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Pliny Critical Evaluation Specifics Lapis lazuli (Lapis lazzulo)
Pliny Critical Evaluation Specifics: Lapis lazuli (Lapis lazzulo)
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Introduction
Pliny’s Natural History is one of the most classical Roman literatures that aptly depict the ancient knowledge and old scholarship on the nature. In this comprehensive encyclopedia, Pliny the Elder, a Roman Scholar, natural philosopher explores various forms of the natural world, ranging from the living to non-living components of nature, within the context of natural history. This work is to explore and evaluates Pliny’s propositions on lapis lazuli. It commences with a brief description of the authors work on the subject. It then explores the author’s background and the methodology of presenting his work, citing the position of his work on lapis lazuli in the wider contents of the author’s works during his lifetime. The last part of the substantive component evaluate the author’s work, especially in the basis of reviews and interpretation presented by other authorities that either reviews his work or provide more contemporary views on the same topic.
Description: Pliny’s Views on Lapis lazuli
Pliny describes lapis luzuli with various attributes, with emphasis on the beauty it commands and the sacred features associated with the stone. He refers to Lapis luzuli as a beautiful color stone and asserts that it resembles the firmament sprinkled with stars. He describes the stone as being blue in color, of cause with the star-like strewn. He names the lapis luzuli as Sapphire. For its shining nature and unique star-like shape, the Lapis luzuli serves as an epitome of beauty, magnificence and vastness of the sky, making some people to raise it to the level of a deity and have it worshiped. He also asserts the high value that the gemstone commands within the history of civilization, describing it as the most beloved among the civilized and the nobles. At some point, he describes the stone as “Cyanus, of dark blue color, which is sometimes combined with a gold-dust”
Methodological Background
Pliny’s extensive background as a scholar, a philosopher and a naturalist is emphasized in dictionaries, encyclopedia and other reviews of the Pliny’s biography. Top distinguish him from the young Pliny, and he is often referred to as Pliny, the Elder. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Pliny, full name being Gaius Plinius Secundus, was a Roman savant, philosopher and author of the celebrated encyclopedia on nature, Natural History. It further report that he was born in the 23 AD and died on August 24, 79AD. It is acknowledged that the author’s work served as an authority to all scientific controversies and matters until the Middle Ages, when further discoveries were made, posing some challenges to the works contained in Pliny’s work. Pliny, therefore, command’s academic authority ion scientific issues, and is considered among the pioneer scientists and naturalists. Outside his scientific works, he also held political politically sensitive positions in the Roman Empire, by serving as an army commander to the Roman army. It is perhaps, because of his political connectedness that his work survived mutilation, with Natural History being considered as one of the largest works of medieval literatures that survived the destruction of the Roman Empire and remains available to date.
Pliny’s scholarly works were not limited to nature as it is understood today. Rather, his work tended to cover what he considered to be falling within the scope of natural world, or the scope of nature, which some analysts have argued to be more expansive as to capture all ancient knowledge. His analysis of Lapis lazuli, however, falls within the study of nature, as Lapis lazuli is a naturally occurring stone and therefore a product of nature. His ability to link Lapis lazuli with other aspects of nature, and to show its value within his contemporaries is a clear manifestation of his engagement with the topic, and refforts to enable the readers understand the complexity of the stone. He even strives to make Lapis lazuli’s attribute to be outstanding by linking its sparkling colors to starts (product of nature) and gold (also a product of natures).
Discussions
As a reputable scholar of his temporaries, a scientist focusing on nature and an astute researcher, Pliny’s work on natural topics would certainly command significant amount of credibility. High degree of reliability in his work, particularly the Natural History, in which Lapis luzuli is covered is reflected in the overwhelming stability enjoyed by the book for centuries after the book had been published. Among key issues in assessing the credibility of scholarly information is the credibility of the author, and as such where the work is published by an author of repute, such as Pliny’s work on nature, then the author’s work commands significant amount of credibility. The only way to challenge this would be to use an inconsistent finding of another authority, provided the other authority establishes the fact objectively. An alternative approach would be to explore methodological, factual or procedural flaws in the arguments and conclusions drawn.
