5 Ways to Establish Your Writing Practice - Freewrite Store

5 Ways to Establish Your Writing Practice - Freewrite Store Today’s guest post is by editor and author Susan DeFreitas (@manzanitafire), whose debut novel, Hot Season, won the 2017 Gold IPPY Award for Best Fiction of the Mountain-West. Â   Â   Â   If you struggle to establish a writing practice, don’t despair. While writing will never be a completely painless process, there are ways to make it easier on yourself (not to mention more fun). First, though, some real talk: Most people who want to write never do. Or, at least, they never make writing enough of a habit to finish any of the big projects they have in mind, be it a novel, a memoir, or a chapbook of poems. Say you have a great idea but you don’t know where to start. Or you get started with your project but then lose the thread, or get distracted, and never wind up finishing it. In either case, the following tips can help you get started, get back on track if you’ve stalled out- and, ultimately, get to the finish line with your project. 1) Brainstorming Terrified of the blank white page? You’re not alone. There’s something about beginnings that’s deeply intimidating- especially when it’s the beginning of something big. The thing is, the beginnings are all about brainstorming and daydreaming- and as it turns out, staring at a blinking cursor on a blank white page is really not the best way to do either of these things. Neuroscience suggests that this sort of big-picture creative thinking- about what you envision for your project, its concerns, its scope, even the voice you hear for it- is best accomplished while walking, or in the back of your mind as you’re going about other tasks, or as you’re falling asleep at night. In this way, you’ll be partnering with your subconscious mind, opening the door to associative connections that simply won’t arise if you try to push. What are the questions driving your project? What do you know about it, and what don’t you know? In the earliest stages of your writing process, as far as I’m concerned, you shouldn’t be writing at all- you should be thinking about your project in a way that clues you into what it is you really want to do, and how you really want to do it. 2) Visioning Once you’ve answered these sorts of questions, it’s time to set aside a few hours to envision where you’re going. Take yourself out for coffee on a Sunday morning, or set aside those precious hours after the kids go to bed. This is your time to flesh out and solidify your ideas. What will the plot of your novel be? What topics will your essays cover? What are the concerns of your poetry, the forms that inspire you, the specific themes you’d like to write toward? This is the time to take all those big-picture ideas you’ve had floating around in your head and solidify them into a real plan. Be as specific as you can- this plan will be the roadmap for your project. 3) Set aside a regular time Only have a half hour a day to write? Or even fifteen minutes? No problem. When you have a detailed plan for your project, it’s not hard to make use of small chunks of time to execute it. You may do nothing more than write a few sentences, or a paragraph, or a few lines of poetry. But if you write each day- preferably at the same time, but not necessarily- you will progress in your project. If you can find more time to devote to your writing practice on a daily basis, great- but remember, it can be hard to continue a practice that’s based on finding big chunks of time. If you can learn to write in smaller increments, you’ll wind up writing more often (which tends to be the key to finishing). And if you lose the thread, remember, you have a blueprint you can return to (and amend, if necessary). It’s not necessary to keep the big picture of your project in your head at all times- all that’s necessary is that you keep inching forward, whether it’s a little or a lot at a time. 4) Find your people One of the best ways to ensure that you stick to your writing practice over the long term is to find a group of people who will keep you accountable for creating new work. This group might be a traditional writers’ critique group, or it might be a generative group like Sit Down, Shut Up, and Write. If you live in a place where writers are scarce, even a Patreon campaign that makes you accountable to your sponsors for new work every month will do the trick. Of course, it’s possible to establish a writing practice in isolation- but over the long haul, it’s hugely helpful to know that there is someone on the other end, waiting to read what you’ve written. 5) Make it fun Finally, if you find your writing process losing steam, stop and ask yourself why. Is it because you’ve become too critical of your own work? Because you haven’t gotten the validation and direction that comes through feedback? Or because you’re pursuing the wrong project, one that your heart isn’t really in? In the end, you may find it something more like the fact that your writing desk is uncomfortable, or that you don’t like working where it’s too noisy (or too quiet). Maybe you need to draft in longhand, or outdoors, or next to a window. Maybe you need to write with a cup of coffee in hand, or after you’ve had a glass of wine, or after you’ve read a poem by your all-time favorite poet. Whatever it is, you owe it to yourself to find out, and experiment until you find the tools, setting, and context that sends a clear signal to your mind: writing is fun, and this is a great time to make it happen. Now it’s your turn. What do you struggle with in your writing practice? And what has proven most helpful to you in staying on track? Â   An author, editor, and educator, Susan DeFreitas’s creative work has appeared in (or is forthcoming from) The Writer’s Chronicle, The Utne Reader, Story, Southwestern American Literature, and Weber- The Contemporary West, along with more than twenty other journals and anthologies. She is the author of the novel Hot Season (Harvard Square Editions), which won the 2017 Gold IPPY Award for Best Fiction of the Mountain West. She holds an MFA from Pacific University and lives in Portland, Oregon, where she serves as an editor with Indigo Editing Publications.

Hyundai Motors in the International Market Essays

Hyundai Motors in the International Market Essays Hyundai Motors in the International Market Essay Hyundai Motors in the International Market Essay Essay for International Trade Title : Hyundai Motors in International Market Hyundai Motors, one of the affiliates of Hyundai Corporation, started as a Joint- venture company with Ford. Before introducing more about Hyundai Motors, a man who founded the company should come first. Joo-young Jung was an entrepreneur, businessman and the founder of all Hyundai Groups of South Korea. Joo-young Jung was born in 1915 toa large impoverished family of peasants during the time when Korea was under Japanese rule. He dreamed of becoming a school teacher but his dream was cut short because the restrictive environment at the time kept the family tuck in poverty, and that kept him away from the opportunities of higher education. Despite of the situation he was in, he did not stop learning. He thought he would never success if he is stuck with his family so he attempts several times to run away from home, but every time he ran away from home he got caught by his father. At last, he succeeds at his fourth attempt. He got a Job as a deliveryman at the rice store in Seoul and soon he learned to manage the stores accounting the experience helped Joo-young thoroughly gain his business sense. After making some fortune, he urchased service garage to start A-do Service Garage and he founded Hyundai Automobile Industry in 1946. At first, its main business was repairing U. S. Army vehicles or Japanese cars, but thanks to Joo-young Jung, his wide knowledge of car mechanism helped the company to secure customers by providing high quality services. For 17 years, it remained as repairing company but when Korean government designated automobile as a main export product in 1962, Joo-young Jung waited his time and founded Hyundai Motors(HM) in 1967. At that time, no companies had technology to produce automobiles by themselves and it was same or HM either so they needed a partner. It was either GM or Ford, and HM choose Ford because GM tends to intervene deep down to the companys management even tor the toreign affiliated company. It may nave starte as M manutacturing company but with the strong will of exporting, HM also puts efforts developing its own automobile model. HM had the capital and the government support but the greatest obstacle was lack of technology. Nowadays, HM produces wide variety of automobiles from compact cars to SUVs. Among those various models, three main products would be Avante, Sonata, and Genesis. Avante and Sonata helped HM to be a leading company in the industry domestically and with Genesis, HM started to differentiate itself in the global market. Avante has great advantage of fuel efficiency and it was originally developed as global market targeted model but appealed to the domestic customers who are quite fuel conscious. These days, Avante is considered as most beloved model by Korean all time and its also the most exported car in HM history. Sontana, first introduced in 1985, is the model which gave HM its distinguished position in automobile industry in Korea. It has been produced in ifferent designs and features through six generations for more than 25 years and one of the most popular models in domestic midsize car market. The main slogan for Sonata is The car with innovative performance, high technology and reasonable price. Most recently developed model, Genesis, is a luxurious sedan and the first full- size car developed with the originality of HM. Its also the first luxurious car to export aggressively in HM history. Domestic car industry is literally overwhelmed by Hyundai Motors ever since it became Hyundai-Kia Motors after taking over the Kia Motors in 1998. Hyundai Motors(HM) market share is approximately 80% but as the tariff is getting lower, the growths of foreign automobile companies are not ignorable. In 2013, it is expected that the imported cars from Europe or America will come in to market aggressively and competition in mid-size and full-size car market will intensify. As import cars come offensively into the market, domestic automobile companies lead by HM will spur domestic market while invigorating the export. The forecasted analysis of domestic market of demand and supply is that in spite of internal and external negative facts like increase in households debts, economic ecession in Europe, and slowdown in China s economy effecting the domestic economy, positive facts such as base effect, low interest rate, low oil price stabilization and additional decrease in individual consumption tax due to FTA will increase the demand. On the other hand, due to the HMs new double shift plan in their domestic plant, without any additional plan to increase the productivity, the whole production quantity will decrease by 15% than before. Even though decreased working hours and double shift will increased the UPH(Unit per hour), the total production will decrease. By the rules of supply and demand, since the supply will decrease while the demand is expected to increase, the price will also increase to reach the market equilibrium price. HM is almost dominating the domestic market but in international market, the situation differs country to country. When HM first exported its Pony Excel to America in 1986, it was quite a success for a first export to the country which has one of the biggest automobile market. In 1987, proportion of Pony Excel in whole automobile demand in America was 2. 6%, which is 7% of imported automobile market and of compact car market in America. In that year, Pony Excel came top of Centra from Nissan and Civic from Honda. But the glorious days did not last long. In fact, Pony Excel was inadequate to export. At first, it had its competency over price but soon when Yen value dropped, it lost its strength. Despite of crash of Pony Excel, HM did not give up and started to regain reputation by 10 year-100 thousand mileage warranty in 1998. At first, it had to face the critics saying that the new plan it came up with is nothing but a marketing experiment or a cheap plan to attract the customers. American customers are considered as the most ational customers around the globe. They do not buy the car because it is guaranteed to be repaired free for 10 years. Americans accepted the HMs plan as a confidence and it worked. The market share rose from 1 . 1% to 3. 2% by the end of 2001. Its an explosive increase of 330% in Just 3 years. The market share kept rising gradually and peak its highest at 5. 1 in 2011. With the sum of market share with Kia Motors, which is part of HM, its 8. 7% of whole American automobile market and placed them sixth place among the domestic and foreign automobile producing companies in America. Compared to Toyota, the company placed third in automobile market in Ame rica, HM still has long way to go but considering the time of market entry and technology advancement, the progress HM made is remarkable. Unlike the domestic situation, even though HMs new double shift plan decreased the quantity of production units, it seems like there will be not much change in price for the HM automobiles in the international market. The reason is that the domestic market is dominated by HM if considered Kia Motors as part of HM and that means HM as a main supplier, it will determine the price. But in international market, for example in American market, the proportion of demand for HM is not that large compared to other companies. Furthermore, HM sells cars at the price of 90% of domestic price. No matter what, the price for the HM cars in American automobile market will be less than domestic market. As stated above, HMs first strategy to be a globalized company was to have competency in price. HM s strategy seemed successful at the beginning but after all, it only gave them a shameful title, cheap car with low performance and technology. HM tried its best to get rid of the standardized image y improving the performance, design, technology of the car and they succeeded. They still have the image of cheap car but now, relatively cheaper with great performance compared with the cars of similar features. Not only changing the image but HM improved their foreign plant and aggressively advertised its products also. The foreign plant in Alabama, U. S. A. , is run by robots during the whole process and it helped HM to produce same quality of cars throughout the production process with low rates of flaw. As a marketing plan, Hyundai Motors also placed its TV ads on ix national broadcastings, forty-one popular cable TV shows, and more than thirty magazines as well. If HM keeps concentrating on improvement of quality and brand image, it will give the competency in quality and price in a global market. Other example would be the strategy HM used in Chinese automobile market. China automobile market is expected to grow as a second largest around the globe. The market entry was easier than the other countries because the current chairman of HM, Mong-goo Jung, has a close relationship with China s high-ranking government officials. This relationship is crucial for the business. If he keeps good relationship with them, with the geometric advantage, HM can lead the Chinese automobile market. First, Sonata was a big success by being selected as an official model of taxi and it became a huge advantage for HM to spread its name in China. Avante also succeeded in the market because HM changed Avante ?s teature atter thorough research of road condition and customer preference in China. Especially, gold plated handle and other upgraded features attracted Chinese middle class greatly. If HM had competency of low price with fine quality in America, HM has competency of uite high price with guaranteed performance and quality. Expansion of local production plant in China is also helping the boost of sales. Current growth in international market does not mean HM will surely keep growing in the future. HM still needs to come up with new strategies to stabilize their sales and improve the brand image. Three main competition strategy can be issued RDE(Research Development Design Engineering), safety, and environmental performance. Each strategy point means enhancing brand value and power by improving design, securing safety that satisfies the global standard, and developing new generation of conomic and environmental power source. These three strategies will reinforce the selling capability by enhancing brand value and power to eliminate the possibility of over production and at the same time, move on from mass production company, to distinguished luxury brand. Automobile industry is all-around machine industry and those three issued I brought up is essential elements that cannot be weight one sided for the production of machine called car. If HM fails, company will fall behind and all the efforts it had put would be useless. References Ahn, S. 013), Automobile:l QI 3 Preview:The spring is coming, Dong-yang asset, retrieved May 1 5, 2013, from myasset. com/myasset/logindex. ]sp? direct=/ Jung, S. (2007), A Study on the global network of Korean automobile industry and its strategy based on the analysis of Hyundai Motor Company, Unpublished masters degree dissertation, Kook-min University, Seoul. Kim, K. (2011, July 18th), Hyundai Motors, the history of Korean automobile industry, is leading global Korea, Ulsan Maeil, Retrieved May 17th, 2013, from http:// www. iusm. co. kr/news/articleView. html? idxno=219593

