Blue Nile
Porter's five forces analysis focuses on the factors that influence a firm's ability to earn a profit: the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the threat of substitutes, the threat of new entrants and the intensity of rivalry within the industry. The online jewelry business, and Blue Nile in particular, has only a moderately favorable business environment. The company is relatively small in the jewelry business at 0.005% of the total jewelry business that it has weak bargaining power with its suppliers. Blue Nile deals with this by cutting out layers of wholesalers in order to contain costs with suppliers. It also has low bargaining power with buyers, because there is some degree of buyer skepticism about buying jewelry online vs. in-store where the merchandise can be viewed with the eye. In addition, offline jewelry stores represent a high threat of substitutes, and there are few…...

5 million
2004 = $6.5 million

2005 = $7.6 million

2006 = $9.7 million

Should watch Jamesallen.com whose offer and features very closely match Blue Nile

Key Success Factors for online diamond and fine jewelry

1. Accurate product descriptions and certifications

Selling online eliminates the opportunity to have physical engagement with the jewelry. Accurate descriptions and third party certifications build confidence for the buyer that the items they purchase are genuine.

2. Easy to use website

Given the large number of products sold on the jewelry sites, the website must have sophisticated search capabilities. If customization is an option, a tool to see multiple combination at one time would be allow the customer to compare different combinations.

3. Reliable suppliers

Online retailers must have suppliers they can count on to deliver supplies within 24 hours. Given the nature of the products, the suppliers must provide adequate protective package for shipping.

4. Internet redundancy

In online retailing, if there are Internet problems, the store…...

These employees are able to develop user-friendly websites, offer specialized assistance to shoppers and interact in a manner that increases customer satisfaction and loyalty. The previously discussed forces belong more to the internal environment of each online jeweler, but the forces which are directly perceived by the customer must also be addressed. They refer primarily to high levels of product quality and competitive retail prices.
3. Blue Nile's Strategy

The number one online jeweler has developed and implemented an aggressive strategy to expanding its operations and gaining more customers. They for instance understood the massive importance of marriage and engagement rings and emphasized on high quality and variable price engagement rings. Foremost, 72% of their operations were focused on selling the rings to the future spouses. Another point in their business approach was the full satisfaction of the individual purchasing engagement rings in the attempt to transform him into a loyal…...

The anticipated response to the threat posed by Blue Nile would be to counter it by providing wider and more affordable range than Blue Nile.
Whiteflash.com

They look forward to giving Blue Nile a stiff competition in the field of custom-made jewelry as well as building a larger client base through their return policy and upgrade incentives. Their strategy that seems to work for them now is having flexible terms for the client as far as payment as well as possibility of returning for an upgrade is concerned.

From the industry analysis, it is still attractive to invest within the industry since the sales turnover and the profit margins are attractive and can sustain the business. The participants are not many as well hence the chance to keep the profit margins considerably higher.

III. Internal Organization analysis

The key competence that gives Blue Nile a competitive edge over the other traders in the same…...

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References

Arthur a. & Ronald W., (2011). Blue Nile Inc. In 2011. Will its Strategy to Remain Number One in Online Diamond Retiling Work? (Pp. 314, 322, 327)

Sam Abbay, (2012). Alternatives to Diamond. Retrieved October 30, 2012 from http://www.newyorkweddingring.com/diamond_alternative.html

Whiteflash.com

Other New entrants

Like the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers are frequently described as the “cradle of civilization,” references to the “gift of the Nile River” in Egypt are likewise commonplace. To determine the reasons why, this paper provides a discussion concerning this statement in relation to the river system of agriculture, the people, riverine culture, worship and trade. Finally, a summary of the research and important findings concerning the Nile River are presented in the conclusion.
Nile River and Agriculture

At around 4,250 miles long, many people know that the Nile River is the longest river in the world, but far fewer fully understand the importance of this river system on the lives of the hundreds of millions of people who live along its pathways through the eleven countries that comprise the more than 1,293,000 square miles of the Nile River basin (see map at Appendix A) (Arah 109). All of these countries remain categorized…...

