Process of air freight forwarding services for exporting

Over the last few years, the concept of logistics has become more and more recognized, it has even become a vital part of foreign trade activities. Integrating with the trend of globalization, Vietnam has gradually developed forwarding and logistics industry, created incentives to develop export and import activities in the country. After a long period of time fostering professional knowledge, I found this internship program a chance that the university had offered to students to gain actual work practice and apply learning theory.With the experiences in 3 weeks of internship at Overgrow Consultant and Logistics Corporation and the knowledge accumulated in class, I have completed the mid-course internship report with the key topic â€Å"Process of air freight forwarding services for exporting processing goods at Overgrow Consultant and Logistics Corporation†, which includes the actual process of exporting goods by air at the company and some recommendations to improve this act ivities.The report consists of three chapters, including: Chapter 1 : Introduction of Overgrow Consultant and Logistics Corporation Chapter 2: Estimating the process of air freight forwarding services for exporting processing odds Chapter 3: Recommendations to improve the process I would like to say thanks to Foreign Trade University Ho Chi Mini city Campus that has facilitated us in experiencing with the mid-course internship; Mr.. Unguent Tine Hang who has devotedly helped me to finish this report. I am grateful for the help from Overgrow C. L. Co's Board of Directors and their staffs, especially Mr..Unguent Van Sang – General Director and Miss Train NCO Phonon NIH – Assistant General Director, who have enthusiastically supported me to approach documents and actual activities in the company. However, due to the lack of knowledge and practical experience, the port may contain some inevitable mistakes. I would be really appreciated to have further comments to improve t his subject from the readers. Ho Chi Mini City, 22nd August, 2013 Student TryГn HTH H;I Line Chapter 1 : INTRODUCTION OF OVERGROW CONSULTANT AND LOGISTICS CORPORATION 1. . Rater History Overgrow Consultant and Logistics Corporation was first established on 20/09/2000 at Cote Building, 7 Name Quo Gang, Pam Eng Ala Ward, HCI with the name of Overgrow Services – Consultant – Trading Limited Liability Company. January 2nd 2008, the company became officially quizzed and changed its head office to 853 El Hong Phone, Ward 12, Didst. 10, HCI. In January 2011, the head office was once again moved to 273/5 Unguent Throng Tune, Ward 10, PH Nonhuman Didst. , HCI and became official until now. . 2. General Information company's Name: OVERGROW CONSULTANT AND LOGISTICS CORPORATION Business Name: OVERGROW C. L. C Brand name: [email  protected] Head Office: 273/5 Unguent Throng Tune, Ward 10, PH Nonhuman Didst. , HCI City Certificate of Business Number: 4103008954 Issued by: Depa rtment of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Mini City Tax Code: 0305416676 Initial capital: 800. 000. 000 dong Tell: 08 38 455 277 Fax: 08 38 455494 Website: overgrow. Com. Van Email: [email  protected] Com. Van Chairman of the Board of Directors: Mr..Quack Than Dan General Director: Mr.. Unguent Van Sang Slogan: â€Å"Ever Value Growth† 1. 2. 1. Functions Consultancy Investment Consultancy Consultancy on Enterprise Administrative Management Legal Consultancy M&A Consultancy Real Estate Consultancy Franchising Consultancy Export – Import Customs Broker Logistics Services Packaging, labeling Consolidation Authorized representatives of import and export Distribution Accounting – Tax and Financial Services Vocational Training Trading 1. 2. 2. MissionsTo plan and carry out company's business services in accordance with the current regulations to execute the above function To develop and utilize efficiently the company's funds, constantly improve the company's serv ices to preserve and expand capital To comply with policies and regimes of state law related to business activities of the company, commit to the contracts with customer To fulfill obligations to employees and tax obligations to the state To take legal responsibility for the operations of the company To train and develop the employees of the company, facilitate staffs' professional development 1. 3.Organizational structure With the number of fewer than 30 employees, Overgrow is a small company whose capital is 800. 000. 000 vend. This figure is quite not significant during the time when more and more large logistics company has Joined in the market inventive with strong investment in scale and infrastructure. However, the dynamic and young team of staff, the enthusiastic and experienced management team, the compact size which is easy to control are the company's advantages. With the slogan of Ever Value Growth for, the company will always be prepared for the long-term oriented devel opment and sustainability. . 3. 1 . Organizational Hierarchy chart Chart 1 . 1: Organizational Structure Source: website 1. 3. 2. Functions of main departments Personnel Department Responsible for managing rules and regulations of the company, clerical work, salary administration, compensation and benefits, office, security, fire fight and prevention, developing human resource. Business Development Department Responsible for researching and developing service products, designing and determining the price of product, pursuing business opportunities, customer care and development.Consultancy Department Provide consultancy services in accordance with investor's requirement and business environment Research and update systematically related legal information to provide customer with the best investment, commercial, import-export information Plan business projects, investment proposal, obtain investment license. Import-Export Department Import-Export Department is the most important depa rtment contributing to the company's revenue. It consists of two sections: documents section and field section.The main activities are: Provide import and export services in accordance with customer's requirement and business environment Deal with customers, receive information and documents, process documents and import-export formality Initiative contact with related State agencies and customers to resolve any problems Carry out customs broker activities, transportation and delivery of goods Operate the company's direct trading and import export activities. 1. 4. Business outcomes from 2010-2012 Table 1. 2: Business Revenue, Cost, Profit from 2010 to 2012 Unit: Vietnam Dong 2010 2011 2012 Net Revenue 4. 650. 094. 413 4. 185. 920. 237 3. 25. 444. 644 Cost 2. 404. 717. 225 1 . 668. 673. 268 1 . 613. 829. 861 Gross Profit 2. 245. 377. 188 2. 517. 246. 969 1 . 811. 614. 783 Revenue from finance 2. 185. 735 4. 125. 176 997. 140 Cost from finance 2. 561. 199 58. 210. 523 19. 096. 204 Op erating cost 2. 190. 445. 214 2. 357. 866. 622 1 . 799. 491 . 875 Net profit (15. 443. 490) 105. 295. 000 (5. 976. 156) Other profit (74. 133. 603) (14. 143. 102) 25. 842. 125 Profit before tax (89. 577. 093) 91. 151. 898 19. 865. 969 Profit after tax (90. 254. 460) 72. 725. 273 14. 373. 160 Source: Finance Statement 2010-2012 In 2010, the company's business faced a lot of difficulties.Although net revenue increased by 29. 96 % compared to 2009 (Revenue 2009 was 3. 578. 025. 005 VEND) but costs increased significantly. The total cost in 2010 was 4. 741. 857. 41 VEND, 32. 66 % higher than in 2009 which was 3. 574. 409. 473 VEND. This consequence was partly due to the bad effect of general market, the unstable economy, oil prices sharply rise, especially financing costs which increased significantly from 5. 153. 310 VEND in 2009 to 72. 561. 199 VEND 2010. Over the years 2011-2012, the business situation was much more positive thanks to costs reduction. However, the company's net reven ue has declined.The fact that a number of customers of the company have had their own import and export department along with the introduction or expansion of many logistic companies in Ho Chi Mini City may lead to the deduction of the amount of contract. 1. 5. Internship activities at Overgrow C. L. C Research about organizational structure, functions and tasks of each department, observe everyone's works Approach to some important document required in import- export activities such as contact, Bill of Lading, Airway Bill, Commercial Invoice, Packing list, Booking Note, Certificate of Origin†¦After registered at HCI City Customs Department 2 Ham Nigh, Ben Nigh Ward, Didst. 1, HCI and within the validity period of the contract, every consignment under this contract will be declared at this Customs Department. After getting notice from Hong Pouch Duce about the export consignment, the document processing staff ill: Receive information about the consignment from customer: Descrip tion of Goods: Polo Half HAS code: 61099020 Quantity: 298 pieces = 6 cartons Total value: $2. 63,14 Country of origin: Vietnam Country of import: Japan Port of export: Tan Son Neat airport, HCI Port of discharge: Osaka, Japan Gather the necessary documents and translate into English including: Commercial Invoice 1 original Packing list Bill of Material Schedule of contract Certificate of Origin Airway Bill 1 copy Table 2. 2. Documents required in process Notes: Certificate of Origin and Airway Bill will be obtained after the consignment departs Modes of supply documents: Via email, post, MESS or directly hand in to Overgrow Headpiece.Normally, field staff will come to customer's company to get the documents and signatures. Date on all documents must be the same (June 10th 2013) except for C/O and A/B June 4th 2013: contact the carrier and obtain Booking Note for the flight of June 33rd 2013 2. 1. 2. Customs Declaration and Clearance Online declaration: For processing goods, we will use Thai Son soft-Uses EGG. June 10th 2013: Documents processing staff will insert the information of the consignment, attach documents such as Commercial Invoice†¦ After information is submitted inline, Customs officer accepts customs declaration and give out declaration number.This consignment of Hong Pouch Duce is classified as Green lane and exempt from taxes, documents staff will print out the declaration sheet. June 1 lath 2013: Field staff will submit the 2 Declaration Sheet (original) (signed by Hong Pouch Duck's director) to Customs Officer at HCI Customs Department to get the clearance confirmation. In other cases, if the consignment is classified as Yellow or Red lane, the Customs Department will check on the commercial documents or actually inspect of goods and move on to Taxes Department. 2. . 3.Good Delivery June 22nd 2013: Field Staff will bring the 2 Declaration Sheet (confirmed) and Booking Note to TTS warehouse and Hong Pouch Duck's representative will deliver the goods there to the representative of the carrier along with a forwarding instruction from the shipper. Staffs of the airline warehouse weights the goods and sign in the Scaling Report. Field staff will submit the 2 Declaration Sheet to the customs inspector, get the confirmation and take back the sheet then liquidate the goods. After that, he will pay the entire fee to TTS and transfer documents to the carrier's representative.A ay or two, he will come to the carrier's office to get the airway bill. 2. 1. 4. Documents Storage and Transferring After finishing all customs procedures, field staff returns all the bills and detailed list of relating cost to the accosting department. Accounting department will draw the final balance sheet, settle all payment relating to the consignment, bill the service charges and transfer the document to customer. Documents Processing staff will obtain the C/O and then transfer the final documents to Hong Pouch Duce, including: C/ o Airway bill And other necessary documents Overgrow will keep one copy of each document. 2. Summary of strengths and weaknesses 2. 2. 1 . Strengths Established for about 10 years, the procedures of Overgrow C. L. C are currently well developed. The connection between each section ensures that the work process is fast and tight. The process is closed to theory and regulations of the state, which minimizes the chances of mistakes and other problems. The company is applying advantages in information technology to develop customer network and execute the import and export procedures. The usage of electronic customs declaration software USES-EGG lasted update enables all processes to become more convenient and simple.The current headpiece, which is near the airport, makes it easier for staff to move from office to the warehouse and the Customs Department. More over, short distance helps the company to save a lot of money and time. Staffs with strong knowledge, rich experience and enthusiasm always prove their professionalism, hardly make any mistake at work. After several years of operation, Overgrow has created close relationships with many airline companies and provide the air transport service with a competitive quality and price. 