Piezoelectric Energy Home Analysis

Piezoelectric Energy Home Analysis 1.0 Introduction In Malaysia, each house using electricity at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). With the use of electricity, the family in each house to do the activities and generate electrical appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and others. Basically when using a lot of electricity, home users should pay a lot of bills. Some homes also have alternative energy like solar, water and wind, but it has disadvantages because of the use of solar energy they generate during the day camp only. While water and wind requires strategic places to generate electricity. Piezoelectric Energy Home more aimed at people always use a lot energy. Nornally piezoelectric energy home is a useful the future alternative energy. In the United States, China and Japan the consumer use this piezoelectric energy home as an alternative energy. At firstly, this piezoelectric is difficult owned alternative energy but in the future, people will easily get and use piezoelectric to help with the saving of energy costs and also a particularly safe environment. 1.1 Problem Statement By using the kinetic energy, consumers can reduce electricity use from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).  In addition, it is the best alternative energy because it will be produced day and night.  In addition, it can generate anywhere and can be used on anyone.  The kinetic energy function using the piezoelectric system [1].  It is a very easy method to tread plates, electrical energy will be generated and stored in the bank energy (battery) [3]. Bank staff will show the amount of time and energy to live and then send the electricity to electrical equipment (air conditioning) [2] is determined by the user.   1.2 Project Objective The objective of this project is to design a piezoelectric energy home with the following features: To design piezoelectric system to generate electricity from vibrations.   To apply the electrical energy produced to any electrical appliances. To evaluate the voltage produced varies with level and value. 1.3 Project Scope These following scopes are listed to ensured to ensure the project is heading the right direction and achieve the objectives: The board size is 27cm wide and 45cm long will convert the mechanical energy in electrical energy (piezoelectric system). Use the preteus 7 professional software and mikoelektromika software for C language programmers to LCD display (162) the level and value voltage at the battery charging. Can supply electrical appliances which has a capacity 100-220V 50-60Hz for example notebook adapter, hair dryer, curling iron and other things. Chapter 2 2.0 Literature Review 2.1 Overview This chapter describes the literature review which is related to this piezoelectric energy home project. Information about the piezoelectric energy home has been studied from different resources to perform this project. This chapter also carried out the whole project to gain knowledge and skills needed to complete this project. Those sources from thesis and journals will help to identify problems as well as giving ideas for analysis and decision making in this project. The technology that involved or already produced is studied. Study of the PIC, piezoelectric and other circuit used are conducted by referring the previous project that had been done. 2.2 Description of previous project system 2.2.1 Third Order Longitudinal Mode Piezoelectric ceramic transformer and its application to high-voltage power inverter Journal authors [1] pointed out that Figure 2.2.1.1 shows the structure of the in investigated piezoelectric transformer which can operate in the third order longitudinal vibration mode. Triple Stacked tranformer which elements are thin piezoelectric ceramic esare available in the transformer. The transformer has symmetrical secondary electrodes trip at the center of it and a primary electrodes at both ends of the transformer. Figure 2.2.1.1: Structure of triple-layered piezoelectric transformer operating in the third order longitudinal vibration mode. New PZT Actuator Using Piezoelectric Thin Film on Parallel Plate Structure Journals authors [2] display from the Figure 2.2.2.1 shows parallel beam structure. Square hole is mode through the rectangular solid. Then the thin parallel beam structure is constructed. Section modulus of parallel beam is decreased by square hole. Parallel beam structure has many significant features as such: Piling up the the basic structures, we can increase displacement. We can increase rigidity by changing parallel beam thickness. Tip moves in parallel at the end and stiffness to the vertical direction is large. When displacement of the tips is small, stress of the structure is big. Figure 2.2.2.1: Parallel Beam Structure 2.2.3 Vibration Active Control of Fluid Pulsation Based Piezoelectric valve In Figure 2.2.3.1 the journal author [3] describes about structure of the piezoelectric direct drive servovalve is illustrated. It mainly consists of piezoelectric stacks, sleeve, spool and displacement sensor. The annulus piezoelectric stacks, which have holes in the center at drive the spool. When voltage whose amplitudes are equivalent but inverse phases are applied in the two piezoelectric stacks is a elongates and the other simultaneously shortens. Next the spool will move to the special direction the displacement sensor in the hollow of the piezoelectric stack can measure the displacement