Sudan Split
Grade Course

Sudan's existence can be traced back to approximately 9 million years. It is a state in Africa which was formerly conquered by its neighbor; Egypt as well as Turkey. However, rebellion against this ruling regime gave Britain an opportunity to step in. consequently, it was in 1899 when an agreement was signed between Egypt and Britain under which Sudan was to be jointly administered by these two countries. It was not until 1955 when Sudan got its independence and was ultimately granted the right to self-govern. In addition, in 1916, Darfur joined the protectorate. As a matter of fact, while Sudan was under Anglo-Egyptian rule, it kept the North and the South separate. egardless of this divide, most of the development was focused in the North as compared to the South and other areas such as Darfur remained economically as well as politically marginalized. Although the country was…...

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References

Dagne, Ted. The Republic of South Sudan: Opportunities and Challenges for Africa's Newest Country. CSR Report for Congress: Congressional Research Service, 2011.

Goulty, A. "United We Stand, Divided We Fall: The Sudan's After the Split," Woodrow Wilson International Working Paper No. 2.   (accessed 30th July, 2012).http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/FINALAFR120228_policy5T_0329_rpt.pdf ,

Jhonson, Douglas. The Root Causes of Sudan's Civil Wars: Peace or Truce (USA: Boydell & Brewer Ltd., 2003).

Latcher, Wolfram. South Sudan: International State Building and its Limitations (Berlin: Stiftung Wissenchaft, 2012).

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but has been embroiled in civil conflict ever since. This instability has hampered the ability of the country to lay the groundwork for developing its economy. The evidence shows that there is a pathway to economic development, even for the least-developed country, and this paper will elaborate on what those steps might be.
South Sudan is a landlocked country of 12.5 million people that split off from the Sudan in 2011. South Sudan is a multiethnic society, with different tribal groups living in the basin of the White Nile, which flows from Lake Victoria until it meets with the Blue Nile. The split of Sudan came after years of civil war. The north of Sudan was Muslim, the south Christian, and that is largely the fault line along which the border between Sudan and South Sudan is presently split. The country is one…...

The continued reunification of Sudan, remains to be fully realized, even some 7 years after the official end to the civil war. Oppression and lack of representation still occur as do more subtle marginalizing tactics on the part of the favored government. Secrecy and fear still abound in the nation, as do economic and social hardships that are difficult to overcome.

Works Cited www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=95248133

Deng, Francis M. "Egypt's Dilemmas on the Sudan." Middle East Policy 4.1 & 2 (1995): 50-56. Questia. 24 Sept. 2007 http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=95248133.

A www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001036026

El-Tigani, Mahgoub. "Solving the Crisis of Sudan: The Right of Self-Determination vs. State Torture." Arab Studies Quarterly (ASQ) 23.2 (2001): 41. Questia. 24 Sept. 2007 http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001036026.

A www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001036042

El-Tigani, Mahgoub. "The Sudan -- Contested National Identities." Arab Studies Quarterly (ASQ) 23.2 (2001): 111. Questia. 24 Sept. 2007 http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001036042.

A www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001036014

Fluehr-Lobban, Carolyn, and Richard Lobban. "The Sudan since 1989: National Islamic Front Rule." Arab Studies Quarterly (ASQ) 23.2 (2001): 1. Questia.…...

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Judy Mayotte, "Civil War in Sudan: The Paradox of Human Rights and National Sovereignty," Journal of International Affairs 47.2 (1994), Questia, 24 Sept. 2007  http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000189501 .

A www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001036022

Richard Lobban, "Slavery in the Sudan since 1989," Arab Studies Quarterly (ASQ) 23.2 (2001): 31, Questia, 24 Sept. 2007  http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001036022 .