American Academy of Physicians Assistants Essay

American Academy of Physicians Assistants - Essay Example The organization strives to enhance an improvement in healthcare through efforts to improve on the quality of the healthcare, the accessibility, and cost effectiveness (DEA Publishes Final Rule to Reclassify Hydrocodone Combination Products. (n.d.). The organization is guided by a comprehensive strategic plan through which the purpose for their existence is well laid out. Through such a comprehensive plan, the organization intends to achieve an acceleration of reforms both at the national and at the state levels majoring on increased access to healthcare and a reduction in costs (American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)., 2012). They also intend to ensure that the patients who visit various healthcare centers get the value for their money. Through their consumer centric healthcare approach, the organization wants to make sure that key health decision making is left in the hands of the consumers of the products together with the key organizations who play a major role in the industry. They as well intend through competitive healthcare structures that the consumer get quality. Thie is well planned by way of consolidating the industry and the vertical integration of all the industry players. Such strategies are intended to open up the playing field making sure that there is a level play ground hence players are able to come in with their varied models (DEA Publishes Final Rule to Reclassify Hydrocodone Combination Products. (n.d.). These and more are the main issues that the society have come to realize as having an impact on the American population. Therefore, they are position the Pas by equipping them with skills and knowledge to combat such challenges head on. Through the values the organization stand for such as leadership and service, unity and teamwork, accountability and transparency as well as excellence and equity: the organization is able to impact positively on their stakeholders. The patients in the US as a result will be in the position

E-Learning Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

E-Learning - Assignment Example According to research, multimedia is the combination of various elements with interactive components (Asian Development Bank 7). These elements can offer the consumer a more stimulating and vibrant web encounter, but like with everything, control is important. However, various multimedia elements need exceptional software development. It is unlawful to use pictures lacking the consent of either the photojournalist or the holder of the pictures. It is thus vital to attain authorization before an image is used for e-learning processes. Line art is the greatest rudimentary growth mass of official examination. It can be employed to develop more multifaceted shapes or to lead the eye of the audience from one location in the composition to another. Vector art element is employed by computers, where images saved take up less computer space. The images kept can effortlessly be inflated without altering the appearance. This, as a result, makes it simple for an e-learning education program to make or edit the image in order to suit the required pictures for learning. In the e-learning setting, interactivity is the communication that takes place between a person and a computer program; it allows the consumers to take part in the process actively instead of being a passive receiver of information. Interactivity is meant to enhance attentiveness, thus improving the learning process. These multimedia elements can be used in various ways in e-learning education program, and they can also be used at any given time depending on the requirements of the given organization. Instructional matters of the multimedia features are that there is deficiency of existing investigation to discourse the serious matters of just how to advance operative multimedia instructional concepts and technology that results into desired learning enactment and gratification. Audio is an element that uses sound to teach the material. Audio can be used as a stand-alone, such as a podcast. Alternatively, it can be used as a supplemental tool, such as providing sound to complement a PowerPoint presentation. The best time to use audio in e-learning is when the majority of learners are auditory. However, it can also be used to supplement text and other visual material. For example, visually a graph can be presented but audio can then explain the graph. The key is to only have it be supplemental, though; as Clark points out, stating the exact same points via sound and text can overload the learner rather than reinforce the material (Kineo, 2013). Audio should also not be used when it is known that learners will not have access to the required technology. One of the biggest technological issues with audio is developing a balance between file size and quality (Vaughan, 2007). It is important to ensure that quality is not compromised and that learners are able to clearly understand the file; however, because different systems, platforms, and users’ computers vary, file sizes need to b e considered in order to ensure that the files are accessible. As Vaughan (2007) points out, the better the quality is, the larger the file will be. Another technological issue involves the balancing of the recording levels; too high and it may be distorted with crackling or other noise, but too low and the sound â€Å"

Language, Identity and Cultural Difference Essay Example for Free

Language, Identity and Cultural Difference Essay According to Hall (1997a), enunciation theories suggest that even though we may talk of ourselves from our experiences, the person who speaks and the subject being spoken of are never identical. Identity in this regard is to be conceived as a production which is never complete- â€Å"always in process, and always constituted within, not outside, representation†- (Hall, 1997a) as opposed to viewing it as a complete fact which is then represented by the new cultural practices. However, this view shakes the legitimacy and authority upon which the term cultural identity bases its claim. There are two ways in which cultural identity can be thought of. The first view sees it in terms of a single shared culture, some kind of a collective ‘one true self’ that is hiding inside many other more artificially imposed selves that people with a shared history and ancestry hold in common (Hall, 1997b). Within this view of description of cultural identity, our cultural identities mirrors those historical experiences that we hold in common and the shared cultural codes which offer us as a people, a stable, immutable and continuous frames of reference and meaning, under the shifting classes and fluctuations of our actual history (Hall, 1997a). Singapore was envisioned by her leaders as a multiethnic society in which the constituent ethnic groups shared participation in common institutions while at the same time retaining their distinct languages, customs and religions. The ethnic categories represented self-evident, natural groups that would continue their existence into the indefinite future. Singaporean identity therefore implies being an Indian, a Chinese, or a Malay but in relation to other groups. This model of ethnicity demands the denial of important internal variations for each ethnic group and the recognition of differences between the categories (Tsui Tollefson, 2007). The second view of cultural identity recognizes that there are similarities and important differences which make up what we really are. We cannot persistently refer with exactness to one experience and one identity without recognizing the other dimension. This other dimension represents the rifts and discontinuities that comprise cultural uniqueness. In this second sense, cultural identity is viewed as an issue of both â€Å"becoming† and â€Å"being†, something that belongs to the future as much as it belongs to the past. Cultural identities in this regard have histories and therefore changes constantly. In other words, cultural identities are subject to the uninterrupted play of history, culture and power (Hall, 1997a). Identity is the name given to the different ways we are placed, and put ourselves within the tale of the past. This second conception of cultural identity is more disturbing and less familiar. How can the formation of identity be understood if does not proceed from a straight line or a fixed origin? The Singaporean identity can be thought of as composed of two vectors that operate simultaneously. These are the vectors of rift and difference, and similarity and continuity. The Singaporean identity can be seen with regard to the relationship between the two vectors.   Similarity and continuity brings to fore the realization that it is the experience of fundamental discontinuity that the Indians, Malays and Chinese share and among these are immigration, colonization and Asian origin. It is therefore interesting to look at how the concept of identity, language and cultural differences were created and how these concepts are related within the context of Singapore. The analysis herein presented will be based in Hall’s view of the link between language, identity and cultural difference. Relationship between Language, Identity and Cultural Difference The relationship between language, culture and identity has emerged to be a hotly contested topic in social sciences. The questions that mainly arise concern the apparent difference between cultural and ethnic identity. Are these types of identities similar or should they be differentiated conceptually. Various scholars hold varying views on the role of language in the definition of one’s identity. A major question that one may be compelled to ask is whether a culture or ethnic group can be considered to be unique if it does not have its own language or in the least its own rendition of a common tongue. Cultural identity is universal whether it is expressed with regard to humanity or otherwise since people from every part of the world are conscious of some kind of specificity that sets them apart from others. In contrast, ethnic identity only appear to take place within complex societies when it seems functional to separate individuals into categories founded upon something other than age, gender or occupation. Ethnicity is associated with cultural identity since one must make reference to cultural, linguistic or religious particularities in order to categorize individuals. According to Hall (1997b), culture is produced by representation. Culture concerns shared meaning and the medium through which we make sense out of things is through the use of language. It is through language that meaning is produced and exchanged. The only mechanism of sharing meaning is through a common access to language. In this regard, language is fundamental to meaning and culture and has always been conceived as the major bank of cultural values and meanings. However, one may be compelled to ask how meaning is constructed through language. According to Hall (1997b), language constructs meaning via its operation as a representational system. Language is one of the mechanisms through which ideas, thoughts and feelings are represented in culture. In this regard, representation through language is fundamental to the processes through which meaning is produced. Our sense of identity is derived from meaning and therefore meaning is linked with questions about how we use culture to define and maintain identity and difference within and between groups. In every social and personal relationship in which we participate, meaning is constantly being produced. Meaning is also produced through our expression in and consumption of relevant cultural materials. Our conducts and practices are also regulated and organized by meaning which help in the setting of rules, norms and conventions upon which social life is ordered and governed. The question of identity therefore emerges in relation to various other divergent moments or practices within the cultural circuits; in our construction of identity and the defining of difference, in the production and consumption and in the regulation of social conduct. In all these instances, language is one of the most important medium through which we produce and circulate meaning.