of the spool. Figure 2.2.3.1: Schematic configuration of the piezoelectric direct drive servivalve 2.2.4 Analysis of Active Vibration Control for Piezoelectric Intelligent Structures by ANSYS and MATLAB Journals authors [4] describes the start of the piezoelctric actuator is operating vibration response containing the revocation of an object used to activate piezoelektric vibration control method. As shown in Figure 2.2.4.1 the output controller will be control the output signals to the actuators and control subjects in the under control. It also use a sensor that can see vibration of the piezoelectric plate or other structure to move the intelligent actuator controller in accordance with the output. In addition, if the actuatorâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s output is equal to the vibration response of the structure, least be suppressed or vibration of the structures should be controlled. Figure 2.2.1.1 : Schematic diagram of active vibration control system 2.2.5 Wireless Drive of a Piezoelectric Plate by Dipole antenna Journals authors [5] states piezoelectric plate to the electric field plate shaped transmit he live and ground electrodes are used to form a dipole antenna like structure like live and ground electrodes of the dipole antenna from the piezoelectric plate is placed in a plane perpendicular to the electrodes and equidistant. Figure 2.2.5.1 shows the mode of operation to determine the thickness of the piezoelectric wireless configuration. The material in the plates of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectricu (PZT) ceramic and poled along the thickness direction. The silver electrode on the plate at the top and bottom surfaces. Vibration the applied electricity field direction and both are parallel to the poling direction. The real power at the plate and delivers a load is measuring resistor connected across the two electrodes. Figure 2.2.2.1: Configuration of wirelessly driven piezoelectric plate operating in the thickness mode. 2.2.6 A Research on the Piezoelectric Vibration Actuator for Mobile Phone Journals authors [6] states used in the horizontal diplacement of piezoelctric vibration device. The best way to get elestic body goes through polarized piezoelectric ceramaic plate and the piezoelectric ceramic is a good structure, design and type of parallel bimorph. The piezoelectric vibration device compasition to make the piezoelectric actuator is 0.1 Pb(Ni1/3Nb1/3Sb1/3)O3 to 0.9 Pb(Ni1/3Nb1/3Sb1/3)O3. A vibration device joined piezoelectrictric ceramic two plate plates sized by 25x12x0.1mm3 and phosphor-bronzer size by 28x12x0.1mm3 to two liquid types of epoxy. Figure 2.2.6.1: Running principle. Inverter Inverter circuit serves to convert DC to AC voltage. The inverter circuit to produce a stable output as a integrated circuit CD4047. Astable multivibrator output is due to produce 4.40 RC (pulse width) and the monostable multivibrator output will be produce 2.48 RC (pulse width). After that, the signal will be go to the transistor used as amplifiers. This alows the signal to rise and generate the appropriate signals to produce a stable voltage when arrives the transformer. Battery A battery or voltaic cell is a combination of one or more electrochemical Galvanic cells which store chemical energy that can be converted into electric potential energy, creating electricity. The battery is the primary source of electrical energy. It stores chemicals, not electricity. Two different types of lead in an acid mixture react to procude an electrical pressure. This electrochemical reaction changes chemical energy to electrical energy. Chapter 3 3.0 Methodology 3.1 Introduction This chapter describes how the project developed and what methods will be used and describes the methodology and approach taken in the project. This project consists hardware designing, circuit and of software development. A number of support tools such as PICkit and USB programmer will be used to assist on software and hardware development. Research and literature review which are related must be made before starting this project. Information from similar projects, theory about the microcontroller, piezoelectric and inverter circuit that intended to be used in this project need to be studied. By doing research from the previous works, relevant idea could be generated in order to implement this project. 3.2 Project development Project development consists of two parts hardware and software designs. 3.2.1 Hardware design For hardware design, the circuit is divided into several units based on its functionality. The units are piezoelectric unit, microcontroller unit, power supply unit, inverter unit and interface unit. The piezoelectric unit function for produces mechanical power to electric power and moving the battery. The microcontroller circuit functions as the processor of this battery to show the level and value voltage in interface unit. The power supply unit, it plays major rules in distributing the power to the other unit according to the requirement of the system such as if the microcontroller unit requires 5V voltage, the power supply unit will provide 5V supply to the microcontroller unit. Finally, the electric moving the inverter unit to convert from DC to AC for user can used the electrical appliances. 