Toxicology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Toxicology - Research Paper Example The ALAD gene may pose the danger of developing lead poisoning in humans, those who were exposed to ecological lead. Lead is a metal that takes on toxic properties, when someone inhales it or digests it. There are several lead exposure routes, from which any human can inhale or digest lead. Several health problems are associated with lead poisoning. They include; exposure where one has to work in an environment or facility that manufacture lead-containing products; lead paint which is usually indigested by young children as they tend to try to eat non-edible things; lead content in soil, from lead-containing gasoline; sometimes lead from the soil can end up in the surface water; and those animals, which are hunted with lead-based bullets. Problems associated with lead poisoning include issues relating to; the nervous system; kidney problems; blood; and the reproductive system of humans. References McGuire, M., & Beerman, K. A. (2009). Nutritional sciences: From fundamentals to food. Florence, KY: Brooks Cole.

W2D 590 Senator Hillary Clinton Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

W2D 590 Senator Hillary Clinton - Essay Example edia analyses to first-hand accounts of the perceptive attitudes of the general electorate, Clinton’s presidential bid brought to the fore the indelible colored nature of the expectations that majority of Americans have about their diversity. That even though she, Hillary Clinton, possessed some of the stereotypically masculine character traits associated with leadership positions such as being assertive, competitive, and even aggressive in a measurable way to those of the opposite gender, the ballot verdict was expressive: she was still not good enough to Take Charge, beyond the conventional nurturing and collaborative role (Drexler, 2014). One of the first female personalities to strongly seek for the oval office, Clinton was not only going to be discussed and dissected for her results, but also on the basis of the conventional gender roles. Indeed as expected, she is often described as empathetic and a good listener (Wolvin, 2005); qualities that befits her as a mother besides other traits include her hardworking nature. Chris Matthews, a host on MSNBC, however, went as far as pegging her national status not because of her very inner personality but on the husband; a clear indication of how far tradition still creeps in to influence American leadership (Sheckels,

How are wages determined in India

How are wages determined in India How wages are determined in India? Is it through collective bargaining (union and firms) or by the employer or by bargaining between employer and individual employee or take-it -or-leave -it- basis or through any other mechanism? Framework for wage calculation Organized Sector:- The `day, `week and `month are the basic units for wages calculation. Used in combination. Normal working week is five days (for government) five half days/ six days. `Hour is generally not a unit for wage calculation. (In newer sectors like IT, ITES hour is becoming a standard). Wage payment is made monthly. Unorganized sector: `Day is the common unit of calculation. In certain cases piece rate wages as well as hourly wages. Methods of Wage Determination in India Committee on Fair Wages 1946 Minimum Wage: bare subsistence of worker, enough for health, efficiency and working capability Fair wage: Above minimum wage Living wage: male worker not to provide for himself, but for family not just bare necessities but frugal comfort, education for children, social security etc. Need based minimum wage Institutions involved in wage determination Wages Legislation. (covers organized/unorganized) Wage Boards (covering select private and public sectors). Pay Commission (for government/Public Sector). Collective Bargaining (for covered workers). Government Directives/Special commissions Salary Surveys/Compensation Consultants for private sector, non-officer cadre. Wages Legislation Minimum Wages Act 1948 Payment of Wages Act 1936: Introduced to ensure that wages are not withheld, no wrongful deductions made and payment is made in such manner that wage earner will benefit. (Objective was to reduce effects of payment in kind for work done). Agriculture sector not covered. Equal Remuneration Act 1976: Payment of equal wages for men and women workers for same work or work of same nature. However, discrimination exists in terms of definition as: difficult work (men) and easy work (work) in same workplace Companies Act 1952. Other (s): Payment of Bonus Act: 8.33% minimum bonus and 20% maximum, even for loss making organizations. Workers earning up to Rs 3500 per month alone eligible. Calculation of Minimum Wages 15th Indian Labor Conference: Standard working family of 1 man (earning) + 1 woman (wife) + 2 children. 