Lapis has been accompanying people for the whole civilization history and has always been considered a sacred stone. Over a long historical period In the Mediterranean, it had not been made any distinction between Lapis and Sapphire (under the name of which all the blue stones were known). The final separation occurred in the middle of the XVIII century. A lot of geologists consider that in the Bible Pliny the Elder and Theophrastus named Sapphire having in mind Lapis lazuli. In ancient civilizations, it was one of the most beloved and highly valued gems. Excavations of early civilizations demonstrate that Lapis lazuli beads with cornelian were rather common female ornaments of royal personages and nobles. Russia Lapis lazuli (also known as Lazurite) is called “azure stone.” Beautiful blue color of the gem is due to the presence of sulfide and sulfate ion-radicals. Lapis lazuli, as presented, hardly brings out notable inconsistencies in the author’s presentation and description of the stone. It may be useful to compare this work with the other studies conducted in the recent past, centuries after more advancement in research and technology, to assess further the work.
A number of scholars have attempted to review the works of Pliny’s description of Lapis luzuli. Pliny is given a credit for a succinct description of the stone, especially on its physical attributes, which makes it come out clearly as a blue gemstone. A major source of controversy, however, was Pliny’s choice of word in describing the stone. Hill, for instance, has argued that Pliny’s description of the stone as “Sapphire”) was erroneous, because the dark blue color with gold –dust is not sapphire as known today. Rather, the description refers to the Cyanus. Another weakness pointed out is that the gold-like stars, which is considered to be sprinkles of gold was a wrong judgment, because this stone does not have gold components. Rather, the specs were elements of Sulfur found within the stone. Sulfur like gold, has a yellow color, and for this reason, might have been confused in the description of lapis luzuli. This claim has been supported by research among the mineralogists, which point out that lapis lazuli has no metallic components in it, and existence of any metal is just incidental.
Conclusion
One of the components of the natural world that he explores in Natural History is lapis lazuli, which he describes as a precious and beautiful stone. However, his discussions on lapis lazuli has attracted significant attention and evaluation among other scholars, some appraising the accuracy of Pliny’s analysis, while others faulting him for a inaccurate technical description of what the rock actually is. This analysis has established a few inaccuracies concerning the chemical composition of the stone. However, Pliny may still earn credit, considering limited advancement in the understanding of elementary composition of minerals during the author’s lifetime.
List of References
Britannica..Pliny the Elder. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/464822/Pliny-the-Elder” www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/464822/Pliny-the-Elder
Lewis, P. R.; Jones, G. D. B. (1970). “Roman gold-mining in north-west Spain.” Journal of Roman Studies,60, 169–85
Pliny, Natural History XXXIII:154–751
Price, M. T. (2007), Decorative stone: the complete sourcebook. Thames & Hudson, London
Please read the case Nature Bros. Ltd.
Please read the case “Nature Bros. Ltd.”
1. Summarize the information presented regarding the present and proposed products. Briefly describe the company’s 2004 and 2005 objectives.
For the year 2006, Nature Bros Ltd set its objectives that mainly focused on the market ownership and share of the existing market segments. One of the objectives for 2006 was to stabilize the company’s existing markets and to attain a five percent market share in the seasoned salt category. Alongside this, the company also had an objective of achieving a 10% market share in the salt substitutes while at the same time working to attain a five percent market share in MSG products. it was projected that with the objectives about the seasoned salt market set, the market would have a dollar volume amounting to about 7,931,889 dollars in 2006. Another important objective for the year 2006 related to establishing a fully-functional advertising component for the market to boost the success of sales in the existing seven markets.
