Case Studies - 67624 Words

Case Studies C-1 INTRODUCTION Preparing an effective case analysis C-3 CASE 1 CASE 2 CASE 3 CASE 4 CASE 5 CASE 6 CASE 7 ABB in China, 1998 C-16 Ansett Airlines and Air New Zealand: A flight to oblivion? C-31 BP–Mobil and the restructuring of the oil refining industry C-44 Compaq in crisis C-67 Gillette and the men’s wet-shaving market C-76 Incat Tasmania’s race for international success: Blue Riband strategies C-95 Kiwi Travel International Airlines Ltd C-105 CASE 8 Beefing up the beefless Mac: McDonald’s expansion strategies in India: C-120 CASE 9 Nucor Corporation and the US steel industry C-128 CASE 10 Pacific Dunlop: Caught on the half volley C-157 CASE 11 Philip Morris C-173 CASE 12 Pisces Group of Singapore C-188†¦show more content†¦The third section is where we describe briefly what you can expect to occur during in-class case discussions. As this description shows, the relationship and interactions between instructors and active learners/students during case discussions are different than they are during lectures. In the final section, we Introduction Preparing an effective case analysis present a moderately structured framework that we believe can help you to prepare effective oral and written presentations. Written and oral communication skills also are valued highly in many organisational settings; hence, their development today can serve you well in the future. Skills gained through use of the case analysis method The case analysis method is based on a philosophy that combines knowledge acquisition with significant involvement from students as active learners. In the words of Alfred North Whitehead, this philosophy ‘rejects the doctrine that students had first learned passively, and then, having learned should apply knowledge’.3 In contrast to this philosophy, the case analysis method is based on principles that were elaborated upon by John Dewey: Only by wrestling with the conditions of this problem at hand, seeking and finding his own way out, does [the student] think ... If he cannot devise his own solution (not, of course, in isolation, but inShow MoreRelatedCase Studies : A Case Study Approach Essay1157 Words   |  5 PagesA case study is a specific instance that is frequently designed to illustrate a more general principle (Nisbet and Watt, 1984). Hitchock and Hughes (1995) further suggest that the case study approach is particularly valuable when the researcher has little control over evens. Case studies strives to portray ‘what it like’ to be a particular situation, to catch up reality and ‘thick description’ (Geertz, 1973) of participants’ lives experiences of, thoughts about and feelings for a situation. TheyRead MoreCase Study887 Words   |  4 PagesCHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1.1 Reasons choose the case 1.2 The Problems The problems of this case are: 1. How would you characterize Lincoln Electric’s strategy? In this context, what is the nature of Lincoln’s business and upon what bases does this company compete? 2. What are the most important elements of Lincoln’s overall approach to organization and control that help explain why this company is so successful? How well do Lincoln’s organization and control mechanismsRead MoreBusiness Case Study : Business Case Studies997 Words   |  4 PagesWriting Business Case Studies How to Write Business Case Studies The objective of this part of the course is to use your case study to help you solve real company problems and to make the learning more relevant to your experience. The Business Case Study you are being asked to start today will provide information for yourself and the class to permit constructive feedback. You will have to use all of your research, writing and analytical skills to write your Company Case Study. You must give enoughRead MoreCase Study148348 Words   |  594 Pages978-0-273-73552-6 (web) All rights reserved. Permission is hereby given for the material in this publication to be reproduced for OHP transparencies and student handouts, without express permission of the Publishers, for educational purposes only. In all other cases, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without either the prior written permission of the Publishers orRead MoreCase Studies13817 Words   |  56 PagesCASE STUDY #1 A Job Search Dilemma Eric, a second-semester senior, is looking for a job. Anxious about finding work in the worst economy in decades, he sends out scores of resumes for a wide variety of positions. The first call he gets is for a position that doesnt really interest him, but he figures he should be open to every opportunity. He schedules an interview, which he aces. In fact, the recruiter offers Eric the job on the spot. He would like Eric to start as soon as possible. Should EricRead MoreCase Study 8985 Words   |  4 PagesCase Study 8 Based on the January through June 2010 cash budget, what is the maximum monthly loss during the six-month planning period? What is the maximum cumulative borrowing balance? (For purposes of this question, disregard any interest payments on short-term bank loans or interest received from investing surplus funds.) Maximum monthly loss is in June: -$60,750. The maximum cumulative borrowing balance is $99,000 in February. What does the monthly cash budget reveal that indicatesRead MoreCase Study : The Angel 1089 Words   |  5 Pages Case Study #1 The Angel, 1997 Susan Meeks, an alias, woke to what she thought was the middle of the afternoon. A bright yellowish light was shining through the west window of her travel trailer. An other world being was in the room and was as tall as the ceiling of the trailer. She went to the bathroom where she washed her face with cold water and stayed in there long enough to smoke a cigarette. When she went back to the bedroom the being was still there. The being showed her futureRead MoreThe Case Study Of The Company1468 Words   |  6 PagesOverview of Case Study In the case study by Spector titled, Transferring Innovation Across National Boundaries, (Spector, 2012) company named Minnesota Biolabs (MB) provided laboratories with a quality test for contamination of injectable medications. This test required the use of live rabbits that led to the rabbit’s death after the test. The company was headquartered in Minneapolis, however they were organized with four, somewhat independent, national units in Europe and Japan, each run by aRead MoreLaw of Case Studies1514 Words   |  7 PagesZulfatah Arif SCM-019741 Work Psychology in Communication, Writing and Reporting COM 2153 Mr Haji Adenan Case Studies An Unmotivated Building Inspector Case Study By: Zulfatah Arif 1) Review the motivation theories discussed in this chapter. How would each one describe and explain the problems with Simon Lucas’s motivation? The theories that would be relevant to the problems with Simon Lucas’ motivation would be the McClelland’s Need Theory and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory.Read MoreCase Study Essay1116 Words   |  5 PagesCase Study Objective The Case will focus on issues related to the cultural aspect of international business; sustainable business practices including CSR issues; foreign investment; and the benefits of regional integration for the countries within, and companies doing business in, that region.   The case study analysis will be completed on an individual basis. Instructions THE CASE: Kaizer Consulting Kaizer Consulting is an international management consulting firm that specializes in business strategy

Kite Runner Discussion Questions - 974 Words

1. The novel begins with Amir s memory of peering down an alley, looking for Hassan who is kite running for him. As Amir peers into the alley, he witnesses a tragedy. The novel ends with Amir kite running for Hassan s son, Sohrab, as he begins a new life with Amir in America. Why do you think the author chooses to frame the novel with these scenes? Refer to the following passage: Afghans like to say: Life goes on, unmindful of beginning, end...crisis or catharsis, moving forward like a slow, dusty caravan of kochis [nomads]. How is this significant to the framing of the novel? 2. The strong underlying force of this novel is the relationship between Amir and Hassan. Discuss their friendship. Why is Amir afraid to be Hassan s true†¦show more content†¦How has Amir damned himself? 10. Compare and contrast the relationships of Soraya and Amir and their fathers. How have their upbringings contributed to these relationships? 11. Discuss how the ever-changing politics of Afghanistan affect each of the characters in the novel. 12. On Amir s trip back to Afghanistan, he stays at the home of his driver, Farid. Upon leaving he remarks: Earlier that morning, when I was certain no one was looking, I did something I had done twenty-six years earlier: I planted a fistful of crumpled money under the mattress. Why is this moment so important in Amir s journey? 13. Throughout the story, Baba worries because Amir never stands up for himself. When does this change? 14. Amir s confrontation with Assef in Wazir Akar Khan marks an important turning point in the novel. Why does the author have Amir, Assef, and Sohrab all come together in this way? What is this the significance of the scar that Amir develops as a result of the confrontation? Why is it important in Amir s journey toward forgiveness and acceptance? 