2700 calories for adult 80% for wife and 60% for child (daily) 72 yards of cloth per annum. Government rental cost for housing 20% of above for fuel, lighting, miscellaneous. This formed the basis for calculation. Minimum Wages: present situation Idea of National Minimum wages not accepted. Hence minimum wages determined by center/state government for different occupations. Now total 200 occupations covered. For same occupation, minimum wages vary from state to state. Declared on per day basis for 8 hour work Wage Indexation The system of DA (Dearness Allowance) to take care of effects of inflation. (Cost of living). Indexation can be fixed or variable (indexation value decreases as income rises). Consumer Price Index used as the basis. Clearly followed in organized sector. On some states minimum wages revised periodically, so no requirement for indexation. Un-organized Sector Inherited worker. Contract worker. Casual worker. Beck and call worker. Free labor/Help. Bonded/Child (illegal) Organized Sector Permanent worker. Contract Worker. Badali Worker (substitute) Casual Worker (daily wages). Apprentice/Trainee.Types of employment contracts The central govt. convened in 1947, and a tripartite conference consisting of representatives of employers, labor and government. Govt. of India formulated industrial policy resolution in 1948 where the govt. has mentioned to items which has bearing on wages Statutory fixation of minimum wages Promotion of fair wages. To achieve 1st objective, the minimum wages act, 1948 was passed to lay down certain norms and procedures for determination and fixation of wages by central and state govt. To achieve 2nd objective govt. of India appointed in 1949, a tripartite committee on fair wages to determine the principles on which fair wages should be fixed Wages and salary incomes in India are fixed through several institutions. These are Collective bargaining Industrial wage bound Govt. appointed pay commissions COLLECTIVE BARGAINING:- à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Collective bargaining relates to those arrangements under which wages and conditions of employments are generally decided by agreements negotiated between the parties. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Broadly speaking the following factors affect the wage determination by collective bargaining process Alternate choices demands Institutional necessities The right and capacity to strike In a modern democratic society wages are determined by collective bargaining in contrast to individual bargaining by working. In the matter of wage bargaining, unions are primarily concerned with General level of wage rates Structure of wages rates (differential among occupations) Bonus, incentives and fringe benefits, Administration of wages Executive salaries have been shooting through the roof , particularly in sunrise sectors like IT, Bio Tech INDUSTRIAL WAGE BOARDS:- Concept of wage board was first enunciated by committee on fair wages. It was commended by first five year plan and second five year plan also considered wage board as an acceptable machinery for setting wage disputes. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Wage boards in India are of two types Statutory wage board Tripartite wage board Statutory wage board means a body set up by law or with legal authority to establish minimum wages and other standards of employment which are then legally enforceable in particular trade or industry to which boards decision relate. Tripartite wage board means a voluntary negotiating body set up by discussions between organized employers, workers and govt. to regulate wages, working hours and related conditions of employment. Tripartite Wage Boards consists of equal representatives of employers and workers and an independent Chairman. Wage board decisions are not final and are subjected to either executive or judicious review or reconsideration by other authority or tribunals. The powers and procedure of wage boards are same as those industrial Determined the wages and other remuneration to be given to the workers in industries, where wage boards are formed. Wage bargaining mostly took place at the industry level, and through Government controlled wage boards. First Wage Board (Divatia Wage Board) was constituted in May, 1956 PAY COMMISSIONS:- First pay commission was appointed by govt. of India in 1946 under chairmanship of justice vardachariar to enquire in to conditions of service of central govt. employees. The vardachariar commission in its report said that in no case should a mans pay less than living wage The 2nd pay commission was appointed in Aug. 1957. and commission submits its report in 1959, examined the norms for fixing a need based minimum wage set up 15th session of ILC. Govt. of India appointed third pay commissions in 1970s which submit its report in April 1973. In this report commission express its support for a system in which pay adjustments will occurs automatically upon an upward movement in consumer price index. After thirteen years, govt, appointed fourth central pay commissions under chairmanship of justice P.N.Singhal on July 26, 1983 to examine structure of all central govt. employees, including those of union territories. Officers belong to all India service and armed forces. Commission submits its report on July 30, 1986 and recommended drastic changes in pay scale. The 5th pay commission (1952-1996) made certain recommendation regarding restricting of pay scales. The 6th pay commissions was established on 2006 and committee submit its report on March 2008.