For the next year of 2007, the company set its objectives that mainly went a long expanding the clientele base by opening eight new markets. These new market zones included Toronto, Windsor, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec and Saint John. These new markets have a significant meaning to the operations of Nature Bros Ltd since they account for about 17.1% of the grocery store sales. This year also had a five percent penetration objective where the company set a conservative projection of penetrating about 5% of the seasoned salt category. In order for the firm to achieve this objective, it set to use the strong health consciousness of the shoppers in the target market and introduce the products in shippers. With respect to pricing for customers, the company has set to provide customers with a 17% price advantage on the Windsor salt; and this is hoped to not affect the company’s profit margins.
2. After reviewing this material, make a list of additional information which should be supplied to support the sales projections.
While there are a number of ways of projecting a company’s sales, each of these methods and techniques needs almost similar type of information. For sales projections to be made or supported effectively, the first and foremost information needed relates to the sales numbers of each of the products; which need to be broken down by month of the year to help in understanding any changes that take place on the monthly sales basis of the products. Closely related to actual sales are the number of sales that are canceled or returned. Equally important to know is the level and change in levels of competition (Morse et al 2001). When the level of competition increases, it is highly likely that the existing market will be shared among the competitors hence reducing the possible maximum sales volume. On the contrast, if competition level reduces by some competitors quitting, it might be expected that the level of sales might increase for the players who remain. This is of course unless the type of market is a shrinking market as opposed to stable or growing market. Other information that can help in supporting sales projection exercise include factors related to the external environment such as economic forecasts, prevailing employee contract negotiations, price changes related to prices of raw materials and changes in tax laws as well as any change in competition. In summary, the following is the list for relevant information to aid sales projection:
Monthly sales numbers of the product in question;
Buyer or consumer behavior that impact fluctuations in demand;
Levels and direction of competition in the market;
Economic forecasts;
Prevailing employee contract negotiations;
Price changes related to prices of raw materials;
Changes in tax laws
3. Comment on objectives: Are they reasonable, optimistic, or conservative? What marketing mix would best support this growth rate?
The objectives are largely conservative though some parts seem very optimistic. For instance, the objectives that are related to expansion in top new markets are quite optimistic since the objectives set for gaining control of the existing market are as low as 5% while that for expanding into the new markets stands at 17%.
4. Evaluate the information supplied regarding a new product development and physical assets in light of the pro forma income statements Morris developed.
Research and development is always a key component for any organization that wishes or plans on having new products or introducing new methods. For this reason, research and development, which has been going on and supported by the company is given as one major vital component to support new product development. Furthermore, four new products have already been developed and it is hoped that they will be successful in the market as well as easy to produce. Further information provided shows that the new product in development is intended to target a new market segment and bringing it online would not cost more than $25,000 since it would not require new machinery but the existing machinery would be sufficient in its launch. There is also information provided relating to the capital assets and equipment. From the information, it is evident that the company has a lease agreement that limits rent payments to no more than 300 dollars monthly. Given that the company has plans for increasing the number of plant personnel by two in order to increase the monthly production level to 300,000 units, it would be reasonable to take the $15,000 additional investment needed as justifiable. This additional investment is needed for installation of a bigger conveyer system. However, Morris seems to have provided a more conservative figure of $14,000 in his pro forma statements while it is also evident that other assets have been mentioned in the notes (such as filling machine projected to cost $22,000; rebuilding seaming machine projected to cost $25,000 as opposed to buying a new one at $50,000).
5. Is the capital sought appropriate for the circumstances? If more information is needed, state what it is and how it could be obtained.
In general circumstances, a great deal of information is needed when more capital is sought. The first part of the information needed is to know what the capital is needed for. On this part, Morris has elaborately showed the need for the additional capital; which is mainly to aid in expanding the capacity of the existing production facilities. Tied close to this is the knowledge or information on how much capital is needed. It would not be prudent to understate the figures and take chance at the intended success. Another bit of information needed is the value of the company requesting or seeking capital (Morse et al 2001). Since repayment of the capital is integrally tied with the current value of the company, it would not be reasonable for the company to seek for capital that would put it on its financial knees. And this also goes a long way by providing information relating to the company’s future value, how long it is likely to take to create the future value and the likelihood of success in creating that value. Beside the above information, the following is a list of important information that is necessary:
Information on timing of the investment
Return on investment
Timing of the return on investment to the financier
Information on control in terms of who makes vital decisions in case things do not go as planned