The Stanislavsky Method :: essays research papers

When I came off of the stage that first night, I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I was ecstatic, on a natural high. Suddenly, I had found my place in the world. As I have gotten older and more experienced, I have learned that acting is not just reciting lines in front of an audience. There is a technique to acting. It is known as the â€Å"method†, â€Å"method acting†, or the â€Å"Stanislavsky method†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The method was created by Konstantin Stanislavsky, a Russian actor, director,producer and founder of the Moscow Art Theatre which opened in 1898. Stanislavsky had many shortcomings as an actor and worked obsessively to improve his voice, diction and body movement. As a director and producer, Stanislavsky believed that the mere external behavior of an actor was not sufficient to portray the unique inner world of a character. He felt that once an actor felt what the character was feeling, the emotion would then manifest itself physically, making the performance believable. This idea was the basis for the method that Stanislavsky created, now the most common acting style in Western theatre.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stanislavsky’s method begins with relaxation. He called in an â€Å"occupational disease.† One of Stanislavsky’s most famous students, Lee Strasberg, believed it to be the actor’s worst enemy. The exercise Stanislavsky developed for relaxation is meant to help the actor find hidden tension in all muscles of the body, most importantly the face, where most mental tension manifests itself. The exercise begins with the actor sitting in a straight backed, armless chair. First, the actor must find the position that he or she would be most likely to sleep in, if absolutely necessary. Then, starting with the fingers and working all the muscles in sequence, finding the tension hiding in each muscle, and will the muscle to relax. The first time I performed this exercise was in Beginning Drama, my freshman year. My instructor, Mrs. Daniels, had each student find a space on the floor and lay down on their back. From there Ms. Daniels went through each of our muscles telling us to relax each one as we went through them. This exercise helps the actor find where they, personally, hold their tension. Once an actor knows where they hold their tension, they can begin to release it, letting as little of themselves show through the character they are portraying.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The next exercise in the method is called Sense Memory.

During the month of Kartik in the Bikram Sambat calendar Essay

During the month of Kartik in the Bikram Sambat calendar (late September and early October), the Nepalese people indulge in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain. Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese of all caste and creed throughout the country. The fifteen days of celebration occurs during the bright lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon. Thorough out the kingdom of Nepal the goddess Durga in all her manifestations are worshiped with innumerable pujas, abundant offerings and thousands of animal sacrifices for the ritual holy bathing, thus drenching the goddess for days in blood. Dashain commemorates a great victory of the gods over the wicked demons. One of the victory stories told is the Ramayan, where the lord Ram after a big struggle slaughtered Ravana, the fiendish king of demons. It is said that lord Ram was successful in the battle only when goddess Durga was evoked. The main celebration glorifies the triumph of good over evil and is symbolized by goddess Durga slaying the terrible demon Mahisasur, who terrorised the earth in the guise of a brutal water buffalo. The first nine days signify the nine days of ferrous battle between goddess Durga and the demon Mahisasur. The tenth day is the day when Mahisasur was slain and the last five days symbolise the celebration of the victory with the blessing of the goddess. Dashain is celebrated with great rejoice, and goddess Durga is worshiped throughout the kingdom as the divine mother goddess. In preparation for Dashain every home is cleansed and beautifully decorated, painted as an invitation to the mother goddess, so that she may visit and bless the house with good fortune. During this time the reunion of distant and nearby relatives occur in every household. The market is filled with shoppers seeking new clothing, gifts, luxuries and enormous supplies of temple offering for the gods, as well as foodstuffs for the family feasting. Thousands of sheep, goats, ducks, chicken and water buffalo are prepared for the great slaughter. All types of organisations are closed for ten to fifteen days. Labourers are almost impossible to find; from the poor to the rich, all enjoy the festive mood. Anywhere you go the aroma of ‘Vijaya Dashami’ is found. The first nine days of Dashain are called nawa ratri when tantric rites are conducted. In Nepal the life force is embodied in the divine energy and power of the female, depicted as goddess Durga in her many forms. All goddess who emanated from goddess Durga are known as devis, each with different aspects and powers. In most mother goddess temples the deity is represented simply as a sacred Kalash, carved water jug or multiple handed goddess holding murderous weapons. During these nine days people pay their homage to the goddess. If she is properly worshiped and pleased good fortunes are on the way and if angered through neglect then misfortunes are around the corner. Mother goddess is the source of life and everything. The first day of Dashain is called Ghatasthapana, which literally means pot establishing. On this day the kalash, (holy water vessel) symbolising goddess Durga often with her image embossed on the side is placed in the prayer room. The kalash is filled with holy water and covered with cowdung on to which seeds are sown. A small rectangular sand block is made and the kalash is put in the centre. The surrounding bed of sand is also seeded with grains. The ghatasthapana ritual is performed at a certain auspicious moment determined by the astrologers. At that particular moment the priest intones a welcome, requesting goddess Durga to bless the vessel with her presence. The room where the kalash is established is called ‘Dashain Ghar’. Generally women are not allowed to enter the room where Dashain puja is being carried out. A priest or a household man worships the kalash everyday once in the morning and then in the evening. The kalash and the sand are sprinkled with holy water everyday and it is shielded from direct sunlight. By the tenth day, the seed will have grown to five or six inches long yellow grass. The sacred yellow grass is called ‘Jamara’. It is bestowed by the elders atop the heads of those younger to them during the last five days when tika is put on. The jamara is taken as a token of Goddess Durga as well as the elders blessing. As days passes by regular rituals are observed till the seventh day. The seventh day is called ‘Fulpati’. On this day the jamara to be used by the royal household is brought from their ancestral royal house in Gorkha about a hundred and sixty nine kilometres away over the hills north west of the valley of Kathmandu. A parade is held in the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace. The fulpati, i. e. the procession bearing the jamara and other items necessary for the tika, is brought from Gorkha after a three day walk and most of the government officials are eagerly waiting for the fulpati parade to arrive at Rani Phokari in the afternoon. Rani Phokari area is filled with hundreds of government officials meticulously attired in the traditional formal dress. In fulpati, the royal kalash filled with holy water, banana stalks, jamara and sugar cane tied with red cloth is carried by Brahmans from the ancestral royal house on a decorated palanquin under a gold tipped and embroidered umbrella, led by the military platoon of the royal priest. The government officials also join the fulpati parade. Whilst the fulpati parade is heading towards the old royal palace, His Majesty the King observes the ceremonies taking place in Tundikhel, the army parade ground in the center of the city. There a majestic display of the Royal Nepalese Army is held. Guns are fired and the entire valley echoes with the resonance sound of it. The firing continues for ten to fifteen minutes to honour the fulpati. By the time the function ends the royal fulpati is already taken inside the Dashain ghar in Hanuman Dhoka Palace. With this the Dashain feasting starts. The eighth day is called the ‘Maha Asthami’. The fervour of worship and sacrifice to Durga and Kali increases. On this day many orthodox Hindus will be fasting. Sacrifices are held in almost every house through out the day. The night of the eighth day is called ‘Kal Ratri’, the dark night. Hundreds of goats, sheep and buffaloes are sacrificed at the mother goddess temples. In the darkness of the night Durga temples, army barracks, and old palaces all over Nepal hold sacrifices for the mother goddess. The sacrifice continues till dawn. The old palace in Basantapur Hanuman Dhoka, is active throughout the night with worships in almost every courtyard. While the puja is being carried out great feasts are held in the homes of common people where large amount of meat are consumed. The ninth day is called ‘Nawami’. The Taleju temple at Hanuman Dhoka is opened for the public only once a year on this day. Thousands of people go and pay their respect to the goddess day. Temples of mother goddess are filled with people from dawn till dusk. On this day the official military sacrifices are held in the ‘Kot’ courtyard at Hanuman Dhoka. The government allows foreigners to witness this function so hundreds of tourists and diplomats eagerly gather here. Animals mostly black buffaloes are slaughtered by hundreds to honour Durga the goddess of victory and might and to seek her blessing. Military bands play war tunes, guns boom and officers with beautifully decorated medals in full uniform stand there. When the function ends the courtyard is filled ankle deep with blood. On this very day the god Vishwas Karma, the God of creativity is also worshiped. All factories, vehicles, any machinery instruments and anything from which we make a living are worshiped. We also give sacrifices to all moving machinery like cars, aeroplanes, trucks etc. to get the blessing from goddess Durga for protection for vehicles and their occupants against accidents during the year. The entire day is colourful. The tenth day is the ‘Dashami’. On this day we take tika and jamara from our elders and receive their blessing. We visit our elders in their home and get tika from them while our younger ones come to our home to receive blessing from us. The importance of Dasain also lies in the fact that on this day family members from far off and distant relatives come for a visit as well as to receive tika from the head of the family. This function continues for four days. His Majesty also receives tika from the royal priests and then gives on tika to his loyal subjects. Thousands of loyal Nepalese people as well as foreigners also receive tika from His Majesty the King as this is said to be auspicious. After four days of rushing around and meeting your relatives Dashain ends on the full moon day, the fifteenth day. In the last day people stay at home and rest. The full moon day is also called ‘Kojagrata’ meaning ‘who is awake’. The Hindu goddess of wealth Laxmi is worshipped. On this day the goddess Laxmi is given an invitation to visit each and everyone. After Dashain the nation settles back to normal. After receiving the blessing of goddess Durga, people are ready to work and acquire virtue, power and wealth. Dashain thus is not only the longest festival but also the most anticipated one among all the festivals of Nepal.