Essay --

Dreams Occur Only During REM Sleep Many individuals believe that you can only experiences dreams during the REM stage of sleep. The REM stage is one of five stages that people pass through when they go to sleep ever night. REM is an acronym that stands for rapid eye movement. The REM stage was discovered by the two scientists, Kleitman and Aserinsky (Suzuki et al., 2004). During their research they observed that when their patients were woken up during the REM phase, they were capable of recalling their dreams most vividly. Since then the REM has always been associated with dreaming. During REM sleep, dreams tend to be longer, more bizarre, and more complex. However, this is not the only stage of sleep in which people dream. In fact there are multiple stages of sleep in which a person can dream (Behn, Ananthasubramaniam, & Booth, 2013). In order to better understand how this myth originated, the original research by Kleitman and Aserinsky must be looked at in further detail. After discovering the human rapid eye movement sleep stage (REM), they documented that dreams were obtained most frequently when the patients were woken up from the REM sleep (Suzuki et al., 2004). Many scientists began conducting studies on REM sleep and dreams. They found a strong connection between an electrophysiologic phenomena and participants experience during REM sleep. Electrophysiologic phenomena is defined as, â€Å"the electrical properties, characteristics of living organisms, and the processes of organisms or their parts that are involved in generating and responding to electrical charges† (Brown, 2010). This means that during REM sleep, our brains is experiencing high activity. This explains why the REM stage is associated with longer, more complex... ...g the REM stage. Non-REM dreams are similar to thinking about something briefly during the day, whereas REM dreams are more comparable to thinking intensely about something. The duration in which you are in the stages differ as well. The REM stage last of about two hours a night. Non-REM last for about four to six hours. The intense dreams experienced during the REM sleep is a result of heightened brain activity (Hartman & Zimberoff, 2012). The quality of sleep we get during the REM stage and non-REM stage differ greatly. Therefore, it seems only logical that the way we dream would differ as well. We dream more intensely and vividly during REM sleep but that doesn’t mean that we don’t dream in non-REM sleep. It just simply means that we dream differently. Even if we dream in a less intense way during Non-REM sleep, we are still capable of dreaming during this stage

Covering data protection and sharing Essay

In my setting all information collected and held regarding pupils who are in attendance is kept safe and secure by using passwords on the computer and it can only be accessed by those who are in charge of it. Educational records kept in each classroom are locked into cupboards with padlock, and only senior staff hold the key School only collects information that is used for a specific purpose, i.e. the children’s address and parent/carer contact information. School also holds files containing staff details and training courses attended etc, which are again kept electronically with a password protection. The school ensures the information they require is relevant and accurate and they ensure the information is kept up to date, by sending letters out to parent/carers to remind them to update information since the last academic year. The information is kept for the duration the child is in attendance at the school and after which they will delete the files containing the personal data and shred any paper documents. Personal information is available to the pupils and parents should they wish to view their own details. Staff have access to the shredding machine and can use at any time, to shred scribble notes during meetings, that may not be needed anymore, but may contain children’s names etc. Also, in my setting, surnames are not written onto the front of any child ‘s books, which makes them harder to identify outside the setting, protecting identity. Some of the children at my current work setting are on the child protection register and this information is only available to the designated safeguarding officer. If the safeguarding officer has been notified of some child protection issues in relation to any child then they must disclose it to the child’s teacher in confidence to ensure the information shared is in the strictest confidence. The information the CPO holds must also be kept secure at all times (is kept in locked drawers and her office locked every time she is not there ) and it is imperative that the information stored does not become public knowledge. The data collected must at all times be kept on the premises to ensure it does not become public knowledge. If the information needs to be shared with external agencies then it must be done appropriately, by using their discretion, and following all policies at all times. As a 1:1 