Legal responsibilities of the business to the financiers
6. What sources should Morris approach for this amount of capital?
The capital needed can be secured from the bank. While public offering does make a good source of financing, it is reasonable to seek financing from the public when the amount needed is enormous. Another good source for funding would be through angel equity where Morris decides to give up part of the company’s equity to another investor (Rao, 2010)
7. Based on the current balance sheet, how much equity should he give up for the investment?
Since giving part of the company’s equity involves getting capital but also giving up control of the business, the current market share of Nature Bros Ltd does not warrant giving up of much control to outsiders or competitors as it might lose more control and fail on its market share objectives (Morse et al 2001). Since the company generally makes a net loss, it can give up to $9,422.76, which is the part of the owner’s equity account.
References:
Morse, W. J., Davis, R. J. & Hartgraves A (2001) Management Accounting. New York: Sage Publications
Rao, D. (2010, June 10). The 12 Best Sources Of Business Financing. Forbes. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/06/best-funding-sources-for-small-business-entrepreneurs-finance-dileep-rao.html
Please identify the value proposition for Mengsk World.
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Case 1 Questions
Part 1
a) Please identify the value proposition for Mengsk World.
Mengsk World has the value proposition of selling the games a week earlier before the other retailer companies and at 10% less than the price of the other retailers. As such, customers go to buy the games from Mengsk World because they are cheaper in this location than all the other locations. The employees in this company also work under commission.
b) Please identify the value proposition for Raynor Games and Hobbies
Raynor Games and Hobbies use the value proposition of making all the employees in the company happy and focused on making higher sales. Such includes offering the “games night” every month, which grants customers an opportunity to play new games before buying them. As such, more customers end-up joining the store because they have an experience of the games.
c) Identify which primary strategy is used by Raynor Games and Mengsk World. Explain why these strategies best fit their respective companies.
Raynor Games uses the strategy of giving customers an opportunity to play the new games freely before buying them. Such a strategy fits the company because it is innovative in the creation of new games, which have value in the market. Mengsk Inc. uses the strategy of selling the games at a cheap price of less 10% in the market. The strategy contributes in ensuring that the company has a market competitive force, which contributes in the achievement of success.
Part 2
a) Identify the most important of the five forces for MengskWorld before it moves to Vancouver. Why is that force more important than the others? Justify your answer.
The most important force for Mengsk World is the threat of a new entry. Such is because the company is selling its products at a cheap price, which might trigger other companies to engage in the same methods of selling at even new prices. Such occurs when new companies emerge with better innovative strategies, which include low prices for the games than the Mengsk World. Further, the company is operating in a less economies of scale, less capital intensive business and it does not have a protection for its technologies. Hence, it is easier for other companies to use the same technology and enter in the business, which will have harmful effects in the business activities of Mengsk World.
b) Identify the most important of the five forces for Raynor Games before Mengsk World moves to Vancouver. Why is that force more important than the others? Justify your answer.
The most important force for Raynor Games is the competitive rivalry. Such is based on the fact that Mengsk World offers the same products of equal technology level as the Raynor Games at a cheap price. Hence, Mengsk World provides a competitive strength to Raynor Games. Despite paying its employees on commission basis, Mengsk World is able to achieve a competitive strength in the market because it sells its products at a price 10% than Raynor Games.
c) Will Mengsk World’s move to Vancouver change how the five forces affect MengskWorld and Raynor Games? Why or why not? If it does change the forces for either Mengsk World or Raynor Games then what changes does it make?
The move of Mengsk World to Vancouver will not change how the five forces affect the Raynor Games and Mengsk World. Such is because there are other companies, which are entering the market of selling games, which prove to provide competitive strength in terms of the products and the selling prices for these products. These companies will influence the business activities of both Raynor Games and the Mengsk World. The only change it makes is to increase the sales volumes of Raynor Games because it has created a market niche for the need of the games, which customers will have to visit Raynor Games to obtain their need for the products.
Part 3
a) What is the most important part of the value chain for Mengsk World when it tries to compete against Raynor Games? Justify your answer.
When trying to compete with Raynor Games, Mengsk World most important value chain is the marketing and sales. The company has identified that the customers need the same games as those provided by Raynor Games, but at a cheap price. As such, Mengsk World focuses on improving its sales volume by providing the products to the customers at 10% less than the price of Raynor Games.
b) What is the most important part of the value chain for Mengsk World when it tries to compete against Raynor Games? Justify your answer.
When trying to compete with Raynor Games, Mengsk World most important value chain is the marketing and sales. The company has identified that the customers need the same games as those provided by Raynor Games, but at a cheap price. As such, Mengsk World focuses on improving its sales volume by providing the products to the customers at 10% less than the price of Raynor Games.
Part 4
If you were Raynor Games what actions would you take to combat Mengsk World? Justify your answer.
As the Raynor Games, the best strategy to combat Mengsk World would be to focus on price competition through value addition. Such would not mean the reduction of the prices to match those of the Mengsk World, but it would imply adopting strategies, which include offering discounts and price coupons to customers. Hence, there would be a need to formulate an effective marketing strategy, which will contribute in winning the loyalty of customers.
Case 2: Questions
Part 1
What are the benefits and problems of using only Movepoint’s cloud based solution? Explain your answer.
MovePoint has the benefits of ensuring the scheduling system of MoveIT is effective. Such includes the arrival-times, calendar sharing and capacity tracking, as well as creation of the quote template. Hence, the company is able to have a standard pricing system for its services. However, the system has the limitation of not-allowing a change in price to occur on assurance discounts. Such limits the ability of the company to offer priced discounts to customers.
What are the benefits and problems of buying the DATS software? Explain your answer.
The DATS software has the benefit of providing task management pages and personnel profiles for different industries. These include the training and certification of employees, which ensures that MoveIT has the potential of hiring the best employees. The task management enables administrators to assign the best jobs and create specific moving task. Such includes technology support and personalized system for the company. However, the system has the limitation of the need to train employees on how to use the DATS software.
What are the benefits and problems of merging both Movepoint and DATS? Explain your answer.
Using both Movepoint and DATS in the company would ensure that the company has the best technological support. Such includes easing the work of the administrators and ensuring that scheduling of the tasks based on the qualification level of the employees occurs effectively. It would also aid in improving in the task assignment for the employees. However, these two systems would have the limitation of the need to hire external persons for training purposes and it becomes impossible to change price assurance discounts.
Based on your analysis, state whether you would choose Movepoint, DATS or merging the two systems. Explain your answer.
The selection would be to merge the two systems. Such is because these two systems will provide an integrated technological infrastructure, which will contribute in improving the operations and activities of the company. These include employee profiling, scheduling and assigning of tasks, tracking system and quote creation. As such, it becomes easy for the company to manage is moving business for all customers.
What would be the best conversion strategy for implementing the alternative that you chose? Explain your answer.
The best conversion strategy is that of mapping the technology needs for the company. Such a technology will ensure that the company has the best technological outcomes in terms of its achievement in the market place. Further, the strategy will ensure that the different technologies are integrated to obtain the best technological system for optimization of the processes.
Part 2
Assuming that the company decided to merge the two systems, what would be the best methodology to create the system, waterfall or agile? Explain why the methodology you chose is best for developing this specific system.
The best method is agile. Such is because Agile provides an incremental approach where developers will begin from simple project design and work in small modules. The method also ensures that it is easier to make changes (which is not the case with the waterfall sequential method). Thus, it is not permanent that an error made cannot be rectified. Further, the method creates rooms for feature addition and evaluation of the project priorities, which contributes in the achievement of success in the system design.