3.2.2 Software development Microcontroller functions is important as a brain of this system. Microcontroller will show the level and value voltage at battery. Microcontroller build used the c language to MicroC and burning the PIC16F877A at PICkit 2 v2.55. Specifically, these are the tasks that microcontroller performs for this interface battery example level and value voltage. For this project, a familiar microcontroller will be used. 3.2.2.1 PIC microcontroller The PIC16F877A is from the PIC16 microcontroller family, with the some advantages is a high computational performance at an economical price and the addition of high endurance and Enhanced Flash Memory. Then added features include eight additional instructions that augment indirect and indexed addressing operations and the implementation of Indexed Literal Offset Addressing mode for many of the standard PIC16 instructions. In addition to these features, the PIC16F877A introduces design enhancements that make power sensitive applications to project and can build microcontroller a logical device for many high-performance.The PIC16F877A make use of NanoWatt technology that incorporates a range of features that can significantly reduce power and voltage consumption during operation includes: Alternate Run Modes. Multiple Idle Modes. On the Fly Mode Switching. Lower Consumption in Key Modules . Extended Instruction Set. 3.3 Part integration After all harware and software implementation is already finish and testing, all the part need to be integrate. The hardware must place at right location then the program is load into the microcontroller in order to test whether the piezoelectric can running and function to suitable for user. 3.4 Project Block Diagram Figure 3.4.1 : Project Block Diagram Component Description Piezoelectric plate Generate the energy from mechanical power to electric power Piezo regulator The voltage regulator to support 12V DC only and moving the battery to changer. Battery Storage and supply the voltage to give the inverter circuit. PIC and LCD Display The microcontroller use C language to show level and value voltage at LCD Display. Inverter Convert from DC to AC voltage. Electric appliances Electric appliances used by the user which features the 220v supply. Table 1: Component and Description Chapter 4 4.0 Expected Result The user stepping on the floor (piezoelectric plate) it will be generate from mechanical power to electric power because the plate can happen vibration. After that, the generate of electricity, it go in the piezoelectric voltage regulator to stabilize voltage so that it entered into the battery with a constant voltage. Later the battery will be to keep the voltage and go in the inverter to convert from DC to AC voltage1 for user can used the electrical appliances. In addition, the batter also display the level and value voltage by using PIC16F877A and LCD display. Figure 4.0.1: Flow chart Piezoelectric Energy Home. Chapter 5 5.0 Conclusion The project outlines were discussed with briefly. Piezoelectric Energy Home very easily function and safe to use by user. This project is the best alternative energy in a future. Then the user can saving in a payments for use electric. In addition, this project so easier for user to see the level and value voltage stored in the battery. The voltage in this project is stability and can used on all types of electric appliances. 5.1 Reference [1] S.Kawashima1, O.Ohnishi1, H.Hakamata1, S.Tagami1, A.Fukuoka1, T.Inoue1 and S.Hirose2, Third Order Longitudinal Mode Piezoelectric ceramic transformer and its application to high-voltage power inverter, 1NEC Corporation Kawasaki 211, 2Yamagata University Yonezawa 992, Japan,2002. [2] Sato.H , Arai.F, Ishihara.H, Fukuda.T, Iwata.H, Itogawa.K, New PZT Actuator Using Piezoelectric Thin Film on Parallel Plate Structure Department Of Micro. Sys.tem Engineering nagoya University, Japan, 2002. [3] Hongmei Liu2, Pingchao Ouyang2, Yunlong Cai1, Chen Lu1, Jiahui Luan1, Vibration Active Control of Fluid Pulsation Based Piezoelectric valve, 1Department of System Engineering of Engineering Technologi Beihang University, 2501 research institute China Academy of Space Technology Haidian, Beijing, China, 2009. [4] Zhu Xiaojin, Zhao Miao, Gao Zhiyuan, Chen Zhiyan, Analysis of Active Vibration Control for Piezoelectric Intelligent Structures by ANSYS and MATLAB, School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation Shanghai University, Shanghai, China, 2010. [5] Satyanarayan Bhuyan and Junhui Hu, Wireless Drive of a Piezoelectric Plate by Dipole antenna, School of Electrical Electronic Engineering Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 2009. [6] O.D. Kwon1, J.S. Yoo1, Y.J.Yun1, J.S. Lee3, S.H. Kang2, K.J. Lim1, A Research on the Piezoelectric Vibration Actuator for Mobile Phone, 1School of Electrical Computer Engineering, Chungbuk National University, 1I2 Gaeshin-dong, Heungduk-gu, Chongju, Korea, 2Dept. of fire prevention engineering, chungcheomg University, Korea, 3RD Center, EMD Co., Ltd., Cheonan, Korea, 2005. [7] Jing-yu Yang,Guo-ping Chen, Actuator Placement And Configuration Direction Optimation In Plate Structure Vibration Control System, Nanjing University Of Aeronautics And Astronautics , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 2010. [8] B. J. G. Vautier and S . 0. R. Moheimani, Avoiding Hysteresis in Vibration Control Using Piezoelectric Laminates, The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of Newcastle, Callaghan , Australia, 2003. [9] Takuro Ikeda, Fundamentals of Piezoelectricity, Oxford University, England ,2002. [10] The Jiashi, The Mechanics Of piezoelectric Structure, World scientific New York, 2006.