I keep information on my charge such as IEP, speech and Lang letters etc. These are all kept in a file in a cupboard away from the entrance used by parents. I can share these documents with relevant staff or outside agencies ( SENCo or Autism Outreach), but only at appropriate times and if relevant to do so. It is important to keep information confidential and only disclose to staff as necessary. Electronic details are password protected onto individual staff folders on the school computer system and screens must ALWAYS be shut down when finished with, and before walking away from the screen. Helen Purvis CYP 3.3 1.5 contd Data Protection Act 1998 is an updated version of the 1988 Act. It says an organisation should hold an individual’s information confidentially and not disclose to other members of the public. It also states that the individual has a right to view or amend the information held regarding them. School use the Data Protection Act and have included it their confidentiality policy and safeguarding policy and all staff musts adhere to these policies and procedures at all times. Reference : data protection act on Wikipedia accessed 13.2.13

Advanced Marketing

Marketing includes planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the decision-making of a company regarding product lines, pricing, promotion, and servicing (Marketing, 2004). Comprehensive planning is important in marketing, thus a marketing plan is an important output of the marketing process.A marketing plan is a written document that details the actions necessary to achieve a specified marketing objective (Marketing plan, 2006). A marketing plan determines the company’s target market, competition, products, budget, location, pricing, and promotional strategy.Strategic marketing plan and tactical marketing plan are the two outputs of a company’s over-all marketing plan. Marketing plan, strategic marketing plan, and tactical marketing plan are all part of the planning process and are prepared by organizations to outline the means in which objectives can be achieved.The strategic marketing plan usually has a time span of 3 to 5 years. The strategic marketing plan in cludes the strategic objectives of the company. The strategic objectives are those that create the environment in which the product or service will be sold (What is a marketing plan, 2006). At the strategic marketing plan level, management is scanning the environment, looking for developing markets as their target markets (Nowell, 2000).The tactical plan follows the strategic plan and focuses on implementing the first part of the strategic marketing plan. The tactical marketing plan is the execution of the company’s marketing plan such as generating leads, placing media, creating marketing tools, and implementing follow-up system (Gamble, 2005).Tactical marketing objectives of the company are tangible, measurable task that have to be accomplished to further the strategic objectives (What is a marketing plan, 2006). The tactical marketing plan as compared to strategic marketing plan presume the target market and other marketing strategy as a given and do not look at the extern al environment (Nowell, 2000).ReferencesGamble, M. (2005). Strategic marketing and tactical marketing know the differences and profit. Retreived December 2, 2006 from: http://www.MYMOnDemand.com/vpc1_mgnmMarketing (2004). Encarta Reference Library. Microsoft CorporationMarketing Plan (2006) Wikipedia. Retrieved December 1, 2006 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing_planNowell, D. (2000). Effective marketing plans. Retrieved December 2, 2006 from: http://www.sheridanc.on.ca/~nowell/markplan/intro.htmWhat is a marketing plan? (2006). Retrieved December 1, 2006 from: http://marketplan.us/what%20is%20a%20marketing%20plan%20doc.htm

SWOT Analysis Al Capones

SWOT Analysis Al Capones Introduction Al-Capone’s restaurant came into existence in 1927 under the initiative of Gladys Meyers. The restaurant is located along the shores of Fox River and operates in a big and spacious house. In the course of its operation, Al Capone’s mission is to achieve sustainable growth by providing its customers with an untouchable dining experience (Al Capone’s, 2012).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on SWOT Analysis: Al Capone’s specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The firm’s operations are guided by one major objective, which entails offering its customers great and diverse wines, spirits, micro-brews, and foods. Al Capone’s focuses at maintaining the real taste of food and alcohol beverages that it offered during the 1920’s. In addition to positioning itself as a unique drinking point, Al Capone’s also focuses at offering its customers unique entertainment. One of t he ways through which the firm attains this goal is by entering into contracts with renowned music bands such as Dixieland stars and saxophonists such as Johnny Waters, Franz Jackson, and Glenn Koch. These elements are some of the main areas that have contributed towards the firm’s survival (Al Capone’s, 2012). SWOT analysis Strengths Strong brand Branding is one of the avenues through which organizations can derive their competitive advantage. According to Healey (2008), branding entails a continuous commitment to deliver product meaning and promise to customers. The restaurant has managed to maintain the quality of products it offered during the 1920s. As a result, it has developed a strong identity within the society in which it operates. People travel for long miles in order to enjoy the tasty spirits, great food, and lively entertainment within the restaurant (Al-Capone’s, 2012). Customers who patronize the hotel experience the roaring characteristic of th e hotel that persisted during the 1920s and 30s. This element has played a critical role in enhancing a strong attachment with the society. Consequently, the firm has been in a position to nurture a strong level of customer loyalty. According to Healey (2008), customer loyalty is a key ingredient in the survival and success of firms considering the high rate at which the business environment is transforming. Product diversification- Since its inception, Al Capone’s has been able to diversify its product offering. The firm has achieved this by adopting a multiproduct strategy. The strategy enables firms to become more diversified hence improving their performance. Effective integration of multiproduct strategy is realizable by integrating the concept of focusing. Consequently, firms’ management teams have to focus on the most profitable product to integrate in their product offering (McDaniel, Hair, Lamb, 2008).Advertising Looking for essay on business economi cs? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Al Capone’s has integrated multiproduct strategy by incorporating a variety of foods, wines, spirits, microbrews, cigars, and steaks. The quality of products offered by the firm has significantly contributed towards the development of strong brand recognition. One of the ways through which the firm has attained this element is by positioning itself optimally as a unique steakhouse. The firm offers sizeable meat steaks compared to other steakhouses in Chicago, which greatly appeals customers. Its product diversification strategy has consistently enabled Al Capone’s achieve effectiveness in satisfying customers’ needs (Al Capone’s, 2012). Effective pricing strategy Organizations can derive their competitive advantage from effective costing. One of the ways through which firms can achieve this aspect is by producing at a lower cost compared to competitors, which pr ovides firms with an opportunity to set the price of their products competitively (Andreasen Kotler, 2003). Al Capone’s is cognizant of the fact that consumers are price conscious. Consequently, the firm has incorporated a pricing strategy that takes into account the consumers’ purchasing power. One of the ways through which the firm has attained this goal is by integrating a special menu popularly known as â€Å"recession proof†. The special menus are available on Fridays and Sundays. The menus constitute unique foods. Unique location- The restaurant is uniquely located along the Fox River. Its location provides customers with an opportunity to explore the wilderness for to access the restaurant, customers travel through the wilderness, past gambling dens, and hoodlum haunts, which contribute to a high level of customer satisfaction. Strong human capital Firms can derive a high competitive advantage by offering effective and efficient customer service. One of the ways through which they can achieve this aspect is by training their employees on how to offer quality and optimal services. In the course of its operation, Al Capone’s has managed to develop strong brand recognition by ensuring that customers get excellent services. Upon patronizing the hotel, customers are welcomed by hostesses dressed like flapper. Additionally, serving is splendid laced with customer friendliness, which enables customers to derive a unique experience (Al Capone’s, 2012).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on SWOT Analysis: Al Capone’s specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Weaknesses Poor accessibility   Sales revenue of restaurants is greatly dependent on the size of traffic. Consequently, it is paramount for hotels and restaurants’ management teams to ensure that customers can easily access their premises. One of the ways through which this goal is attainable is by ensuri ng that the restaurants are strategically located (Garvey, Dismore Dismore, 2011). Accessing the restaurant is not easy especially for new comers for the restaurant is located in rugged terrain surrounded by hills and forests. The roads leading to the restaurant are poorly lit. Additionally, the address to the restaurant is hard to find. The signs directing customers to the restaurant are fixed on trees along the road. In most cases, consumers prefer travelling to guesthouses and restaurants that are conveniently located. When selecting their drinking