Global Car Industry Facing Recession

The Global Car Industry Facing Recession and a Credit Crisis Case study Reference no 309-032-1 This case was written by Nick S Potter, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. It is intended to be used as the basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a management situation. The case was compiled from published sources.  © 2009, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. No part of this publication may be copied, stored, transmitted, reproduced or distributed in any form or medium whatsoever without the permission of the copyright owner. cch the case for learning Distributed by ecch, UK and USA www. ecch. com All rights reserved Printed in UK and USA North America t +1 781 239 5884 f +1 781 239 5885 e [email  protected] com Rest of the world t +44 (0)1234 750903 f +44 (0)1234 751125 e [email  protected] com 309-032-1 ___________________________________________________ The Global Car Industry: Facing R ecession and a Credit Crisis N. S. Potter â€Å"The change that has hit the world economy is of a critical scale that comes once in a hundred years† said Katsuaki Watanabe, announcing Toyota’s first annual loss in its 71 year history.The firm said it expected a loss of 150 billion Yen (? 1. 1 billion) in yearly operating profits and confirmed that vehicle sales in the U. S. had fallen 37% in December 2008 and that production would halt for a total of 14 days from January to March 2009 in an effort to reduce inventories. Meanwhile, in America, outgoing President George W. Bush threw the struggling car makers a $17. 4 billion lifeline to stave off immediate bankruptcy and Canada became the second G8 economy to bail out its car industry. In the UK, Tata approached the government for up to ? billion to help save Jaguar and Land Rover and announced at the same time that it was sponsoring the Ferrari F1 team in 2009. The Global Car Industry in 2009 – An Overview. Car manufacturing has been described as â€Å"the industry of all industries†. Strong inter dependence therefore exists between the economies of many countries and industry performance. Governments rely on the sector as well as related suppliers and services to a greater or lesser extent in terms of employment, taxation, GDP and balance of payments. Car makers equally, require growing economies with rising levels of disposable income and consumer confidence.The events of 2008 also demonstrated the industry’s reliance on freely available credit to finance the purchase of its products. â€Å"Credit availability has been the biggest issue in our industry this year†, according to Mike Jackson, Chief Executive of Auto Nation, the largest car dealer in America. This case was prepared by N. S. Potter of Birmingham Business School and is intended as a basis for classroom discussion rather than to illustrate correct or incorrect handling of any administrative situations â₠¬â€œ N. S. Potter, 2009. 2 309-032-1The credit crisis has affected economies globally and reduced activity in a wide range of industries, notably housing and the fall in property values, coupled with the fear of unemployment has reduced consumer confidence around the world. Many analysts now think that car sales will not recover until 2010 and may take until 2013 to return to 2007 levels of 16. 1 million vehicles, (CSM Worldwide, Detroit). Governments must balance these economic considerations with environmental issues, as well as the aspirations of consumers in terms of mobility and materialism.Politicians need to find a compromise between these opposing forces and the ways in which they impact on the voting intentions of different groups in their respective electorates. The effects of oil price volatility, the credit crisis and subsequent recession on the environment appear to be mixed. Some environmentalists are concerned that economic issues will dominate the political agenda, w hile others point out that people are flying and driving less and that the car industry in particular, will be forced to spend heavily on developing more eco friendly products.Core industries base strategic decisions on the car industry as seen in the move by steel makers to site manufacturing facilities in developing countries where car making is starting to take place and demand for commodities was rising rapidly until mid 2008. The car industry may experience only low growth going into the second decade of the 21st century. However, this will be spread unevenly, both between countries and individual companies. One of the key elements driving dynamics in the car industry is ever increasing globalisation.Rapid change is taking place, continually altering industry structure and attractiveness as well as the key success factors necessary for both survival and growth. Japanese companies were forced to manufacture overseas for much of the 1990s due to the continuous appreciation of the Yen and with its currency at a thirteen year high against the dollar in early 2009, Japan has seen exports to America fall by 33. 8% and to the E. U by 30. 8%, (BBC News). 40% of all cars sold by Toyota in the U. S. re currently manufactured in Japan. China and India, with combined populations of two billion, clearly have enormous potential, but appear to be equally vulnerable to world events. Chinese car sales fell by 14. 8% in the year to November 2008, (FT) and sales in India fell by 19. 4%, (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) due to credit problems and high interest rates, beginning to call into question some existing joint ventures as foreign partners scale back investment and concentrate on problems in their own markets. 309-032-1 South America as a whole is set to become a significant market with Brazil now the 6th largest producer in the world, however annual sales fell 16. 9% in the year to December 2008, (Reuters). A new manufacturing facility planned by Honda in Argentina has now been postponed until at least 2010, (Associated Press). Europe has also seen sales plummet during 2008 but has still overtaken the USA to become the largest volume market in the world and East Asian competition has become ever more significant.Tightly defined product segmentation has taken place as traditional markets mature, while the rapid growth of emerging economies has provided opportunities to extend product life cycles on a geographical basis. The pace of globalisation has varied considerably within the triad. Most European car manufacturers have significant positions only within Europe. U. S. companies tend to have major shares domestically and in Europe, while only two major Japanese companies can claim to be truly global.Although the industry is concentrating, no single company is close to dominating the market and in fact seven companies have between 10% and 15% market share. The level of acquisition activity has been reasonably intense but the other ma jor feature of the industry has been the degree of collaborative activity. A variety of alliances and joint ventures have been utilised as a means of growth, as isolating mechanisms and even to circumvent national political issues. In 1980, there were 30 independent car anufacturers, by 2000 this had fallen to 13 and it is predicted that by 2015 the number will have fallen to 10, a situation which could be exacerbated by the global economic situation. The industry value chain is also altering and becoming capability led, as companies focus downstream towards the customer interface where the most explicit value is increasingly being added. The Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM’s) share of total value creation stood at 36% in 2002 and this will fall to 23% by 2015.Despite this, the component manufacturers face similar consolidation pressures with 8000 suppliers in 1998 expected to fall to 2800 by 2015. Technology is changing the upstream supply chain as component su ppliers split into tiers and become total solution providers, often diversifying from previously unrelated industries such as electronics, computer software and aerospace. Companies such as Delphi, Bosch, Continental, Lear, Siemens, Thyssen Krupp and Visteon will become dominant. 4 309-032-1 Summary of main conclusions †¢Demand will fall in Europe and America in 2009 and will be flat in China, although the second half of the year may see a partial recovery. Supply will continue to exceed demand as production capacity currently stands at 90 million units. †¢ Europe and China have become the primary battlegrounds for car manufacturers, with Germany currently the biggest single market. †¢ Eastern Europe and South America offer limited growth as well as high risk but will become significant markets by 2015 †¢ Apart from China and India, the ASEAN countries represent the greatest opportunity and challenge to Japanese, U.S and European manufacturers, as long as structu ral and governance reforms continue. †¢ Significant demand fluctuations will exist between country markets. †¢ Toyota, Honda and Nissan are truly global competitors and this trend will continue, with around seven companies or collaborative groupings eventually dominating the world market, each making between 5-7 million vehicles annually. †¢ The industry is driven by cost and technology with political and ecological issues as a significant underlying factor and this holds for product and process development. †¢Manufacturers will integrate forward vertically into their distribution channels, diversify and out source traditional activities. †¢ Collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers governments will become increasingly prevalent. †¢ Marketing strategies will focus on creating lifetime customer relationships, but in the short term, availability of finance will be a critical issue. 5 and even national 309-032-1 †¢ Time to market for new models w ill continue to reduce from 3. 4 years in 1995 to 2. 2 years currently and this may become a critical issue as companies respond to rapid changes in consumer preferences.Global Car Industry – Major Forces and Impacts It is clearly difficult to generalise due to the enormous variation between countries in the various stages of their development. It is however reasonable to conclude, that the car industry within any given country is subject to opposing political forces. †¢ As a primary industry, it is a major contributor to GNP, balance of payments and employment. Component suppliers and service providers represent important secondary industries. Total global industry employment was predicted to reach 11. million by 2015, prior to the 2008 crash, with 78% of those jobs generated by suppliers. This will heavily influence government policy during 2009/10 with governments across the world expected to support the car industry. †¢ Taxation of purchase and use represents si gnificant government revenue. It is estimated that global industry revenue will have reached 903 billion Euros by 2015. †¢ Transport is a major part of any countries infrastructure and is necessary to the process of wealth creation. †¢ Congestion and safety are becoming increasingly important issues. †¢Pollution and sustainable energy policies could dominate the industry in future. Targets to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are making alternative fuels, such as natural gas and electricity more attractive. †¢ The issues surrounding inward and outward direct investment affect strategies adopted by companies as they seek to invest and grow in new markets. Cost of labour as a factor of mobility is increasingly debated but government’s attempt to attract investment with a range of grant aid as well as subsidising domestic companies for a variety of reasons, including national prestige. 