Recent orders
According to an article in the New York Times, there is a lot, which needs to be known concerning wind power.
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Wind Power
According to an article in the New York Times, there is a lot, which needs to be known concerning wind power. Wind power is extremely popular as it has many advantages to various people. Its most popular use is in the production of electricity as it is better off as compared to fossil fuels. The country, which produces the highest amount of wind power, is America. There has been significant growth in the industry of wind power in the United States. The latter took effect in the year 2009 and still is growing until now. Incentives and tax credit will be offered to investors in this industry. This is part of the federal stimulus package according to the American Wind Energy Association. It is at Cape Cod, in the Mass area, where the country’s first wind farm is found. The project is known as Cape Wind and there is a 130 turbine used for producing wind power. China is America’s most notable competitor in the industry of wind power. China’s government is ensuring that it heavily manifests itself in the growth of this industry (The New York Times, 2011.1).
In an area known as Horseshoe Shoal, the Cape Wind project will take place. There will be turbines located along the coastline, and they will supply electricity to the various islands. Furthermore, it will be known as the first wind farm in America, which is offshore. The federal government has been given a go ahead so that this project can be realized. By the year 2013, as much as 18.7 cents of kilowatt in every hour will be produced by the turbines. In turn, the price of electricity will increase annually at a rate of 3.5 percent. The contract to start the project is expected to attract many investors due to loan guarantees and tax credits. Some leading environmental organizations have been involved in analyzing this project. They include; Green peace and Sierra Club. According to them, there is no negative impact to the environment after conducting an analysis. Moreover, the project will assist in keeping costs of energy low at a value of 4.6 million dollars (The New York Times, 2011.1).
In order to bring about development of wind power, as well as make sure that obstacles do not exist, a project will be started. The latter is a project between Good Energies and Google and is known as the Atlantic Wind Connection. The project will be located in the areas of Norfolk, Va and New Jersey. The area is known for its extreme winds, and it will be easy to harvest energy through the use of the turbines. In the year 2013, the project is expected to start according to Trans-Elect. The total amount of money expected to be used in this project is 5 billion dollars. The use of energy cables is extremely helpful as many people will have access to electricity, which is affordable. It is a fact that onshore wind, natural gas and coal are expensive methods of producing electricity. Since fossil fuels are not the best alternatives, renewable energy can be produced by the off shore turbines. Most American states require that certain requirements have to be met in order to engage in electricity generation. Furthermore, the Atlantic Wind Connection is considered promising by some experts in this industry. Some of the challenges it will experience include; cost overruns and technological problems. Lastly, none of the cables has ever generated power since their installation (The New York Times, 2011.1).
Work Cited
The New York Times. “Wind Power. Energy & Environment”. 23 December. 2009. Web. 22 December 2011. http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/energy-environment/wind-power/index.html
Accommodation and Food Services
Accommodation and Food Services
Author
Institution
Introduction
The importance of the economic development of any country cannot be gainsaid as far as the sustainability and stability of the country is concerned. Indeed, it has a bearing on the overall wellbeing of the people of that country, as well as other sectors such as the healthcare, defense and even internal security among others, not to mention its ranking internationally among nations. Needless to say, countries are divided into different sectors and industries, all of which make varying levels of contributions to the economies of those countries. Nevertheless, the Accommodation and Food Services industry comes as one of the most fundamental in the United States.
Taking NAICS code 72, the Accommodation and Food Services sector is made up of establishments that offer customers with beverages, meals and snacks for immediate consumption, as well as lodging services (U. S. Census Bureau, 2012). It incorporates food and accommodation services establishments considering that the two activities are usually blended in the same establishment. However, this sector excludes social or civic organizations, theaters, recreation and amusement parks, as well as other entertainment or recreation facilities that offer beverage and food services (U. S. Census Bureau, 2012). Some of the key firms in this sector include Aban Offshore, Accor, Affinia Hotels, American Cruise lines, AmeriHost Inn, ARAMARK, Artisans of Leisure, Azari Hotels and Aztar.
The accommodation and food services industry has its roots in later 18th century, with fundamental changes being made as the industry faced the two World wars and the Depression among other social changes (Kalnins, 2006). Nevertheless, the current status of the industry took shape in early 1950s and 60’s resulting in the growth of the dynamic industry present today. In the medieval period, English travelers would be accommodated in Inns that were private homes while nobility stayed in monasteries. The renaissance period saw in increase in the demand for taverns and inns with the first hotel being built in 1788 (Kalnins, 2006). In the 18th century, New York had taverns, while Pennsylvania had inns, with southern colonies being left for ordinaries. The French Revolution and the New World saw a tremendous change in the culinary history. The 20th century saw the introduction of trans-Atlantic flights in 1958 with inner city lodging properties resurging in United States cities. From 1960 to-date, there has been increased growth in casual dining, increased hotel chains, as well as mergers and acquisitions (Kalnins, 2006).
Using the N-Firm ratios, it would be possible to determine the percentage of total market output that N-largest firms in a particular industry produce. This concentration ratio is primarily used to determine how much the market has been monopolized, where a market that has low N-firm concentration ratio value is deemed as more competitive than its counterparts with high values of this ratio. The 2007 data shows all firms to number around 634,361 establishment or (100%). Four of the largest firms in the same year had 2528 establishments and took up 5.8 percent, while 8 largest firms had 24,854 establishments taking up 10.1% (U.S Department of Commerce, 2007). On the same note, 20 largest firms had 36,936 establishments had 17.4%, while 50 largest firms had 49,387 establishments taking up 23.7% (U.S Department of Commerce, 2007). Ratios indicate that the market is not under the control of a few establishments, as well as the fact that the industry is highly competitive. However, the concentration of the establishments in the Accommodation and Food Services industry has always been dynamic especially considering the high level of competition among the varied players. Indeed, the top firms in the industry have to fight to maintain their positions at the top, while also ensuring that they keep in touch with their fundamental goals. Of particular note is the fact that different firms are ranked as top firms in different times depending on the time of entry and the level of innovativeness.
As much as the dominant players in the sector are regularly replaced, they use varied price discrimination strategies. This is especially first degree price discrimination or perfect price discrimination, where the establishments charge consumers the maximum price that the later would be willing and able to pay for the services. This strategy is primarily used in instances where they are providing the services to dignitaries from different countries or even business executives. On the same note, second degree price discrimination is used where the establishments use varying prices for different quantities, from which the customers would choose in line with their spending abilities. In this case, the accommodation services provided include different rooms including medium ranked, standard ranked and even executive rooms all of which have varying services offered at different costs. This means that the establishments do not need to know the customers, rather they will just provide the options available and allow the customer to make a choice.
As much as dominant players are regularly changed, they acknowledge the increased competition that comes with an increase in the number of establishments in their particular regions. In essence, they use varied barriers to entry so as to maintain their dominance and prevent other companies from getting into the industry. One of the most powerful barriers to entry in the accommodation and food services industry the brand strength of the existing establishments. The key players offer relatively similar products to their customers, in which case they are only left with the option of differentiating their products so that they can appear different from those of their competitors. This strategy breeds customer loyalty, which results in enhanced brand strength that bars potential entrants from getting into the industry. Indeed, the strength pertaining to the associated marketing power, as well as the identification of customers with the existing brand would bar new entrants (Kalnins, 2006). On the same note, major players in the industry often collude to ward off competition. Of particular note is the agglomeration and collusion of these players in particular regions, thereby giving customers more options and creating the impression that the areas within which they are located are safe and secure (Kalnins, 2006). This is the case for hotels in Texas, with scholars showing that major players in the industry exchange information pertaining to occupancy and price and may even collude to lower their costs so as to prevent new entrants in the market and continue their dominance.
In conclusion, the Accommodation and Food services industry dates back to the 18th century and has undergone fundamental changes in its growth. While it has several key players, they are regularly changed thanks to the intense competition. However, the dominant players often collude to bar the entry of new players, while exchanging information on prices and offerings.
References
Kalnins, A.(2006) “The U.S. Lodging Industry,” Journal of Economic Perspectives 20:4, 203-218.
U.S Department of Commerce (2007). Accommodation and Food Services: Subject Series – Estab and Firm Size: Summary Statistics by Concentration of Largest Firms for the United States: 2007 Economic Census . web retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ECN_2007_US_72SSSZ6&prodType=table” http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ECN_2007_US_72SSSZ6&prodType=table
U. S. Census Bureau. (2012). Monthly Retail Trade and Food Services NAICS Codes, Titles, and Descriptions. 72 Accommodation and Food Services. Web Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.census.gov/econ/census02/naics/sector72/72.htm” http://www.census.gov/econ/census02/naics/sector72/72.htm
The Universe Cycle- K-6 Group Class Project
Name
Professor
Course
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The Universe Cycle- K-6 Group Class Project
The Universe Cycle is one of the topics that is specified in a K-6 unified science curriculum program. The topic is divided into four subtopics
The earth- under this subtopic, students will be exposed to activities that will enable them to understand how the earth was formed and the physical shape of the earth.
Geography- basically emphasizes on map reading skills.
The universe- explore activities and projects in the solar systems. Look at the processes involved and future projects.
Objectives
By the end of this study, students should be able to:
Locate different geographical positions on the map.
Explain different phases of the moon that is full, half, crescent and gibbous moon by manipulating models.
Use developing models to explain the movements of the earth, moon and sun.
Understand the relationship between the earth, moon and the sun and explain their various locations.
Our home planet is the third from the sun. It is the only planet that is known to be inhabited by living things. This is because the earth has favourable conditions that are able to support life. Water, air and favourable temperatures make the earth suitable for living things. The other planets are either too hot. This is for those planets which are close to the sun. The planets that are far away from the sun are too cold.
The earth is the fifth largest planet in the solar system. It is the only planet in the solar system with liquid water. There are four planets which are close to the earth. The earth is largest planet of the four. It is made of metal and rock. The other planets are named after Greek gods and goddesses. The earth is the only planet that has a Germanic word which means the ground. It is estimated that the earth is about 93 million miles from the sun. The earth revolves 24 hours every day 365 days a year. The revolution of the earth is what causes day and night.
Student Activities
Time required- 30 minutes
The following material will be needed to engage the students and help them understand the topic. As students engage in the activity they will be able to achieve the objectives of the study.
Computer with access to internet
Projector
Small group of three to four students
Plastic spoons
Oreo cookies or a close substitute
Coloured magic markers and black sharp pens
Paper towels
World map
Construction paper
Explanation
Using the above materials, students should construct a chart with moon phases using the Oreos. The icing on the Oreos should be scrapped off and shaped to represent the various phases of the moon.
The cookies should be arranged in a linear fashion on the construction paper to represent the eight moon phases.
Use the markers to draw representations of the earth and the sun. Use directional arrows to demonstrate each lunar phase.
The teacher will then demonstrate the orbital relationship that exists between the sun, moon and the earth. Get the groups of students to understand this concept by using the provided materials to represent each celestial body.
As students undertake this activity, the teacher should pause to ask questions and respond to corresponding questions from the students.
By the end of the activity and discussion students should be able to know
Whether the earth rotates in the same direction as the moon or whether it moves in a counter clockwise manner.
Whether the moon orbits around the earth or the sun.
Formation of a solar eclipse using the above representation
Work Cited
Boyden, Carrie. “The Sun, Earth, and Moon Relationship.” BetterLesson, BetterLesson, 21 Dec. 2015, https://betterlesson.com/lesson/645408/the-sun-earth-and-moon-relationship.
“In the Sky: A Unit about the Sun, Moon, and Stars!” Little Giraffes Teaching Ideas A to Z Teacher Stuff, http://littlegiraffes.com/teaching-ideas/517/in-the-sky-a-unit-about-the-sun-moon-and-stars/.