2. 2. 2. Weaknesses Firstly, investment and development of services is limited due to lack of capital sources.Overgrow mostly work with customers whose company is in the medium and small scale. The lack of human sources also constrains the company from expanding the business. Besides, there are still employees whose professional qualifications are not really strong to solve any problems occur at work, especially when they are working with customs agency. Moreover, Overgrow does not have any warehouse as well as transportations. The fact that they must hire other transport agency raises the cost and for worst, they can not control the quality of shipment. Sometimes, due to the carelessness of the supervising staff, goods are lost, stolen or damaged.Thi s situation affects the company's credit as well as financial status since the value of compensation quite high. Chapter Three: RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE THE PROCESS OF AIR FREIGHT FORWARDING SERVICES FOR EXPORTING PROCESSING GOODS 3. 1 . Outlook of air freight forwarding services in the company 3. 1. 1 . Opportunities The negative impact of the globe recession has clearly affected the import-export market in Vietnam. However, signs of global economic recovery along with the efforts of business community and Ministries will be an important driving force, supporting the recovery of Vietnam market.For logistic sector, growth opportunities are even higher. According to some experts in this field, after Joining in WTFO, Vietnam is chosen by many foreign investors and gradually become a new manufacturing center of the world, after China and India. This is also a good sign for Overgrow as the situation is gradually better. The export and import activities in many manufacturing companies have recently promoted, which lead to more and more customers. Customs regulations nowadays are more appropriated than they were before. The simpler, neater they are, the more convenience for the company.The company is coated in an area with developed economies such as Ho Chi Mini City, Dong Ana and Bin Dong. This area attracts many domestic and foreign investments, enabling companies to find new customers. In the future the company continues to expand the relationships, seeks for investment partners not only domestic but also abroad and potential new customers while maintaining and strengthening goods relationships with the old customers. Besides, the company also developed many types of services other than major import and export activities such as consulting, investment, trading bring on more abundant source of profits and stability.Especially for air freight industry, thank to their advantages of quick and safe services, future development of this field is indisputable. The numb er of export and processing contracts of the company are stable and tend to increase. Besides, customs procedures are more quickly than the sea freight plus the competition between air transport companies which leads to costs reducing tend to be the deciding factors for customers to choose this type of freight. 3. 1. 2.Threats One of the biggest challenges of the company's current situation is the fact that the numbers of logistics companies are increasing leading to fierce competition in annuity, quality and services price. In addition, the trading and manufacturing companies are gradually investing themselves a separate import and export division, making the number of contracts and the number of customers using the service also declined somewhat. Most of the company's customers are small and medium enterprises, exports and imports volumes are not large and the value of service contracts is not high.The expansion of the market may face many problems due to financial instability and human resources are increasingly scarce, especially qualified staff, strong expertise who meet the requirements of companies. The research and develop product activity requires skilled, professional and strong acknowledged of market employees, who are also the target talent of others competitors. One other difficulty is the seasonal characteristic of logistics industry, which makes the company operation results unstable and revenue uneven. Benefits of the employee are also affected.At peak season, they have to work overtime till midnight to wait for a shipment but at the opposite one, workload reduces and so does their income. Last but not least, in 2012 , Vietnam government has permitted 100 % foreign owned egoistic enterprises in the country, this will make the competition becomes more intense, when small enterprise like Overgrow confront with the big names in the worldwide market like Marks , PAPAL , NYC , MOL who have huge capital investment, abundant experiences and intend to invade Vietnamese potential market. Small-scale infrastructure and limited services companies could hardly compete with those giants. . 2. The company's oriented development for air freight forwarding services Develop direct foreign investment and enterprise investment consulting services, erectly invest if there is a good opportunity Develop customs broker service and freight forwarder, specialize each stage, diversify fields and selectively develop Overgrow Company does not only develop human resources but also desire to bring them professional solid foundation for the future Advertise and develop brand's image to the potential customers Become a closed chain services provider in 201 5 3. 3.Recommendations to improve air freight forwarding services for exporting processing goods 3. 3. 1. To the Board of Director Upgrading computer systems to facilitate employees complete task more quickly and accurately Invest in equipping transportation to reduce working with agency with high pri ce and low quality Carefully monitor working habit of the staffs to ensure seriously inside and outside the office Consider investment in marketing activities and advertising company's image in order to expand customers network as well as to attract more potential employee 3. . 2. To the Personnel Department Criticize and create sanction regime for workers to increase work efficiency Foster knowledge and soft skills of staffs, especially field staffs working directly with the customs officers, require high flexibility Limit the costs and time when handling the shipment, and time off of employees 3. 3. 3.To the import and export staffs Avoid unnecessary mistakes in processing documents to minimize handling time Try to arrange time and places to handle as many consignments as possible to reduce moving time and cost when traveling from the office to the warehouse or to customariness 3. 4. Proposals 3. 4. 1. To the Company Conduct financial stability, balance the costs reasonably and pa y attention to the currency market for the price adjustment in providing services to customers Improve