6 309-032-1Demand for cars is very closely linked to a given count ry's economic performance and this can be viewed in two separate contexts :1 – The wider process of the economic development of a country which results first in selective ownership, leading gradually to mass market volumes. 2 – Short term life cycle fluctuations within mass volume markets leading to delayed purchases or customers changing segments. Consumer confidence is a key factor in the purchase decision as the product price is significant in relation to most people's income. For every 1% increase in average earnings, car ownership rises by 2%. 7 309-032-1Table 1 – World Economic Outlook 2009 – IMF 2006 2007 2008 2009 Original World output 5. 1 5. 0 3. 7 2. 2 Advanced economies 3. 0 2. 6 1. 4 United States 2. 8 2. 0 Euro area 2. 8 Germany 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 Revised Current forecast -0. 2 -0. 8 4. 8 2. 5 2. 4 -0. 3 -0. 1 -0. 8 2. 6 0. 3 0. 3 1. 4 -0. 7 -0. 1 -0. 8 2. 3 0. 4 -0. 5 2. 6 1. 2 -0. 5 -0. 1 -0. 7 2. 1 0. 1 — 3. 0 2. 5 1. 7 -0. 8 -0. 2 -0. 8 1. 7 0. 3 -0. 3 France 2. 2 2. 2 0. 8 -0. 5 -0. 1 -0. 6 2. 2 -0. 4 0. 2 Italy 1. 8 1. 5 -0. 2 -0. 6 -0. 1 -0. 4 0. 1 -0. 4 -0. 1 Spain 3. 9 3. 7 1. 4 -0. 7 — -0. 5 3. 2 0. 2 -0. 6 Japan 2. 4 2. 1 0. 5 -0. 2 -0. 2 -0. 7 1. 4 -0. 3 0. 4United Kingdom 2. 8 3. 0 0. 8 -1. 3 -0. 2 -1. 2 2. 9 -0. 9 -0. 5 Canada 3. 1 2. 7 0. 6 0. 3 -0. 1 -0. 9 2. 8 — 1. 0 Other advanced economies 4. 5 4. 7 2. 9 1. 5 -0. 2 -1. 0 5. 0 1. 8 3. 0 5. 6 5. 6 3. 9 2. 1 -0. 1 -1. 1 6. 1 2. 2 4. 4 -0. 1 -0. 8 9. 0 8. 3 Newly industrialized Asian economies China 11. 6 11. 9 9. 7 8. 5 11. 3 7. 9 8. 0 6. 6 5. 1 -0. 3 -1. 0 8. 5 5. 9 5. 7 Africa 6. 1 6. 1 5. 2 4. 7 -0. 7 -1. 3 †¦ †¦ †¦ Brazil 3. 8 5. 4 5. 2 3. 0 — -0. 5 6. 2 3. 9 3. 2 Central and eastern Europe 6. 7 5. 7 4. 2 2. 5 -0. 3 -0. 9 †¦ †¦ †¦ Commonwealth of Independent States 8. 2 8. 6 6. 9 3. 2 -0. 3 -2. 5 †¦ †¦ †¦ 7. 4 8. 1 6. 8 3. 5 0. 2 -2. 0 9. 5 5. 9 5. 8 9. 8 9. 3 7. 8 6. 3 8 . 9 6. 6 6. 0 Emerging and developing economies2 Russia India 8 0. 1 0. 6 309-032-1 The important variable is private consumption. Growth and wage levels are expected to be slower in real terms in the immediate future. Fiscal policies may eventfully result in higher taxation, particularly to service government borrowing, some of which will be indirect and therefore industry specific. Interest and exchange rates are also important as they affect disposable income. Interest rates have been slashed by the majority of central banks in developed countries and at the beginning of 2009 ranged from 0. % in Japan to 2. 5% across the Euro zone. Currency markets will probably continue to be volatile during 2009 as analysts assess which governments are following policies aimed at coming out of recession earlier than other nations without driving borrowing to unsustainable levels. It is likely that persistently high levels of unemployment and reduced job security will keep consumer confidence lo w and lead to an increase in the savings ratio. This could impact in several ways on the replacement patterns of high value consumer durables. Replacement may be delayed, satisfied in the second hand market or by trading down when buying new.Global growth is expected to continue to moderate from the peak in 2004 but the speed of the decline in output will vary from region to region as seen in table 1. World trade will slow down, from growth of 10. 1% in 2004, to 5. 0% in 2007 and a forecast of 2. 4% in 2009. Labour productivity and commodity prices are also key issues. Global demand for oil has exceeded supply for much of 2008 with prices peaking at $147 per barrel before plummeting to $5 in early 2009 and in the longer term, China has gone from being a net exporter of oil in 1995 to a position where it is predicted that 55% of its demand will be imported by 2030.There are clear linkages with economic factors as wealth generally leads to raised expectations. In less developed market s, the consumer's initial aspiration is simply for a convenient means of transport over longer distances and in this respect, the Nano from Tata may provide particular advantage. Increasing levels of wealth and confidence bring demands for more sophisticated equipment, greater choice of versions, niche products, passenger safety and consideration of the environment. 9 309-032-1 The degree of nationalism within country markets can also be significant and clear example of this is the German market where buyers display a clear preference for German cars. It is forecast that subsequent generations of buyers will think less along national lines as education, travel and integration all increase. This process will also be accelerated by local production, as demonstrated by Toyota, Nissan and Honda in the UK and VW in China. The need for transport is almost infinitely flexible in relation to its ease and cost. Governments have the task of balancing this need against the economic and ecologi cal considerations as well as the prospect of increased leisure time for many people.There are currently 500 million cars on the road throughout the world and by 2030 this figure is expected to rise to 1 billion with a further 500 million lorries and motorcycles. Road transport accounts for 20% of the global CO2 output and this figure could rise as traffic increases in developing countries. Technology represents another significant industry specific driver and can be considered under process cost, ecological pressure and increased consumer demands for new products increasing choice, comfort, performance and safety.Smart cards implanted in engine management systems will be capable of measuring the quantity of polluting emissions with the results used to prepare individual tax bills. Road side sensors or global positioning satellites will charge heavily for road use during congested periods with reduced or waived charges at other times of the day. The use of robots for assembly is inc reasing and it is estimated that 40% of the world's 610,000 robot population are used in the car industry. This is already affecting the propensity of companies to relocate in areas of low labour cost, as the cost advantage is being eroded.Product development issues will include fuel source, the balance between design and aerodynamics, automation of driver systems, satellite positioning and matching vehicles or versions to individual lifestyles. Process development will be concerned with flexibility, quality and cost issues. Supplier relationships and internal value chains will change in two significant respects due to these factors :1 – Car manufacturers increasingly lack capabilities in relation to new technologies and are out sourcing total solution provision to first tier suppliers, who are in 10 309-032-1 urn responsible for relationships with second and third tier companies. 2 – Process technology is becoming so specialised that manufacturers are having to develo p in house capabilities in order to supply their exact requirements. It is also forecast that differentiation and the complexity of technology will tie customers to authorised service dealers throughout the life of the vehicle. This will alter the relationship between margins made on the sale of a car and those subsequently derived from servicing and the sale of replacement parts. Outlook for the Global IndustryThe production and supply of cars has been concentrated in the three zones of the triad until recently, however there will be a degree of fragmentation over the next ten years as Eastern Europe, South America, China and India develop both in terms of consumption and production. The Chinese government welcomes foreign direct investment and has relaxed rules for setting up businesses and realises that foreign capital and 21st century technology can help the country to industrialise more quickly. There are five major indigenous car manufacturers in China as well as many smaller companies.Their main problem is a lack of both brands and designs. Shanghai Auto is number one in the domestic market and ranked at 373 in the 2008 Fortune Global 500, but still only produces 800,000 cars a year through joint ventures with GM and VW and this provided the rationale for the purchase of MG Rover assets and the 2007 merger with the Nanjing Automobile Company . Table 2 – 2009 vehicle sales forecasts – 2007 versus 2009 (millions of cars) Country New 2009 forecast Original 2007 forecast % Decrease USA 14. 3 18. 6 23. 0% Western Europe 14. 0 16. 9 17. 0% China 8. 0 7. 9 unchanged Japan 4. 8 6. 0 20. 0%Eastern Europe 5. 8 3. 6 India 1. 8 2. 1 14. 0% South Korea 1. 6 2. 1 24% (61% increase) Sources: Ernst and Young, Fortune, SMMT, Business Mirror, FT & Reuters 11 309-032-1 It can clearly be seen that the short term growth opportunities are in Eastern Europe and possibly China. The big European and North American producers face massive structural problems, pensio n deficits, overcapacity, mature markets and falling prices. Emerging markets offer some relief but competition will be at least as fierce and may require a move to smaller, lighter cars and this will favour some manufacturers more than others.Dongfeng Nissan and Geely Automobile in China are both forecasting sales increases during 2009, based on their range of small, inexpensive models. The motor car will increasingly be a target for environmentally motivated taxation and legislation. Industry rationalisation is long overdue, but government and unions in some countries will resist any attempt by manufacturers to cut large numbers of jobs and this tension will be a feature of 2009/10 as governments attempt to counter rising unemployment and balance public finances.Much of the cost pressure being felt by OEMs is being passed onto suppliers or eased by relocating manufacturing and sourcing to Eastern Europe and China. Currently, 33% of all suppliers have manufacturing facilities in Ea stern Europe and 17% in China and this trend will continue with Western Europe and the U. S. adding value through marketing, engineering and design, though this raises the issue of technology theft and intellectual property rights. Russia, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic are the most important sales markets in Eastern Europe and also represent important manufacturing locations along with Slovakia and Slovenia.China is now VW’s second largest sales market after Germany and General Motors generated 44% of global earnings from the same country, both companies plan a series of new vehicle launches during 2009. Russia is also a potentially large market with 144 million people and car ownership only one third of the level in Germany. Sales have doubled to over 3. 