Saturday, August 31, 2019

Music: Native Americans in the United States and Correct Answer Essay

Incorrect 1. The language used to discuss music is universal. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 0. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): B Correct 2. One way 19th-century Americans were exposed to European classical music was through visiting European musicians. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): A Correct 3. The musical language of America is based on: A) Western European musical concepts B) ancient Greek musical concepts C) neither a nor b D) a and b Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): A Correct 4. When categorizing music, stylistic labels should be adhered to rigidly. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): B Correct 5. Diverse musical traditions are a contributing element to our rich national culture. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): A Correct 6. The composer of a folk song is often: A) poor B) not a musician C) old D) unknown Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): D. Correct 7. Early American settlers _______________ the music of Native Americans. A) accepted B) tolerated C) copied D) rejected Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): D Correct 8. Most early religious, folk, and popular songs were derived the styles of: A) the British Isles B) South America C) a blending of Native American and European cultures D) Native American peoples Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): A Correct 9. The instruments Americans have are, for the most part, derived from those in. Europe and the British Isles. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): A Correct 10. Ethnomusicologists study the social aspects of music. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): A Correct 11. Generally, a culture’s belief systems and music are separate. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): B Correct 12. The merging of cultural traditions produces: A) very little of national value B) ethnic minorities. C) new styles and modes of behavior D) race tensions Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): C Incorrect 13. It is necessary for professional musicians to earn the bulk of their living from performing. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 0. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): B Correct 14. The primary factor in the development of America’s cultural mainstream was the predominance of: A) English-speaking settlers B) African slaves C) Native American culture D) free trade Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): A Correct 15. The __________ Law of 1909 provided ownership of popular songs to composers, lyricists, and publishers. A) Permission B) Copyright C) Ownership D) Holder Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): B Correct 16. Ethnomusicologists study audiences as well as performers. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): A Correct 17. Many cultures in the world are still unaffected by outside influences. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): B Correct 18. Scientific research has found that music powerfully affects the emotions of listeners. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): A Correct 19. Ethnomusicologists rely on a ______________ rather than an ethnocentric perspective to study and describe music. A) regional B) local C) global D) universal Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): C Correct 20. Who composed music for orchestra, but in the â€Å"pop† style? A) Bob Dylan B) Tchaikovsky. C) George Gershwin D) Beethoven Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): C Correct 21. According to the text, it is unnecessary to acquire a sense of what exists beyond our own cultural experience. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): B Correct 22. When music is transmitted from generation to generation by imitation or memory, this is referred to as: A) notational tradition B) oral tradition C) familial tradition D) none of these Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): B Correct 23. Music labels can be: A) helpful B) ambiguous C) a and b D) neither a nor b Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): C Correct 24. True artistry is generally only found in classical music. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): B Correct 25. Music has taken on a global perspective due to technological advances in communication and transportation. A) True B) False Table for Individual Question Feedback Points Earned: 4. 0/4. 0 Correct Answer(s): A.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Social Differentiation

Gender of human remains can show social differentiation in a variety of different ways. One such factor is damage on the bones may indicate the job of the deceased, for example, signs of osteoarthritis in the Canadian Inuits jaws and right hands indicate that they were sewing skins. In comparison, disease to the right shoulder and elbow in some cases show that the deceased used harpoons which have been interpreted as men who hunted.Social differences have been seen between male and female skeletons at Tell Abu Hureyra; grooves in the sides of women's teeth are thought to have been caused by drawing fibres through them before using the fibres in baskets and male skeletons had lesions and strain injuries to their arms which might be associated with spears. However, these lesions may have been created by post depositional factors. Another evaluative point is that these remains do not prove that all males hunted and all females sewed – it only proves that women had bad teeth.The l ayout of graves also show social differentiation as evidence at Skara Brae shows us; bodies of two females, interred in stone-built graves, were discovered beneath the right hand bed and wall. It was apparent that the females had been buried there before the house was constructed and their presence could have signified some sort of foundation ritual. However, this may also signify that this area was their domain in life. Social differentiation can also be identified through the age of the deceased.At West Kennet, DNA analysis on the bones has shown that 46 individuals were disarticulated into various transepts in the tomb. The bones were sorted into not only by gender, but also age; infant, young adult and elderly, suggesting that each age group had a specific role within the society. To a certain extent grave goods can tell us a lot about social differentiation based on gender. Rich male graves are often interpreted in terms of what he earned whereas when a woman is found which ric h grave goods they are often attributed to her father or husband.Women having their own status is not considered a lot within archaeology. In inhumations, if women over a certain age have certain grave goods, and the younger ones do not it can be argued that those goods represent the dowry exchanged in marriage. A reoccurring theme from the Bronze Age onwards is that women were regularly buried with pins, necklaces and bracelets however, the interpretation that this was a dowry is not always correct as DNA analysis [ARCH 2] at West Hazelton showed some females were buried with weapons and some males were buried with jewellery and so the grave goods may indicate achieved status.Until recently, the sexing of burials relied on grave goods. Jewellery without weapons was expected in female graves and so was used to define these graves. However, the problem with this method is that they might not be compatible with modern society’s biased view on male and female belongings such as the Birdlip Burial. Along with the deceased, this contained a mirror and jewellery and it was thought to be a rich princess’s grave or that of Boudicca herself, however, recent examination and CAT scans of the skull shows that it has masculine traits which contrasts with the original interpretation.The assemblage is also notable in that the artefacts had all been broken and a vessel had been placed over the face of the dead and so it is thought that it may have been a male shaman and not a princess. Grave goods can show achieved or ascribed status which is also shown with the age of the body. Vedbaek Bodbakken shows a child buried on a swans wing and other natural objects such as amber along with its mother. The age of the infant and the mother who was only believed to be about 18 has helped to interpret the grave as one of a wife or daughter of a chief.The grave is thought to be such high status because of the effort and time placed into the burial and ascribed status becaus e the child had not had time to earn it themselves. One problem with using the age is there is a lack of younger burials, high infant mortality rates and so are disregarded. For example the presence of 97 baby inhumations at a brothel at a Roman Villa in Thames Valley shows that the Romans did not consider children to be human until they reached a certain age.The layout of a settlement can help to show social differentiation through gender and age because of the views of modern archaeologists. For example at Skara Brae each of the eight dwellings found have the same basic layout – a large room, with a fireplace in the middle, a bed on either side and a dresser facing the entrance. However, the right hand bed is always larger that than the left hand bed which has led some archaeologists, including one of the site's main excavators, Gordon Childe, to speculate that the layout of the village is gendered – right being male and left being female.Beads and paintpots were als o found on some of the smaller beds – lending to the gendered theory. Also, House 7 in Skara Brae appears very much like the other houses in the community, however, several distinctive features have led archaeologists and historians to interpret that it played a unique part in village life. The house is isolated from the main part of the village and access is gained down a side-passage, it is also the only house in the village in which the door was barred from the outside, not the inside.The bodies of two females, interred in stone-built graves, were discovered beneath the right hand bed and wall. It was apparent that the females had been buried there before the house was constructed and their presence could have signified some sort of foundation ritual. Most theories on the subject involve confinement or separation from the rest of the community – they range from childbirth and menstruation to initiation through ritual and imprisonment.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Ordinary Courage: The Revolutionary War Adventures Essay

The narration depicts the adventures of Joseph Plumb Martin’s as a patriot in Washington army, giving the unusual contributions of soldiers to American history. Joseph Plumb was at first recruited in the Continental Army in 1776 at 15 years of age and was deployed to serve as a rank and file solder for eight operation seasons. It was during this time when Martin suffered the horrors of war including killer illness, brutal weather, virtual starvation and dangerous attacks. In the process, Joseph assisted in making a new American nation. In the last part of the book, Martin claims that the 1818, Revolutionary Pension War Act, was a long behind time payment for the war veterans for the services they provided. He maintains that the Continental Army was not adequately supplied with clothes, rations, or shelter and their monthly pay was even too low. As a war veteran Martin believed that the contribution of the Continental Army even their final conquest was not appreciated and recognized to be backbone of revolution (Martin, 1999). Martin maintained that discipline of the Continental Army was very critical for their success and victory. In his first enlistment, the regiment -5th Connecticut that was commanded to defend New York City in 1776, the regiment was defeated due to lack of experience and training for the soldiers. Martin faulted his regiment for lack of leadership and proper command resulting to complete disorder. In addition, Martin asserts that the cause of defeat for the Connecticut Army was as a result of deployment of untrained soldiers. During the Monmouth campaign, Martin was received the necessary training after he was transferred to a light troop and was in charge of maintaining close contact with British Army in inspect and harass them. Fear was a major them in the experience of the America Army. Fear was demonstrated in several forms and for a soldier in the war field there was the possibility of being killed in the battle. This fear was common to the soldiers and the military people since they did not want to be perceived as letting their fellow soldiers down. The soldier feared to dying before they had left a legacy of what they were to be remembered for by their comrades. Martin was first struck by fear like any of the other soldiers when he first went to his first war in which New York was attacked by General Howe. The reports about Howe’s attack and the smell of sulfur in the air gave Martin a disagreeable mood and his nervousness increased when he saw smoke from a bomb at a distance. Solidarity was a vital constituent of the experiences of the American Army. The theme was portrayed in the army experiences of Joseph Martin and the men of Grace Hopper. Companionship was developed through hardships and challenges faced. If there was no comradely soldiers like Joseph Martin and Grace Hopper could have nobody to turn to for support. Martin demonstrated a remarkable sense of companionship when the Americans moved back from Kip’s bay, he found a friend who was sick as he made efforts to meet with his regiment and with persuasion Martin assisted him back. The man was prepared to die but when Martin found him he carried his friend on his shoulder and guided him back to the regiment. Alcohol was also an ordinary theme in the American army experiences together with their everyday lives. The soldiers wanted alcohol in order to forget the suffering and pressures of military life. In addition, taking of alcohol was essential in creating associations between the army personnel. Moreover, alcohol had an important place in celebrations and social military events. Martin and his comrades enjoyed spirits in their recruitment in the Continental Army. When no spirits were provided by the authorities, they could normally go to get them out and in some occasions a fight could ensue over having a drink. In the course of his service period, Martin came to have a high regard for people around him. Martin liked the attacking skills and expertise of his regiment officers together with his commanders including other commanders of the continental army. However, there were some conflicts between superior army officers and the juniors during wartime. Such disagreements arose due to misunderstandings in communication and arose from differences in communication. There was misunderstanding between Martin and an army officer which led to Martin and many of his comrades being separated from their regiment. In conclusion, Martin objectives for tolerating the long years of war and suffering were patriotism and loyalty to his comrades and the fight against American enemy. Martin emphasizes that the cause was revolution of America and incase the army had disintegrated the cause of their fight would have been lost. Martin asserts that in spite of the army’s commitment to fight the enemy in the Revolution of America, their effort was not appreciated by the America leaders of that time. References Martin, J. P. (1999). Ordinary Courage: The Revolutionary War Adventures of Joseph Plumb Martin. New York: Brandywine Press.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Write about being a revenue cycle director in managed care Term Paper

Write about being a revenue cycle director in managed care - Term Paper Example President, I am tasked with verifying, reviewing and updating all information relating to the demography on the managed care’s database, SoundConnect, which is primary a care service provider. i. Evaluating equipment, systems and staffing so that they meet the set standards of business. I provide assessments, appraisals and recommendations to the Chief Financial Officer and other top level management. After I send my recommendations, they are then responsible for making the appropriate changes. iv. Monitoring the productivity of all the departments. These productivity metrics include claims that have been rejected, denied or processed. It also includes collection volume, payments of patients, rates of fee schedules and account write offs. v. Ensuring that the staff attends training programs for specified functions. Through reviewing the staff, I am able to gauge their job proficiency. Additionally, I schedule staff meetings aimed at enhancing staff development and improving communication. vii. Using the billing system and systems of collection for processing and billing. I am an accountant by profession and therefore I ensure that the billing systems are utilized by the staff at the care. I also conduct training programs to make sure that proficiency testing for all staff is established. Friedman et al., argues that, the revenue cycle director is part of the managerial staff and as such, is involved with contributing to the vision and strategic strategies that a managed care facility adopts. Therefore, the director sets the strategy and vision in alignment with the goals and initiatives of the critical revenue cycle for every business line (Friedman et al., 2013). As the director, I provide the strategy and vison for the Pain Center, Home Health, Orthopedics and the Ambulatory Surgical Center. My job extends to managing and leading intrinsic revenue cycle projects. I perform this role by providing the total oversight and direction of the core areas that

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Final exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Final exam - Essay Example These Asian economies enjoy a number of natural and artificial factors. These factors have positioned both China and India at a far much better place to benefit from the idea of globalization. The goodwill portrayed by the political leadership has threefold accentuated the embrace and utilization of globalization to its best. Cummings Inc, being company based in Columbus and majoring in production of world class engines that enable power and run world economies, stand a chance to feel, in full force, the impact of Indian and Chinese presence in the American Market. Cummings Inc is global and this directly translates that it is competing for the same resources and same market which India and china are trying to venture in. It is noted with a lot of concern that China and India have penetrated nearly in all parts which were predominantly American markets and hence companies in America, including Cummings Inc has to review its strategies for it to compete effectively in the 21st century market. Opportunities presented by Influx of Indian and Chinese Activities to Cummings Inc Outsourcing China and India account for approximated two billion of the world’s population. Outsourcing has been very common of late. Many USA companies are finding it far much cheaper to get work done in India and china than in USA. This is business and Cummings Inc has to adapt to these radical changes. ... These governments are doing anything possible to see increase of job opportunities. As mentioned in the earlier, they hold a large population and this population need food, shelter and clothing. Life standards need not only to be achieved but also guaranteed and of quality. The political leadership in these two countries knows that it’s only through a better life that stability can be maintained. For this reason, they endeavor to welcome any investor to invest in their labor affordable market. Cummings hence has an opportunity to save a lot if at all it opts to shift some of its operations in China or India. In fact, it is very viable. These countries are considerably technologically sound and as one of the business activities of Cummings Inc is to design, then the designs can be taken to china or India for production. Market Cummings makes products which drive economies. China and India presents the largest market for any product. They are growing economies and definitely nee d these products from Cummings. The international agreements signed for doing business will enable Cummings to export its products with a lot of ease to China and India. It presents a rare opportunity for exponential kid of growth. Recommendations to the Company Firstly, I recommend that Cummings Inc to outsource in India or China. The standard of living in these countries is relatively low and hence Cummings will benefit from a reduced cost of production. A low cost of production directly translates to a stiff competition of the Cummings’ products in the global market. Cummings Inc ought to open up more dealer outlets of its products in China and India. This is beneficial in a way that the large population provides a ready market. The industrial growing state of these two countries

Final Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Final Project - Assignment Example For example, if a caretaker of a child thinks that a child likes to play alone may be used to run an incorrect diagnostic to a child who has Autism or one who does not have Autism. Therefore, practitioners should understand that diagnosis does not necessarily provide families, other professionals, and teachers with relevant information about what requirements do the children needs, or the ability the students to enable them teach them in the best way possible. However, they are also as important since they will provide them with information about the child thus providing people with disabilities, educators, families, and other researchers with a common framework or language and connecting people to funding, resources, and services (Kluth 2010, pg. 11). In this case, the main section the author reveals his thoughts and feelings about the diagnosis of Autism is by providing the different characteristics of children living with Autism. These characteristics describe some of the diagnost ics outcomes that a practitioner can provide when diagnosing an individual. Some of these characteristics include sensory differences, leaning differences, movement differences, social differences, and interests and fascinations (Kluth 2010, pg.11). Movement difference is the first outcome diagnosis of individual likely to have Autism. In this case, it involves both atypical and excessive movement, and loss of typical movement. For example, this movement differences end to impede speech, postures, perceptions, actions, memories, and thoughts. In the diagnosis, that author outlines that a person suffering from Autism experiences these movement problems constantly, in addition, those people on the spectrum will also take many efforts even with the smallest tasks. Moreover, movement differences can result to difficulties in areas of movement such as combining, executing, starting, and stopping. On the other hand, auditory sensitivity is the other diagnostic result in people likely to h ave Autism. Some people will be disturbed by small sounds that others will not get to hear thus can cause a person in Autism has distress (Kluth 2010, pg. 11). Visual Sensitivity is also very common in people with autism, and they are sometimes very sensitive with certain types of colors. In this case, a person with autism may be suffering from being anxious and being fearful thus, the author reveals that visual sensitivity can be diagnosed on those individuals who have Autism (Kluth 2010, pg. 14). Sensory differences among people can be diagnosed as a personal suffering from Autism. One of the characteristics that individuals with autism can be diagnosed with thus; they cannot reveal signs of either a hypo or hyper-response. The other characteristic in this category is the sense that this group of people is vulnerable to for example, sensory overload due to the continued low-level bombardment (Kluth 2010, pg. 13). Lastly, social differences in various levels of the social life can help a practitioner diagnose a person suffering from autism. For example, people suffering from autism will not be interested in social relationships since they lack the necessary skills for successful social interactions, such as; they are bad in reading social signals (Kluth 2010, pg.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Limited Collection Brand in Marks & Spencer Essay

Limited Collection Brand in Marks & Spencer - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that Marks and Spencer Group (M&S) is a retailer of clothing, foods and Homeware. It operates through owned stores and franchise stores. The company has two reportable geographic segments: UK and international. M&S operates through a chain of 622 stores across UK and 278 international outlets throughout 34 countries worldwide The company's operations can be categorized under two divisions: food and general merchandise including clothing and home ware. The food division focuses on fresh, natural, healthy food; special celebration products; authentic ready meals and exceptional everyday food such as Oakham' chicken and Aberdeen Angus steaks. It chain of 205 franchised Simply Food' stores operates in railway stations, Heathrow Airport and motor service areas. These stores offers its customers an opportunity to shops between visits to the company's main stores. The clothing division product portfolio includes women's wear, men's wear, lingerie children's wear and footwear. Hong Kong, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Turkey offices provides the raw materials to the division. This division offers some prominent brands which includes: Autograph, Limited Collection, Cellozione, Blue Harbour, Girls Boutique, Per Una and Ceriso. The home division product and services caters homeware and home accessories; kitchen and tableware; lighting; and furniture products. The division also offers catalogue and online services.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

The Question of Objectivity in Edmund Husserl Essay

The Question of Objectivity in Edmund Husserl - Essay Example Phenomenology refers to the continued endeavor to depict or illustrate experiences as well as conditions devoid of theoretical and metaphysical speculations. Husserl believed in the existence of an objective real world, which human beings have to limit, define, and bracket. According to Husserl, phenomenology refers to the science of consciousness and not of empirical things (Sawicki 2). Therefore, Husserl supported objectivity through phenomenology that aims at looking at particular examples minus theoretical assumptions before making judgments on the situation or circumstance. I agree to Husserl’s perception objectivity and that people need to make fair judgments without feelings, imaginings, and biasness on various issues pertaining to life. The reason why I support Husserl on the idea of objectivity is that it enables people become independent thinkers. When an individual is in a challenging circumstance, independent thinking might assist him make informed decisions that may relieve or save him from the situation. Being an independent thinker is beneficial to an individual since it makes him to reason out from a neutral and independent mind view (Ryan 37). The independent mind always encourages innovation and inventions since one is not confined to particular thoughts or perspectives derived from an outside source. Consequently, being an independent thinker prevents one from being brainwashed by misleading misconceptions and fallacies. This is because an independent mind usually seeks to view situations and conditions in a different perspective a nd not from experiences or assumptions of people in relation to the issue (Ryan 39). Secondly, Husserl’s position on objectivity is good since it creates a world of people with different views and thoughts, which is good for the progressive world. Since there are several challenges emerging in daily life, the need for

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Essay Question Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Question - Essay Example This category comprised of 14% of the whole sample. The next category was ordinary users. This comprised a moderately 27% of the whole cluster analysis. The third category was the irregular users. The irregular user encompassed 14% of the total population sample. The largest category was thee basic users, who comprised an enormous 45%. In order to obtain this analysis, Chi-Square analysis method was used. This analysis showed important relationships between the various kinds of technology identified. The analysis also showed the various universities which the students attended. It also reveals the various genders of the students, their age, and their countries of origin. The last ten years has shown a lot of development in the type of technology that is being employed today. The technology skills have improved greatly. Students have changed their preferences and their experience is biased towards the direction of technology. The result in the next few years will be that all the students will be â€Å"digital natives.† These students will have homogenous group characteristics that require a wide range of experience and improved skills in in using information and communication technology. In recent years, there has been an empirical research that has been conducted by other different researchers concerning the Net Generation students. This research reveals an increasing level of technology that is being adopted and used. However, the findings are below those predicted by the Net Generations or the digital natives’ rhetoric. The researches shows a large number of students often use an established technology. For example emails and web browsing. However, there is only a few of this students sub-groups who used more advanced or a recent technology and tools. While classifying the various groups in a broader manner, another researcher found out that 31% of all the American adults were elite technology users while 20% were mid-level

Friday, August 23, 2019

CorruptionDefoe's capitalist views and his moral purpose in Roxana Essay

CorruptionDefoe's capitalist views and his moral purpose in Roxana - Essay Example Robinson Crusoe extended the form of the picaresque and turned an adventure tale into a critique of colonialism. Moll Flanders did the same with the class of 'gentlewomen'. Roxana similarly has come to be accepted as a critique of early capitalism -- a time in English history when the industrial revolution was yet not a tactile reality but a creepy creature whose tugs on morality, civility and social infrastructure were being secretly felt. Defoe takes a old world morality tale about a woman's coming to terms with her own profession as a whore and turns it into a contemporary tale about capitalism's philosophy of self-aggrandizement and saleability of the self. In retrospect Defoe will seem prophetic in his constitution of the plot about Roxana's willing acceptance of her profession and how she readily agrees to 'capitalise' it when she knows her moral degradation is irreversible. In medieval morality plays, Roxana's good self would have been saved by a benign god who in a climactic moment would retrieve her from misery. But in Defoe's world emergent capitalism prevails over frivolling morality and what would have been a fallen life before becomes a life of opportunities for Roxana. No wonder Roxana is called Defoe's 'darkest' novel and that explains the crowd of critical and scholarly attention that it has received. The term 'dark' is not a secular word and hence burdens the novel with a given morality and wisdom. By such means it is easy to provide an ordinary, feminist framework for Roxana and turn it into a conventional male author's depiction of a bold woman, too much in control of her sexuality and hence too obviously susceptible to moral decrepitude and eventual fall. But at another level Roxana is a mock tale about capitalism, corruption and individual enterprise. As the novel proceeds, we see Roxana triumphant, outwitting the males in her life and by using them to achieve her own purposes. Later, she is seen to be felled again and reverts to her previous status of misery and helplessness. At one level if this is her punishment for living against the moral standards of the society and the fantasy of a protestant moralist, at another level it is a critique of the

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Great Expectations Essay Example for Free

Great Expectations Essay Magwitch is simply portrayed as an evil man chasing a little boy while in the Lean version we get to learn a little more about Magwitch and can empathise with him more. The 1946 Lean version incorporates both characterisation and maintaining the audiences interest (done through dialogue rather than just one dramatic word). Therefore, I would argue it is more effective. The sound effects used in both films are dramatic and each has moments where the sounds used are more effective than the other film. For example, Leans film makes use of trees creaking, wind whistling, a short sharp scream and loud lonely bird calls. These sounds build up the effect of loneliness and solitude surrounding Pip. This is effective because it allows the audience to become emotionally attached to the character which makes it more dramatic when Pip meets Magwitch. On the other hand, the 1999 version of the film makes use of heavy breathing and very loud sudden bird calls. These sound effects are mote dramatic than the other films effects because the birds and heavy breathing are very loud and upfront rather than subtle. They really add to the scene and so I believe both the films have equally effective sound effects. A heavy use of symbolism is evident in both films. In the Lean version some symbolism used includes the book at the beginning. This represents that a story is about to be retold and the pages of the book turning suggest that the audience are being immersed into a story. The book may also be a subtle tribute to Dickens from Lean who acknowledges that the film is based on a novel. In fact, Lean tries to remain faithful to some of Dickens descriptions such as the horizontal lines in the sky. The shot of Magwitchs dirty skin is also an interesting use of symbolism. This is very effective because not only does it introduce us to Magwitchs circumstances but it also helps develop an alternate side to him. The dirt on his skin not only suggests that he is different underneath but also shows that he has been through a lot. The contrast in colouring between Magwitchs dark hand and Pips pale skin also reiterates how Magwitch is more evil and Pip is vulnerable. It is very effective because it has many purposes and is done very subtly. There is also symbolism in the later film and an interesting example is the birds flying in the sky. The quick transition from Pips face to the flying birds suggests to the audience that something terrible is happening. The timing of the cut suggests that the birds caws are covering what would be the boys screams. There is also the symbolism in that birds are free and can fly away from trouble while Pip is limited and can not get away so easily. I would argue that there is more important symbolism that has more purposes in the Lean version because there is a tribute to Dickens and it is used to develop the characters and plotline while the later film mainly uses symbolism for dramatic effect only. One way in which the earlier version is very good is in the use of the camera. One place where it is very effective is when there is a long shot panning behind a tree in a graveyard it is possibly a point of view shot. This not only sets the scene and establishes the background due to the long-shot but also creates the feeling that the audience are hiding and watching the boy. This makes them wonder what will happen to the boy as the audience will not know at this moment whether the character whose view we are taking has good or bad intentions. There is editing where there is flicking from one shot to another and this builds tension and creates confusion. This is used in the dialogue between Pip and Magwitch to show the urgency of the situation. Between this rapid editing the shots are mainly extreme close ups of Magwitchs face to create fear and close-ups of Pip so his emotions are very clear to the audience. The 1946 film has a lot of variations in shot however; the 1999 film mainly uses point of view and mid-shots which are interesting because they allow the audience to stay close to what is going on. Yet the variety in the Lean film keeps the audiences interest engaged. There would not have been a choice at the time the film was made but because the film is in black and white it is often very striking as the black white and grey seem minimalist but they still strongly contrast. Lean uses the black and white to create stark contrasts in the sky and background to emphasise the eeriness and loneliness of the setting. So although he can not make full use of the colour that the later film can Lean uses the contrasts in symbolism. Overall, I would say that although both films have very good openings the earlier one has more ways that make it a better introduction to the story as a whole. Generally I feel that the Lean film has shots that allow for more characterisation and development of plot while also making the vital dramatic impact that is imperative to retain the interest of an audience. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Miscellaneous section.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Victims’ Rights and Vengeance Essay Example for Free

Victims’ Rights and Vengeance Essay There have been many alterations to the legal rights and assistance programs to better serve victims of crime. In every state, there are considerable rights in order to protect these victims. The statues of Victims’ rights influence how the victims are treated within the criminal justice system. â€Å"This was the key goal of the sweeping changes in the 2004 Crime Victims Act (CVRA), which became the â€Å"cutting edge of the third wave of victims’ rights.† (B. YU.L.Rev, 2005). â€Å"There are eight basic rights that crime victims have, the section 3771(a) provides these rights: 1. The right to be reasonably protected from the accused. 2. The right to reasonably, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceeding, or any parole proceeding, involving the crime or of any release of escape of the accused. 3. The right not to be excluded from any such public court proceeding, unless the court, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that proceeding. 4. The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding. 5. The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case. 6. The right to full and timely restitution as provided by law. 7. The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay. 8. The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy.† (Cohen, 2006). â€Å"The CVRA provides that victims may choose to have their own attorney and seek to assert the rights to be present and participate in the criminal proceeding. In the district court, a victim may make a motion for relief, including a motion to reopen a plea  agreement. (18 U.S.C  § 3771 (d) (5).) If the district court denies a victims motion, the CVRA provides for an expedited appellate review process. (Maryland also allows the victim to be represented by an attorney before the appellate courts. A crime victim may petition for a writ of mandamus, and the court of appeals must decide the petition within seventy two hours† (Mermelstein, M. Amer, S. M. (2013). The CVRA â€Å"contemplates active review of orders denying crime victims’ rights claims even in routine cases.† (Boland and Butler, 2009). â€Å"The 2004 Crime Victims Act (CVR A) came into effect to make sure that the victims were properly being taken care of and had an option to voice when it came to the defendant who victimized them. This law has been threatened many times. This law has also been amended many times as well. According to the Crime Victims’ Rights Act 18 U.S. C.  § 3771. This law allows the victim to be protected against the accuser. Sometimes this law is violated and the victim is not treated fairly. Most of the states have set laws as well as constitutional amendments that will make sure that the victims are protected within the criminal justice system. â€Å"Many victims try to assert their rights only to be turned down by the court†, (Boland and Butler, 2009) and in my opinion the judicial system has not upheld the law by not allowing that victims receive the full justice they very well deserve. In my opinion about vengeance, it is never appropriate in any circumstance, even with breaking the law. â€Å"This mortal vengeance seems a natural response but, as the myth makes clear, it invites further vengeance. The second truth, therefore, is that murder answered by revenge inspir es revenge in its turn. To this cycle of retributive vengeance there is no end. In other words of Mohandas Gandhi, â€Å"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind† (Cohen, 2006). I feel vengeance can be a never ending cycle, it can keep continuing, one act after another. I also feel that the person that first intentionally hurt another person, and that person turns around and hurt the first person, they are just as bad of a person as the first person is. I really have to agree with what the Survivors Network does for the victims of crime. It helps them with the healing process and to overcome trauma that has happened to them. This network helps the victim to cope with what has happened to them. I feel this helps so they won’t participate in revengeful activity upon the accuser. The Survivors Network is helpful to the victims, as well as the victims’ families. References: University of Phoenix. (2007). Vengeance Time. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, CJA/324 website University of Phoenix. (2009). Crime Victims Rights: From Illusion to Reality. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, CJA/324 website University of Phoenix. (2006). The victims rights and the furies in American courts. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, CJA/324 website. Mermelstein, M. (2013). From Victim to Victor: Corporate Crime in the Internet Era. Retrieved from http://www.americanbar.org/publications/blt/2013/11/01_mermelstein.html

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

An Essay on Loss and Grief

An Essay on Loss and Grief Choose one event on loss and construct an academic essay supported by relevant academic sources INTRODUCTION This essay explores my experience of loss and grief after the death of my father in 1997 and how my grieving process relates to theories put forward to explain and deal with bereavement. