Opposite of Loneliness free essay sample

In the article â€Å"Opposite of loneliness† by Marina Keegan, it explains about the life of a young adult who started her adulthood in Yale University. A place she had found happiness and most certainly the opposite of loneliness. Moreover, she finds herself completely attached to it as she had said in the first paragraph â€Å"What I’m grateful and thankful to have found at Yale and what I’m scared of losing when we wake up tomorrow and leave this place†. This phrase shows us that Yale brought out the best in her, something she fears losing and that she is actually very reluctant to have to leave. She is afraid that all her memories and experiences she has gone through would be gone once she steps out of Yale. This article shows the basic development of a young adult’s social life beginning with a simple circle of friends or a clique and the attachment that became stronger as one grow fonder of the people around her which is exactly what she faces in her experience in Yale where it was mentioned in paragraph three, â€Å"Yale is full of tiny circle we pull around ourselves†. We will write a custom essay sample on Opposite of Loneliness or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page She found that even though not everyone knows everyone, there is still unity and a sense of togetherness among the students in Yale. She also added that the experienced they shared among themselves were priceless and unforgettable and that she felt safe and loved whenever in the company of her peers during her time in Yale. This article allows us to see that the writer begins to discover herself and learns to comprehend about life as she faces challenges along the way while being in Yale. The fear of knowing the truth or fear of not knowing at all is something every individual learns to adapt to however the word â€Å"fear† should never conquer a person as it would only demotivate ourselves instead f seeing the positive side of life just as she had mentioned in paragraph 4 â€Å"But let us get one thing straight: the best years of our lives are not behind us. They’re apart of us† The writer starts comparing the her past and the possible future where she wished that she could wind back time and correct her past mistakes and regrets if given the chance to. It makes us realize that in life there will be scenes playing in our minds like a 1980’s classical film in which the â€Å"What if† takes place. There are times that every individual wished they could go back in time and do something good for themselves or be a the chairperson of a certain society, things they never knew they had it in them or things they went through and it never crossed their mind that they actually did it which is exactly what she felt in herself, â€Å"I’ve looked back on my high school and thought: how did I do that? How did I work so hard? † Everybody would have their standards of living and expectations of succeeding however the article also makes us realize that no matter how perfectly we plan, we may not have the ending that we wished for. We can never be certain of what the future holds for us, however as life goes on, we understand that a human being tends to regret her decisions and change their minds ample of times which explains what she had mentioned in paragraph nine â€Å"If only I had majored in biology, if only I’d gotten involved in journalism as a freshman† The writer also shared uncertainties for what the future would hold for her. She starts comparing herself to others who have accomplished more than she has. Life is all about choices and it is these choices that she is most afraid of. The writer also stated that during her time in Yale, she never had to make any life changing choices and knows she has to start doing it once she graduated and is afraid to make the wrong choices. However, she added that however our lives turned out to be, the future is uncertain and that it can be altered at any point of our life. This can be seen when she said â€Å"What we have to remember is that we can still do anything. We can change our minds. We can start over†. At a young age especially an undergraduate student would always feel that there’s always something missing in their lives to what they’ve accomplished. However also at a young age the opportunity that lies ahead in the future is even bigger. For each expect the young adult faces in Yale University, she comes across one conclusion of her college life, loneliness was never involved however happiness, laughter and memories are definitely words to describe it. Stages by stages this article makes us understand that we as human beings should cherish each and every moment that we have and make the best out of it. Sustain it as a memory that becomes apart of you until the very end. Yes life is not a bed of roses however there’s no harm in trying to make it an enjoyable experience and ride.

gandhifighter without a sword essays

gandhifighter without a sword essays Gandhi, one of the worlds greatest figures, has already become a legend. In this book Jeanette Eaton shows him as a human being. While still a young man, Gandhi adopted the austere way of living that was until the day he died. He did not want comforts and luxuries when so many of his countrymen lived in terrible poverty. He ate only the most frugal diet and in his later years wore a peasants costume. But he himself was anything but austere. Laughter was to him lifes most healing gift, even when it was directed against himself. When young Indian children become a certain age and their body is mature enough they are allowed to get married. Gandhi was described very short and skinny with his dark eyes. He had noticed everything in his path and along the way. It was very hard for the people in the village to do anything near early dawn because only oil lamps gave off light. Gandhi had a younger brother. Before Gandhi had gone to high school he had been used to putting the jasmine wreaths on the images of Shiva and Krishna and Radha. Now every day that he has gone to school he snatchs his breakfast and leaves. Everyday before he enters the temple him and his brother slip their slippers of before they enter the temple. In this way the day began in a small town in western India. Although it was many years ago, the majority of Indian people live in much the same way now. The climate is so warm that as much work as possible is done in the early hours. Therefore many schools open soon after daybreak and, like shops and offices, close in the heat of the day. Gandhi, like any other Indian boys took being married, and going to school for granted because education was very hard for people to learn and to get a good job to not work on the fields day and night. Gandhi was very happy for that he was married to Kasturbai (his wife) because she had changed his life in both work wis ...