5 million units a year, (P. W. C. ) but the forecast for 2009 is a 15% reduction as the effect of lower oil prices affects the economy.German and Japanese cars are in high demand, though the government has decreed t hat 80% of officials should drive Volgas with the remaining 20% being supplied with BMWs built in Kalingrad and Fords made near St Petersburg. The Russian OEMs such as Moskvitch, Gaz and Ural tend to focus on the largest part of the market which is for cars costing less than $4000. Other manufacturers with plants already there, include Renault, GM and VW, with Nissan, Hyundai, Peugeot and Mitsubishi currently constructing new facilities, (Business Week). Renault has become partners with Avtvaz, paying $1 billion for a 12 309-032-1 5% stake in early 2008 and the next phase, according to PWC will be the emergence of a powerful components industry to supply as foreign brand cars manufactured in Russia are forecast to rise to 2 million by 2012. Ford, VW and Renault have all announced extended plant shutdowns during the early part of 2009, (New York Times), however PWC still forecasts that despite these short term difficulties, sales will continue to rise to six million units by 2014 and analysts at Russian agency Avtostat, predict that Russia will be the third largest car market in the world by 2012, behind only the US and China.Eastern Europe is improving in terms of productivity and competitiveness, is close to major EU markets and combines low wages with a skilled work force. Political pressure will focus on the production of cars suitable for export markets in order to earn currency, but government attitudes to foreign direct investment may improve if Russia joins the WTO. Collaboration between Eastern and Western European companies is growing rapidly, based on the mutual benefits of technology/skills transfer and market entry.Ironically, economic measures aimed at strengthening local currencies in order to reduce inflation, are making it more difficult for exporters to remain competitive. GM and Ford have invested in low volume production but many of the other OEMs have adopted a more cautious approach, although Toyota, Daewoo, Mitsubishi and Renault are succ essfully importing cars. The level of global sales and therefore production in 2009 is very difficult to forecast as it depends largely on how quickly financial institutions make credit available at somewhere close to previous levels. 0. 2 million cars were manufactured in 2007, falling to 67. 9 million in 2008, (J. D. Powers). Honda forecasts that European production will fall by over 12. 0%, but increase by 5% in China during 2009. VW expects the whole year to be difficult, particularly the first two quarters. PWC is forecasting a 17% fall in sales in the US, 12% across Europe and 5% in Asia Pacific. The firm remains upbeat about 2010, predicting a recovery in global sales of up to 15%. 13 309-032-1 Table 3 – Preferred Manufacturing Locations Country Very attractive Attractive Total Czech Republic 0% 44% 94% China 71% 18% 89% Hungary 40% 45% 85% Poland 36% 46% 82% USA 36% 33% 69% Slovakia 40% 28% 68% South Korea 16% 48% 64% Mexico 21% 39% 60% Western Europe 18% 23% 41% Indi a 15% 23% 38% Brazil 14% 21% 35% Ukraine 15% 18% 33% Romania 10% 23% 33% Slovenia 16% 14% 30% Bulgaria 5% 19% 24% 11% 10% 21% Argentina 5% 11% 16% Thailand 5% 8% 13% Vietnam 0% 10% 10% Russia 4% 4% 8% Australia 1% 3% 4% Croatia 1% 1% 2% Yugoslavia 1% 0% 1% Japan Source: Ernst and Young Competitive Analysis The global market leader during 2007 in terms of volume was GM which produced 9. 5 million vehicles compared with Toyota at 8. 5 million, however adding Daihatsu, (a wholly owned subsidiary) brings Toyota’s total production level with GM and as can be seen in the table overleaf, Toyota now produces more cars than GM when commercial vehicle sales are discounted. It is also worth noting that if the production figures for Renault with Nissan are combined, they climb to fifth place ahead of Honda. 14 309-032-1 Table 4 – World Ranking of Manufacturers 2007 Rank Group Total (Millions) Cars Total Vehicle Production 72. 18 56. 30 1GM 9. 34 6. 26 2 Toyota 8. 53 7. 21 3 VW 6. 27 5. 96 4 Ford 6. 25 3. 56 5 Honda 3. 91 3. 87 6 PSA 3. 46 3. 02 7 Nissan 3. 43 2. 65 8 Fiat 2. 68 1. 99 9 Renault 2. 67 2. 28 10 Hyundai 2. 62 2. 29 11 Suzuki 2. 60 2. 28 12 Chrysler 2. 54 0. 75 13 Daimler 2. 10 1. 33 14 BMW 1. 54 1. 54 15 Mitsubishi 1. 41 1. 10 16 Kia 1. 37 1. 29 17 Mazda 1. 28 1. 16 18 Daihatsu 0. 86 0. 71 19 Avtovaz 0. 73 0. 73 20 FAW 0. 69 0. 69 21 Tata 0. 59 0. 24 22 Fuji 0. 58 0. 51 23 Chana Automobile 0. 54 0. 54 24 Beijing Automotive 0. 45 0. 45 25 Dongfeng Motor 0. 44 0. 44Source: International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) It is notable that four firms in the top 50 produce fewer than 100,000 cars a year and fifteen make fewer than 250,000 cars and the top ten Chinese companies only produce around 3 million cars between them, while Tata has a long way to go before it becomes a volume player. 15 309-032-1 Table 5 – World Vehicle Production by Country in 2007 Country Total Vehicle Production (Millions) Japan 11. 60 USA 10. 80 PR China 8. 90 Germany 6. 20 South Korea 4. 10 France 3. 00 Brazil 2. 95 Spain 2. 90 Canada 2. 60 India 2. 30 Mexico . 10 UK 1. 75 Russia 1. 65 Italy 1. 30 Thailand 1. 25 Turkey 1. 10 Iran 1. 00 Czech Republic 0. 95 Belgium 0. 85 Poland 0. 80 Source: International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) Corporate Strategies Diversification is still common within the automotive industry, however the most prevalent strategy is forward integration. Most of the added value is now derived from finance, servicing and the sale of spare parts. Growth by acquisition has been used by G. M. , Fiat, Tata and VW to overcome mobility barriers and gain presence in the upper luxury segments, although G.M. in particular is more focused on the U. S. market in this respect. Toyota and Honda conversely, chose organic growth by establishing the Lexus and Acura brands organically. BMW now has its own range in the important four wheel drive market 16 309-032-1 and it’s acquisition of Rolls -Royce leaves them with a more sustainable portfolio, including Mini, which it retained when it sold MG Rover. Mercedes on the other hand, is relying on brand extension and the rebirth of the Maybach brand to increase volume since the end of its ill fated merger with Chrysler.The successful merger between Renault and Nissan raises question about the two remaining European independents, PSA and Fiat. Collaboration As markets mature, manufacturers are being forced to cut costs and increase scale. The manufacturing process has had most of the possible cost squeezed out in the last ten years. Companies already buy components from each other or share development costs, for example the alliance between PSA and Renault to supply gearboxes. Collaboration is based on mutual need and can either be used to spread costs or as a market entry strategy.There appears to be a shift of emphasis from the interchange of resources towards combining, as well as a more open attitude by Western companies t o close co-operation. It is becoming multi dimensional as manufacturers analyse their value chains, not only with a view to outsourcing, but on a geographical basis. Relocation, rationalisation and new bases for supplier relationships will dramatically alter the profile of the entire industry by 2010 There are a number of parallel developments occurring:†¢ The component supply industry has tiered, with Tier 1 suppliers becoming solution providers.They develop and supply whole vehicle systems such as brakes, engine management, steering and suspension. †¢ These suppliers have becoming knowledge partners and have taken on the role of managing relationships with tiers 2 and 3, who have found themselves isolated from the car manufacturers. †¢ Technology is increasingly complex and from outside the traditional automotive industry. Electronics, currently constitute around 23% of the value of a car, this will rise to 40% by 2010. †¢ As technology becomes more intelligent , components can be tailored to a wider range of applications.Software can now be used to alter the power and 17 309-032-1 torque profiles of diesel engines using inbuilt codes, offering the opportunity to use one engine across a wide range of model sizes. It could also be combined with GPS to automatically limit speed to the legal maximum. †¢ For this reason, specialist suppliers are achieving greater economies of scale than even the largest OEMs can hope to achieve in house. †¢ Car makers are reducing the number of varying components even at platform level, but increasing consumer choice by offering more variants in terms of trim and accessories. They are recognising the concept of â€Å"needlessly unique† components, where the cost of developing many alternatives does not raise customer perceptions of value. †¢ Components which the customer perceives to be invisible will be standardised. These will include chassis, steering, driveline and braking systems. Ot hers will be made common where possible, including instruments, controls and airbags. Only variants required to be different by the customer will be specific to models and examples of these include paintwork, exterior trim, fascia and glass. †¢Component suppliers are being forced to grow, in order to stay within cost targets set by their customers. Suzuki insists that all main suppliers with fewer than 100 employees must merge with other suppliers. Global car makers logically require global component suppliers. †¢ Car companies will increasingly become assemblers as they turn their main strategic attention towards, design, marketing and their distribution channels. Technology and Research and Development It is becoming more difficult to sustain competitive advantage through product differentiation.OEMs however, are continuing to invest heavily in research and development in an attempt to attract customers and no detail is seen as insignificant. Audi claims that its new V10 R8 is the first car in the world with all LED headlamps and rear-view mirrors have become high tech, with power folding, photo chromic glass and vision cameras aimed at pedestrian or occupant detection. It is likely 18 309-032-1 however that the technology focus will increasingly be on new fuel sources and lower pollution levels as firms attempt to anticipate future customer demands.Pollution and Resource Consumption Pollution has evolved from a series of localised problems into a global issue. The range of pollutants is also increasing and now includes CO2, CO, NOx, SO2, CFC, Methane and Nitrates. Automobiles currently have 80% of the global personal transport market and 55% of goods transportation. Their effect on the natural environment is therefore significant and ranges from 5% of total SO2 emissions up to 70% of all CO2 emissions. Noise and waste products also contribute to environmental deterioration.More than 500 kg of every car produced ends up in land fill sites, accounti ng for 4% of total rubbish weight. Companies are beginning to take these issues seriously as it is probable that eventually they will bear responsibility for disassembly and total recycling. Renault for example spends 30% of total R & D budget and employs 1000 people on environment related issues. This is shared between compliance with future regulation and attempting to gain advantage over competing companies.The Euro 96 norms mean much tighter controls over emission levels and these are mirrored by U. S. legislation. No detail is too small to escape attention in this constant search for technological advantage. In Europe for example, 180,000 tonnes of fuel evaporates every year during the refuelling process and fuel tanks are being redesigned to eliminate the problem. Reduction in fuel consumption is a major research area and engines are being developed with reduced friction, more efficient combustion and better ignition.Diesel cars remain an alternative and work also continues on small electric cars. Engines capable of using renewable fuels such as Soya oil have been in existence since the 1970s, but unless governments deliberately favour these alternatives via changes in taxation policy, they will only slowly gain acceptance. There are encouraging signs however, in Sweden 66% of orders for the new Saab 95 are for the version that runs on 85% bio ethanol derived from sugar cane and British Sugar is considering building a bio ethanol plant in the U.K. Hybrid vehicles running on oil 19 309-032-1 based fuel and electricity are gaining in popularity and fuel cell cars will be on the road by 2020 Table 6 – World Commodity Prices – 2000 to 2010 Commodity prices, 2000-2010 Percent change Forecast Commodity 2000-2005 -26. 4 1. 8 33. 9 1. 0 57. 2 -10. 8 -4. 2 3. 1 33. 9 97. 8 -23. 1 -10. 0 29. 1 17. 0 22. 4 -19. 1 -4. 3 12. 7 20. 0 28. 4 -21. 5 -1. 3 10. 0 25. 6 35. 2 -23. 3 -0. 3 18. 4 26. 1 50. 9 -28. 9 2. 6 22. 7

Anatomy Essay

Anatomy Essay Students whose major lies in biology, physiology etc in some cases need to write an anatomy paper. It could be an anatomy essay, an anatomy research paper, an anatomy term paper or even an anatomy dissertation. There are various fields where you can write an anatomy paper. Anatomy – is a study of the humans body. And in order to write a good anatomy paper – you have to have some knowledge on this subject. Professors always value experts, so with your academic paper – you have to show your professor that you are proficient in a specific field in anatomy. You have to start with a little research on an anatomy topic. The topic can vary from the human body in general, to a specific part of th human’s body. It really does not matter, as your professor can acknowledge any anatomy topic of your anatomy essay, anatomy research paper, anatomy dissertation. Your anatomy paper has to synthesize the knowledge which you have gained from various sources, so do not expect to bring some novelty to your anatomy paper. All sources that you use in your paper have to be properly cited and referenced.   The last thing you want to do in your anatomy paper is plagiarize. Plagiarism is simply a collection of incited and unreferenced sources, which you show to be your own. The format of the anatomy paper is also very important, as you have to strictly follow the guidelines provided by your professor. If you need to get some information on the format of your anatomy paper – feel free to roam around the internet. You surely will gain some idea on the format which needs to be used. The summarization or conclusion part of your anatomy paper is the part, where you make conclusions of the things you have written in your main part of your anatomy paper. Make sure you do not contradict yourself in any part of the paper. CustomWritings.com is your trustworthy assistant in any paper. If you have a need of a custom written quality paper on anatomy – feel free to enquire at CustomWritings.com and we will be more than glad to assist you in writing Biology essays.