15. While in the hospital in Peshawar, Amir has a dream in which he sees his father wrestling a bear: They role over a patch of grass, man and beast...they fall to the ground with a loud thud and Baba is sitting on the bear s chest, his fingers digging in its snout. He looks up at me, and I see. He s me. I am wrestling the bear. Why is this dream soShow MoreRelatedKite Runner Discussion Questions4262 Words   |  18 PagesKITE RUNNER Discussion Questions 1. The novel begins with Amirs memory of peering down an alley, looking for Hassan who is kite running for him. As Amir peers into the alley, he witnesses a tragedy. The novel ends with Amir kite running for Hassans son, Sohrab, as he begins a new life with Amir in America. Why do you think the author chooses to frame the novel with these scenes? Refer to the following passage: Afghans like to say: Life goes on, unmindful of beginning, end...crisis or catharsisRead MoreKite Runner Discussion Questions4272 Words   |  18 PagesKITE RUNNER Discussion Questions 1. The novel begins with Amirs memory of peering down an alley, looking for Hassan who is kite running for him. As Amir peers into the alley, he witnesses a tragedy. The novel ends with Amir kite running for Hassans son, Sohrab, as he begins a new life with Amir in America. Why do you think the author chooses to frame the novel with these scenes? Refer to the following passage: Afghans like to say: Life goes on, unmindful of beginning, end...crisis or catharsisRead MoreThe Kite Runner - Literary Criticism Essay1444 Words   |  6 PagesDanil Kukovitskiy The Kite Runner written by Khaled Hosseini can be seen as a great book but at the same time one that is too simple and easy. In discussions of The Kite Runner, one controversial issue has been the inner levels of the novel. On one hand, many people believe that the novel is filled with numerous themes that are deep and make one think about the human experience and will leave you thinking long after you finish reading it. On the other hand, there are also many literary criticsRead MoreJsdgflka3918 Words   |  16 Pagesmns136@psu.edu or 610-396-6410.   Her office is located in 169 Franco. For further information, please visit the Office for Disability Services Web site: http://equity.psu.edu/ods. I encourage you to make appointments with me for help with or discussion of course matters. Also, I hope you will consider visiting our Learning Center in Franco 161. You may call (610) 396-6288 or (610) 396-6138 or e-mail LKZ3@psu.edu or SCD14@psu.edu to make an appointment for assistance with reading, study skillsRead MoreSelf Reflection Essay1250 Words   |  5 Pageswith it. The class discussions prepared me for when I had to be the discussion leader, and explain my adult adventure plan in the class. I felt that these learning objectives helped me to become a better students during this semester, and to be able to use what I learned throughout the next 4 years. I met the course objectives for critical thinking, reading, and writing skills through reading the books or watching movies, and talking about it. After reading The Kite Runner, I learned about criticalRead MoreEffects Of Social Class On British Literature1113 Words   |  5 Pagesclasses of society. It will also identify the issues that have a direct result in social interactions and how they affect British/World Literature. It will analyze a series of preset social categories into which a person is born into. To answer these questions, that the reader may or may not have will solely rely on how social class had an impact on Literature and the authors that write in those categories. During the 18th century British society remained under control of the monarchy and the aristocracyRead MoreMotivations of the Protagonist Amir Khan in The Kite Runner: An Analysis of Human Behavior4923 Words   |  20 Pagesï » ¿An Analysis of the Human Behavior Motivations of Kite Runners Protagonist Amir Khan Table of Contents Introduction: 3 Case Description: Kite Runner Basis 3 Identifying Information 3 Presenting The Problem 4 Developmental History 4 Theoretical Analysis 6 Systems Ecology Theory 6 Psychodynamic Theories: Attachment, Self-Efficacy, and Parental Investment 8 Learning Theory: Moral Development 11 Post-Modern: Hyper-Masculinity Theory 12 Theory Critique 14 Conclusion 16 Read MoreZias Profile: Personal Interview Essay1610 Words   |  7 Pagesthink he was upset with me because I said I was not a fan of the â€Å"Kite Runner,† which he really enjoys. Although he was upset he did not give me horrible looks or did he try to belittle me. It should me how much maturity he has. When Alex Cyusa mentioned Zia’s maturity, it made me realize how much maturity he does have. Alex even goes on to say that Zia is someone he would be able to go to for advice on an issue or to help answer a question. While being at Concordia he has had an impact on his friendsRead MoreThe Achievement Of Desire By Richard Rodriguez1807 Words   |  8 Pageswhere I wanted to give up my education. The dirty old bungalows that all my English classes were taught in were not motivating atmospheres. There were many students who came to class unprepared or did not care about the class, which caused class discussions to become quiet and boring. Thankfully, most of the professors at my community college were passionate about their jobs, which would inspire me to continue my path to becoming educated. Because no one in my family had ever attended college, I didRead MoreStrategic Intent9853 Words   |  40 Pagesaccelerating in most industries, the predictive horizon is becoming shorter 66 and shorter. So plans do little more than project the present forward incrementally. The goal of strategic intent is to fold the future back into the present. The important question is not How will next year be different from this year? but What must we do differently next year to get closer to our strategic intent? Only with a carefully articulated and adhered to strategic intent will a succession of year-on-year plans

Plant Growth Regulator Yield of Crop

Question: Discuss about the Plant Growth Regulator for Yield of Crop. Answer: Introduction: Plant Growth regulators which are also known as PGR ( s ) are used in Tasmania widely (Tina et al., 2015). This is mainly used in order to manage the lodging of the winter wheat that is grown with the help of fertilisers which contain high amount of nitrogen. There are different types of plant growth regulators that can be used in managing the lodging procedure of wheat, but among different types of plant growth regulators, only four plant growth regulators are used at present and these four plant growth regulators are known as Onium types ( Chlormequat, CCC ), second and third generation PGRs , Ethephon ( ETH ) , the triazoles ( TEB, tebuconazole ) and TE i.e. trinexapac ethyl ) (Tina et al., 2015). Only CCC and few others are allowed and registered to use in the cereals (Regional.org.au, 2016). The main reason behind doing this study is to know the efficiency of the plant growth regulators ( PGR ) and especially of CCC. It is needed to be understood that whether this PGR i.e. CCC can control the growth of plants or not. If they can control the growth of the plants, then the method must also be known. Here it is also to be known whether the plant growth regulators ( CCC ) can increase the yield of crop or not. A small study from a literature is given below: From the research (Tina et al., 2015) it has been found that proper application of the plant growth regulators are capable of increasing the rate of yield and it does not depend on whether lodging has taken place or not. According to the research (Tina et al., 2015), CCC is capable of managing the height of the crop and it can also increase the yield of winter wheat significantly. CCC is known as Chlormequat. It is also known as Cycocel ( CCC 720 ). From the same research it has also been found that CCC has the capability to reduce the height of the plant and at the same time it also has the capability to increase the yield rate of crop. These are shown in the following charts: Figure 1: Effect of PGR treatments on crop height in the 2012 trial. Bars represent SE. Figure 2: Effect of PGR treatments on crop yield in the 2012 trial. Bars represent SE The lodging of the winter wheat can result into the increase of the production cost as the lodging can affect the rate of yield of crop in direct manner. It also reduces the cost of harvest capability of the crop. As told earlier, different plant growth regulators are used in order to overcome the problems. These are not only capable of reducing the height of the plants and increasing the rate of yield but these plant growth regulators are also capable of increasing the diameter of the stem and can provide strength to those stems. From the research it has been found that if the place is a high rain fall zone ( HRZ ) and if different fertilizers and water are used as inputs while harvesting, in those place plant growth regulators are to be used as these plant growth regulators are capable reducing the probability of lodging. Though it can be said that the lodging problem can be solved and the height of plants can be managed with the help of plant growth regulators, but it has been see n that plant growth regulators cannot increase the rate of yield in a consistent manner, they are capable of increasing the rate of yield of crop but the rate is not consistent. From the research it has been found CCC is capable of increasing the rate of yield of crop significantly but this increase is not consistent. On the other hand, it also been found from the research that different plant growth regulators have different effects on different crop. Some plant growth regulators can increase the rate of yield of crops whereas some cannot ( or can do in a little amount ). The amount of plant growth regulators that must be applied is another factor. According to the research, if proper amount of plant growth regulators are not used then it cannot be ensured that the rate of yield of the crop will be increased. In some cases it has been seen that if high amount plant growth regulators are used, it can result into the reduction of the rate of yield of the crop. Goals and objectives of the research work: The primary aim of this research work is to know whether the plant growth regulators are capable of increasing the yield of crop or not. After studying the background of the study the researcher has decided several objectives that are to be met in order to make the research work fruitful and successful. The objectives of this research work are given below: To study about plant growth regulator To study about CCC To understand the methods those are to be used in order to use CCC for increasing the rate of yield of crop To know the limitations and benefits of plant growth regulator ( CCC ) Research questions: After studying the background of the study, the researcher comes across several questions in his or her mind and these questions are known as research questions. The research questions of this research work are written below: Can plant growth regulators increase the yield of crop? Is CCC is an effective and efficient plant growth regulator? What are the advantages of using CCC? What are the limitations of CCC? What is the proper method of applying CCC so that the yield of crop can be optimised? Methods and strategies: In order to make the research work successful, proper methodology must be used while conducting the research work. Methodology is known as one of the most important tool that can be used in order to achieve the objectives of the research work. The researcher identifies the most the suitable research methodology so that the research work can be fruitful and effective. It also helps the researcher to provide a systematic and rigid structure to the research work. While identifying the research methodology the purpose of the research work must be kept in mind in order to ensure that proper path is being maintained. Frame work and research plan: The research work will be a experimental research work. Crop will be selected and plant growth regulators will be applied on them in order to observe the result of the application of the plant growth regulators. Here mainly two types of plant growth regulators will be used and these two are known as CCC and TE. Materials and methods: The trails are performed in the commercial paddocks of wheat in Tasmania. The co - ordination of the place is ( 41 31 S , 146 54 E ). The trails will be done on the paddocks ( commercial paddocks ). The pests and the weeds are managed according to the methods of the commercial practice. Each of the trails is done with the help of four replicates. The selection is to be done in a random manner. The plots will be designed in vertical direction. After this, the borders will be sprayed out using Glyphosate. The size of the plot will be 8 meter or 12 meter along the direction of length and 1.85 meter along the direction of width. It depends on the year of the experiment. In this experiment all the plant growth regulator ( PGR ) treatment will be performed according to the growth stage of Zadoks at the stem elongation ( G S 30 ) and also at the mid tillering ( G S 24 ). In the treatment CCC 30, CCC 24, TE 24, TE x2 24, TE 30, CCC + TE 24, CCC + TE 24 30, CCC + TE 30 are used. The CCC ( s ) are to be at G S 24 and G S 30 ( 730 g a. i. Ha ^ ( - 1 ) ). A combination of TE and CCC will be used at G S 24 and G S 30. It will be applied at 50 g. a. i. ha ^ ( - 1 ) ). On the other hand, TE will be applied at 100 and 50 g. a. i. ha ^ ( - 1 ). All of these will be used at G S 24 and G S 30 ). There will be some extra controls that will be added to GA + N and also to the induce lodging. Here GA + N denotes the combination of Gibberelic Acid and nitrogen and this combination will be applied at G S 24 at 15 kg a. i. ha ^ ( - 1 ). An extra amount of nitrogen will also be added lately. The amount will be 15 Kg a .i. ha ^ ( - 1 ) and it will also be applied to G S 45. The plot will be harvested carefully for measuring the