Where Can I Find Sources for My Research Paper or 7 Search Engines Used for Scientific Purposes

Where Can I Find Sources for My Research Paper or 7 Search Engines Used for Scientific Purposes Where Can I Find Sources for My Research Paper or 7 Search Engines Used for Scientific Purposes When it is time for writing research papers, students often do not know what to begin with. The first step is to find some sources for your paper, but these sources must be accurate and reliable. Here are seven search engines that will help you find credible information for your research paper. 1. Google Scholar The main benefit of Google Scholar is that it is extremely easy to use, since it functions just like the standard Google search engine. The key difference is the quality and credibility of the sources Google Scholar provides. The specialized search engine filters out the most reliable scholarly results, so it includes many journal articles and other resources written by academics. If you want a quick, easy, and reliable search engine, try using Google Scholar next time you have to write a research paper. 2. Intute This UK-based search engine employs specialists that evaluate thousands of resources to help determine which are safe and credible for students to use. In addition to filtering out unreliable and unnecessary sites, Intute offers 60 free tutorials from experts like librarians and college professors on how to develop your online research skills. This can be an excellent resource for freshmen in particular, who may have little or no experience with high-level researches. 3. RefSeek Like other scholarly search engines, RefSeek filters out the thrum that crowds the Internet and brings credible sources to the forefront. Designed specifically for students and other researchers, RefSeek allows you to search for only actual documents to help ensure that you have found the most credible information for your research paper. 4. Your School’s Online Library One of the best sources for writing your research paper is the school’s online library. At most colleges and universities, you can visit your school library via your computer or mobile device. Online libraries typically provide students with wonderful resources like credible online databases, eBooks, scholarly journal articles and periodicals. 5. iSeek iSeek is a simple search engine that functions similarly to Google. You type a question into the search engine or keywords related to your research topic. Resources on the search engine include the information from universities and a variety of other sites. All commercial sites and sources are filtered out, and it shows only the most relevant, credible sources. 6. Internet Public Library This search engine does not provide scholarly articles, but directs you to websites instead. However, it will link you to the most credible sites ending with .gov and .org. The Internet Public Library also allows you to search by subject, and online librarians are available to help you find the most relevant sources for your research paper. If you’re interested in websites more than scholarly articles, the Internet Public Library is a good search engine to direct you to the most reliable ones. 7. Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) ERIC is a database that can be a bit more complex than some of the search engines listed above. However, it includes more specific search settings that can help you narrow your searching to the most useful information for your research paper. With ERIC, you can limit your results to articles written only within a specific time period, and you can select articles that are peer reviews or full texts only. The full text option ensures that you will not find yourself intrigued by a scholarly article, only will receive a notification that you must pay $20 to continue reading. If you do not mind a slightly more complicated search, ERIC can help you find some excellent and relevant resources for your research paper. Check out the seven search engines we have shared with you here, and see which one works best for you. Each option listed here will help you find only the most credible, reliable, and accurate resources for your research paper. If you use these sites, you will never find yourself asking, â€Å"Where can I find sources for my research paper?† again.

Aristotle,nz Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Aristotle,nz - Essay Example The procedure of realizing excellence of character calls for individuals to develop a steadiness of character by adopting virtuous pursuits and shunning vice. Aristotle stressed the ethical as well as normative effect of virtuous regulations would contribute towards assisting or directing human beings in the pursuit of good. Thesis Statement: From Aristotle’s treatise, all human beings have the capability of acquiring the excellence of character and thought through the constant practice of constructive behaviors such as temperance and duty. Aristotle also wrote about the excellence of thought- or intellectual excellence. He specified that common sense as well as practical wisdom could also be considered as being a kind of excellence of thought. From his writings, it is evident that Aristotle believed that the combination of these two types of excellences is what would be the redeeming factor of the human race. The concepts on the excellence of thought and character tie into Aristotle’s ideas on temperance and intemperance. According to Aristotle, the acquisition of temperance is important because it brings a balance between the excesses that are easily embraced by the untamed human soul and the insensibility that characterizes extreme asceticism. This is directly related to the portrayal of temperance in any challenging situation. For instance, an individual who was practicing temperance would find a balance in the expression of his or her emotions. In a situation where there was a significant threat, the temperate individual’s expressions of fear would not be more or less that the situation called for. However, an intemperate person would either express extreme stoicism or extreme fear that did not correspond to the danger of existing threat. Essentially, the possession of temperance in a human being is what will keep the soul’s need to yearn for different things in harmony with common sense

Alzheimer's disease and the effects on family members Essay

Alzheimer's disease and the effects on family members - Essay Example There is not a specific cause, but has several risk factors such as age, family history and inflammation in the brain. Scientists are investigating if environment, education and diet are risk factors for the disease. Alzheimer's disease is named after the German physician, Alois Alzheimer, who discovered the changes in a 51 year old woman's brain tissue that had passed away from a strange mental illness. Most AD patients live 8 to 10 years after being diagnosed, but some can live as many as 20 years (NIA). Women usually develop Alzheimer's more than men because women live longer. The family role of care giving is becoming more prominent on account that long-term facilities are so costly and nursing homes have negative stigmas. The cost of family care giving averages about $77,447 and the cost for long-term care runs about $5,000.00 a month. The impact of Alzheimer's disease takes a toll on family members because family caregiver's health begins to decline. Research shows that family members who provide care to individuals with chronic or disabling conditions are themselves at risk. Emotional, mental, and physical health problems arise.

The role of Italian export in eastern Europe market of Pasta

The role of Italian export in eastern Europe market of Pasta Introduction Main goals This report aims to be a complete and accurate analysis of the pasta market in Eastern Europe, and to show how three of the most important italian pasta exporters were able to penetrate in this market. We will also show the possibility of growth of this market and his development for years to come. Some informations about Russia and Poland I decided to analyze these two countries because, as I will explain in more detail below, historical and political reasons led the people to have similar food consumption. However, beyond other differences much more pronounced (like the geographical size or the number of inhabitants), both countries have a market characterized by the importation of pasta from Italy almost identical. Yet a country is a member of the EU, the other not. One enjoys the privileges of Europe treaties and has no duty. The other keeps the ruble and taxes and tariffs influence over the consumption of imported products. 1.2.1) Russia The collapse of the Soviet Union has brought about great changes in Russia. The economy was centrally planned and has now become a global market. The economic reforms in 1990 have privatized industry factory, except for some strategic sectors such as energy and defense. To know the real power of Russia, I ´d like to show you that this country is the largest exporter of natural gas in the whole world, the second oil exporter and the third exporter of aluminum steel. This makes Russia an economically strong country, but weak about fluctuations on the variability of commodity prices. After a long economic crisis (1998), the economy began to grow on average 7%. However, the recent global crisis influenced heavily the new middle class. The Central Bank of Russia used a third of its 600 billion U.S. dollars in international reserves to avoid the crisis and stabilize the ruble. The government has also spent $ 200 billion for a rescue plan to increase liquidity in financial sector and aid for Russian companies. In 2010 happens disastrous situation from the environmental point of view, with a severe drought and wildfire in central Russia that have reduced agricultural production, leading to a ban on wheat exports for the year, and increase in other sectors, such as manufacturing and retail trade (but the growth is really slow). 1.2.2)Poland. In 1990, Poland has begun a policy of economic liberalization and today is one of the most active transition economies. Before 2009, GDP had grown by about 5% per year, mainly due to inflows of EU funds. GDP per capita is still below the EU level, but it is among the most high in the Baltic states. Unfortunately, EU membership was blocked by the unemployment rate to 11.8% for the year 2010 and for inflation to 4.2%, above the upper limit of the target audience of the National Bank and the deficit of public sector budget went to 7.9% of GDP, for the crysis events. The countrys potential held back by lack of modern infrastructure, an inefficient commercial court, a code of hard work and too much bureaucracy. Russia Poland GDP (purchasing power parity)  [1]   $2.229 trillion (2010 est.) $2.147 trillion (2009 est.) $2.331 trillion (2008 est.) $721.7 billion (2010 est.) $698.6 billion (2009 est.) $687 billion (2008 est.) GDP real growth rate: 3.8% (2010 est.) -7.9% (2009) 5.2% (2008) 3.3% (2010 est.) 1.7% (2009 est.) 5.1% (2008 est.) GDP per capita (PPP): $15,900 (2010 est.) $15,300 (2009 est.) $16,600 (2008 est.) $18,800 (2010 est.) $18,200 (2009 est.) $17,800 (2008 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 4.2% industry: 33.8% services: 62% (2010 est.) agriculture: 3.9% industry: 31.8% services: 63% (2010 est.) Labor force by occupation: agriculture: 10% industry: 31.9% services: 58.1% (2008 agriculture: 17.4% industry: 29.2% services: 53.4% (2005) Unemployment rate: 7.6% (2010 est.) 8.4% (2009) 11.8% (2010 est.) 11% (2009 est.) Population below poverty line: 13.1% (2009) 17% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 18.9% of GDP (2010 est.) 19.5% of GDP (2010 est.) Public debt: 9.5% of GDP (2010 est.) 8.3% of GDP (2009 est.) 50.5% of GDP (2010 est.) 46.4% of GDP (2009 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.7% (2010 est.) 11.7% (2009) 2.4% (2010 est.) 3.5% (2009 est.) Industr. production growth rate: 8.3% (2010 est.) 6.5% (2010 est.) Exports: $376.7 billion (2010 est.) $303.4 billion (2009 est.) $160.8 billion (2010 est.) $142.1 billion (2009 est.) Exports partners: Netherlands 10.62%, Italy 6.46%, Germany 6.24%, China 5.69%, Turkey 4.3%, Ukraine 4.01% Germany 26.06%, Italy 6.84%, France 6.78%, UK 6.38%, Czech Republic 5.85%, Netherlands 4.14% Imports: $237.3 billion (2010 est.) $191.8 billion (2009 est.) $167.4 billion (2010 est.) $146.4 billion (2009 est.) Imports partners: Germany 14.39%, China 13.98%, Ukraine 5.48%, Italy 4.84%, US 4.46% Germany 28.08%, Russia 8.65%, Italy 6.5%, Netherlands 5.59%, China 5.27% Debt external: $480.2 billion (2010 est.) $467.2 billion (2009) $252.9 billion (2010 est.) $239.6 billion (2009 est.) 1.3)Some information about the industries 1..3.1) Barilla S.p.a. Barilla S.P.A. is an international food company founded in 1877 in Parma. The company is still privately held, and remains in family ownership and control also today. Barilla_pasta_logo.svg.png Barilla Group control multiple brands. The most famous are: Mulino Bianco, Pavesi, Voiello, Alixir, Wasabrod, Misko, Filiz, Yemina and Vesta. The Group has several production plants all over the world: in Italy, Greece, France, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Turkey and United States, but the central office remains in Parma. Barilla Pasta produces various kinds of pasta and bakery products; is one of the worlds leader in pasta, with 25% of the US market and 40% of European Market. Barilla produces 4,000 tons of dried pasta annually in over 120 shapes and sizes. It is also the leading seller of bakery products in Italy. After the acquisition of the Swedish company Wasa, Barilla became the worlds major producer of flatbread. The Group has 16,000 employes, control 20 different brands and has a turnover of 4.5 billion euros. This market giant produce every year 3 ´000 ´000 tons of food products. In East Europe, the group is present in different countries: according to the website information, is present in Poland from 1999 with the brands Wasa, Barilla and Mulino Bianco. In Russia is present a bakery plant, and 880 people works there. Barilla set his presence in Moskow from 2003 and sell products like Barilla, Harry ´s and Wasa. In Sweden the society is present since 1999, with offices, production plants and a mill. 545 employees works for the group in Filipstad, and create food for brands Wasa and Barilla. 1.3.2)Pasta Zara Pasta Zara S.p.A. Italian food is specialized in the production of pasta, founded in1898 with factories in Riese Pio X (TV) and Muggia (TS). The company is the leading exporter of pasta in the world and the second in terms of production. Exports represent 95% of the market for Pasta Zara, and 13.5% of meals eaten in the world is Zara, in 2009 has sold 208,000 tons of pasta. Actually exports to 97 countries and increased sales particularly in Asian markets, America and Russia. In its continued growth, Pasta ZARA has launched an industrial development plan with the aim is to increase the production capacity from current 208,000 tons per year to about 320 thousand tons by 2015. It works about 300 people in his factory, and is one of the few italian companies that succesfully survived the recent financial crisis.logozara.png Pasta Zara has also been active for years an interesting collaboration with the Italian chefs, and is an active social life of its region by promoting a number of sporting and culinary events, as well as sponsoring several youth sports teams. 1.3.3) De Cecco It was founded in 1886 in Fara San Martino by Filippo Giovanni De Cecco. His father, Nicola De Cecco, a few years ago produced flour in a small local mill. As early Filippo De Cecco had the insight to properly dry the pasta so that they can maintain and withstand the long journeys to America. The current factory in Fara San Martino was built in the early 70s when that age was no longer able to produce the quantities required by the market. In 1950 it was rebuilt in Pescara on the industry model of the former mill town from the years 20 and almost completely destroyed during World War II. Industry Pescara De Cecco is called Mill and De Cecco pasta and is a public limited company controlled by the parent F.lli De Cecco di Filippo Fara San Martino SpA. De Cecco pasta produces water-based and durum wheat, although the laws in many countries allow the use of blends based on durum wheat and wheat flour that are called semolina. Pasta De Cecco has spread to 90 countries around the world inc luding Italy, Great Britain, Japan, United States, and France for over 100 years. It has recently started exporting in Mongolia. logo_home.png The pasta market in east Europe 2.1) What is pasta Pasta is a so popular food for many reasons: its nutritional value, taste and convenience. This is a healthy and important part of a balanced diet (such as mediaterranea). The inventor of pasta is still unknown: legends says Marco Polo imported from the east, while for others the differences between western and eastern pasta are too great, and they think that the Etruscans were the first to prepare pasta. There are two kind of pasta: fresh or dried. The dry consists of semolina, which is produced by grinding kernels of durum wheat. Sometimes other grains are also used. The semolina is mixed with water to form a dough. Usually, the fresh pasta is prepared by adding eggs too. You can enrich the mixture with other ingredients such as spinach, tomatoes and saffron to change its color. The dough is kneaded until it reaches the right consistency, and then is pushed (extruded) through a metal disk with holes. The size and shape of the holes in the disk determine what shape of pasta will be. When the pasta reaches the right length, is cut with knives. The paste is then sent through large dryers which circulate hot, moist air to slowly dry the pasta. The pasta is then packed in bags or boxes. The fresh pasta instead should be consumed within a few days of preparation, without the stage of drying. The most popular type of pasta in the world is spaghetti. 2.2) Similarity and differences between east and west market The differences between these two worlds are very marked. In west side, pasta is the most common food ever, on the other, at best, a simple seasoning. Export pasta in these countries does not mean selling a product, means to make them share as a lifestyle. Some Italian companies there are trying, even now. 2.2.1) Russia and Poland Pasta Market Historical reasons (including the three partitions of Poland in 1772, 1773 and 1775) and social behaviours urge me to consider the current pasta market of Russia and Poland as similar in many aspects, both unique, but distinct from those of Western Europe. These two markets, so similar to consumer preferences, have one big difference: Poland is a member of the European Union, and as such have access to products faster and cheaper, in the case of Russia, but the products are burdened with duties and exchange rates. The Russian and Polish food market is highly fragmented and there is not a single monopoly; the top 10 retailers only reach a market share of 10 percent (datas from 2006). In these two countries, traditional trade detail shop are common, in Russia still remain the Soviets (small independent stores), representing three quarters of total food sales. However, in both countries are becoming more modern retail chains. Hypermarkets and supermarkets are growing rapidly. Most of them have started business in Moscow and are now slowly expanding into other regions. The centerpiece of the food market and based for all foreign companies wishing to spread throughout the country is the area of Moscow and St Petersburg. The degree of success for future expansion can be examined by the successful sale of their products at the increasingly large middle class and upper-middle in these cities. The most important fair in this area is World Food Moscow, held annually in September. The fair is an internat ional fair, the bigger and largest in central and eastern Europe. Manufacturers who want to introduce their products and brands in the Russian market must participate to this event (with nearly 1,300 exhibitors and 60,000 visitors, most of them are international wholesalers and retailers of food). Prices are not set by law, but vary from region to region. This is due to differences in income and cost of living across the country. Russians spend a higher percentage of their income than consumers desserts in many other countries. In 2007 the total consumption was 1.1 million tonnes. About taxation, the prices of modern retail stores are subject to a 18% value added tax (VAT) flat rate which can make it difficult to compete. Import tariffs can vary from 5-20 percent depending on the product and the country is imported from has the status of most favored nation. In the case of Italy, the nominal tax rate is 20 per cent. Poland does not have these problems because it adheres to the Schengen Treaty and E.U. and the goods may be imported without tariffs. In general, corruption and bureaucracy are the major obstacles to doing business in Russia. However, the Russian government abolished many requirements and simplified import licensing and reduction of existing non-tariff barriers, the accession to the World Trade Organization. Food companies who want to import into Russia must apply for certification by the Russian Agency for Health and Consumer Rights, which confirms the safety and quality standards. In these countries, where for historical and social reason consumption of pasta is naturally very small, extensive marketing campaigns are needed, a lot of patience and creativity to support the business. It s very interesting to note that the lack of duties has facilitated the export of pasta in Poland. But what we can analyze from Russia? If we apply corrections to the data due to distortions and normalize the population, we get very similar fuel consumption. So is it true that the duties will not affect this business? No, for one simple reason: in Russia imported pasta is a luxury item. It is certainly not a few rubles on the price that discourages the wealthy citizens of Moscow from buying Italian products. Because the larger part of these products is sold in Moscow. and St. Petersburg, the remaining part of Russia is not a consumer of Italian products. A reduction of duties could encourage the spread of pasta between other groups of the population, while businesses might think of high gamma products for rich citizens. 2.2.2) West-Europe pasta market In the Europe of the east, the pasta is a well- known food. Its nutritional and organoleptic characteristics make it an excellent food, balanced and healthy for human consumption. In fact, the pasta is also at the base of the Mediterranean diet. Production volumes is estimated at 3.2 million tones, and continues to grow. The italian market in 2009 represented about 1.5 million tons, worth about 2.7 billion euro. Approximately 52% of national production is exported. In 2009, Italian pasta companies have increased their export volumes of around 1, 35%. Pasta is definitely one of the key areas of the Made in Italy, but competition with foreign countries, in particular the European Union is very strong. Despite phenomena of short duration (for example, sales crisis), the Italian pasta continues to be a success in international markets, where consumption is rising everywhere. Overall, they were exported around 1.7 million tonnes of Pasta, worth approximately à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 1.7 billion. In particular, 1 million and 145 thousand tons of pasta were exported to EU countries (4% more than last year) and 514 000 tonnes to third countries. As regards the geographical distribution of exports in the rankings of the five largest customers, Germany confirms first place with a share of 20% in quantity, followed by France (16%), the United Kingdom (15%), United States ( 7%) and Japan (5%). In ten years the production of pasta in the world has risen from around 7 million tonnes to around 12 million tonnes. This means that, with about 3.2 million tonnes of production, our country is about 26% of world production of pasta and 75% of the EU at a glance a pasta dish eaten all over the world in 4 and 3 out of 4 in Europe is made with Italian pasta. However, the Italian leadership cannot be taken for granted. New international competitors now face the global market. The gradual reduction in the number of pasta- makers (consider that in 1970 the companies were 450, now about 150) concerned as an indication of the difficulties in the sector. The Italian pasta market, right now, suffering considerable difficulty, as demonstrated by the actions of antirust Italian, which cyclically apply sanctions to the main producers. The Italian market is saturated: the prices are very low compared to the raw material, the number of producers is high and profit margins are very low. But this concern only the Italian pasta. If we add to this the cheap products imported from Spain, but even more from Asia and South America, the situation is really problematic. Many artisan pasta makers have closed, and the remaining have had to made compromises to maintain an adequate levels of prices. There is no place in the market for new innovations. Focus on new forms or in terms of recipes is very difficult because it is a subject already much exploited. Is possible to focus in increase quality level, but the return of sales compared to the price increase requested is not cheap. Sales are down and prices are strongly influenced by the fluctuation of raw material (such as the recent fire in Russia has led to a shortage of grain in the world). Thats why many companies have decided to invest abroad, in America some of the others in East Europe 2.3) General indicators Country tons of pasta produced Italy 3,161,707 Russia 858,400 Poland 150,00 Country Per capita consuption of pasta (kg) Italy 26,0 Russia 6,0 (fast grown) Poland 3,0 (quite stable) Country Average selling price (à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬) Italy 2 Russia 4 Poland 3 Market shares of Italian companies in the area of pasta in Italy 2.4) Consumers behaviour Italy West Europe East-Europe Pasta is a food for all people Is healty and cheap Thousands and thousands of differents brands Brand name and reputation create trusts Recipes are usually fresh and light, tastefull. The buyers knows lots of things about pasta, how to prepare the best recipe, a lot of experience of the product. Is made in Italy Unlimited existence of different size and shapes The package is less important than the brand Possibility of collusion between similar products to keep high prices The original Made In Italy Pasta is an expensive product When controls are are carried out strictly, the product has a good quality Only the most famous brands and names can attract a foreign customer. Expensive marketing campaigns can help selling pasta Cultural mix of italian pasta and west-Europe products can create unpleasant tastes (Pasta with Vodka sauce) Lack of basic knowledge. Especially about cooking time! Fake products are common (unfortunately) Spaghetti, Macaroni, Lasagne, Fettuccine. No more. The package must be as distinctive as brand, especially for the expensive products Fees and taxation keep high prices Quantity of pasta exported (tons) graph.emf The Italian industry in West Europe As seen above, De Cecco and Barilla are two companies leading her Italian pasta. If we add to Zara, the largest exporter of pasta, we get a great deal of products to be sold in these countries. Each of these three companies has followed a different system, with strengths and weaknesses, which we will analyze in detail. 3.1) Barilla As seen previously, export pasta in these countries is difficult because there is no culture of pasta. Barilla has begun the process of its introduction in the country with the acquisition of two companies operating in different sectors. We had to remember that Barilla was sold to U.S. multinational W. R. Grace and Company in 1970. For the company the acquisition was very helpful because it help to increase sales and became famous and powerful. But it remains a national pride in foreign hands. In 1979, Pietro Barilla with his sons repurchase it. Initially, to inject liquidity in the difficult moments of the 80 and 90, the Barilla became partner with Walter Wurth, chairman of Oerlikon Buhrle, a major Swiss company producing weapons. Its probably the first international Italian food company: it begins acquisition of several foreign companies in the same industry, such as the Greek Misko (1991), the Turkish Filiz (1994) and Swedens Wasa (1999). In 1999 opened its office in Poland, where he began to export pasta produced in Italy in local markets. The landing in Russia and not planned, but with the acquisition of Harrys Wasa gain control of these companies small offices in Moscow. We are in 2002 and the situation for a foreign investor is favorable to the resumption of the Russian economy after the financial crisis of 1998. So Barilla decided not only to invest in the country, but also to enhance the production facilities, acquiring the plant Solnechnogorsk. The process is not smooth: 20 million being spent to rebuild the plant Solnechnogorsk after a disastrous fire in 2004. Another 40 million are used, from 2004 to 2007, to improve the production of this plant that produces only for the subsidiarys Harry. Barilla pasta that matter in Russia always comes from Italy. Harrys hand and the colossus of French bread loaves, which produces many varieties suitable for each meal. To bear the internalization, the company has suffered over the years, many structural changes. The holding has also changed over the years several times its operating structure to achieve its present form. Then the system for foreign Barilla provides direct entry into the market, acquiring companies that can provide knowledge and know-how, to use as a base for future expansion of its core business abroad. While this system is characterized as very solid, almost textbook economics, however, is only possible by companies such as Barilla, that have large, very solid financial basis (also accessible through the weapon trade), confidence banks, large availability of money for long-term investment. Although the expansion in Eastern Europe has begun for the last decade, the recent imbalances of the economy are putting a strain on the coffers. barilla organigramma.jpg 3.2)Zara in West Europe Pasta Zara is an unusual case in the Italian industrial sector. While most other food companies producing for the domestic market and possibly export the surplus, since 1958 this company, with rare foresight, has started to export, so that now the export is the main source of income of the company. In Italy it is a little known brand in the main distribution channels, but through some sub-brands popular discount stores. The experience in Eastern Europe began in the 80 and 90. Through small improvements every year, Zara was the first going through uncharted territory. Zaras experience in Eastern Europe is very attractive. Pursuing a long policy of small steps, it has earned the trust of consumers and respected brands and quality. This system is fairly inexpensive, considering that need no infrastructure in place but only an exporter with a warehouse. Must be added also costs of marketing. It s true that with this system Zara has become the largest exporter of pasta in the world but to become it took years of effort, sacrificing the domestic market to focus entirely on exports. And it was really long! But the positive side is that now Zara, while its competitors are suffering and reel, squeezed by banks and crisis, has an enviable financial position, rather it is also able to expand its production facilities. A successful economic policy, therefore, provided to be able to wait many years and do not be alarmed by the lack of results. zara organigram.gif 3.3)De Cecco in west Europe De Cecco has always been the pride of Italian quality. It began to export its products only recently, but in Russia especially stood out for its products in the range Premium Segment. In particular, the company has distinguished itself for its commitment in the use of new technologies, especially the e-commerce and Web 2.0. The use of these powerful new media and online marketing campaigns, combined with the companys presence in social networks and YouTube, have fostered his knowledge outside of Italy. Is too early to comment on the results obtained by De Cecco nellexport online. The system is in fact not be operational until 2007, after a year that had put a strain on the company. It seems that the idea to focus mainly on trade web has been in practice a gamble in which few people believed. In the absence of funds and massive investment, however, seemed a logical solution. In practice it is not exported to Eastern Europe but to explore a whole new space (internet), very little used by Italian companies to sell their products. The data so far are very fragmentary. On social networks, the company has a large number of fans, as well as recipes on youtube channel. This is the first Italian company to have understood the potential of Web 2.0, but there is no practical data on the quantities sold. Despite this, I think this is an excellent system, able to demonstrate that the business is not achieved only with exaggerated amounts of money, but also with good ideas and lots of advertisin g. Future of Pasta market The pasta is a food that is going through a second youth, in recent years. Its nutritional properties make it an excellent item, but not yet adequately known outside the Mediterranean region and North America. From this point of view, the efforts of many Italian companies to showcase the product is impressive, especially in the East of Europe In a few years the consumption of pasta in those countries began to grow exponentially, a sign of the goodness of product. But if the increased consumption of pasta, it makes it necessary to increase the users understanding of the product and best practices on