and dining choices, time is one of the major considerations that consumers take into account (Garvey, Dismore Dismore, 2011). The restaurant does not have a parking lot. Customers are forced to park their cars along the river and trek to the restaurant. This aspect presents a major security threat to customers and their property, hence a major weakness of the Al Capone’s Lack of market leadership The firm has not optimally pos itioned itself in the restaurant industry. Despite the firm being in operation for a long duration, the firm has not managed to position itself as a market leader, which limits the firm’s ability to deal with changes occurring in the restaurant industry (Boone Kurtz, 2011). Low rate of product innovation The firm has not implemented an effective research and development strategy. This aspect has limited the firm’s ability to improve its products and service offering. The firm continues to operate in its traditional format, which might limit its ability to adjust to changes in consumer tastes and preferences. Low scale of operation- The firm operates in only one location. Despite the firm being in operation for almost a century, it has not incorporated the concept of market expansion. This aspect has greatly limited its ability to tap the prevailing market opportunities. Its operation in only one location has reduced the firm’s ability to attain the benefits ass ociated with economies of scale. Opportunities Innovation   Al Capone can increase its profitability by undertaking continuous product and service improvement. Over the years, the firm has positioned itself as a renowned entity with regard to the provision of tasty wines, great foods, and lively music. The firm’s management should focus on how to add value to its product and service offering. This move will allow the restaurant to gain more customers and thus raise its sales revenue.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More One of the strategies that the firm should consider in its quest to be innovative is by adding new flavors (Bilton, 2007). Product innovation will significantly enable the firm to deal with alterations in consumer purchasing behaviors. The firm can also engage in new product development. The technological revolution especially with regard to information technology presents Al Capone’s with a timely chance to grow by exploiting the opportunities that come with the revolution. This assertion arises from the fact that Al Capone’s can use emerging technologies to create market awareness in its marketing practices. Social media is one of the technologies that the firm should focus on. In addition, it should improve its marketing practices by integrating different social networking forums such as Facebook, Twitter, Google plus, and blogs (Chaffey, et al., 2003). New distribution channels Al Capone’s can enhance its profitability by establishing new outlets in the US. Currently, the firm operates in only one outlet, which limits a large number of customers from accessing its products. In the process of establishing new outlets, it should identify the most optimal location where the outlets will be situated. It is also important for the firm to focus on maximizing its profitability by venturing in emerging markets. Change in consumer lifestyle   Currently, consumers are increasing becoming more adventurous, which presents a great opportunity for the firm to increase its profit. Its unique location and the opportunity for customers to experience the wilderness in accessing the hotel present a convenient opportunity to win a large number of customers. Additionally, the increase in degree of health-consciousness amongst consumers in their consumption pattern presents an opportunity for the firm. Al Capone’s should exploit the change in customer lifestyle by ensuring that it offers healthy food products. Currently, the society is undergoing significant social transformation. One of the transformations is associated with growth of domestic tourism. Increase in consumer disposable income   The US has experienced a stable economic growth over the past decade. Despite the adverse effects of the 2008 economic recession, the numerous economic stimulus packages implemented by the US government have significantly contributed to economic restoration. Consequently, there is a high probability of consumers experiencing an increment in their disposable income. This aspect will translate into an improvement in their purchasing power. The increment in consumers’ purchasing power might translate into a shift in their purchasing behavior; for example, they may refocus on consuming in luxurious hotels. Threats Change in consumer tastes and preferences The firm’s profitability may be affected by alterations in consumer tastes and preferences. For example, the high rate at which consumers are becoming health conscious ma y affect the firm. Findings of previous studies conducted associate eating red meat with increased risk of predisposing people to cancer and heart diseases. This realization has made