What is the nature of these service shortfalls and how do these service limitations potentially impact older adults' "quality of life" outcomes in both the short- and long-term?
1. Lack of elderly population abuse prevention mechanisms

2. Lack of elder population neglect prevention mechanisms

3. Lack of culturally relevant elderly care programs

4. Lack of enough physicians to take care of the elderly population

5. Lack of elderly-population empowerment programs

Lack of elderly population abuse prevention mechanisms

A review of literature indicates serious "gaps" in the mechanisms used in the prevention of elderly population abuse cases. Even though the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act clearly indicate that all suspected cases of abuse directed against the elderly population be reported, very little efforts exist at the establishment of hotlines to be used in reporting these cases. This means that very few cases of abuse are reported. This gap in the aging-related programs has provided a leeway that…...

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References

Administration on Aging (AoA). (2003). A profile of older Americans. Washington, DC: Administration on Aging.

Administration on Aging (AoA). (2005). A profile of older Americans. Washington, DC: Administration on Aging.

Gelfand, D.E. (2003). Aging and ethnicity: Knowledge & services. New York: Springer Publishing.

Niles-Yokum, K. And Wagner, D.L. (2011). The Aging Networks: A Guide to Programs and Services. New York: Springer Publishing Co.

The earliest divisions of the temple still standing are the barque chapels, just in the rear the first pylon. They were constructed by Hatshepsut, and appropriated by Tuthmosis III. The central division of the temple, the colonnade and the sun court were constructed by Amenhotep III, and a later on addition by Rameses II, who constructed the entry pylon, and the two obelisks connected the Hatshepsut structures with the core temple. To the back of the temple are chapels constructed by Tuthmosis III, and Alexander. During the Roman age, the temple and its environment were a legionary fortress and the residence of the Roman government in the region (Johnson, 1988).

There was a girdle wall constructed around the temple that was made up of self-sufficient massifs of sun-dried brick adjoining at their ends, constructed of courses set on a triple arrangement that ran concave horizontal concave. The gate through which one…...

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Works Cited

"Ancient Babylonia - the Ishtar Gate."n.d., viewed 14 November 2010,

"Ancient Egypt Brought to Life With Virtual Model of Historic Temple Complex." 2009, viewed 14 November 2010,

"Babylon and the Ishtar Gate." 2010, viewed 14 November,

Andrews, Mark. 2010. "Luxor Temple of Thebes in Egypt," viewed 14 November 2010,

Papyri
Awakening Osiris: The Egyptian ook of the Dead

The Egyptian ook of the Dead is a western title for an ancient collection of Egyptian manuscripts, the majority of which were funerary in nature. These collected writings have also been referred to as the Egyptian ible or identified by the names of the scribes who penned them. The Papyrus of Ani comprises the most significant contribution to these texts, though there are some other minor sources which are often included. In the original languages, these works were more accurately entitled the ooks of Coming Forth y Day. One of the greatest challenges to English-language speakers when confronting all the great scriptures is the language gap. Unless one has the time and inclination to learn Arabic, Hindi, Hebrew, Greek -- or in this case, Egyptian Heiroglyphs -- it becomes necessary to read the scriptures in translation. The farther removed one's own culture, and…...

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Bibliography

Budge, E.A. Wallis et al. (Trans.) The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Papyrus of Ani.  http://www.touregypt.net/bkofdead.htm 

Ellis, Normandi (Trans.). Awakening Osiris: The Egyptian Book of the Dead. Grand Rapids, MI: Phanes Press, 1988.

Seawright, Caroline. "The Book of the Dead" Tour Egypt Feature.  http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/bod.htm 

Sophia Society for Philosophy. "Genetico-cognitive features of the ante-rational mind." Sophia Society for Philosophy.  http://www.maat.sofiatopia.org/cognition.htm

S. government analysts report that the Sudanese have violated the border with the Central African Republic during various military expeditions (Sudan 2). Furthermore, although millions of Sudanese have been displaced by these civil wars, so too has it been forced to deal with large numbers of refugees from neighboring countries, primarily Ethiopia and Chad, seeking refuge from their respective conflicts as well (Sudan 3). According to these analysts, "Armed conflict, poor transport infrastructure, and lack of government support have chronically obstructed the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations" (Sudan 2).
The Aftermath of the Discovery of Oil.

