Multinational corporations - debate the positive and negative aspects Essay

Multinational corporations - debate the positive and negative aspects of multinational corporations - assess the potential impact on global business in the Arab World - Essay Example The operations of multinational corporations mainly originate from developed countries and extend beyond their own countries, and cover both developed and less developed economies. Multinational corporations play a crucial role in globalisation. They contribute to both positive and negative impact on economies involved in international business. Anti-corporate people argue that multinational companies reduce competition and enterprise while pro-corporate people claim that multinational corporations improve the economic development of underdeveloped countries. In most cases, multinational corporation originate from developed and the emergent economies and enter underdeveloped and other developed countries, causing negative and positive impacts in such economies. Generally, multinational economies cause more advantages than disadvantages, and can be considered as an important element of a globalised world. One of the advantages of multinational corporations is that it reduces unemployment in host countries. Noland (2007) suggests that multinational corporations could reduce these unemployment rates and improve businesses. Unemployment in less developed economies world has led to impoverishment, discontent, militancy and repression. Multinational corporations can come into play by providing opportunities of employment for the host countries; hence increasing the welfare and standard of living for the local communities. Through economic integration, multinational corporations are able to transfer and disseminate technological knowledge and innovation as well as information and capital into their host countries. The local capacity of building the economy in less developed countries is uncertain. Foreign multinational corporations entering the local markets of such countries may bring in knowledge, information, technology, capital and innovation to build the economy and reduce uncertainties experienced by businesses in the local

Mobile Systems Paper Essay Example for Free

Mobile Systems Paper Essay With so many web and mobile applications available today, it is difficult to find a particular one that impacts more individuals and businesses than others. Many applications perform one or two tasks well, but I believe Google Drive is one of those applications that anyone can find useful. Whether you’re a student or a business person, Google Drive can be of use in anyone’s life. Google Drive is unique because it has several different purposes and functions. The first function of Google Drive is its cloud storage. Google Drive itself gives its users 5GB of free space to upload documents, music, pictures, and videos to keep as a backup or to share with others. If needed, storage size can be expanded up to 16TB for a fee. Another feature that is key to Google Drive is it incorporates its Docs application as well as Gmail in it. This allows users to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more that will automatically save right to Google Drive and also give the ability to share it through email.† Other aspects that can be found on Google Drive is that it is available on every modern browser, but alongside that Drive will offer the ability to view up to 30 different file types† (Geek.com,2012). One final way that Google Drive can now be used is on any Android or iOS device. Users can now create, edit and view almost everything the same as they would if they were on their computer using it. Although some of the features of Google Drive are similar to that of other applications, There is no other application that streamlines as many features into one application to make its users as productive and efficient as possible. With the incorporation of Google Docs and Gmail, users can create and share without having to open multiple applications. Another great change that it has brought to users is that it works with practically everything. Drive works on all browsers and all Android and iOS devices, so people can get work done at anytime, anywhere whether it is for school or work. Being a student, I feel this application has lowered school costs due to it being free and the fact that it has cloud storage. Students no longer have to have flash drives at the computer lab, now they can just log into Google Drive and access everything they need. And, with the addition of the mobile versions of Google Drive, last minute edits of papers and  presentations are no longer a reason for a melt down. â€Å"The final benefit Google Drive gives to its consumers is the ability for Gmail to attach up to a 10GB file because of its integration. The attachment is technically a link for the recipient to download, but it enable users to have the luxury of sharing large videos or other data very easy and seamless† (Geek.com,2012). With the exception of a few items, Google Drive contains an abundance of features needed for everyday tasks. One item that Drive is lacking is media streaming. This definitely needs to become a future enhancement so users can stream their music and videos from their drive application on mobile devices. With media streaming enabled, many users would only need to use Google Drive and could un clutter their home screen full of unecessary applications. â€Å"The other enhancement that is directed towards the mobile version only is that users cannot create spreadsheets, forms, or drawings at this time† (LaptopMag.com,2012). I am sure that Google will enable this in future updates, but it does cause some restriction for users for the time being. Mobile technology has become a necessity for students and business persons to stay productive while not in front of their everyday computer. Google Drive is now expanding how mobile devices can be effective by letting users share, store, create, and edit items from anywhere. This allows users more control on how they spend their time instead of being dependent on being in front of a computer. I know as a Google Drive user that it has helped me stay productive by storing all of my school work in their cloud storage. I can work from my phone or on any computer and it all works the same. I believe Google Drives consistency between operating systems and devices is what makes this application so nice. No matter what I am using Google Drive on I can feel comfortable using it. References LaptopMag.com (2012, April 27). Google Drive Review. Retrieved from Laptopmag.com. Geek.com (2012, April 24). Google Drive has arrived, clearly targets businesses. Retrieved from Geek.com. Geek.com (2012, November 27). With Google Drive integration, Gmail now offers 10GB attachments. Retrieved from Geek.com.

Pharmacologic Advances Essay -- bioservices, anti-body

Aligning to IBT BioServices’s business model and core competency, the top four critical needs and requirements have been identified from Model 1 assessment. These criteria are compared and contrasted to the company’s model and key strengths to develop a strategic roadmap for further expansion of the market position and share. The key learning from this assessment includes (Figure 4): 1. Need of surrogate assays model that are reliable (in-vitro and in-vivo assays) and predictive of protective immunity against RSV and DEN. This is a demonstrated key strength area for IBT BioServices with their cotton rat model. The company successfully tested RSV vaccine and therapeutic candidates that led to IND and clinical development (IBT BioServices). Their in-vitro assay platform, particularly CPE assay, provides high correlation of inhibitory and efficacy measurements of vaccine candidates to human subject. This is essential preliminary data needed to design pre-clinical and clinical trials direction. 2. Develop new assays platform that is compatible for next generation technology and approach e.g. structural-based design to develop RSV vaccines (vaccine research center- NIAID-NIH). This approach utilized atomic-level details of RSV protein to detect binding mechanisms of fusion glycoprotein needed to neutralize human RSV antibody (Oplinger, 2013). The assays must be able to measure and follow the activity of the protein-antibody complex to develop higher efficacy vaccine. 3. Compliance and data integrity. Early phase R&D programs do not require GLP certification; however, there are benefits in establishing such programs. In this industry the concept of speed to market is essential and critical for market share and profit generation. The th... ...o 2016, Stockpile Analysis, Competitive Benchmarking and Pipeline Analysis. Retrieved from: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/1195531/the_future_of_global_vaccines_market_forecasts (n.d.). Services for respiratory syncytial virus research. Retrieved from IBT BioServices website: www.ibtbioservices.com (n.d.). Services for dengue virus research. Retrieved from IBT BioServices website: www.ibtbioservices.com Thomas, S. (2011). The Necessity and Quandaries of Dengue Vaccine Development. J Infect Dis., 203 (3), 299 303. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiq060 WHO. (2014). Dengue. Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/dengue/en/ Wilson, P. (2010). Giving developing countries the best shot: An overview of vaccine access and R&D. Retrieved from: http://www.oxfam.org/sites/www.oxfam.org/files/giving-developing-countries-best-shot-vaccines-2010-05.pdf

Free Great Gatsby Essays: East and West :: Great Gatsby Essays

The Division between East and West in The Great Gatsby  Ã‚   The division between East and West is a significant theme in The Great Gatsby. The author has projected the historical East/West division of the States on the division of class and society in the 20th century. The Mid-West, which represents the new territory of hope and the old pioneer spirit, corresponds to West Egg in New York. For Fitzgerald, there was a certain old-fashioned stability resting on the old, unchanging values and close relationships. Some of these values are: honesty, human respect, divinity, idealism, romanticism, faith, ambition, community, and other spiritual values which are all personified in Gatsby. The novel mirrors the East-West divide of the whole country in the division between West Egg and East Egg. Nick and Gatsby live on West Egg, which means that they have retained their closeness to western values. The Buchanans on the other hand have become Easterners, they represent the corruption of the East. The main characters, Daisy, Nick, Gatsby, and Tom are all from the Mid-west. While Tom and Daisy Buchanan live an East Egg, being attracted by its glamour, excitement and promise of success, Nick enjoys living on West Egg. He mentions the friendship between Mid-Westerners, who are brought together by their extremely long and cold winters (in contrast to the New York summers' heat). Nick's neighbor Gatsby is a wealthy person, who spends a lot of money giving parties for strangers only to meet Daisy, the dream of his life. He is seen as representing "new money" because he has no good education and no family background over several generations, he is self-made, invented by himself. For this reason, he is not accepted as being dignified enough to enter the exclusive "old money" upper class. Tom and Daisy are "old money", rich and from old established families living on East Egg, which the millionaires inhabit. The East symbolizes fashionable life, sophistication, the "modern society" and the land where anything can happen. This is the world of brutality, corruption, carelessness, materialism and failure of emotion. By moving to the East, the Buchanans lose contact with the deeper values. They are superficial, aimless, irresponsible, empty and lonely. They have no desires, their talks are meaningless and their spiritual values are forgotten or dumped. Another symbol of the East is the Centre of New York.

Children and the Internet Essay

Think about how much time your children spend on electronics and what it could be doing to their health and intelligence. Instead of reading books and learning from experiences they’re glued to a screen that’s leaving them unable to react in real life. â€Å"Hands on experiences are vital to the developing of conversation and cause-effect relationships† (Negative effects of Internet usage on Child Development). Internet Influence on kids is becoming a problem with prolonged exposure to technology ending in Physical, Cognitive and Social Maladaptation. It is important to realize that a child’s body is just beginning to develop and that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and health issues. â€Å"Computer use can cause carpal tunnel and eye strain.† (Physical and Social Effects of Internet Use in Children). Leaving children with health issues alone on the computer is even worse and unexpected popups can cause a lot of problems. â€Å"It can also cause seizures if there are rapidly flashing games and websites† (). There are so many ways children can get ahold of the internet: computers, smartphones, iPads, iPods, gaming consoles, etc. It’s leaving them feeling instantly gratified and entitled to things that aren’t theirs that causes lots of trouble as they get older. In addition to physical effects there are cognitive ones as well. â€Å"Easy access to internet may become less able to separate fact from fiction. Internet has no filter and no peer review so anyone can publish what they want. Informal communication common to chat rooms is a worry and can carry over to their academics† (Physical and social effects of Internet use in children). The multitasking that many children engage in while online reduces attention span, making intense concentration on a single task more difficult. â€Å"Rapid nature of internet stimulation alters the way children see the world, and it creates boredom.† (Physical and Social effects of internet use in children). Information posted on the Internet is lawless. Young children depend on adults to validate what they see, hear and feel. The information on the Internet is uncontrolled and there is no way to check its reliability, and further, often no practical way to ensure referability.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Increased use among children may result in feelings of loneliness and depression† (Physical and Social effects of Internet use in children). â€Å"Also results in less time spent with family and friends or working on hobbies† (Physical and Social effects of Internet use in children). Another key point refers to the social side of the effects of the internet. â€Å"Violent images, foul language and a lack of social rules common to the internet don’t help a child succeed in the real world† (Physical and Social effects of Internet use in children). â€Å"Instead of hanging out with friends they show a trend that a computer is more important† (The influence of the Internet on our younger generation). â€Å"Causes desensitization to violence. Both violent and pornographic imagery can fundamentally alter a developing child’s perspective of the world† (Negative effects of Internet usage on child development). â€Å"They lose the skills and patience to conduct social relattions in the corporeal world† (Physical and Social effects of Internet use in children).

Social Constructionism in Environmental Sociology Essays

Social Constructionism in Environmental Sociology Essays Social Constructionism in Environmental Sociology Paper Social Constructionism in Environmental Sociology Paper This construction of perceptions and meanings are what this essay is about. It is called social construction. The assay focuses more explicitly on the social construction Of environmental problems and issues. It does this by looking at examples of how and why certain societies can come to consider certain natural phenomena as environmental threats or issues, and asks the question of whether their perceptions are right or not. It focuses the concept of social constructionist and determines the relevance of it in environmental issues. It does this by looking at past findings of attempts at deconstructing the perceptions some societies have on their own identified environmental problems to be able to see if it helped with solutions to the problems. And lastly, it identifies criticism leveled against social constructionist in environmental sociology. All to support the following hypothesis: It is important to take the social construction aspect into consideration when looking at certain environmental problems to be able to identify hidden agendas when it comes to solving the perceived problems. But first, a brief definition of the social construction of environmental issues is necessary (As there are many- and some contradictory). It will serve as a foundation for building an understanding of what is going to be discussed. When something is socially constructed it then eggs the question of whether the threat or issue is in fact a real threat or issue because according to Hardballs and Holbrook a social construct is a product of social definitions, not natural, biological categories (2008: 752). Now according to Marsh, Keating, Punch and Harden (2009) the environment as a concept, is always contested and changing and he says that it means different things to different populations at different times. What the social construction of environmental issues and problems then means is that people in different populations perceive an issue on the environment differently from one another. An environmental issue for one society may not be one for another society. It is because they constructed their realities independent from each other. The independent development of perceptions allowed several dominant social constructs about the environment to emerge as separate independent realities. These realities were shaped and formed by power players in each society. The power players that shape a societys opinion in contemporary lifer and therefore its perspective on things are among others the media, activists, [and] scientists (Marsh et al, 2009). The following examples will illustrate how environmental issues may come to be instructed and considered important in one society, but not in another. When the media of a particular population informs its members about the poor condition of their local water, the water may have been of poor quality even before the media announced it, but since the announcement was made it has been added to the members environmental reality. In effect of the announcement the people may start buying bottled water, local government would start addressing the issue, they could create jobs to fight the issue, and certain entrepreneurs may see potential for business. All of which that loud not have happened if the media did not bring the knowledge of it into the societys reality. In another society, the media may be focusing on how behind they are economically rather than writing about water quality. Even though it has a quality similar to the other society, people does not worry about it because people arent aware of it. In both societies people dont get sick when drinking the Water, but the one society gave it an environmental issue label because of the media coverage it got. Another example is where scientists does research on something that is not considered dangerous to he environment, but after which it becomes an issue. It happens because scientists usually have an elite status. They are considered experts in their fields, and most people do not have the knowledge or qualified degree to grant them alternative knowledge which would enable them to disregard scientists opinions and findings. So when a scientist, based on his own interpretations and gained knowledge, in one society declare something as an environmental issue, the people generally respond with acceptance. Another example of a construct of an environmental issue is one from an article based n dingo management on an Australian island (Heathen, K. Burns G, 2007). They look at the Fraser Island Dingo Management Strategy (FIDS) to deconstruct key assumptions about management of dingoes on Fraser Island. What they found was that the FIDS were trying to prevent dingo aggression towards humans, and that the FIDS constructed the issue of the aggression as deriving from human-dingo interactions via feeding. The prevention techniques were composed of many ways to prevent that type of interaction. Despite that, the dingoes remained as they were, still hurting people. Heathen ND Burns concluded that the management should take to account a wider range of interpretations of human-dingo interactions (2007: 55). One can see the importance the social construction aspect has in shaping priorities of societies when looking at the above examples. It is clear that when a society does not have knowledge on a subject, it is as if it does not exist. And when making the knowledge freely available as the only relevant knowledge, the society can do no different than to accept what they are being told by power players. The construction can be deliberately created by power players in society. The government or managing scientists in a particular field can use their power to change perceptions of the society by publishing rational substantiations for their claims on a matter so that they can employ a policy or action that will benefit themselves or one that will contribute to solving a related problem of the matter without the society complaining about why they do it. It is clear from these examples that some constructed environmental issues are not real in terms true intentions as there are additional economic or monetary goals often hidden it the actions to solve he environmental problems identified by power players. This is where social constructionist in environmental sociology comes in. When social environmentalists look at an environmental issue they try to consider the social construction aspect in the origin of the issue. By doing this they are able to deconstruct what has led to the construction of the problem, and thus identify the hidden agendas associated with policies claimed to solve the problem. They can then ask the question: is it really an environmental problem if the social, cultural and economic spheres of human life are not actively affected by it? The question may leave policy makers with a conscious thought about their true agendas, and enables them to determine for themselves whether or not they will be addressing a true environmental issue or not. The study on Dingo management shows how social constructionist has deconstructed a social construction of an environmental issue to bring hidden agendas to the surface. The notion that nature should be managed by humans has led to the notion that humans are in charge of it. Humans feel that they can use and manipulate nature to generate income (like tourism to wildlife parks etc. , and that is where the problem in management comes in. The wellbeing of the nature and the economic capital it may generate produce a mixture of interests. One that wants to be green and one that wants to gain monetary profits. These two interests are contradictory because a monetary gain is sometimes gained at the expense of a green environmental gain. Now at the dingo management park, social constructionist showed why dingoes may be aggressive against humans. It showed that humans may not even belong there, or try to manage the dingoes because the fact is that dingoes are just a wild animal that react on instinct, and humans trying to control them could be causing the aggressive incidents. It showed that the management is actually catering for the safety of the humans at the expense of the dingoes (they kill dingoes deliberately to reduce their population). They cater for their safety because they bring in money, and the more safe they can make it for them, the more money they may receive. The hidden agendas (to generate monetary wealth) in the management and conservation of dingoes are actually letting dingoes getting killed instead Of getting conserved (Heathen, K. Cooper, G, 2007:48-55). Even Hough social constructionist in environmental sociology may bring the question of whether an issue is real or not under discussion when policies need to be made, it still remains just that -a question. It does not provide an answer. It is not possible to give an answer because by stating that an environmental issue is not this, but it is that, would be contradictory to what social construction stands for. That is, that people construct definitions on matter by the available knowledge they have. But knowledge is limited by a persons senses.

People Management Case Study Essay Example

People Management Case Study Essay Example People Management Case Study Essay People Management Case Study Essay The SITUATION: the Ben Brooks’ dilemma Ben Brook, 43 years old, a solid professional with 20 years of experience at Livingstone Corp. , is extremely disappointed for not having been promoted CEO of his company. For the first time in his life, he is reflecting about his personal and professional history and choices, trying to get some lessons for the future. He considers quitting his company for a CEO job in another one. The FACTS: Ben Brooks’ personal and professional life Our starting point will be to understand (through a 3 pages letter) who Ben is as a person, and as a professional. We can deduce several key personality clues, based on the facts in the letter: ? An â€Å"achiever†: born in 1935, graduated with honors, joins Livingstone at the age of 23, promoted to an important position after only 4 years in the company, promoted youngest ever Executive VP (35 years old) after 12 years in the company. ?Loyal to the company and proud of it: entire career at Livingstone (20 years) ? â€Å"Work-aholic† at the expense of his family: regularly spend evenings and weekends in the office. Forgets about taking vacation. Immersed by work, leaves all energies in the office and fails in dedicated some to his wife and kids. One anecdote: after divorce, lives in a NYC hotel close to the office. ?Self-confident: believes others will notice and reward him for his own professional skills. ?Small (or none) circle of friends: having written this letter, at this point in time, to a professor he has neither seen nor talked to in the past 20 years seems like a strong sign that he had nobody closer with whom share his dilemma. The ANALYSIS: Ben Brooks’ profile 1. Psychological Type With the limited information available in the letter, we can guess Ben is an NT TYPE (â€Å"Intuitive Rational†): Ben is fascinated by power, he is very ambitious and believes he will progress and be recognized / rewarded by others as a result of his own personal competences. As we said, he is a â€Å"work-aholic†, his competence seems never enough to him and he lives permanently with the fear to â€Å"fail† (ie. to not getting as high as he believes he deserves). He is a â€Å"visionary† and permanently challenges the status-quo: a good example is the â€Å"direct cost model† Ben developed and implemented at Livingstone only 2 years after having joined the company. In his professional relationships with others, NT types are arrogant in that sense that they assume a small contribution from his peers and team since, ultimately, â€Å"they are not as good as I am†. At the same time, as contradictory as it may seem, he can be as highly demanding with others as he is with himself. The NT types could go as far as hurting others’ feelings without even noticing it. Worth noting: there is nevertheless one component in Ben’s personality which could have led us to classify him rather as an SJ type. Ben is committed to deliver on his promises and objectives and, in that respect, he values duty above all and dedicates all of his time and energy to his work. That said, an SJ type is also very sensitive to others, to bringing harmony to the relationships and his â€Å"duty sense† goes beyond work to also his family. This is clearly not the case for Ben. ? To further complete this picture, Ben seems to be more of an INTROVERTED type: difficult to say through the letter but he does not seem like a very social or externally-focused person. He does not seem to be sourcing his energy from others, but rather from himself and his work. He definitely prefers communicating in written, even to a professor he has not seen for the past 20 years (! ) which clearly shows how little genuine interest he has in knowing how others (the professor) are doing: he dedicates 3 pages to talking exclusively about himself and his dilemma. On the 4th axe, Ben seems more like a JUDGEMENT type: he enjoys planning is work and is excited about reaching objectives. That said, we do not have much more information about this topic. 2. Motivational profile Reading through his letter, we can sense Ben has consistently been moved by mostly INTRINSIC MOTIVATIONS, with some component of EXTRINSIC MOTIVATIONS but a total absence of TRANSCENDENT MOTIVATIONS. Let’s elaborate slightly more: Most important motivation for Ben seems to have been his own self-fulfillment at work, the satisfaction of being a competent professional facing challenges and delivering results (INTRINSIC MOTIVATION) with the objective of being rewarded by the company with increasingly important jobs, power and status (EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION). Economic compensation, although also important (as for most of us), seems to play a secondary role for Ben. In his letter, he explains his jobs and some key business achievements yet never mentions other people, his teams, the role they played on his success or the impact he, as a manager, had on their development (lack of TRANSCENDENT MOTIVATIONS). This analysis is coherent with the conclusion we can drive from his (lack of) personal life: Ben acknowledges he failed in dedicating time and energy to his family and was not surprise when his wife left him. He talks about this â€Å"personal drama† in a very dispassionate manner, as a â€Å"logical fact†: another indication of the little relevancy of TRANSCENDENT MOTIVATIONS. How does this affect his LEADERSHIP ABILITY? Nobody, no matter how good of a manager he/she is, could be perceived as a true leader by his/her organization, if he/she does not display a minimum of TRANSCENDENT MOTIVATION, ie. a unique interest and empathy about others and about doing what is better for others’ well-being. This motivation is a must in order to be able to generate VALUES in the organization. Ben thought his personal needs would be fulfilled with MATERIAL and PROFESSIONAL components. He disregarded AFFECTIVE needs or, equally worrying, he thought it was other people’s role (his wife) to provide him unilaterally with some affection. 3. Leadership Style and Competencies Ben appears as an EXECUTIVE LEADER, a â€Å"DOER†. He has vision for the business and the skills to get there. He relentlessly focus on results, on delivering on objectives and is highly involved and committed to do so. This single-minded focus leaves little room for other people: he is egocentric and lacks genuine interest in others. He is a poor listener and could end up manipulating others (even unconsciously) in his will to get results at any cost. Ben is ambitious about his career and concerned about his own success above all. Through his 20 years of successful career progression, Ben has certainly demonstrated both BUSINESS and MANAGING COMPETENCIES (otherwise he would probably not have become Executive VP). As previously said, Ben has a vision for the business, knows how to administrate people and resources in order to be effective in delivering results. On the contrary, lacking of Transcendent Motivations, Ben has been unable of bringing a SENSE OF MISSION to his leadership. Further, he has probably even been unconscious and unaware of the importance of this sense of mission. Ben has lacked the critical PERSONAL COMPETENCIES required to lead others behind a common â€Å"vision†, a higher level commitment than merely objectives or tasks. With strong Business and Managing competencies, Ben has been able through his career to deliver results and to motivate his teams â€Å"on the short-term† by merely leveraging on their extrinsic and intrinsic motivations (LIDERANCA TRANSFORMADORA). Nevertheless, as it is, Ben would be unable to motivate an organization behind a higher-end, longer-term mission (LIDERANCA TRANSCENDENTE), and this is certainly what Livingstone top management has identified as a gap for Ben to become the company CEO. In the words of another leadership specialist, Ben is certainly a COMPETENT MANAGER, he organizes people and resources to reach objectives. He is probably an EFFECTIVE LEADER, with a vision to engage others towards the pursuit of stretching goals. But he is not at the top leadership level, the LEVEL 5 EXECUTIVE, who builds solid organizations and preaches with his own example and humility, rallying the organization behind a common mission, one which transcends extrinsic and intrinsic motivations to truly make an impact on people’s well-being and, ultimately, on the society. Advice I would give to Ben Brooks Throughout the above analysis, the advice I would give to Ben is to take quality time and start a well-thought process of personal change. Any personal change process requires: -First, to acknowledge the need for a personal and a professional change: Ben has done so already, at least on the professional side, as we can see in his letter. He does not yet seem concerned about the importance of a well-balanced personal and emotional life and its positive impact on his leadership ability. Second, the willingness to change: Ben is starting to realize this as he says he will certainly behave differently if he joins a new company. -Third, to act, to plan the change and to execute it, as an iterative process. For a mid-aged person like Ben, with 20 years of professional experience in the same company (hence, already with a personal risk-aversion profile), changing profoundly anchored habits will be a very difficult exercise. Further, Ben is currently frustrated and angry about his top management decision and he will probably lack the necessary objectivity in analyzing his own case and the true reasons why they believe he is not ready to be the CEO the company needs. I would hence advice Ben to reach out to a professional coach who, same as psychiatrics do, will help him dissect the information and drive conclusions and who will design, with him, the steps needed for the change. I would advise him to start by complementing his own in-depth reflection with the feedback he could get from several peers, subordinates and friends/family about who is Ben, how does he behaves, how is he perceived. This will be the starting point, the raw material to start the work with the coach. Also importantly, this process will take significant time and effort, yet it is crucial if he wants to become not only a better rounded senior leader for an organization, but also a happier person. I would suggest that he puts aside, for the moment, his prospection for new jobs. Ideally, if this is financially possible, he would quit his job and dedicate some time (some months) entirely to himself and his change process. Probably 20 years of experience do â€Å"buy you† the right to do so and the personal â€Å"win† will be worth the time and the salary. Ultimately, I believe Ben will be better off leaving his company: he has accumulated significant frustration that will impact him in his daily work and, as he says, he will probably not make it to CEO there in the mid-term. That said, I believe he should also think whether â€Å"becoming CEO† is his true objective. The title â€Å"per se† does not say much. He should be more factual in writing down the â€Å"must have† and the â€Å"negotiable elements† of the ideal job he wants and, with the help of his coach, identify the type of jobs and, as importantly, the type of companies where he could find it. In my opinion, these are the lessons Ben Brooks should learn for the future Driven by his own professional ambition, Ben has failed in taking a â€Å"helicopter view† to evaluate his personal and professional life on a permanent mode. He has failed in growing as a leader and as a person to go beyond efficacy (delivering on results), to leave a positive mark on those surrounding him and to make his beloved ones happier and his collaborators more profoundly committed about a mission. A leader is not a â€Å"top level† leader if he does not: -First, knows himself (â€Å"Self-Awareness†), his motivations, his style, his strengths and weaknesses, the impact he makes on others, -Leverages his own emotions and skills to be more effective and empathic in working with others, to get the most out of them (Emotional Intelligence) -Has a genuine interest for other people, Behaves as a change agent, an influential leader well beyond a â€Å"doer† delivering business results -Knows how to manage his own career and his personal time and, ultimately, balances both (Work Life Balance) to be an example as a professional but also as a human being. Ben invested all his time and energy on his own effectiveness as a manager and thought this would be enough to take him where he wanted to be. He invested all the time in his company, his projects and results and failed to dedicate time and energy to his beloved ones but also to himself. The best investment one can make, at any time in life, is the investment made to become a better person and a better leader, more genuine and more engaged to excel not only in results, but also in the positive impact we have on others. Ben is still on time to do so and excel in this new professional adventure, whatever makes him happier, with or without the â€Å"CEO† title in the business card.

The Life of Powhatan Indian Pocahontas

The Life of Powhatan Indian Pocahontas Birth: c.1594, Virginia Region Death: March 21, 1617, Gravesend, England Names: Pocahontas was a nickname meaning playful or naughty one. Here real name was MatoakaAfter her conversion to Christianity and baptism, Pocahontas was given the name Rebecca and became Lady Rebecca when she married John Rolfe. Pocohontas and John Smith: When Pocahontas was approximately 13 years old in 1607, she met John Smith of Jamestown, Virginia. They met in her fathers village which was called Werowocomoco on the north shore of what is now the York River. A tale often associated with Smith and Pocahontas is that she saved him from death by appealing to her father. However, this cannot be proven. In fact, the incident was not recorded until Pocahontas was traveling in London many years later. However, she did help the starving inhabitants of Jamestown during the winter of 1607-1608. First Marriage: Pocahontas was married between 1609 and 1612 to a Powhatan named Kocoum. It is believed that she might have had a baby girl who later died from this marriage. However, little more is known about this relationship. The Capture of Pocahontas: In 1612, the Powhatan Indians and the English settlers were becoming more hostile with each other. Eight Englishmen had been captured. In retaliation, Captain Samuel Argall captured Pocahontas. It was during this time that Pocahontas met and married John Rolfe who is credited with planting and selling the first tobacco crop in America. Lady Rebecca Rolfe: It is not known whether Pocahontas actually fell in love with Rolfe before they married. Some conjecture that their marriage was one condition of her release from captivity. Pocahontas converted to Christianity and was baptized Rebecca. She then married Rolfe on April 5, 1614. Powhatan gave his consent and presented Rolfe with a large piece of land. This marriage brought peace between the Powhatans and English until Chief Powhatans death in 1618. Thomas Rolfe Born: Pocahontas gave birth to Thomas Rolfe on January 30, 1615. Soon after, she along with her family and her sister Matchanna and her husband traveled to London. She was well received by the English. While in England she met back up with John Smith. Illness and Death: Rolfe and Pocahontas had decided to return to America in March 1616. However, Pocahontas got sick and soon thereafter died on March 21, 1616. She was only 22 years old. There is not real evidence to the cause of her death. She died in Gravesend, England, but the site of her death was destroyed years later when the church where she was buried was being rebuilt. Her son, Thomas, remained in England even though John Rolfe did return to America after her death. Many claim to be descendants of Pocahontas through Thomas including Nancy Reagan, Edith Wilson, and Thomas Jefferson Randolph, grandson to Thomas Jefferson. References: Ciment, James. Colonial America. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe, 2006.

Discussion Board reply Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 8

Discussion Board reply - Assignment Example By focusing on multiple intelligence skills, the writer can address emotional requirements and motivators associated with flexibility and transformation that are paramount factors of coaching dynamics. It is justified that managers usually have several resources at their disposal and would not hesitate to engage in the coaching process. The explanation given for this reason is explicit. An addition would be that managers mostly like involving themselves with profitable activities. As a result, unless the coaching process is profitable to the well-being of the business, few would find it necessary to undertake coaching. Although feedback given to employees may determine whether a manager will carry out coaching or not, the key justification would be the level of a manager in understanding group dynamics. Employees vary in their levels of motivation and therefore, managers may feel inadequate to coach employees with varied perceptions. This is the rationale behind managers failing to point out other people’s mistakes. The discussion board paper is good and answers all parts of the question to the latter. Any successful and operational organization requires that managers embra ce the spirit of leadership and should not shy off from correcting their junior

Managing employee relations Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Managing employee relations - Coursework Example The change in employee relations over the last 30 years and its effect on the different stakeholders of the organization has been considered based on the UK point of view. The strategies developed by them have been studied in order to understand the issue in a more proper fashion. Employee relations: The term employee relations may be defined as the employer and the employee relationship which aims at creation of trust, harmony and commitment within the organization so that the aims and the objectives of the organization are reached and to make the workplace a secure and a productive place. The employee relation in an organization is determined by the relationship which exists between managers and the individual workers and also on the overall relationship between them. (Employee relations, n. d)The government and the trade Unions take a crucial role in maintaining the regulation of the relationship which exists between the employee and the employer. Over the last few decades various environmental factors had their influence over the change in employee relations. The concept of globalization and the emergence of the multinational corporations and their vast geographic presence have affected the changing pattern of the relationship. ... (Blyton & Turnbull, 2004) Political context: The political context includes the factors which are in support for the new economic policies incorporated by the government and its effects. The inclusion of mergers, acquisition and the entry of the foreign sectors in the market raises key concern for the economy. The trade unions raise against such government initiatives and such an environment raises insecurity among the employees regarding their jobs. (Singh, n. d, p.129) The political system involves the process of managing the conflicts and the disagreements between the societies but often it creates disturbance within the framework. In the context of the British political system, it primarily deals with framing and implementing public policies for governing the society. The British political system has faced major political change over the years and the election of the conservative government in 1979 marked the beginning of policy which started the change in the British labor marke t. The activities of the trade union were curtailed and the government aimed to enhance the flexibility of the market. The government thought that such measures will help in the promotion of the growth in the employment. The government promoted entrepreneurship and the concept of individualism emerged within the market. The market was characterized by a sufficient number of competitive products and managerial authority was established. As a result the workings of the management of the organizations also changed considerably. Proper human resource management was in effect which was marked by the concept of individualism. There was a direct communication with the employees and appraisal system was introduced. The support in favor of the trade unions and collective

Chinese popular culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Chinese popular culture - Essay Example To be more specific, this paper will also drill into the deep contrast between college graduates and peasant laborers in terms of the issue. The roles of crime and corruption and social stability and mobility will also be discussed to understand the spread of the issue in China fully. Unemployment and Population The current population of The People’s Republic of China has climbed to 0.01% since last year’s update. To date, the country’s population is approximately 1.354 billion, which is 363.3 people per square mile, basing on its total land area—still the largest in the world (World Population Statistics n.p.). The huge population of China is said to be one of the primary reasons why the problem with unemployment still continues. There are so many advancements in China like the establishment of the world’s largest building called the New Century Global Center, which has an area of 1.7 million square meters alone could provide more job opportunities for fresh graduates and other job seekers (Beam n.p.). However, because of their population density, it is still very difficult to accommodate all of those who are jobless. Aside from large buildings for businesses, there are also amusement and entertainment parks that aid in the country’s tourism industry. ... It is twice as difficult for the peasant laborers coming from poor families in rural areas with less or no education at all because they are most likely discriminated or abused at work compared to educated Chinese (Ren 105). In addition, because of the increase in population, landing a job will even be harder for both the white collared and the peasants in the neoliberal globalization era of PRC. Increase in population will also mean increase in social issues because it will be difficult for the government to balance everything by tending to the issues one by one. Problems in housing, education, and social services are also rooted from overpopulation in China. These problems remain unsolved, and they badly need to be paid attention to by the government. Housing, Education, and Social Services The problem of providing houses to so many people also springs from overpopulation. It will be stressful to provide land areas for families to build houses on that is why most of the families li ve in apartments or other high rise buildings in order to save space. However, not all can afford this type of housing. They may be a really rich country, but there is still poverty in some areas there. In terms of education, many are able to go to school, but there are also unlucky ones who do not have the chance. Thus, the competition becomes biased to those who are more educated when it comes to choosing the people for a job position. In the socialist China, they developed a household registration system that has also a connection with education and benefits. This has created a great divide between the rural and urban China creating different levels of social classes.

Tension in Between Books and Movies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Tension in Between Books and Movies - Essay Example This essay approves that â€Å"When a stranger calls† is a thrilling story of a man who keeps calling a baby sitter asking her if she has checked he babies. The film is tense with scenes of crime and death. Another tense scene is created in the film when a child is seen sitting alone in a huge house with the phone ringing on and off. The baby sitter reports this matter to the police who finds out that the stocker is a man in the house. A somber mood engulfs the film when the stranger kills two children but the baby sitter escapes unhurt. This prompts a police officer to search for the stranger. The stranger is later found and jailed. Astonishingly the Tony the stranger escapes from prison. He then goes back to his former acts of stocking and murder. This report makes a conclusion that murder stories are present in â€Å"Season of Migration to the North†. Mustafa’s life is seen in war both at his naà ¯ve home Sudan and while in Europe. The cases of murder force him to come home. The â€Å"colonel† also comprises various murder stories. The colonel an army officer experiences tough times as he watches his children die in different circumstances. He also murders his wife. All these scenes create tension in the books and the films. â€Å"Psycho† another horror thriller is engulfed by murder as the central theme. A strange serial killer who murders children and stoke their baby sitters surrounds â€Å"When a stranger calls†. Another similarity amongst these stories is the tension that exists created by rain. All the authors use rain to create horrifying conditions in their stories. The rain and thunderstorm contributes in cultivating horror in the stories. Western culture is present in all the stor ies. The stories also linger around sexuality, which leads to crime. Season of migration to the North expresses several sexual acts within its story line.

China vs. USA. The Quest for Global Supremacy Research Paper

China vs. USA. The Quest for Global Supremacy - Research Paper Example The Euro zone has become the lowest ranked commercial performers after severely affected regions in Africa. Although the United States has maintained its financial superiority, the stability of this particular region is not constant. With a fluctuating financial graph, the United States does not have control of the global commercial market. This leaves the top spot to upcoming commercial hubs. Asia and Middle East have countries with the fastest growing economies. With political instability making the Middle East a poor investment area, Asia remains the only region with the capability of claiming the throne in matters of commercial and financial success. One country that has significantly improved its commercial capabilities is the Republic of China. This paper will focus on the supremacy battles between the United States and China. The paper will also provide a perspective on which country has the highest probability of clinching the top spot in the long run. A perspective on the investment of both nations shows the difference between their strategies. In China investment opportunities are obtained from all nations across the globe. Regardless of their financial position China has invested in many countries in all continents. According to Swedroe, China has invested in 30 percent of all the countries in Africa (par, 4). This means that China looks to capitalize on the resources that Africa can bring to the global market. This maximization of the resources in Africa has raised the economy of China by around 10 percent (Lash, par 7). The situation is different when it comes to the United States. The United States bases its investment on the ability of the country to pay back in certain conditions. In most cases the United States strikes deal with state government instead of venturing into private investment. The private investment China undertakes enables the country to contract with other private companies who are in need of

Tension in Between Books and Movies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Tension in Between Books and Movies - Essay Example This essay approves that â€Å"When a stranger calls† is a thrilling story of a man who keeps calling a baby sitter asking her if she has checked he babies. The film is tense with scenes of crime and death. Another tense scene is created in the film when a child is seen sitting alone in a huge house with the phone ringing on and off. The baby sitter reports this matter to the police who finds out that the stocker is a man in the house. A somber mood engulfs the film when the stranger kills two children but the baby sitter escapes unhurt. This prompts a police officer to search for the stranger. The stranger is later found and jailed. Astonishingly the Tony the stranger escapes from prison. He then goes back to his former acts of stocking and murder. This report makes a conclusion that murder stories are present in â€Å"Season of Migration to the North†. Mustafa’s life is seen in war both at his naà ¯ve home Sudan and while in Europe. The cases of murder force him to come home. The â€Å"colonel† also comprises various murder stories. The colonel an army officer experiences tough times as he watches his children die in different circumstances. He also murders his wife. All these scenes create tension in the books and the films. â€Å"Psycho† another horror thriller is engulfed by murder as the central theme. A strange serial killer who murders children and stoke their baby sitters surrounds â€Å"When a stranger calls†. Another similarity amongst these stories is the tension that exists created by rain. All the authors use rain to create horrifying conditions in their stories. The rain and thunderstorm contributes in cultivating horror in the stories. Western culture is present in all the stor ies. The stories also linger around sexuality, which leads to crime. Season of migration to the North expresses several sexual acts within its story line.

Cruise Inc., Big Money on The High Seas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cruise Inc., Big Money on The High Seas - Essay Example These portions mainly includes, casino, bar, shopping mall, art auction and the speciality restaurants. After the sales of bookings, these parts of the cruise help NCL to generate the desired amount of revenue. However, the initial revenue generator is the most important part to increase productivity for NCL because if the cruise has on-board passengers then it will acquire the opportunity to sell its services on better prices. NCL does stresses its focus upon the profitability and losses in terms of finance but the productivity of NCL cannot entirely be measured on the basis of its financial profits and losses. The biggest reason for this is risks which are involved in the cruising business in which a single normal challenge like rain or liquor shortage can cost significant losses to NCL. In these regards the productivity which is significantly important for NCL is not entirely measured in terms of total profits made. It incorporates the season, profits and losses, customer response s to service and most importantly the overall sales from each section of the journey. Question 2 The major target population for NCL is the middle economic class. The biggest reason for this is the severe economic crisis which every individual and state is going through. In fulfilling its aim to seek the attention of middle economic class, range of bookings and services packages varies from significantly reasonable and affordable prices to immensely elevated and high prices. Despite of prices, the service package which is provided by NCL to its customers is highly sufficient and captivating for consumers. The service package mainly includes resort, shopping mall, a total of eleven restaurants which varies in several distinct food styles, live entertainment shows of professional standards, along with a casino and a bar. These services are offered to customers while travelling in the cruise. However, the service package of NCL also includes its stop at a town where numerous entertainm ent activities delight all of consumers with specialty food. Lastly, NCL is the only cruise liner which owns a private island for the betterment of its service and for successfully thrives in the industry against its giant competitors. The service package provided by NCL to customers also includes a day at this privately owned island which is entirely designed to elevate the cruising experience of its customers in terms of quality. Question 3 In the steadily growing cruising industry, there are three major competitors which strive to thrive more efficiently into the business of cruising. Among the three well known corporations, fifty percent of the market in the cruising industry is captured under the giant cruising corporation called Carnival Corporation. It is followed by another cruising giant, Royal Caribbean Cruises which is dominating on the rest of thirty percent of cruising market. The remaining twenty percent of industry’s market is owned by NCL that signifies the im portance of competition for NCL to survive in the industry. For NCL, the competitive priorities are entirely based on the expansion of its cruising business by acquiring more customers to consume the services provided by this corporation. To attract consumers is the one of the most important segment because these consumers are the main source of profit for any cruising company. If more consumers will be acquired

Black Consciousness in the Twentieth Century Essay Example for Free

Black Consciousness in the Twentieth Century Essay Ralph Ellison began his 1952 novel with the sentence; â€Å"I am an invisible man.† (Ellison 3) These five words summed up the way in which the majority of Black Americans felt about their place in society at the time. The Civil Rights Movement was still years away, and the caste of American society had placed the Black American near the bottom. The book is in the first person narrative, narrated by a man who considers himself by society’s view point to be invisible because of his race.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The self-awareness of the Black American was limited to only what the white establishment would allow – and in the majority of the country, that was very little. However, the essence for the change that would occur had already been born. The awakening, in the late 1950s, of the Black American would take place in religion, politics, self-awareness and literature. This would become exemplified by the manner in which women in the black communities were treated. The rise of domestic violence was an issue, even in 1950s America – and in both the homes of blacks and whites.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There would be, though, differences in which this awakening would manifest itself. For some, like those who would march with Martin Luther King, non-violence and pacifism would be the dominate tool to their awakening. For others, the awakening would come in the form of a religious rebirth, and strong assertion of their place in society. There was a responsibility being neglected in the role of the black male to uphold his place of caregiver to his wife and family – as well as to the community as a whole. This was an important issue to realize, as the teachings of Islam would tell. â€Å"The white man wants black men to stay immoral, unclean, an ignorant†. (223). During the course of the novel the protagonists lists ways in which he has become invisible and the reaction he stirs within society because of his ‘blackness’, and as Ellis illustrates in the prologue of the book, â€Å"I live rent-free in a building rented strictly to whites, in a section of the basement that was shut off and forgotten during the nineteenth century.† (Ellis prologue).   The narrator goes on to state that light is a necessity for him since light to him is equivalent to truth (much as it was in Plato’s cave – so here the reader gains a sense of philosophy and of intelligence from the narrator). Throughout the course of the events that aid in defining the narrator the major first event occurs on his college’s campus.   The epiphany that the invisible man has during this time is that a black man whom he had once aspired to be like (i.e. to leave a legacy for his college) is not at all worthy of his aspiration but instead is merely a black man who has disguised himself enough to be able to ‘survive’ in the white dominated society.   Thus, the invisible man has his first exposure to mis-identities and the almost innate need that black men feel they have to become someone else in order to be a part of white society. In another act of deception in the book, the narrator (after a boiler room ‘accident’) is hospitalized; during a state of consciousness he discovers that he has been experimented upon with shock treatment without his knowledge.   This is a severe breach of his constitutional rights as well as his humanity.   Thus, the narrator finds out that he is not considered to be human, or even subhuman but rather a thing, an object, a less than real entity whose presence is a constant element of scorn and fear to the white race (at least through each of the experiences the invisible man has had with white people). Thus, not only is he destroyed through the perception of white people but through his own culture and race as Dr. Bledsoe has given the invisible man letters of recommendation whose intent was merely to waylay the invisible man from coming back to college and to not (as the invisible man had thought was their intention) to get him a job.   Therefore the invisible man is hoodwinked by a person whom he thought he could trust and this leads him to further epiphanies of himself and his race and either’s misconception. The novel is truly about self-awareness through objective perception.   Although the narrator finds brief solace with the Brotherhood and brother Jack (a black organization seeking to unite the black community in New York), this soon turns into another form of hate through jealousy.   The narrator’s position is replaced and he travels outside of Harlem only to return and find his friend dead.   Despite efforts to try and unite the Brotherhood again, the narrator is soon forced to recognized his grandfather’s maxim, â€Å"over come em with yeses, undermine em with grins, agree em to death and destruction. . . (Ellis). The novel is about a man whose invisibility is plagues by mis-identity, and whose overall undertones of outside prejudices define his life as well as his identity up to a point.   The ‘yes man’ that his grandfather advised him to do was a type of camouflage technique in which a man can exist wholly without being noticed by being, in essence, no one at all – by becoming invisible in order to survive.   The sacrifice that the invisible man does is to waylay his hopes and dreams in order to be nothing so that he may survive, not be gunned down by either Brother Jack or by the police.   In essence Ellis’ book contributed greatly to the recognition of the black consciousness and the state of the Civil Rights movement in order for blacks to not be invisible in order to exist. WORKS CITED Ellison, Ralph. The Invisible Man. Random House Inc. New York.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1952. Gates, Henry Louis. The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   New York: Oxford UP, 1988. Klein, Marcus. After Alienation: American Novels in Mid-Century. New York: World, 1964. McSweeney, Kerry. Invisible Man: Race and Identity. Boston: Twayne, 1988.

Philosophy Of Religion An Historical Introduction Philosophy Essay

Philosophy Of Religion An Historical Introduction Philosophy Essay Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski is a highly qualified American writer. She has done her PhD from University of California, Los Angeles, MA from University of California, Berkeley and BA from Stanford University. At the moment she is a Research Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oklahoma. Other books by the same author include On Epistemology, Divine Motivation Theory, Intellectual Virtue: Perspectives from Ethics and Epistemology, Virtue Epistemology: Essays on Epistemic Virtue and Responsibility, Virtues of the Mind, The Dilemma of Freedom and Foreknowledge, Rational Faith: Catholic Responses to Reformed Epistemology and Readings in Philosophy of Religion: Ancient to Contemporary. Summary of the Book The writer has written at length on a subject that is of immense interest to the students of philosophy. The writer has given a historical perspective of philosophy but not in a chronological order. She has adopted the conventional approach of dividing chapters into topics. The book has many ancient, medieval and modern examples on philosophy of religion. Book contains a lot of references and the writer has given her own views and position and not just the review / survey of literature. The writer has elaborated some of the standard issues regarding philosophy of religion. The chapter on the problem of evil includes issue of value. The chapter on immortality deals with the question that whether death is bad. The chapter on divine nature dilates on personhood and revelation. The chapter on religious diversity addresses the question why this issue has gained importance in modern period. The core topics included in this book are the relationship between religion and philosophy, the exis tence of God, religion and morality, the problem of evil, death and afterlife and the problem of religious diversity. The book is lucid, elegantly written and an outstanding introduction to the field of philosophy of religion. Authors Thesis Chapter 1 deals with the Philosophical Approach to Religion. In this chapter, the writer discusses relationship between religion and philosophy. Then the writer tells us about origin of religion. She defines religion as a complex human practice. A commonality between all religions is a sacred space. The concept that what should one believe about the ultimate matters of universe, actually marks the intersection of philosophy and religion. Philosophy originated in the 6th Century. A lot of great thinkers Confucius, Mahavira, Hebrew Prophets, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle lived at the same time. This age is known as Axial Age. Afterwards writer discusses the idea of god in different religions. Then the writer compares religion and philosophy that they were not always in harmony with each other. Philosophers did not necessarily approve of the rationale in the religion. Chapter 2 deals with the Classical Arguments for the Existence of God. The writer in this chapter deals with the very question that Does God Exist? She gives the theist and atheist perspective. She argues that religion should have philosophical and scientific reasons, only then in the modern era masses will get convinced. She says that some providential designer of the universe exists. Existence of nature, planets everything is not by chance and has been intelligently maintained and designed. Chapter 3 deals with the Pragmatic Approach to Religious Belief. In this chapter writer tells us that Pascal believed that religion cannot solely rest on reason. According to him faith is higher than reason. Pragmatic arguments are benefit directed. She says that it is better to believe in God then not to believe at all. Chapter 4 deals with Who or What is God? God is the supreme being, designer of the universe and the creator. All these characteristics can only be attributed to one greatest conceivable being. We only know what god is not, rather what he is. So we can only picturize what he is not. Writer discusses at length the omnipotent and omniscient characteristics of God. Chapter 5 Deals with Fate, Freedom and Foreknowledge. All the civilizations had the concept of fate and destiny. Greek gods knew about the future but could do nothing to stop it. Anything that happens is because of Gods will. God knows what is going to happen. Chapter 6 deals with the Problem of Evil. The concept of evil has given rise to atheism. How can there be evil if there is a perfectly good god. The writer says that if god is the god of the whole humanity then why some people suffer and some are blessed. Why evil is ever increasing. There is no good without evil, good requires evil to differentiate. Chapter 8 deals with the Death and the Afterlife. Writer says that every person fears death and according to Aristotle ones death is according to ones life. She explains concept of death by giving example of the views of Epicurus. What makes a person the same person? Is it body or stream of conscious state held together in memory? Chapter 9 deals with the Problem of Religious Diversity. The writer says that in ancient times there was no conflict in religions. Pantheons of god of one ancient group were not rivals of the gods of the other. If you want to follow a new religion or get an opinion then ask someone who is neutral and is a follower of no religion, only then he/she can give you objective description and not a subjective one. It is only when the people we admire have a different opinion that we begin to think and question our own ideas. Chapter 10 deals with Faith, Reason and the Ethics of Belief. In this chapter the writer takes on the very question that she took in the first chapter that What should I believe about the ultimate matters of universe? According to writer reason and revelation cannot be in conflict. Writer says that miracles were given to prophets as a sign and testimony that revelation is from God. Prophets were given powers to perform miracles. Critical Analysis of the Book First of all this book should not be made part of the Book Review. According to Imam Haddad in his book Book of Assistance Muslims should not read literature that is contrary to the Muslim Belief of God. Chapter 2 and 4 (Existence of God Who or What is God) are very disillusioning. It is not encouraged in Islam to read such literature. For someone who is not a student of philosophy, this book is fairly complex and complicated. The writer has given examples which a reader with no prior knowledge of philosophy cannot comprehend easily. This book is fairly concise, consisting of ten chapters that cover nearly all of the traditional topics. However, she doesnt even mention the Islamic version of philosophy of religion in the explanation and elaboration of different chapters. Islamic concept of Death and Afterlife is not given, Islamic concept of God and the purpose of mankind to worship Allah (SWT) is not shed light on. This book is more historically informed. Book is full of references, arguments and quotations from Cleanthes and Plato to Ramakrishna and Aquinas, which makes it cumbersome to read and the reader loses interest. To her credit, Zagzebski does not try to hide this fact. At the end of chapter one, for instance, she concedes that some remaining chapters do not make sense, if there is no God. Furthermore, she admittedly assumes that God exists in her discussion of the concept of God. One wonders what exactly Zagzebski has in mind when she refers to God as the perfectly good being. Zagzebski thinks she has located in her theory a position that eliminates the problem of evil at the level of the metaphysics of value (158). Her ideas in the chapter of Who and What is God are not very convincing. I cannot let some of Zagzebskis metaphors go without comment. In her introduction to the problem of evil, moreover, while addressing the difficulty of understanding Gods motives in allowing human suffering, she compares humans to dogs (143). This was a very vague example. In Chapter 9 while discussing Faith and Reason (213), she criticizes that Abraham sacrificed his son thinking its the commandment of God, its unreasonable to kill an innocent child. In my opinion Islam gives a detail account of the event and the reason and rationale behind this act, which the Muslims all over the world still cherish. Conclusion General Recommendations It is a very well written book and has been thoroughly investigated and footnoted. There is a bibliography and index at the end. This book is highly recommended to the students of philosophy at the post graduate level due to its complexity.

Power Markets and Electricity Derivatives :: essays research papers

Since the early ‘90s, the electrical energy sector has undergone profound and dramatic changes. More and more countries moved towards the deregulation of their energy sectors, from a regulated and monopolistic industry to one were the market forces of supply and demand determine the unit price of electricity. The first case of energy sector deregulation in Europe was recorded when the United Kingdom with the Electricity Act of 1990 created the Electricity Pool for England and Wales. Norway soon followed suit (Norwegian Energy Act of 1991) and set up the Norwegian Pool in 1993, which eventually became the Nord Pool in 1996. At the same year, the European Union issued its Electricity Directive (Directive 96/92/EC) according to which the electricity markets of all EU countries should be open for competition by 2003, with the exceptions of Greece and Ireland which were granted a one year extension [13]. Deregulating a country’s energy sector is a complicated and difficult task. The typical power utility operation is divided into three main functions: electricity generation, its transmission over the power grid and finally the distribution to the end users. Deregulation stipulates that all three functions should be open to competition. In particular, new and existing power generation utilities/companies (GenComs) should be able to compete with each other at a wholesale level. For this to be possible though, the access to the power grid should be offered with the same terms to all players. The only way to avoid any bias or conflict of interest is hence to ensure that the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity are either run by different companies or under different management (unbundling). Furthermore, the electricity distribution sector may also be segmented for different geographical areas, (DisComs). The actual trading of electricity, either the physical as set itself or financial products on it, is organized and takes place in a formal power exchange, or Pool [13]. The passage from a regulated to a deregulated power industry is seen in Figures 1 and 2. Deregulation of the energy sector is all the more challenging due to the particular characteristics of electricity that differentiate it from other traded commodities; namely limited storability and transportability. Electrical energy cannot be stored after it has been produced, except in the case of hydroplants where electricity is notionally stored indirectly in the form of the water kept in the reservoirs. Even in this case though, high demand can be satisfied for a limited time only, while the use of larger in size and/or number reservoirs is either unfeasible or uneconomical.

Ethics and Social Responsibilities in Management :: Ethical Standards Management Essays

Ethics and Social Responsibilities in Management   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ethics can be defined as a process of evaluating actions according to moral principal of values(A.Alhemoud). Throughout the centuries people were trying to choose between profit and moral. Perhaps, some of them obtain both, but every time it could have roused ethical issues. Those issues concern fairness, justice, rightness or wrongness; as a result it can only be resolved according to ethical standards.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Setting the ethical standards for the way of doing business in corporation is primarily task of management. Corporations have to maintain the same standards as an individual person and, in addition, corporations, as organizational units, have their own social responsibilities toward customers, employees and society. However, any business should keep it's original purpose of functioning - making profit. Balancing the traditional standards of profitability and burden of social responsibilities is not an easy task. In recent years it has been a trend of setting standards of corporate ethics according to high degree of morale.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To be able to keep the ethical standards management must follow the law. However, there are some complications in enforcing it. The law affects and is affected by social forces and prevailing ethical standards. "Although the law can codify societies ethical ____________________________________________________ ____________________ Alhemoud, Ali " Management Ethics is Smart Business." values, ethical decision making transcends the law in that 1) the law deals with actions not with thoughts, and therefore it does not (and cannot) codify all ethical requirements; and 2) an individual or a group may perceive a given law as immoral, not as a guide to ethical behavior." ( A. Alhemoud). How, then, a company can ensure that its code of ethics is both followed and enforced ? " . ..Defense firm such as General Dynamics and TRW, and an information company, Dun & Broadstreet, have appointed internal ethics officers or ombudsmen. Whether employees have faith in these safeguards against corporate retaliation is hard to tell, though it is one step forward (The Economist August 19 1995)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The ethical codes of corporations that that get so important nowadays also did not come into being at once. They emerged from individual ethical standards and corporate consciousness. Moreover, the public demand for prosecution of any violations of corporate, professional and business ethics has been increased. Finally, mass media made possible for society reveal secrets that were kept from public before. So, the business conduct regulations were created to "draft guidelines for ethical conduct, develop a process for monitoring business practices and recommend ways to correct questionable activities." (J.Byrne) All these measures were taken to balance various social responsibilities with the high degree of moral and sense of attainment.

Influences of Language on Meaning and Perception

Language is the main communication tool which influences meaning and perception. Language can be verbal (sounds, words) and non-verbal (signs, gestures, mimic, facial expression, behavior, and physical setting, etc). Interpersonal communication includes any behavior that another person perceives and interprets. As such, it is one person's understanding of what another person means. Behavior itself is a form of communication. Interpersonal communication occurs through symbols and signs decoded by the sender and encoded by the receiver. Using language (verbal), people name and describe objects, events and processes. Clarity and precision of presentation have a great impact on meaning and perception processes. The main problem is that the receiver can ‘encode’ the information differently which influences his perception and meaning of the message (Wood, 2003). So although it is true that names must precede descriptions in the sense that they provide the atomic terms of a description, it is also true that some (possibly holophrastic) ostensive assertions must be primitive in all category naming (Guerrero 1999). Verbal communication means sending messages to another person to inform about something, to persuade people to do something, to develop positive attitudes, and to cause other changes in people's thinking and behavior. Following Russell (2000) one interpretation of perception: â€Å"focuses on attending and concentrates on surveying the environment. Another focuses on interpretation and concentrates on language and mental activity after initial contact with stimuli. Viewing perception as an attending process and as an outcome of attending can both serve well† (4) The speech sounds of a language vary in many ways. Only some of these differences signal a difference in meaning in the language. These are called â€Å"phonemic† differences. The rest of the differences are â€Å"phonetic† differences that are less salient, less readily perceived, and less easily produced than the phonemic differences. In this case, if a person has poor articulation or speech defects the receiver can encode information is a wrong way and misinterpret the meaning. It is important that every person remember that specific words may not have the same meaning and significance for different people. The choice of words and vocabulary is one type of symbol that possesses emotional and psychological properties. It is possible to say that language shapes the meaning and allows the receiver to perceive its meaning. A unique pattern of language comes to be regarded as equivalent to a unique pattern in the receiver mind. Meaning and perception depends upon experience and views of the receiver and differs in what is perceived and how information is stored, and because the nature of the mapping may differ for â€Å"different types of cross-modal linkages† (Guerrero 1999, p. 56). I suppose that my language is clearly understood because I carefully chose vocabulary and meaning of words. Active listening helps me to learn new words and understand their usage correctly. So, it is possible to say that if a person wishes to communicate effectively with other people (verbally or non-verbally), he must somehow put themselves in each other's shoes. Effective interpersonal communication requires that people have a common set of meanings and definitions. Such a common set of meanings derives not only from the language, but refers more broadly to the pattern of beliefs, codes, and feelings on the basis of which people learn to live with their environment. To enlarge my vocabulary I read a lot of printed matters: books, magazines, scientific article, etc, and use new words and phrases in practice. For instance, non-fiction writing has ideas followed by arguments, by examples, before returning to a second argument. Seeing the structure of paragraphs is to see the pattern of the argument. This technique will help me to create a clear message and communicate with different people. One more important fact is that mass media is intended to be an example of language norms: vocabulary and grammar. References 1.Guerrero, L. K. et al. (1999). The Nonverbal Communication Reader: Classic and Conteporary Readings. Waveland Press. 2.Russell, Ch. (2000). CULTURE, LANGUAGE AND BEHAVIOR: Perception. A Review of General Semantics, 57, 4. 3.Wood, J.T. (2003). Interpersonal Communications. Wadsworth Publishing.                     

Aboriginals: the Mistreated Minorites of Canada

Aboriginal people are very passionate about their culture and traditions and believe that they are an important part of Canada’s past. Although their customs shaped Canada into a great nation, they are slowly fading into the background while competing with the French and English cultures. â€Å"Such an understanding gives no consideration to the presence and role of Aboriginal groups throughout history. † First Nation’s people do not receive a just amount of respect and equality in terms of their rights for land and freedom. Over the past century there have been several brutal protests that promote a negative, violent appearance towards all Aboriginals. In order to advance within society and claim land that is rightfully theirs, Natives have had to resort to planning court dates, forming petitions and writing threatening letters to the government. The Canadian government found ways to deceive the Aboriginals and get through loopholes to avoid granting reasonable wishes and staying true to their agreement. It is obvious that this Aboriginal versus government battle has been going on for far too long and it is an unfair challenge to the virtually helpless group of minorities. Throughout Canadian history Aboriginals have been judged for the way that they try to get recognition within society. Many citizens feel as if the Natives of Canada are violent and do not know how to control their actions. What people fail to see is that these bands are just mirroring the way they are being treated. Aboriginal groups have objected to uses of the environment by non-Aboriginal groups. † One of the most publicized protests in Aboriginal-government relations was the Oka crisis in 1990. The Mohawks of Quebec erected roadblocks to stop the construction of a golf course on disputed land, barricaded pathways to halt the movement of government vehicles, and got physical with some of the officers on patrol. After an 11 week stand-off the protestors were arrested and the Aboriginals could not retaliate. Finally, after 56 years of land disputation an agreement-in-principle was signed returning the land to the band. The government promised that the Aboriginals would receive land that was rightfully theirs and would not be disrupted again. This battle between the government and Aboriginals gives the impression that violent and inhumane behaviour is only coming from the Aboriginals, however the media fails to show the government retaliation. It is unjust to blame all of the violence on the Natives because both parties added problems to the situation. One of the first land claim agreements that acted as a stepping stone for other land claims that followed was the James Bay Treaty. Due to the fact that â€Å"the deal was controversial from the start† there were many signatories to make the treaty official. The agreement was shaped by Hydro-Quebec who wanted to ensure that they would make a profit from the Aboriginal people’s land. This land claim was negotiated under a great deal of pressure with numerous court days and lawyers present at every meeting between the groups. The Natives often thought that they were being taken advantage of and that they should not have to give up any of their land at all. â€Å"The Natives wrote letters to the Department of National Defence, organized joint actions with rural peoples and Aboriginal groups in the U. S. and Europe, met with European government representatives, held news conferences, and participated in demonstrations. † In order to join the community together, and peacefully riot against the government’s decisions, many petitions were signed by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members within society. The negotiation ended after about a year due to the pressure from the Cree and Inuit to receive a just amount of benefits. In the end the Aboriginals received great care and all that was promised after the negotiation but felt as if they should not have had to work so hard to get what they deserved. Legal action had to be taken in order for the Natives to voice their opinions about their land. The Canadian government has always found loopholes and ways around subjects that they do not want to deal with or talk about. When they were approached by the Nisga’a way back in 1890 they brushed them off and told them that as long as they did not get in the way of development, their communities would go unharmed. â€Å"Aboriginal people maintained only certain hunting and trapping rights on the land. † The people of this group wanted to have a self-governed community and felt that they should have the authority to make decisions that would better their standards of living. Their first attempt at approaching the provincial government in 1927 was declined due to the fact that a law was in place prohibiting Indians to advance land claims. Finally in 1973 the Canadian government overruled the laws that were set and began to negotiate with the First Nation’s people in 1976. â€Å"Aboriginal peoples argued that their right to self-government existed because their societies historically had been organized and self-ruling. † The Aboriginals were given the freedom that they wanted and were granted permission for a self-governed community however many restrictions and by-laws were put in place to keep these people under control. The Nisga’a people are now living happily while still trying to work out some quirks on balancing the provincial and federal regulations with those of the self-government. The Aboriginal people of Canada have undergone a great deal of mistreatment from the government over the past century and it should not have to continue. Although rules have been made to ensure that this group of minorities receives proper treatment from society, many are faced with the challenge of racism and segregation from the rest of Canadians. Canada is considered a bilingual country with both French and English as its official languages. Maybe it is time that this country realizes that it was built by another culture too. Aboriginal awareness is not a subject that is touched upon in school and it would be very helpful if the government paid respect to the First Nations people. Aboriginals are equal and deserve the same respect and attention that the rest of Canada receives from the government on a day to day basis.

Article Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Article Analysis - Essay Example tions are concerned about the performance of other economies because when other economies are growing America will be able to export different commodities to those economies. The growth in exports will result to reduction in the trade deficit. When the economy grows at a negative rate citizens will import less from other countries because the price of import is higher (Sparshott, 2014). Therefore, even the neighboring countries that have stable economies will suffer because the export market will shrink. This was the situation that faced U.S. due to slow growth rate in other countries such as Europe, China, and South Africa. A nation should identify sector of the economy that is performing well in terms of exports so that they can give it government support because the more exports the smaller the trade deficit and the higher the growth of the economy (Sparshott, 2014). Increase in job opportunities predicts an increase in production in the future. In conclusion, a growing economy is characterized by increasing exports over the imports. However, exports are affected by the performance of other economies hence slow growth in international economies will affect the U.S. economy

Answer questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Answer questions - Assignment Example With regard to the young ones, it gave them a direction and dimension of future prospect, the men and women a way of living, and the servants the ultimate freedom from ages of slavery that was imbibed upon them in various forms from the time of their birth. It was a movement and activity that had cultural context and narrative and changed the overall mindset and allowed for more learning, free expression, declaration of rights of the common, and raising the voice against tyranny, oppression and undue power and authority that was long in practice for centuries over the common man. The plays, the art, the theaters, the governmental movements, the philosophies all were crafted and maneuvered in a totally unique way in form of Renaissance. Even in present day it serves as learning steep for those who study it from different angles. Why was Leonardo’s presence important in and to Milan? Leonardo Di Vinci was a center figure in the era of Renaissance and his presence around had an i mpact on the overall mindset and pattern of art that flourished and prevailed in that era. His presence gave the new ones the direction, the contemporary ones the motivation and the upcoming artists a hope and motivation in form of the purified form of art which he carried and gave it a new direction. Leonardo Di Vinci belonged to an era which was marked by massive changes and transitions in form of the mindset and overall art and artists. The last Supper and Milan: Milan is the proud beholder of the Last Supper which is more than a mere painting and has multiple dimensions ranging from the art to history to philosophy that prevailed over period of time. it holds significance with regard to the church and the general sense that prevailed at that time. Make list and give examples of the elements of theater texts that were necessary in the Renaissance and that they are now redundant? The theme of the texts and painting was humanism, deism, rebellion, revolt and freedom; all this is cl early evident in the work of Renaissance and that era. Landscape, composition of figures through the sculpture, plaster and other means of art, use of fresco, portraits, nudism, freedom and salvation were few of the elements. The theater in itself was sufficiently strong enough and conveyed the general sense, mood and tempo of that era and the people which was exactly being demanded by them. Poetic expression in the theater, satire, irony, atheism were few of the elements of theater that developed with the course and action of Renaissance and allowed for the enlightenment of the masses in a cultured and educated way and the most soft way in form of art and expression which conveyed the message far and wide. These elements set precedence and are part of almost every society and every culture where the art is being followed and practiced. Hence it was the Renaissance and the theater texts that set foundation for what is being practiced and followed. Do you see any connection between p erspectives in painting perspective on stages? Give examples? There is a clear connection between the perspectives being presented in the paintings. Several paintings, stage events art, artists and their work can be attributed to the connection that prevailed in that era. For

Inclusion and Mainstreaming of Children with ADHD Essay

Inclusion and Mainstreaming of Children with ADHD - Essay Example The paper begins with an over-all discussion of ADHD and includes a review of the latest literature on the topic with an assessment of past empirical findings on the research topic under investigation. Part 1 provides a background, relevance, literature review, and the aims and objectives of the dissertation. Part 2 identifies the factors associated with how the researcher intends to approach this study, explaining methods of data collection and data analysis to be adopted. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention that becomes apparent in some children in the pre-school and early school years. The general symptom is the inability to control behaviour and/or to pay attention. Research findings (Greenberg & Horn, 1991) estimated that in some countries like the United States, 3 to 5 percent of children have this condition, which means that in a normal classroom of 25 to 30 children, there would be at least one with ADHD. Although first described by Hoffman in 1845, Still (1902) was the first to describe the condition in a scientific paper and hypothesised the cause to be a genetic dysfunction and not poor child-rearing. Garber, Garber, & Spizman (1990) were the first to use the term ADHD for the condition. Hunsucker (1988) was the first to argue that if persons with ADHD were treated early, there would be a reduction in the juvenile and adult crime rates, school drop-out rates, and alcohol and drug abuse. ADHD is a treatable condition the sooner it is diagnosed and if children with ADHD are provided with special education. This is why there has been an increase through the years in the scientific literature on the topic, more specifically on the issue of mainstreaming and inclusion of children undergoing special education. Mainstreaming is the original term that describes placing children with disabilities in classrooms with non-handicapped children. In the early stages, special education children were placed in special classes and would join regular classroom settings during extra classes such as music and art. This term has evolved into "inclusion" which tries to place special education and disabled children in regular education classes as often as possible (York et al., 1992; Adamson et al., 1990; Cook & Friend, 1992; Conn, 1992; CEC, 1993; Friend & Cook, 1992; Giangreco et al., 1993). These papers argued for the main reasons behind the interest on this issue that have to do with the fact that the classroom and school environments provide an effective factor for early diagnosis, the

Performance Measurrement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Performance Measurrement - Essay Example (1997), this trend has led to the creation of new philosophies in performance assessment, such as concurrent engineering/construction, lean production/construction and many others such as JIT, TQM, TPM etc.; and the construction industry has continually saw the adoption of these new principles and techniques to better improve the quality of construction projects The major driving factor behind these new principles is the optimisation of an organisation's performance, internally and externally, to enable it compete favourably well within its market (Kagioglou et al, 2001). This is because performance measurement enables an organisation, construction organisation in this sense, to understand how decision making processes or practices led to success and failures in the past, and how that understanding can drive the organisation towards future improvements (Hatry, 1999). The purpose of this essay, therefore, is to elaborate the set of performance measures that are vital to assess the finances, customer satisfaction and product management in the construction industry, and to identify the right time and application for these performance measurements. ... defines the concept of 'performance measurement', quoting Evangelidisz (1992); he differentiated performance measurement from a similar term, 'performance management. He defined performance management as a closed loop control system which deploys policy and strategy, and obtains feedback from various levels in order to manage the performance of the system; and Performance measurement as the information system which is at the heart of the performance management process and it is of critical importance to the effective and efficient functioning of the performance management system. Thus, one can conclude that performance measurement is the processes of determining how successful organisations or individuals have been in attaining their objectives and strategies (Evangelidisz, 1992 cited in Kagioglou et al., 2001). However, to achieve this BICE (2005) contend that for a set of performance measures to be effective, it must possess the following vital components. These are: Clearly defined, actionable, and measurable goals that cascade from organisational mission to management and program levels; Cascading performance measures that can be used to measure how well mission, management, and program goals are being met; Established baselines from which progress toward the attainment of goals can be measured; Accurate, repeatable, and verifiable data; and Feedback systems to support continuous improvement of an organisation's processes, practices, and results. The importance of using the right performance measures to measure/assess the right 'things' is indisputably evident throughout the construction market today. The results of such appropriate measurement of performance would include attraction of future investment, increase in customer satisfaction, increase in share value