most consumers to become very conscious of their eating patterns (Bakalar, 2012). This emerging evidence is a threat to the survival of the firm considering the fact that steak constitutes one of its main dishes. Economic recession The firm faces a major threat emanating from changes in the external business environment. One of these threats relates to occurrence of an economic recession. Recession may adversely affect the firm through a reduction in the firm’s sales revenue. The recent economic recession made most American consumers to focus on purchasing necessities rather than luxuries. In the event of the recession recurring, the firm’s profitability may be affected adversely. Increased competition   The US restaurant industry is undergoing significant transformation due to increase d competition. Some of the major industry players include Kentucky Fried Chicken, Darden Restaurants, Outback Steakhouse, and Taco Bell. More firms are venturing into the hotel industry in an effort to exploit the emerging opportunities. Al Capone’s does not have control over the activities within the industry. For example, the US restaurant industry is experiencing an increment in the number of steakhouses being established (First Research, 2012). As a result, there is a high probability of the firm experiencing a decline in its profitability. Legal reforms   During the 1920s and 1930s, the restaurant experienced a major threat emanating from the imposition of the prohibition era. The prohibition era was imposed through enactment of the Lever Food and Fuel Control Act. The legislation aimed at reducing the â€Å"evils† associated with alcohol. The US government imposed legislation that prohibited importation, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The legi slation had adverse effects on the survival of the firm because customers count not patronize and enjoy at the hotel freely. The threat posed by legal reforms persists even today. In 2009, the US government proposed to increase alcohol tax. The objective of the tax is to assist in funding the country’s national healthcare reforms. The enactment of the proposal would result in the tax levied on a 750 ml bottle of alcohol increase from $ 0.21 to $ 0.70. This change will translate into an increment in the price of alcoholic drinks, which will affect Al Capone’s sales revenue adversely. Conclusion and recommendations Al Capone’s has managed to develop a number of internal strengths, which have enhanced its survival. Its ability to offer quality products and adoption of product diversification has enhanced its ability to satisfy its customers. Additionally, the restaurant’s unique location and its effectiveness in maintaining the quality of products and servic e offering have contributed towards the development of a strong customer loyalty. Its effective pricing has enabled the firm to be consistent in attracting and retaining customers. Despite these aspects, the firm experiences a number of weaknesses such as low rate of product innovation, failure to develop market leadership, and poor accessibility. The firm faces a number of opportunities and threats from the external environment, and thus to survive into the future, it is important for the firm to consider the following. The firm should allocate more resources to continued research and development in the quest to remain relevant in the ever-changing market place. This move will effectively improve the firm’s ability to satisfy its customers. Its innovativeness should also incorporate devising strategies on how to improve its distribution channel. The firm should incessantly carry out market studies in order to monitor and adapt to the prevailing market trends coupled with cr eating contingency plan to face the future confidently. The market research should focus on customers and competitors. Reference List Al Capone’s. (2012). History of Al Capone’s hideaway steakhouse. Web. Andreasen, A., Kotler, P. (2003).Strategic marketing for nonprofits organisations. London, UK: Prentice Hall. Bakalar, N. (2012). Risks: More red meat, more mortality. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/health/research/red-meat-linked-to-cancer-and-heart-disease.html?_r=0 Bilton, C. (2007). Management and creativity: From creative industries to creative  management. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers. Boone, P., Kurtz. D. (2011). Boone and Kurtz contemporary marketing. Mason, MA: Cengage Learning. Chaffey, D., Mayer, R., Johnston, K., Ellis-Chadwick, F. (2003). Internet marketing,  strategy, implementation and practice. London, UK: Prentice Hall. First Research. (2012). Restaurant industry profile. Retrieved from firstresearch.com/Industry-Researc h/Restaurants.html Garvey, M., Dismore, H., Dismore, A. (2011). Running a restaurant for dummies.  Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Healey, M. (2008). What is branding? (Essential Design Handbooks). Switzerland: RotoVision. McDaniel, C., Hair, J., Lamb, C. (2008). Essentials of marketing. New York, NY: Cengage Learning.