Dr. Faust, Scientist :: essays research papers

The Webster’s New Collegiate defines a scientist as: One learned in science or Natural science; also know as a scientific investigator. The Dr. Faust described in Marlow’s Faust defiantly fits all of these criteria. He was very learned (or so he thought) in all the different sciences. In here lies his problem, Faust said that he is boarded or sees no reason for analysis, physics, law and divinity (lines 5-60). It is possible that Faust could be looking for a new more interesting science. Therefore because he is constantly searching for more knowledge, under these guidelines, he is defiantly a scientist. It is important to note that unlike most scientists, Faust is not searching for knowledge just to better himself. He is only interested in more knowledge because it produces more power; and power is Faust’s main goal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  More evidence that Dr. Faust is a scientist lies with in Act 2. This is the act where Faust finally sells his soul and the second thing he asks for are the tools of scientist, books. The first book he wants is a book that â€Å"behold(s) all spells and incantations†(lines 161). He asks for this one first because it beholds more power for him while the books he asks for after this are more for the learned aspect of Faust personality. These other books he now wants that allow him to â€Å" see all the characters and planets of the heaven† and â€Å"(to) see all plants, herbs and trees that grow upon the earth† (lines 165 and168). These last two books provide no direct means for power, unlike the first book of spells. The fact that he does ask for these last two purely intellectual books provide more proof that he is indeed a scientist.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dr. Faust would of found himself at home in the Royal Society for the improving Natural Knowledge. This is true for two reasons: first because he was very interested learning about new sciences, even if he did it for his own needs. He repeats his constant search for more information when he questions the seven deadly sins (lines 105-163). Here he continues to feed his scientific appetites by cross-examine and classifying the sins. Secondly, Faust would be part of this society because like the rest of the society he believed that science and religion is intertwined. Proof that he believes this lies in the fact that he uses religious applications to increase his knowledge.

Dangers of Buying Bottled Water Essay -- Food

Water Consider bottled water, have you ever wondered why you bring yourself to spend two to five dollars on a simple bottle of water? Water is one our earth’s very resources, should it be legal to have to purchase water at all? Wouldn’t you consider water a human right? According to TIME, Nestle’ makes $2.2 billion a year off of bottled water. This company and many like it are taking groundwater from local communities at little to no cost, and selling it at inflated prices as â€Å"purified† water. In the state of Michigan, citizens are protesting the outflow of water. They are claiming that groundwater levels are dangerously dropping and becoming unhealthy. When groundwater begins to drop to an unhealthy level that community must begin rationing out water to some how maintain the levels. This leaves children thirsty and mothers frantically trying to find ways to supply such a necessity to their families. It is not fair that these companies, like Nestle’, are permitted to withdraw 210 million gallons of water a year to sell at a profit that is yet to be figured. In this process, sta...