In their book, Africa's Thirty Years ar: Libya, Chad, and the Sudan, 1963-1993, Burr and Collins (1999) report that on the on hand, the Sudan is blessed with abundant natural resources, but on the other hand, the nation has been unable to exploit these to their maximum advantage for a variety of reasons, none…...

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Works Cited

Burr, J. Millard and Robert O. Collins. Africa's Thirty Years War: Libya, Chad, and the Sudan, 1963-1993. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1999.

Cypher, J.M. And J.L. Dietz. The Process of Economic Development. London: Routledge, 1997.

Dupraz, Emily. (2002). "The Oils of War: Conflict in the Sudan." Harvard International Review 24(1):10.

El-Tigani, Mahgoub. (2001). "Solving the Crisis of Sudan: The Right of Self-Determination vs. State Torture." Arab Studies Quarterly 23(2):41.

They were constructed or rather carved as a tribute to Pharaoh Ramses II and his queen Nefertari. The Temple of Edfu (237-57 BC) also shows the expertise and the cultural depth of the Egyptian culture. This temple on the West bank of the Nile in the city of Edfu is the second biggest temple in Egypt after Karnack. The religious foundations of the culture are clearly evident in aspects of the construction. For example, the decorations of the walls of the temple to the god Horus provide a cast array of scientific and mythological knowledge. This temple has also provided archeologists and Egyptologists with knowledge about the culture and its scientific and its advances in fields such as mathematics and astronomy.
Summary

In terms of materials and technological processes, the great ziggurats and pyramids show the use of ramps for building upwards and a strong durable material (mud-brick or granite). In…...

International egulation of Tourism in Antarctica
Since the mid-1980s, Antarctica has been an increasingly popular tourist destination, despite the relative danger of visiting the largest, least explored -- and arguably least understood -- continent on earth. Beginning with the 1959 treaty establishing Antarctica as an international zone free of claims of sovereignty by nation's that had been instrumental in establishing research stations there, there has been almost constant negotiation about how to administer regulations pertaining to the preservation of life forms on the continent, what those regulations should be, and what sanctions should be applied and by whom.

To understand the depths of the negotiations, and the potential for discord, it is necessary to understand what the continent offer the 65% of global nations that are party to the 1959 and all subsequent treaties. To understand the possible future of Antarctica, it is necessary to outline treaty attempts to minimize commercial interests…...

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References

Antarctica. Siyabona Africa Web site. Retrieved September 28, 2004 at http://balule.krugerpark.co.za/africa_antarctica.html

Chile Web site. Retrieved September 17, 2004 at  http://www.visit-chile.org/antartica/antartica.phtml 

Australia urges regulation as tourism to Antarctica escalates. (2004, March 24) Agence France Presse English. Retrieved September 14, 2004 at  http://www.highbeam.com .

Bulgaria in Antarctica. Retrieved September 15, 2004 at http://www.bluelink.net/antarctic/ant_en/BGant.htm

In other words, at every seven courses of stone, a layer of reed matting was laid and weep-holes and drainage shafts were placed, thus preserving the ziggurat from water damage.
Eventually the building fell into disrepair. Later, King Nabonidus restored the Ur ziggurat, along with other temples. Stiebing believes this was because he revered his mother's gods (285). Nabonidus claims in the clay cuneiform tablets found in the tower to have rebuilt it on the same foundations and using the same mortar and bricks. Ultimately it must have deteriorated after the Persian defeat by Cyrus in 539 BC.

Construction of Tower of Babylon (ca 600 BC)

While the biblical account of this great structure in Genesis 11 is perhaps legendary, scholars have come to view the "Tower of Babel" mentioned in the text as the ziggurat of the temple of Marduk in Babylon (known as Etemenanki). Expressing the scholarly consensus, Foster and…...