rate of yield correctly. All the plants that are to be taken for the experiment must be physiologically matured. The sampling will be started from 0.6 square meters. Plan of evaluation: Table 1 Tasks Duration ( in days ) Studying the background of the topic of the research work 10 setting the objectives 4 setting the research questions: 4 literature review: 10 Selection of the land 3 Collection of materials 5 Application 10 observation 5 Results and discussion 5 conclusion and recommendation 3 Table 2 Tasks 1 / 10 / 2016 10 / 10 / 2016 07 / 10 / 2016 11 / 10 / 2016 08 / 10 / 2016 12 / 10 / 2016 13 / 10 / 2016 22 / 10 / 2016 23 / 10 / 2016 25 / 10 / 2016 26 / 10 / 2016 30 / 10 / 2016 31 / 10 / 2016 9 / 11 / 2016 10 / 11 / 2016 14 / 11 / 2016 12 / 11 / 2016 16 / 11 / 2016 17 / 11 / 2016 19 / 11 / 2016 Studying the background of the topic of the research work setting the objectives setting the research questions: literature review: Selection of the land Collection of materials application observation Results and discussion conclusion and recommendation Budget: Table 3 expenses numbers compensations Total expense staff 4 700 700 * 4 2800 worker 10 400 10 * 400 4000 materials 3000 3000 consumables 6000 others 2500 Total 18300 Justification of the budget: For executing this research work, 4 staff is taken and two workers will be employed. Each of the staff will be paid 700 whereas the workers will be paid 400 each. The total costs of the consumables are expected to be 6000. The costs of the materials are 3000. The other costs are expected to be 2500. The total costs are predicted to be 18300. Organisation information: This is a new organisation. It has only three years of experience in conducting the research works like this research work. There are several researchers and staff. In this organisation there are 5 workers. In this research work a team will be set. The team will contain one main researcher, four staff and 10 workers. Grant proposal This study has been conducted in order to acquire understanding in the context of the impact of plant growth regulators and how it has influenced the CCC process. Here a grant proposal has been introduced in order to accumulate fund for the research. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the functions of PGR and find out the fact that whether CCC is effective in the context of growing plants or not. The project plan can be asserted in terms of researching on the fact that whether the plant growth regulators deliver effectiveness in the context of plant growth. Thus, the organization intends to apply for funding in relation to support the research work and make it more valid through incorporating effective means of research methods. Apart from this, the organization that intends to conduct the research work is a new one and has been doing research works for several years. Thus, the organization or the research team has applied for the funding amount to continue the research work. Therefore, a fund amount of 18300 has been confirmed in relation to the research work. The funding could be gained depending on the facts like the topic of the research work has been considered to be less popular and had not been conducted frequently in the past. Another reason for funding is that this research would be able to provide validated and apt information in relation to the study. Thus, the funding amount has been divided structurally, so that the fund amount could be justified in this regard. The researcher would employ staff for collecting data from the practical sources along with other consumable costs that exhibits the amount in total is 18,300. Thus, it could be expected that the fund for the research work can be success fully accumulated in order to continue the research work for better representation of the facts. References Kothari, C. (2004). Research methodology. New Delhi: New Age International (P) Ltd. Kumar, R. (2005). Research methodology. London: SAGE. Regional.org.au. (2016).The Regional Institute - Effects of plant growth regulators that reduce stem height on yield of wheat in southern Australia. [online] Available at: https://www.regional.org.au/au/asa/2012/crop-development/8207_virgonajm.htm [Accessed 14 Sep. 2016]. Saunders, M. N., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research methods for business students, Page 52, 5th ed. Harlow: Prentice Hall Scruggs, T. and Mastropieri, M. (2006). Applications of research methodology. Amsterdam: Elsevier JAI Tina, B., Angela, M., Anna, C. and Peat, L. (2015). Plant growth regulator use in broad acre crops. Welman, C., Kruger, F., Mitchell, B. and Huysamen, G. (2005). Research methodology. Cape Town: Oxford University Press.

The Fray Album by The Fray free essay sample

Their debut album charmed audiences with its honest lyrics and warm piano melodies, and lead singer Isaac Slade’s unique, gritty voice demanded the attention of listeners of all ages. Now, with their self-titled sophomore album, The Fray does it all over again. The album opens with â€Å"Syndicate,† an optimistic track that equally utilizes piano and guitar. â€Å"Absolute† speeds up the tempo a bit, and while the verses are somewhat tense, the pre-chorus slows things down before gently swooping into a beautiful chorus. A quiet piano riff introduces â€Å"You Found Me,† one of the album’s singles. Despite the hope implied by the title, Slade’s lyrics are almost bitter: â€Å"Where were you when everything was falling apart/All my days were spent by the telephone, it never rang/And all I needed was a call, it never came.† â€Å"Say When† gives listeners a taste of Slade’s vocal range as he sings about love and war, but in the following track, â€Å"Never Say Never,† he truly lets loose. We will write a custom essay sample on The Fray Album by The Fray or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page From the first piano note, you just know it’s going to be a sad song. In the chorus, Slade proves that less is more—he sings â€Å"Don’t let me go† over and over again, but his voice is so driven and emotional that you feel his words every single time. A brief bridge gives away to a blazing combination of piano and guitar, and then Slade’s vocals come alive. He repeats the chorus three more times, constantly building the intensity and tugging at your heart strings until the song finally dissolves into a peaceful last chord. The pleasant melodies in â€Å"Where the Story Ends† give listeners a breather, and the track ends with Slade singing faintly in the background. This turns out to be a preview of the next song, â€Å"Enough for Now.† Though the lyrics in each verse center on family problems, Slade belts out the chorus with a strong energy that gives the song an inspirational vibe. â€Å"Ungodly Hour† begins with soft drums and piano, and is sung by backup singer Joe King. His voice is gentle and soulful, and one can’t help but wish he had more songs on each album. The track’s subdued tone makes it perfect for easy listening, and even has a John Mayer-esque solo to finish it off. The next song, â€Å"We Build Then We Break† has a more desperate, eerie tone, its lyrics hinting that someone might be trying to hurt someone close to Slade: â€Å"I don’t know you, but I know what you did to her/She told me, and I happen to believe her too†¦You’ve been quiet, there are things you do not speak of/But if you stay gone a little longer, your keys won’t work†. The band shows off its impressive guitar skills with an almost constant riff in the background, Slade continues to show off his range. â€Å"Happiness,† at nearly five and a half minutes in length, listens like two different songs put together. First are earnest vocals from Slade, backed by a quiet acoustic guitar as he attempts to explain happiness with beautifully poetic metaphors, which are made all-the-more meaningful by Slade’s disregard for rhyming. After a brief pause, the song changes direction. Piano replaces the guitar, and steady bass drum beats slowly grow louder as Slade sings â€Å"She will be home.† He is abruptly joined by the rest of the band at full force, and there’s even a church-like choir in the background. He repeats the line several times, and the addition of the choir makes for a truly powerful climax. Finally, everything but Slade and his piano goes silent, and he slows to a graceful stop. There are songs on every album that you hear on the radio nonstop, but sometimes it’s the not-so-popular ones that make the biggest impact. So ignore those iTunes popularity meters, because with brilliance like â€Å"Never Say Never,† â€Å"We Build Then We Break,† â€Å"Ungodly Hour,† and â€Å"Happiness,† The Fray’s newest album deserves to be heard.