Shakespeare Sonnet 116

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 found on page 1182 of The Norton Anthology of English Literature: Volume1B: The Sixteenth Century, The Early Seventeenth Centry, 2nd edition(New York: W. W. Nortion, 2000) is one of his most famous sonnets to conquer the subject of love. While there is much debate concerning the tone of this sonnet, Shakespeare’s words speak of transcendent love not very commonly considered in popular poetry at the time. He used the Petrarchan sonnet style in Old English popular around the time but certainly added a new twist of his own genius.In theme Shakespeare had unique perceptions and experiences in his portrayal of love. The introduction of a young boy as the object of his affections and subject of sonnets 1-126 was perhaps not a common subject for other poets. Sonnet 116 falls into the section of sonnets of the boy, yet it does not quite fit the mold of the rest of his sonnets. In the sequence the surrounding, the sonnets highlight loves’ more deceptive qualities such as unfaithfulness and betrayal. The fallibility and physical matters pertaining to love are no longer considered in Sonnet 116, and a truer sort of transcendent and unconditional love emerges.Unlike the popularized Petrarchan form of an octet followed by a sestet, Shakespeare’s 14 line sonnets are divided into three Sicilian quatrains and a couplet. The quatrains develop the metaphor and a couplet at the end that becomes a commentary. The masculine rhyme scheme follows the pattern ababcdcdefefgg and the meter is in the traditional iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line). The ideas flow and create a sense of urgency in this piece as phrasing does no clearly begin and end with each line.The idea in first line that flows right into the next and there is a fluttering of accents. This creates a rapid delivery of words carried by the iambic feet. There is repetition in the alliteration with words such as â€Å"alters† and â€Å"alterationâ₠¬  or â€Å"remover† and â€Å"remove†. This also adds to the poems sense of flow and purposefulness. Each quatrain begins a new metaphor and the images are also strengthened in the following quatrains. The more dramatic volta of the sonnet begins with the final two lines with commentary that in this case does bring us to an ultimate conclusion.Much is said in this sonnet using somewhat simple rather than flattering diction and most of the words are monosyllables. The sonnet opens speaking of true love between two people. The Imagery begins with the marriage alter itself. This creates a very Christian vision of man and wife. The love spoken of is â€Å"of true minds† and therefore a spiritual partnership rather than physical union. In the second line with â€Å"admit impediments† he calls to mind the words used in the Marriage ceremony from The Book of Common Prayer.The mention of the word â€Å"alter† twice in the second line strengthens this ima ge as well. The â€Å"marriage of true minds† becomes the subject which can be interpreted in differing ways leaving us with a somewhat vague impression. True love itself becomes without â€Å"impediments† and is free and clear of the need for any â€Å"alterations†. This idea of love’s constancy and reliability is continued in the following quatrain with the images of love as a lighthouse, â€Å"ever-fixed mark† and guiding â€Å"star to every wandring bark†.The images of time, death and the compass speak of a constancy and reliability that love shall outlast. Shakespeare’s frequent references to time in his sonnets tend to bring careful consideration death and the threat of time itself. In Sonnet 116 however love is not threatened by any such thing, as it â€Å"bears it out, even to the edge of doom† in line 14 just before the Volta. In the final quatrain imagery connected with time and death’s† bending sickleâ⠂¬ , which calculates as well with â€Å"his brief hours and weeks† though time still is not bound by such restraints.There is some irony in the mention of the possibility of the poem not existing with the open ended commentary â€Å"I have never writ† In the final couplet the existence of the poetry itself is called into question although the poet’s certainty of the truth of his words becomes evident creating a sense of irony and an open ended conclusion. Love itself is the subject of the metaphor in this quintessential sonnet, in particular unconditional eternal love. The emotional union of marriage and the love of God are in comparison here. Frequently in Sonnet 116 true love appears as what it can outlast and simply what it is not.The common trope of love as a guiding lighthouse or star is included in the second quatrain. We see a ship lost at sea, challenged by a tempest that it outlasts, as a metaphor for this undying and resilient love. Its image as an à ¢â‚¬Å"ever fixed mark† marks the common them of love’s reliability. This also is an account of love’s incalculable worth who’s â€Å"worth’s unknown although its’ height be taken†. Throughout the sonnet , images of calculations of things such as time space distance and worth are mentioned, yet love transcends all calculation. Love’s transcendent qualities rise above the metaphor’s hemselves making this a very powerful sonnet. The unconventional love spoken of can perhaps lend itself the subversive tone in Sonnet 116. Opening with â€Å" Let me not to the marriage of true minds† could take on a very different meaning without immediate continuation to the next line â€Å"admit impediments. † It could perhaps also mean â€Å" let me not† to this Christian ideal of marriage . This possibility creates a questionable tone. Which makes sense, when we consider how the love Shakespeare was speaking of, did not fit into the Elizabethan concept of what was acceptable.The use of â€Å"Oh no! † in line 3 as an exclamation, following the mention of admitting â€Å"impediments† suggest his forcefulness in defending his ideas of love of, perhaps as well as his love of the boy which would itself be an impediment. The rejection of this type of love in Elizabethan times gives the poet the chance to speak of the nature of love itself as transcendent and eternal. The love that extends itself beyond these sorts of physical matters is not without its challenges. This gloomy tone expressed the sometimes cold language.The feelings evoked by the threats of â€Å"tempests† and â€Å"the edge of doom† (judgment day) and all the â€Å"alterations† of time does not allow the idea of desperation to totally subside. A somewhat distant and unpleasant tone comes even from the comparison of love to a star. It becomes a remote image, somewhat self-contained who’s true â₠¬Å"worth’s unknown†. The fact that love cannot be comprehended however does not diminish its powers. There is irony in the final commentary as well. The improbability of error in Shakespeare’s poetry is proven by the existence of the poetry itself. Yet this is still left up to question.The possibility also exists that â€Å"no man ever loved† in the this way as well. In this way the poem becomes a subject of metaphor just as love itself. The somewhat subversive tone is carried out through conclusion. Sonnet 116 goes beyond the Petrarchan dilemma of unrequited passionate love and considers the possibility of true loves eternal nature. It also goes beyond conventional as a poem concerning the sacrament of marriage and the love of god while being directed to a young man. Although it utilizes common tropes and simple language his unique passion and cleverness developed a fresh perspective.His use of phrasing an punctuation creates a dramatic tone of voice. His concern with what love is not becomes definition by restraint. Irony is layered throughout. The images and metaphors weave a tight tapestry and fluttering accents and alliteration and run-ons create a lyrical expressiveness. Shakespeare quite flawlessly recreates this revolutionary idea of love in the form of a sonnet. Its wide popularity may be a testament to nature of its form. Sources The Norton Anthology of English Literature: Volume1B: The Sixteenth Century, The Early Seventeenth Centry, 2nd edition(New York: W. W. Nortion, 2000)

A Strange Meeting

The blistering cold atmosphere shrouded by its crystalline twilight embodied it's presence over the dark Tamoe Highlands; the field which divided the two kingdoms of Lucil. The gloomy surroundings pierced the night sky, causing people to wonder what sort of menace was at work here; what evil had corrupted the lands of their beloved domain. Gathering people crawled outside of the city walls, on both fronts; the kingdoms of Garthia, and Reynard. They stood in amazement, as sparks of light flickered over head, vaporising the darkness that should have been convenient, replacing it with the most beautiful pearl-like spheres; whose exterior was sheltered with tiny diamonds of exquisiteness. The people turned their gaze to a larger sphere, more dominant, as it were. This orb was unlike anything anyone had ever seen; it's splendour unmatched. The stone cold daze of every single soul; every human, had its eyes fixed on its occurrence, as it twirled in the sparkling sky, gleaming its magnificence for all to see. People began to pace themselves, gradually moving their feet, eyes always focused on their objective; the sphere. They were drawn to its presence, drawn there by some unseen force, or perhaps, they were a victim to greed; all wishing to obtain this obsidian of absolute perfection. Whatever the reason, they all wanted the same thing. Every last person there wanted to touch this orb in the sky, before them. As one of the kingdom members reached out for it, the others became slightly annoyed, agitated by what was happening. Before they knew it, their calm, peaceful, hands became weapons, as they fought each other for this object; this beauty. The greed in every single of them was reflecting the golden aura in each of their eyes, as they killed one another for the sake of this newly born object. One by one, the slaughter went on, humans dying, fighting for the possession of this item. Eventually, one remained; a man by the name of Tarik. He was a great man, a blacksmith, from the kingdom of Reynard. He was a very respectable man; always there when his service was needed, and even when it wasn't needed, he would be there to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Grasping the golden sphere in his hands, he peered into its surface; curious of where this came from — it's origin. Nothing like this had been seen before, so it was obvious to him that he was holding some sort of relic; an item that was clearly sought after. He held this item close to his chest, making sure his grip was tightly holding it; afraid someone would steal it from him. Years past, times changed, kingdoms crumbled, and legends were created, and people's theories blinded those who were imprudent enough to alter the truth. Stories were told, people were educated; wondering where this mysterious orb now lay. There were many different stories and films dedicated to exploiting the truth, but they were always altered in on way or another; never fully showing what happened. A young boy strutted up to the building, hands lying lazily in his coat pockets, playing with the loose change he gained upon purchasing some goods for his mother, half-hour past. He tilted his head as he approached the suede doors; seemingly pondering about it's interior. He let our a silent sigh, as he took the last few steps, before swinging the giant doors open with a keen thrust. â€Å"Anybody home?† he muttered, echoing through the dark halls of the building. There was no response. The boy gazed around, looking for someone he could possibly talk to. He walked towards the reception desk, peering over the counter, to find absolutely no one there. The boy then retreated back a few steps, before searching once more for someone, anyone, who could help him. â€Å"Peter?† ‘Peter' turned around, his gaze now fixed on the speaker of his name; searching needlessly to match their face to a name. â€Å"Back again, I see. Hm, you'll have to learn we won't help you with every single need† alleged the woman, powerfully, with her strong voice. Peter's head tilted forwards, staring at the ground, as if the words of this woman have shunned his feelings, making him sad in the event that he could not get his own way. Removing his hands from his pockets, he brushed stray hairs from his face, and gently tucked them behind his ear. â€Å"I understand†¦it's just that, I've heard so much about this sphere, I need someone to actually help me find it!† The young boy was keen, his will strong, on finding the legend of his homeland, Lucil. He wanted to experience, and understands, the beauty his people had witnessed over four thousand years before him. He was certain it lay dormant in this particular place, but had no one to help him excavate it. The woman shook her head, and walked forwards towards Peter. She patted him softly, on his cushioned hair, comforting him, before strolling off down one of the larger corridors; her feet creating constant echoes of footsteps in her wake. â€Å"I'll get it†¦with or without help, I'll get it† thought Peter, as he thudded the doors open, once more, with his hands; this time, more quickly and powerfully, to match his newly acquired mood. The streets of New Reynard were silent; the day was drawing to an end, as the bright sun sunk behind the surrounding mountains. Clouds were growing darker, as rain began to trickle from their interior; showering the city, making a melody of frequent drumming, as it landed onto the earth. Peter peered up, staring into the clouds, before sitting down, peacefully, in the rain. He loved the rain; loved to be in it because of its glorifying touch, its caring aura of water. He just sat there, embracing the cold, damp, atmosphere, as he pondered existence, just as he always did when he was sat in the rain. The young boy wondered†¦about the sphere, more than anything. What importance does it have to the world? Why is it here? There were a lot of questions that he wanted, but was afraid, to discover. Hours past, and the rain moved on, revealing the midnight sky, and the all of its stars, intertwined its beautiful crescent. Peter stood up, soaked with water, he waltzed off down a road leading to his home; water trickling down his spherical visage. As he unlocked his door, he walked inside, taking his shoes off at the door, and planting them beside his families, before taking off his coat and placing it on a hanger. His family were long asleep, and he feared to wake them, so he simply ran upstairs to bed; pulling his blankets over his head, and dreaming of this sphere-like relic he desired to obtain. Morning arose, and he jumped out of his tiny bed. As he did so, he fluffed his pillow, and placed the blankets back over his bed. Peter spoke to none of his family, still, and walked out of the door, slamming it behind him, as he hastily walked off into the bustle streets of New Reynard. He was engulfed in desire to find this sphere, he was determined, and today, he would find it. After 2 years of research, and revising the theories, and so called â€Å"truth† on this event that took place 4000 years ago, he was determined, and sure, he would find it today; alone, if he had to. Running towards the mountains, Peter swung his arms as he ran as fast as he could. Before coming to the edge of town, he crossed the bridge that separated the settlement from the grasslands of Lucil; but it wasn't very far to the mountain range, still. As he approached the mountains, there was a rather unexpected sound emerging from the depths of a cave; somewhere that had previously been explored many a time. The roaring noise became more frequent, and thunderous, as he stepped towards it. His necklace that was passed onto him from the generations of fathers seemingly began to fluctuate, as he got nearer, and nearer. Approaching even further still, the tiny bead on his necklace sprouted a neon-glow of blue, as it fired a tiny laser of accuracy into a small gap in the cave wall; causing an explosion of rock as it fell crumbled away, revealing a compartment within the caves. Peter approached it, his heart racing faster than it ever had, clutching at his chain to steady it. Slowly walking towards the inner area of the wall, he glared at a metallic shrine in front of him; he basked at its glory, for it was shunning a powerful aura of energy, sparking at the corners, where energy was leaping from its body. The boy walked towards the memorial; drips of sweat dripping down his face, as he approached it steadily, wondering what this was. He finally stood right next to it, reaching his right arm out slowly, as he tapped the surface with his index finger; wondering if anything would actually happen. There was a glare of blinding light, and Peter stood back, falling to the ground as he did so. His heart began to fluctuate even more, as the shrine hovered into the air, spiralling around in circles, like some sort of magic was in play here. There was a heart, tempered, voice coming from it, as it twirled in the air. â€Å"Hahaha†¦so you think you can take my sphere, do you? Hahaha!† All of a sudden, the top of the memorial blew off, revealing a travesty of golden beams piercing the cave walls, and ceiling. Peter closed his eyes, whilst throwing his hands in front of his face, to shield himself from the blinding light that was in play. He wished that he had never come here, that he had never revealed this sacred shrine that was before him now; scaring him into thinking about nothing but torment. A man jumped out of the casket that was on the shrine, and walked towards Peter slowly; a golden sphere of beauty gently cradled in his arms, as he walked forwards, grinning as he did so. He spoke one more, in a more taunting manner. â€Å"Peter, Peter, Peter†¦how dare you intrude my place of sleep. How dare you think you can steal my sphere! How dare you!† Throwing his arm forwards, the man pierced Peter's chest with his fist; revealing blood to drip from his lifeless body, as he fell backwards, lying completely on the floor; red liquid spurting from his mouth, as he choked in his own blood. The man grinned, before turning around, and heading back into the casket one more, to lay dormant again, with his precious sphere of beauty; protecting it from anyone who thinks they can take it from him. The mountains were once again silent†¦nothing could be heard, nothing was to be seen. The dark skies covered the twilight horizon, as day became a fragment of bliss. †¦that is the tale, of the striking orb. The tale that has been since passed on from man to man; but, who could have passed on, when there was no one there but the boy? Theories have emerged, legends have been written, but no one knows for sure how the story came about.

Arrangements on promoting equality for Policewomen Essay

Arrangements on promoting equality for Policewomen - Essay Example Conclusions will also be drawn upon highlighting how these key figures will impact the future of women in the police force. The second part will consider how the flexibility and the balance and work-life from women in the police force are structured. It will also analyze the ways in which the police force can operate to better equip their members with the skills to address these various problems associated with the balance of work and life. Flexible working provides the opportunity for female police officers to give their best at work and at home. It isn't necessarily about working less - it's about having more control over when, where and how they work. By providing flexible working arrangements for employees, organisations have a more motivated and productive workforce. They are more likely to retain these members of staff, this in turn cuts the cost of recruitment - advertising, interviewing, selecting and training - as well as keeping all the skills and experience that only time can build. With this extra adaptability the organisation should also be able to manage peaks and troughs in demand more effectively, and provide a better service to the public Advantages for employees include increased motivation and less stress - a flexible working option can be the answer to the work / life juggling act that many of us face. There are a growing number of reasons why people are investigating different work practices; these include childcare, further education and training, caring for elderly relatives, voluntary work and increasing the quality and balance of life. At the moment only some of these options are offered by most forces, but things are changing. There is fierce competition in the jobs marketplace and chief officers are starting to realise that new and innovative ways of working are needed to attract, keep and reward high quality staff. ACPO and Home Office researchers have found examples of all of the above work patterns in forces around the UK - evidence that flexible working is possible and can be successful within the police service. MANAGING WORK-LIFE ARRANGEMENTS At the meeting of the Federated Ranks Committee on 22 October 2002 agreement was reached on guidance on the application of the agreement made within the Police Negotiating Board in May 2002 for the management of working time to reduce the overtime bill and provide a better work/life balance for police officers. The scheme agreed by the PNB in May 2002 to manage overtime is about using more flexible working and rostering arrangements and measures to tackle bureaucracy to reduce the reliance of the service on overtime and to give female police officers a better work/life balance. It is not about cutting costs. It is not about reducing the availability of officers for operational duties, including, when need arises, beyond their rostered hours. The PNB believes that police officers, regardless of age, race or gender, are entitled to enjoy a healthy work/life balance. Research has shown that a good work/life balance brings benefits to both employers and employees - so the police service must be able to learn from developments in the wider employment

The consumers awareness regarding Walmart Essay

The consumers awareness regarding Walmart - Essay Example The firm that is analyzed in the paper is Walmart as one of the leading retail stores, which was founded in the year 1962. It delivers a pleasurable and suitable experience of shopping to its broad range of customers worldwide. Currently, there are 629 stores of Walmart operating its business functions throughout the United States. It has been identified that Walmart possesses a significant range that exceeds 10,130 units of retail stores and carrying out its business operations in 27 countries throughout the world. In the financial year of 2012, the present sales of Walmart amount to US$ 443 billion and it engages a significant number of associates globally. In the article â€Å"Company Spotlight: Walmart Stores, Inc.†, it has been observed that Walmart generally executes through few of the business sections that include â€Å"Walmart US†, â€Å"Sam’s Club† and â€Å"Walmart International† throughout the world. The main purpose or vision of Walmart lies in its policy of ‘saving money of the people’ and to help the people to live well in this world. Moreover, the organization also has delivered various financial prospects especially upon its related industry i.e. retail industry and has altered the nature of the business that the organization executes worldwide. In addition, Walmart enhanced the overall impact upon the retail industry and ultimately increased the potentials of the customers in spite of operating in different countries where the customers shop (Walmart Corporate, 2012). It has been observed that in the year 2011, Walmart attained various awards such as â€Å"Corporate Environmental Excellence for Walmart Canada† and â€Å"Top Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities† among others for various efforts that were performed by Walmart while executing its business operations (Walmart Corporate, 2012). Most people are fully aware regarding the business operations and functions of Walmart and its deliverance of broad variety of quality products. In the study, there has been a conduct of various research and online questionnaires regarding the frequency of visit of wide range of customers to Walmart. Moreover, the research also has assisted to explore whether people are familiar with the corporate practices of Walmart. Methods A survey method has been conducted with the public or the customers as respondents in order to acquire a general idea regarding their valuable opinions upon Walmart. An online questionnaire has been designed in order to accomplish the research. The purpose of this survey is to trace the number of people who possess the experience of shopping with Walmart, reasons behind the selection of Walmart as their shopping destination compared to others and the description of the products that people generally purchase from Walmart. Moreover, the purpose of this survey has been also to trace how often people do shopping at Walmart along with acq uiring a general idea regarding the knowledge of the people about the corporate practices of Walmart. In addition, the questionnaire in the survey is also based upon whether anyone has done any shopping or has not possessed the shopping experience with Walmart. If any person replied that they do not possess or have not done any shopping at Walmart then they had to respond the following question i.e. ‘For what reasons do you chose not to shop at Walmart?’ In the questionnaire, the questions also include the judgment of the people, whether Walmart is a good place to work or not. Apart from the above questions that have been mentioned in the questionnaire, the initial or the primary questions include the gender i.e. whether the customer or the respondent is female or male, the age of the respondent and the status of the respondent or the customers i.e. whether the respondent is an employee, student or others. The questionnaire that has been designed in order to conduct the research study was fundamentally provided to a sum total of 50 people who

Gay Relationship in the Wedding Banquet Movie Review

Gay Relationship in the Wedding Banquet - Movie Review Example The movie is an intense comedy in the first half, and then it reveals the complexities of the relationship burdened on each other. The character Winston Chao, and Simon his lover were living a convenient lifestyle until his parents demand a marriage in an expectation of an offspring. This movie displays very intense emotional sequences as well as riotously funny movements every audience will expect in a movie.   The movie being the debut of actor Winston Chao, does not depict any flaws or chinks in his acting skill. â€Å"The Wedding Banquet never becomes bogged down by its own seriousness. Lee manages to keep the production buoyant by including scenes that are often riotously funny† (Berardinelli.1993). Interestingly, in this movie all the characters possess their own unique worthiness, which gives the audience a splendid visual treat. The plot of the movie The plot of the movie is the life of a Taiwanese immigrant Winston Chao who is a gay. He is in a stable relationship w ith an American man Simon, and defers his parents about his sexuality and agrees to marry Wei – Wei a Chinese woman. ... e in the initial stage looks like a full-blown comedy but later comes out different when the perception of the sexual and cultural choices of the young generation is portrayed dominantly. This movie seems like a romantic comedy in the beginning, but there is a strong dramatic undertone surrounding this movie which the audience finds out towards the other half unravels. The main highlight of the deceptive marriage is the sumptuous banquet after which the Wei - Wei seduces the intoxicated Winston and get herself pregnant. On a finding of pregnancy, Simon gets upset and fights with Winston, and eventually, their relationship starts to deteriorate. In the moment of tension and rage, Winston let his mother know about his sexual identity and his mother knowing this request her son to hide this from his father. Later in the movie, Winston’s father finds out about his son’s relationship with Simon and with half mind go forward to have an amicable relationship with Simon. In the end the father and mother of Winston leave for their homeland leaving Winston, Wei – Wei and Simon to sort out things by themselves. Background and theme of the story The movie â€Å"The Wedding Banquet† is written by three writers namely; Ang Lee, Neil Peng and James Schamus. Ang Lee is the writer and director of the movie and is a Taiwanese American movie director with versatility and dynamic talent. He has directed this movie with a varied nature for which has won Academy Award and lot of acclamation worldwide. Neil Peng is another writer who contributed efficiently to the movie as a screenplay writer. James Schamus is also a screenwriter with numerous acclamations and awards and is also a producer and CEO of Motion Picture Company called Focus Features.  

Law Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Law - Article Example â€Å"When at the desire of the promisor, the promise or any other person has done or abstained from doing, or does or abstains from doing, or promises to do or abstain from doing something, such an act or abstinence or promise is called a consideration for the promise.† Social agreements are the agreements which are just promises between two or more persons or parties, but do not enjoy the status of contract. For example one person invites another at his office to have dinner with him, but if he fails to host dinner, no legal remedy can be demanded, as it is social agreement in nature. Such promises do not bind the parties, to fulfil the promise, thus no legal rights between the parties are created, as in the case of Balfour and Balfour (1919) 2 KB 571: â€Å"When a husband failed to pay a promised allowance, the wife sued. The court announced the judgement in these words: "There are agreements between parties which do not result in contracts within the meaning of that term in our law. The ordinary example is where two parties agree to take a walk together (or) arrangements which are made between husband and wife. They are not contracts because the parties did not intend that they should be attended by legal consequences. Each house is a domain into which the Kings writ does not seek to run.† (Quoted in Duhaimes Canadian Contract Law Centre, p 2). On the other hand, there are some contracts, which are legal in nature, and the parties are bound to execute the promise and agreements. In case of not complying with which, legal rights and obligations are created, as in the case of Telaviv and Yusuf. In the case above described, Telaviv and Yusuf are the plaintiff and the defendant respectively. Since the offer made by Yusuf through advertisement, was mere a general offer, and not made to one specific person. An offerer is the person who makes an offer, and the offeree is the person who