th. Every June 27th, without fail, townspeople gather in the town square to participate in the annually lottery even though mostRead MoreThe Lottery, By Shirley Jackson1510 Words   |  7 PagesShirley Jackson’s â€Å"The Lottery† illustrates several aspects of the darker side of human nature. The townspeople in Jackson’s â€Å"The Lottery† unquestioningly adhere to a tradition which seems to have lost its relevance in their lives. The ritual that is the lottery shows how easily and willingly people will give up their free will and suspend their consciences to conform to tradition and people in authority. The same mindless complacency and obedience shown by the villagers in Jackson’s story are seenRead MoreThe Lottery By Shirley Jackson8 11 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The Lottery† was published by Shirley Jackson. The story was true expression of Jackson’s genuine thoughts about human beings and their heinous competence in an annual village event for corn harvest . First, her used to word symbolized main point of the story. Second, Jackson was inspired by few historical events happened in the past and a life incident in her life. Lastly, She was able to accomplish the connection between historical and biographical with the story. Therefore, Shirley Jackson’sRead MoreThe Lottery By Shirley Jackson934 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The Lottery† by Shirley Jackson signifies the physical connection between the villagers and their unwillingness to give up their tradition. â€Å"The Lottery† is very unpredictable and quite misleading. The black box has no functionality, except every June 27th. Shirley Jackson depicts the black box as an important and traditional tool. Although the villagers in â€Å"The Lottery† are terrified of the goal of the lottery and the black box, they are unwilling to let go of the tradition. Shirley Jackson portraysRead MoreThe Lottery by Shirley Jackson799 Words   |  4 Pagesthe mood and to foreshadow of things to come. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson is a story in which the setting sets up the reader to think of positive outcomes. However, this description of the setting foreshadows exactly the opposite of what is to come. In addition, the theme that we learn of at the end leads us to think of where the sanity of some human beings lies. The story begins with the establishment of the setting. To begin, Shirley Jackson tells the reader what time of day and what time ofRead MoreThe Lottery by Shirley Jackson1764 Words   |  7 Pagesfilled with excitement and eeriness, leaving the reader speechless. The Lottery , a short story written by famous writer Shirley Jackson, created an uproar on June 26, 1948, when it was published in the magazine The New Yorker (Ball). The gothic thriller, set in an unknown time and place, shares the tradition of a small town, a little larger than three hundred people, in which a drawing is held once a year. In this â€Å"Lottery,† each family’s husband draws a slip of paper from a black box. The husband