Essay on Camus’ The Stranger (The Outsider): Meursault as Metaphysical

Meursault as Metaphysical Rebel in The Stranger (The Outsider)  Ã‚     Ã‚   The Stranger by Albert Camus was published in 1942. The setting of the novel is Algiers where Camus spent his youth in poverty. In many ways the main character, Meursault, is a typical Algerian youth. Like them, and like Camus himself, Meursault was in love with the sun and the sea. His life is devoted to appreciating physical sensations. He seems so devoid of emotion. Something in Meursault's character has appealed primarily to readers since the book's publication. Is he an absurd anti-hero? Is he a moral monster? Is he a rebel against a conventional morality? Critics and readers alike have disputed a variety of approaches to Meursault. I believe he is the embryo of Camus' metaphysical rebel as articulated in the philosophical essay, The Rebel. He is the man who says by his actions, "I will go this far, but no farther." In order to understand Meursault's rebellion we must first understand the nature of his personality as portrayed by Camus. The novel begins with the laconic assertion "Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can't be sure." His mother's death briefly interrupts the pleasant flow of Meursault's life, a life devoted to appreciating sensation. He loves the feel of a crisp towel in the washroom. He enjoys eating, drinking, and smoking cigarettes. He loves to watch the sea and the sky. Swimming and making love to pretty girls like Marie are his favorite pastimes, so much so that an offer of a job promotion in Paris does not in the least appeal to him. When something bores him or distresses him he simply goes to sleep, as he does on the bus to his mother's funeral and even in jail. He is a detached observer of life. Symbolic of this quality... ... noble act. Even we might be able to do that.    BIBLIOGRAPHY Bree, Germaine. Camus. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1964. Camus, Albert. The Rebel. New York: Vintage Books, 1954 Champigny, Robert. A Pagan Hero. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1969. Cruickshank, John. Albert Camus and the Literature of Revolt. New York: Oxford University Press, 1960. King. Adele. Camus. New York: Capricorn Books, 1971. Lottman, Herbert R. Albert Camus: A Biography. New York: George Braziller Inc. 1980. Masters, Brian. Camus: A Study. London: Heinemann, 1974. McCarthy, Patrick. Camus: A Critical Study of his Life and Works. London: Hamish Hamilton, 1982. O'Brien, Conor Cruise. Albert Camus of Europe and Asia. New York: Viking Press, 1970. Quillot, Roger. The Sea and Prisons. University of Alabama: University of Alabama Press, 1970   

Micro-Economic Impacts on Tesco Plc

In this essay we are going to evaluate the micro economic factors on the activities and performance of Tesco. Tesco Plc (2011) states, that the retail industry is a highly competitive environment. Tesco competes with a wide variety of retailers of varying sizes and faces increased competition from UK retailers as well as international operators in the UK and overseas. Failure to compete with competitors on areas including price, product range, quality and service could have an adverse effect on the organisations financial results.Tesco aims to have a broad appeal on price, range and store format in a way that allows them to compete in different markets. There is a risk that Tesco may not deliver their stated strategy in full, particularly since, like all retailers; the business is susceptible to economic downturn that could affect consumer spending. 2. 0 The Extent of Competition in the Market Tesco is a multi-national grocery and general merchandising retailer. By revenue, Tesco is the fourth largest retailer in the world after Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Metro.With 4,811 across 14 countries in regards to profit, Tesco is the second largest retailer in the world. In the UK, Tesco operates in an oligopolistic market competing against three major retailers; Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. Oligopolistic markets are those which are dominated by a small group of larger firms with several smaller firms also competing in the market with minority market share. The concentration ratio of the retail market is 4:76. 2. Figure 2. 0. 1: Comparing the Grocery Market (Preston, 2008) Preston (2008) states, Tesco are the market leader with 31. % with Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrison’s having a market share of 16. 9%, 16. 4%, 11. 5%.This means theoretically Tesco have monopoly power within the market but due to the intense competition which is apparent, they are not able to exploit their market power and discriminate against other firms as well as customers. How ever, there are still allegations that the major players within the market collude with one another to cause higher levels of barriers of entry and keep prices at a level which benefits all of the major firms. This protects their position within the market and allows them to set rices at any desirable level.With this happening these major players make it extremely difficult for start-up businesses to enter the market. 3. 0 Market Dominance In 1998 the market share for the grocery market showed that Tesco had 21. 8% of the market share. Asda had a market share of 12. 1% with Sainsbury’s share at 19. 9%. Morrisons and Safeway controlled 13. 3%. This gave a concentration ratio of 4:66. 1. However in figure 2. 0. 1, it shows that Tesco started to dominate the market and saw a rise in their market share from 21. 8% to 31. 4%.Presumably, within these 10 years Tesco’s used its economies of scale to gain this extra market share. With Tesco having a great majority of the market share they operate in, it allows them to possibly price discriminate. The way in which Tesco could do this is by having such a high market share they are capable of forcing competitors out of business and therefore, leaving only them to provide the products or services within that area. In addition to this, Tesco can under-price its products and services as with a greater market share they can reach economies of scale.Economies of scale arise when cost per unit falls as output increases. With having economies of scale Tesco’s can then be more productive than its competitors and supply more to its customers at better prices. For example if Tesco reach economies of scale they can get more from their suppliers with bulk buying allowing them to supply at lowers prices. By doing this poses a threat to smaller businesses that can be undercut by the competition. With a 30. 1% of the market share Tesco definitely do have some market dominance within the market via the instruments st ated above such as the potential to undercut competitors.However, they are not a monopoly and therefore, cannot fully price discriminate and set prices. As with doing this its custom see going to other companies within this market as the products and services they supply are similar. 4. 0 Economies of Scale Economies of scale are when higher output leads to lower average costs; such the average cost of production is reduced due to the increase in total output. Tesco has a very large scale business, opening new stores daily. There are currently more than 4,811 stores of Tesco worldwide.Since they are opening new stores regularly, they have to produce more. So as the volume of production increases, their average cost per unit has decreased. This has given Tesco a huge advantage over the other supermarkets especially those that are smaller in size. The large size of the firm means that it can benefit from further economies of scale in areas such as bulk buying, transportation, distribu tion, marketing and technology. A feature of their sales strategy is that they encourage customers to buy in bulk.They have special offers for that, such as buy one get one half price etc. These offers compel customers to buy more quantity, which in turn gives Tesco the advantage of selling more and consequently buying more, which in turn gives them a lower average cost. In an oligopolistic market, although it is difficult to prove, the likelihood is that the firms with majority market share collude with one another for the benefit of themselves. They will do so to maximise their profits as well as create higher levels of barriers of entry for new firms trying to enter the market.This has now become illegal in the UK by the 1965 Restrictive Trade Practices Act. 5. 0 Barriers to Entry Barriers to entry are the means by which Tesco’s potential competitors are blocked out. Due to Tesco’s monopolistic characteristics, Tesco will be able to enjoy higher profits in the long run as rivals have not diluted market share. Three barriers of entry are: Patents are legal property rights to prevent the entry of rivals. They are generally valid for an average of 20 years and give Tesco the right to prevent competitors from using patented products.Tesco can sell licences to competitors for a stated fee. Using Advertising and Marketing Tesco have developed customer loyalty; their club card has played a pivotal role in their customer loyalty. Thus making demand less sensitive to price; due to advertising leading to an outward shift in demand. Tesco engage in brand proliferation, as it is a firm which sells a vast range of products, this may portray Tesco differently to consumers. This is common barriers to entry in these types of markets as it is non-price competitions for household good. 6. 0 Porter’s Five ForcesIn order to evaluate the competitive environment surrounding Tesco, I shall utilise Porter’s five forces model illustrated in figure 2. Fig ure 6. 0. 1: Porter’s Five Forces Model (Zanthus, 2011) 6. 1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 0 The bargaining power of buyers is fairly high. 1 Products that have a slight differentiation; more standardised, the switching cost is considerably low, allowing the buyers to switch from one brand to another easily. 2 Prices are forced down by buyer’s power. For example, if bread is too expensive in Tesco, buyers will use their power and move to Asda.Supermarkets have a disciplined approach to price setting, stopping them from destroying each other in a profit/price war. 6. 2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 3 The bargaining power of suppliers is fairly low. 4 Suppliers fear losing contracts with major supermarkets, hence putting retailers like Tesco in a dominating position. Negotiations are therefore positive in order to get the lowest price achievable from the suppliers. 6. 3 Competitive Rivalry 5 The amount of competitive rivalry in the food and grocery retail industry is extrem ely high. 6 Tesco faces extreme competition from its key competitors; Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.Organisations are competing with each other over price, products and promotions sporadically. 7 Discount superstores such as Aldi and Lidl have taken over the market in current economic times, due to the recession. Keynote (2010) states, that during 2008, they recorded sales of over 25%. 6. 4 Threat of New Entrants 8 The threat of new entrants into the food retail industry is low. 9 Tesco and other supermarket chains put up considerable barriers to entry. Starting a new supermarket chain has barriers imposed on it, implicitly or explicitly, by the existing organisations.0 According to Mintel (2010) Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons account for 80% of all shopping carried out in the UK. 11 In order for new entrants to establish themselves they will have to produce something at an exceptionally low price and/or high quality. 6. 5 Threat of Substitute Products and Se rvices 12 The threat of substitutes in the grocery retail market is considerably low for food items whereas it’s medium to high for non-food items. 13 The substitutes for these major supermarkets are smaller firms such as convenience stores; but these are not seen as a threat to Tesco who offer high quality items at low prices.Tesco is however overcoming this threat by opening ‘Express’ stores in small towns and city centres, in effort of becoming an obstacle for substitutes hoping to enter the market. 14 In current economic times, customers will be drawn towards discounted prices, thus Tesco is a threat towards specialist shops. Due to the rivalry between these supermarket chains, a highly competitive environment can be maintained, and one that facilitates consumers a greater deal than a proliferation of small independent shopkeepers. 7. 0 Game Theory and Interdependence Game theory and interdependence are both linked together.Interdependence is when decisions o f two (or more) businesses have an effect on the other firm’s profits. Then when looking into interdependence the investigation into what happens is game theory. As Tesco has the highest share of the oligopoly it in theory has the most power of the market. However a competitor such as Sainsbury’s could easily affect the percentage share of the market Tesco has. This could be by Sainsbury’s lowering the prices of certain products and then with the decision that Tesco has to make, Tesco could end up losing either their percentage of share in the market or their profits.For example if Tesco decides to keep the price the same of an item which is on sale at Sainsbury’s then customers will decide to get the product from Sainsbury’s, thus Tesco lose money. However Tesco may also decide to lower the price of the item for sale at Sainsbury’s, however Tesco may not advertise the sale item as well as Sainsbury’s so again they may incur a loss as not many people know that the item is for sale. Many other examples could be used for interdependence for Tesco’s.If a competitor of Tesco such as Sainsbury’s decided to save costs because of the recession then Tesco could unexpectedly make more profits as a result. This is because Sainsbury’s could decide to save costs by cutting down the number of jobs and stop selling less profitable items. The effect this would have on Tesco’s would be positive. This would be due to the downturn in popularity of Sainsbury’s as a result of job losses around the country to save money. As big money companies cutting jobs is always very unpopular, as a resultSainsbury’s customers may well go to its competitors such as Tesco and thus Tesco gaining more money from more customers. With Sainsbury’s losing customers in this example, the demand curve for Tesco would shift to the right and as a result of more money being made the price level would be increa sed because of the increase in demand. 8. 0 Conclusion and Recommendations From the above analysis, it can be said that Tesco maintains to embrace its leading position in the highly competitive retail industry; in which organisations must follow both differentiated strategies and cost leadership.The core competencies of Tesco are aligned with the competitive operating environment, therefore highlighting a positive future outlook for the organisation. The company must constantly adapt to the fast changing circumstances. Strategy formulation should therefore be regarded as a process of continuous learning, which includes learning about the goals, the effect of possible actions towards these goals and how to implement and execute these actions.

Lung Cancer Detection Methods

There are several ways in which lung cancer may be detected and some of these are the following: First of all is to have the patient undergo what is technically referred to as â€Å"screening† (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Here, a series of laboratory tests and other examinations are carried out (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Second is known as blood test (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Here, the blood is placed under scrutiny to see if the â€Å"lung cancer† has multiplied and have already reached the patient’s liver or bones (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Third is the â€Å"bone marrow biopsy† wherein a needle is utilized to take out a small portion of the bone located at the â€Å"back of the hip bone† and is placed under the â€Å"microscope† to see if any cancer cells may be detected (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Fourth is technically referred to as â€Å"mediastinoscopy† (Harvard University, 2008, n.p.). Here, the neck is incised to allow a lighted pipe to go through and to eventually get a sample of tissue inside it (Harvard University, 2008, n.p.) Again, this will confirm if cancer cells are there or not by looking at it under the microscope (Harvard University, 2008, n.p). Fifth is known as â€Å"bronchoscopy† (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Like the aforementioned fourth detection method, a lighted pipe is involved here as well (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). However, with this method, the tube will be inserted on the nose and will look for tumors or obstructions in the lungs (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). It may also take tissue samples or fluids so that it may be checked under the microscope for cancer cells’ presence (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Last but not least is technically referred to as â€Å"needle biopsy† (Radiological Society of North America Inc., 2008, n.p.). Here, the lungs are monitored through a machine known as â€Å"CT Scan† while a needle is utilized to take out a mass sample in the lungs (Radiological Society of North America Inc., 2008, n.p.).Like in the other methods, the aforementioned sample will have to be checked under the microscope (Radiological Society of North America Inc., 2008, n.p.). References Harvard University. (2008). Mediastinoscopy. Retrieved February 14, 2008 from http://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests/mediastinoscopy.htm Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (2008). Needle Biopsy of Lung (Chest) Nodules. Retrieved February 14, 2008 from http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=nlungbiop&bhcp=1 The Health Alliance. (2006). Lung Cancer Detection. Retrieved February 14, 2008 from http://www.health-alliance.com/Cancer/lung/detection.html   

Accy

Discussion Question Set #1 – iPhone at Apple (25 points) Lenny Allegretti 1. Which accounting method best reflects the economic reality? Put another way, which accounting numbers – the GAAP or non-GAAP numbers best reflects economic reality? [10 points] Economic reality can be defined as the overall outlook of the economy at a certain point in time. This outlook includes factors such as interest rates, politics, and speculation. In its Q4 financial results Apple reported both GAAP and non-GAAP revenue and net profit for the iPhone.Their GAAP results showed 7. 9 billion in revenue and 1. 1 billion in net profit. The non-GAAP showed revenue of 11. 7 billion and net profit of 2. 4 billion. The GAAP results reflect the usage of subscription accounting for the iPhone. Subscription accounting recognizes product cost and revenue on a straight line basis over 24 months (the average user time period of a single mobile device). This causes the sale of an iPhone to be placed in de ferred revenue to be evenly distributed for the next two years. It also accounts for the costs of goods sold.The non-GAAP results followed the time of sale method. This accounts for the product revenue and cost in the period that revenue or product cost is incurred. Considering the facts I believe that the non-GAAP numbers best reflect economic reality. These are the true numbers of how the iPhone truly performed in that quarter. Apple is a company that spends a tremendous amount of money on R & D each year and they will continue to do that until they cease to exist. Therefore, purchasing an iPhone should not be recorded as a subscription, but it should be recorded time of sale.The fact is that Apple will continue to upgrade its platforms and its devices. The idea of straight line basis accounting for the iPhone does not follow an economic reality. The reality is people want to know how sales and revenue for the iPhone faired in that quarter. The fact that past quarters sales ha ve an effect on that does not economically show the reality of the influence the iPhone has on Apple. 2. Should Apple lobby for their non-GAAP numbers to be sanctioned by FASB? [7. 5 points] I believe that Apple should not lobby for their non-GAAP numbers to be sanctioned by FASB.Apple decided to use the subscription method due to consumer backlash at an upgrade fee for the iPhone. Today Apple holds a large portion of the smart phone industry. If a small upgrade fee for the iPhone was enacted I personally believe it would not affect sales. For example, people pay on average $75-$100 for their cell phone bill a month; a small $5 one or two time fee would not stray people from purchasing an iPhone. Therefore, there would be no need to lobby for the non-GAAP numbers because the new numbers with fees charged for upgrades would be accepted under GAAP.However, with the industry standard set at free upgrades for the consumer, it may be beneficial for Apple along with other smartphone compa nies to lobby for this. Realistically the smartphone market is a booming market. Time will tell if these companies will decide to lobby to the FASB. Even though I believe it is not necessary for Apple to do with their current stake in the market; I do believe that it may occur with the industry standard set. 3. Does it matter if the revenue recognition rule for smartphones changes? 7. 5 points] We have established that there are two methods to recognize smartphone revenue: time of sale and subscription methods. The company providing the phone has the option on which one to pick. If they choose to offer free upgrades by GAAP they are forced to pick the subscription method. If they choose to charge a fee for upgrades they are allowed to choose the time of sale method. Since consumers are drawn into the â€Å"free† upgrades I believe that revenue recognition for smartphones will remain to be subscription.Even though the time of sale method can be positive for companies with conc erns to their financials, the industry has almost set the standard of offering consumers free upgrades. Overall, I do believe it will matter if the revenue recognition is changed. It will allow financial analysts to gather a greater understanding of the financial position a smartphone company is in. This helps gauge future growth and company position on the public market.