how to consume it. Only in this way, a product still popular but seen as a foreigner will be able to enter definitively into the hearts of people. However, the paste cannot hope to increase its market share in the intensely until remains a niche product of luxury. If this can start to attract more wealthy clients, it must then expand to all other social classes, with appropriate pricing policies and promotional purposes. It should not underestimate the different cultures from which the users come. If in some cases the result of any intersections of recipes is not pleasant, very often you get tasty combinations. The expansion into new markets becomes the only option for companies at home suffer more and more competition. Not only the internal ones (in Italy exists, in each store, tens of hundreds of shapes and products) but also from China and countries in the developing world. It is important to point out then that the real Made in Italy for wine and food products every year suffer more from clones from different countries, much cheaper but with much lower quality. Not only that, the pasta industry is still in danger from the changes in the price of wheat (see fires in Russia that in 2005 and 2010 have destroyed the stocks of that country, a formidable exporter) and in general of market imbalances: particular the recent crisis has led to a negative peak of exports, and fear for one of the key sectors of Italian economy, although it is early to reach definitive conclusions or analysis. But this I can definitely say that the pasta industry will expand only through export. Conclusions The situation of the market for products derived from corn is very precarious. On one side we have the farmers, who are fighting daily against nature to obtain a more healthy wheat, but their efforts are frustrated by the industries that underpaid their product. From other side we have to endure the same companies that increasingly stringent budgetary constraints in order to sell their products, and increasingly fierce competition. Thats why these three large Italian companies have decided to export its products to countries that are foreign to the culture of pasta. Someone called him a chance, something else a fail, but all these companies are fighting every day to sell their products. It s just business, but it is also through these channels that the real Made in Italy spreads. We have seen how difficult it is to enter a different market. is a long-term investment, and massive investments of money, time and energy are required, as well as know-how previously unknown. Until 2009 these companies have made it. With the recent crisis, the situation has deteriorated drastically, and perhaps have a good product will not be enough to save himself. Sources 1) www.istat.it 2) Comtrade 3) www.barillagroup.com 4) www.cia.gov 5) http://www.pastazara.it/ 6) http://www.dececco.it/IT/ Barilla official report 2001 -2010 http://www.eiu.com/public/ Italian Embassy in Moscow www.ambmosca.esteri.it www.confindustria.it www.worldfood-moscow.com http://www.unipi-pasta.it/dati/andam.htm http://www.pasta.it/consumo.htm Tutto il Grillo che conta (Beppe Grillo, Feltrinelli 2006) http://www.intracen.org/appli1/TradeCom/TP_IP_CI.aspx?RP=643YR=2008 16) http://www.pastaria.it/rivista-pasta/russia-un-mercato-promettente/

How Contract Breaches Affect Businesses

A contract is an agreement between two parties, each agreeing to do or forbear from doing something. A contract, if properly formed, is legally binding and all parties to a contract are required to perform their respective obligations under the contract, failing which legal action can be taken. A failure or refusal to perform one's obligations under the contract will be called a â€Å"breach† of the contract. Contract breaches have wide ranging consequences both legal and practical to the parties to the contract.This article will address the various effects that contract breaches will have on businesses. Some of them are set out below:- (a) Injury to reputation – It is not good for a business' reputation if word gets out that they have not honored their part of the contract. Other companies will be reluctant to do business with an entity which has previously defaulted on other contracts, especially when the default can be seen to be intentional or as part of a sharp bus iness practice.The injury to reputation can be incalculable and can have long lasting effects on the company getting new business. (b) Events of default – Sometimes breaching a contract, especially if it involves payment of money, can expose you to legal action including insolvency proceedings. These will often trigger the â€Å"event of default† clause in a lot of commercial contracts, especially those involving financial institutions. This will of course have dire consequences and can affect the smooth operation of one's business in the event an â€Å"event of default† clause is triggered.This of course goes without saying. (c) Legal fees – Breaches of contract, if serious enough, will often lead to litigation and dispute. It is no secret that legal fees can be exorbitant especially when the subject matter at stake runs into the millions. It is therefore important for all parties to involve to think carefully and try to avoid breaches of contract as the price you will pay to remedy the situation will far outweigh any good you can possibly receive from an intentional breach.d) Damage to relationship – It goes without saying that a breach of contract, especially intentional, will sour the relationship between the contracting parties. As it is often said, you should never burn your bridges and having a bad relationship with a commercial partner will not do well for one's business and should be avoided at all costs. At the end of the day it is common knowledge that contract breaches bring nothing but negative consequences, and as far as possible, parties should try to stick to their contract obligations to the best of their ability.