The UltimateSAT Chemistry Subject TestStudy Guide

The UltimateSAT Chemistry Subject TestStudy Guide SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips This article presents a complete SAT Chemistry study guide. I'll give you an overview of what's on the test, help you decide when to take it (or whether to take it at all), list sample questions and answers, and provide tips and resources that you can use in your studying. If you make use of the practice tools at your disposal and follow the general advice in this article, you'll be on your way to a great score! What’s the Format of the Test, and When Is It Offered? Here's a basic rundown of the structure and scoring of the Chemistry SAT Subject Test (alsoknown as the Chemistry SAT II): 60 minutes long 85 multiple-choice questions Scores range from 200 to 800 Note that subject tests still have quarter-point deductions for incorrect answers even though this policy has been abolished on the regular SAT. For every question you answer correctly you'll receive one point, no points will be awarded or deducted for questions left blank, and you'll lose 1/4 of a point for every incorrect answer.Calculator use is not permitted, but you'll have a periodic table to use for reference. The Chemistry SAT Subject Test is offered in August, October, November, December, May, and June. In other words, you can take it on every regular SAT test date except the one in March. Want to get better grades and test scores? We can help. PrepScholar Tutors is the world's best tutoring service. We combine world-class expert tutors with our proprietary teaching techniques. Our students have gotten A's on thousands of classes, perfect 5's on AP tests, and ludicrously high SAT Subject Test scores. Whether you need help with science, math, English, social science, or more, we've got you covered. Get better grades today with PrepScholar Tutors. Should You Take the SAT Chemistry Subject Test? If you’re reading this article, you're probably planning to apply to schools that require or recommend the submission of Subject Test scores.In most of these cases, it’s best to take one Subject Test in the sciences and one in the humanities to show a range of skills. Think about your goals, interests, and academic strengths before making a final decision on which science Subject Test you'll take.Chemistry is a great option for some students, but it might be less ideal for others. Here are tworeasons to choose Chemistry as one of your SAT Subject Tests: Reason 1: You Just Took a Chemistry Class (and You Still Need a Science Subject Test) The following are the College Board’s recommendations for prerequisites before taking the Chemistry Subject Test: One-year introductory college-preparatory course in chemistry One-year course in algebra Experience in the laboratory If you just took a chemistry class (especially if it was AP), you probably won’t need to do much studying for the Subject Test.The best time to take anySubject Test is in the spring when you’re just finishing up a related class. Reason 2: You’re Super Interested in Chemistry Do you think you might be a chemistry major in college? Do you have a knack for the subject?Taking the Subject Test is a good way to demonstrate your passion.If you have other achievements in high school that are related to chemistry, taking the Subject Test will help you present an even clearer picture of your goals and interests to colleges. A glimpse into your future. Or is it...your past? *cue Twilight Zone theme* What’s on the Chemistry SAT II? Here’s a brief content overview of the Chemistry SAT Subject Test. I’ve listed the topics in descending order according to their prevalence on the test: Topic Percentage of Test Structure of matter (atomic structure, molecular structure, bonding) 25% States of matter (gases, liquids and solids, solutions) 16% Reaction types (acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, precipitation) 14% Stoichiometry (mole concept, chemical equations) 14% Descriptive chemistry (periodic trends, nomenclature, predicting products of reactions) 12% Lab practices (equipment and measurements, scientific method, data interpretation) 8% Thermochemistry (calorimetry, enthalpy and phase changes, entropy) 6% Equilibrium and reaction rates (equilibrium systems, rates of reactions) 5% The College Board also breaks down questions by skill on this Subject Test: Skill Percentage of Test Application of knowledge 45% Synthesis of knowledge 35% Fundamental concepts and knowledge 20% The most common questions, at 45 percent of the test, are application of knowledge questions. These questions ask you to apply your knowledge of chemistry to scenarios presented on the test. Synthesis of knowledge questions, at 35 percent of the test, will ask you to draw conclusions based on data provided by the test as well as your background knowledge of chemistry. Only twenty percent of questions test fundamental concepts and knowledge. These questions are focused on basicfactual recall. To break down these skills even further, questions will test your: Understanding of the major concepts of chemistry and ability to apply principles to solve specific problems Ability to organize and interpret results from observation and experimentation, and to draw conclusions or make inferences from experimental data, including data presented in graphs and/or tables Laboratory experience and familiarity with the metric system Ability to handle simple algebraic relationships and apply these to solving word problems Familiarity with the concepts of ratio, direct and inverse proportions, exponents, and scientific notations Most of the test involves analysis and data interpretation.As I mentioned earlier, eighty percent of questions require either application or synthesis of knowledge, and only twenty percent are straightforward â€Å"what is this† type questions.In the next section, I’ll provide examples of the various question formats you'll see on the test. Question Formats on the Chemistry Subject Test The College Board groups questions on the Chemistry SAT Subject Test into three different formats: Format 1: Five-Choice Completion These are what I would consider â€Å"normal† multiple choice questions. They're stand-alone questions that simply ask you to choose the correct answer out of five choices. In some cases, you'll geta list of threestatements labeled with roman numerals and will be asked to decide which ones are true (if any).Here’s an example of a question in that format: Before looking at the answer choices, we need to go through each of the statements and decide which ones are true based on the diagram: Statement I appears to be true because the exposed mercury surface is open to the air. There wouldn't be any pressure besides atmospheric pressure pushing down on that side. Statement II also appears to be true because the mercury level on the right side of the manometer is higher than the level on the left side. Statement III is not true because the pressure of the gas wouldn’t be equal to h, it would be equal to the atmospheric pressure PLUS h.H is just the difference between the two pressures. Now that we’ve decided only I and II are true, we can bubble in answer choice C! Format 2: Classification For these types of questions, you'll see one list of choices that applies to a group of several questions. Each choice can be used more than once or not at all.In other words, your answer to any individual question could also be the answer to other questions in a given group.Here’s an example: As you can see, questions that are formatted this way tend to be more straightforward. They're just identification questions.For this one, you need to understand how compounds are named and what their atomic symbols are. Answers: A C A In this case, one of the choices was used twice. This happens frequently, so don’t freak out if you think a choice applies to more than one question in the group. Format 3: Relationship Analysis This is the weirdest type of question you’ll see on the test.Each question is comprised of two statements that are connected to each other by the word â€Å"BECAUSE.†The format is â€Å"This process or property occurs because of this fundamental chemical fact.†Here’s an example: The first step is deciding whether each part of the statement is true or false.If both or either of the statements are false, you can ignore the Correct Explanation (CE) circle. If they're both true, you may have to fill in the special CE circle.However, that will not always be the case, so consider the logic of the full statement carefully even if both parts are true! There will be a special section labeled â€Å"Chemistry† in the lower left-handcorner of your answer sheet where you can fill in your responses to these questions.It looks like this: Your responses will look something like this: As you can see, for sample question 103, both statements are true, but the CE circle is left un-bubbled.Potassium has a lower first ionization energy than lithium, meaning it’s easier for the one electron in its outer shell to get pulled away.Lithium’s unpaired electron is closer to the nucleus, so it’s held more tightly by the nucleus' gravitational pull.The first statement is definitely true. Now let’s look at the second statement in isolation: â€Å"potassium has more protons in its nucleus than lithium has.†This is also true.Potassium has 19 protons, and lithium only has three. Both statements are true on their own, but now we have to decide whether the second statement is a correct explanation of the first.In this case, it isn't! The ionization energy doesn’t increase based on the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom.It’s a factor of how loosely held and how far away from the nucleus the outermost electrons of the atom are.Atoms that hold unpaired electrons that are farther away from the nucleus will have lower first ionization energies. For lithium and potassium, both have unpaired electrons in their outermost orbitals, but potassium has a lower ionization energy because its electrons are farther away from the nucleus (4s orbital vs. 2s orbital).It’s about proximity to the nucleus, not number of protons.The CE oval should stay blank! Here are some electrons zooming around the nucleus of a particularly groovy atom. Where to Find Chemistry Subject Test Practice Materials Here I'll list a few different resources, both in print and online, that you can use to practice your skills for the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry. You should always return to official College Board questions (which you can find on the College Board website as the first listing under Online Resources) in your studying to verify that you're up to speed with the format of the test, but unofficial practice is still helpful for learning the content. Review Books If you want to add structure to your studying, you might consider buying a review book or a book of practice questions. Areview book containing content that's specifically tailored to the Chemistry SAT II can improve the efficiency of your studying. Here are someof the most popular ones: Barron's SAT Subject Test Chemistry 14th Edition Cracking the SAT Chemistry Subject Test (Princeton Review) Sterling Test Prep SAT Chemistry Practice Questions Official SAT Subject Test in Chemistry Study Guide Online Resources College Board Website You can practice questions in all the formats you’ll see on the test here.There are only 13 questions, but they can help you get a feel for the test.You should also check out this document that has all the information you need for the test (and other subject tests if you’re interested) along with more sample questions. CrackSAT There are tons of different quizzes here on various topics in chemistry.You won’t find any of the Relationship Analysis true-false questions, but this is still overall a pretty good resource for regular multiple choice questions. Albert.IO This site haspractice questions for all topicsyou might come across on the exam.Questions are also divided by difficulty level. Once you get all the hard questions right, you’ll know that you’ve truly mastered the material. SparkNotes SparkNotes has practice quizzes on every topic with detailed answer explanations.These quizzes aren’t automatically scored like some others on this list, but the way it goes over the reasoning for each choice in detail makes it a worthwhile resource. ReasonPrep YouTube Videos These videos walk you through the answers to sample questions found on official practice tests and in the official review book. Want to get better grades and test scores? We can help. PrepScholar Tutors is the world's best tutoring service. We combine world-class expert tutors with our proprietary teaching techniques. Our students have gotten A's on thousands of classes, perfect 5's on AP tests, and ludicrously high SAT Subject Test scores. Whether you need help with science, math, English, social science, or more, we've got you covered. Get better grades today with PrepScholar Tutors. 5 SAT Chemistry Study Tips This section lists five study strategies that are critical for this test. You should have these tips in the back of your mind at all times as you review the material! Tip 1: Identify Your Weaknesses The Chemistry SAT II may test some information that your teacher didn’t cover in class.Review all the content areas listed above to make sure you have a handle on everything.It’s a smart idea to take a diagnostic test before you start studying to form a clearer picture of where your knowledge is lacking. I'd recommend using one that comes directly from the College Board so that the content and format of the test is represented accurately. Tip 2: Replicate Test Conditions When you answer practice questions and take practice tests, adhere to the same standards as the real test environment.Don't use a calculator, and have a periodic table on hand for reference.If you’re taking a full practice test, you should also time yourself.Sticking to appropriate test conditions is the only way to reliably estimate your score level! Tip 3: Plan Your Time Wisely Your studying timeline should be informed by how recently you learned the material in class and how well you perform on an initial diagnostic test. If you find that you need to improve by 150 points or more, plan to spend some extra time reviewing the material. I'd estimate about 20 hours of study time to get yourself up to speed - if you start two months in advance, that's just two hours a week. Not so bad! If you're already within 50 points or so of where you want to be, a quicker review should suffice. You could probably spend less than ten hours going over the material. Make sure you get to a point where you feel very confident with the question formats in case nervousness interferes with your performance (which brings me to the next tip). Tip 4: Practice Relationship Analysis Questions Make sure you understand how these questions work prior to the test.They take a little bit of getting used to if you’ve never encountered them before.Try to use some practice resources that include these types of questions in addition to five-choice completion and classification questions. It's especially important to practice interpreting the statements together and on their own and keeping the two processes separate. That CE circle is a little bit tricky! Tip 5: Don't Go Overboard You should only study concepts that you know will be tested. There's no need to memorize a year's worth of material for an hour-long multiple-choice test. I'd recommend dividing your time equally between reviewing topics in your notes and doing practice questions that replicate the format of the subject test. The biggest challenge for you may be time rather than background knowledge, especially if you're fresh out of a chemistry class.You shouldn't focus too much on memorizing all your chemistry notes and doing involved practice problems. Remember, you can't even use a calculator on this test, so you won't have to solve any elaborate math problems. "What's that weird squiggly?" and "Why are there little numbers next to the letters?" are both questions you should be able to answer before taking this Subject Test. 4 Test-Taking Tips for SAT Chemistry This section lists four additional tips that you can implement as you take practice tests (and, ultimately, when you sit down for the real thing). Tip 1: Stay Calm Since you can’t use a calculator on the test, many of these questions involve combining common sense with basic chemistry knowledge.If you come across a question about a diagram or experimental scenario that you’ve never seen before, don’t freak out. Just read the question carefully.In almost all of these cases, you’ll find that your existing knowledge is enough to guide you to the correct answer. Even if you don't fully understand what’s going on in the experiment, if you have a solid understanding of chemistry, you can make deductions to arrive at the solution. Tip 2: Do the Easiest Classification Questions First When you get to a group of classification questions,answer the ones that seem obvious first so you're using your time efficiently.Don’t feel like you have to complete them in order. If you get the easy ones out of the way in ten seconds, you’ll have more time to think about the questions in the group that are more challenging for you. Tip 3: Read Relationship Analysis Questions Methodically Relationship Analysis questions are different from most questions on SAT Subject Tests, so they can be confusing.Read carefully, and decide whether each stand-alone statement is true before thinking about whether the second statement is a correct explanation of the first. You'll save yourself some time if you find that one of the statements is false (and makes the CE bubble irrelevant)! Tip 4: Don’t Guess Randomly As I mentioned in the first section of this article, the guessing penalty still exists on SAT Subject Tests.This means that you need to avoid guessing if you have no clue which answer choice is correct.Guessing is only advisable if you can narrow down your choices to four or fewer possibilities.Otherwise, you’re better off leaving the question blank. Come back here, metaphor for the correct answer choice! Conclusion TheSAT Chemistry Subject Test is an hour-long multiple-choice examthat contains 85 questions and is scored out of 800. It's offered on all the regular SAT test dates except March. Topics on the test include: Structure of matter States of matter Reaction types Stoichiometry Descriptive chemistry Lab practices Thermochemistry Equilibrium and reaction rates Most questions will test your ability to analyze different experimental scenarios and draw conclusions. The questions come in three formats: Five-choice completion Classification Relationship analysis When you study for the test, five tips to keep in mind are: Identify your weaknesses Replicate real testing conditions Plan out your studying wisely Practice lots of relationship analysis questions Don't over-study When you take the test (or a full practice test), you should be sure to: Stay calm Do easier classification questions first Read carefully on relationship analysis questions Avoid guessing unless you're down to just two choices Use the online resources and review books listed in this article to brush up on your skills. You should have no problem acing this test if you know what to expect! What's Next? Get started on your chemistry reviewing with our guide to balancing chemical equations. Alternatively, apply chemistry to your life by learning how to make three different types of slime or how to use muriatic acid for household cleaning. Are you thinking you might take the Biology Subject Test instead of Chemistry? Do you plan on taking both? If so, check out my ultimate study guide for SAT Biology E/M! You might be wondering whether AP tests or SAT Subject Tests carry more weight in the admissions process. Learn more about the differences between AP tests and SAT Subject Tests, and find out how much each type matters for you. If you're still on the fence about whether or not to take the Chemistry Subject Test, read our expert guide to help you decide which Subject Tests are your best bets based on your college goals. Need a little extra help prepping for your Subject Tests? We have the industry's leading SAT Subject Test prep programs (for all non-language Subject Tests). Built by Harvard grads and SAT Subject Test full or 99th %ile scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so that you get the most effective prep possible. Learn more about our Subject Test products below: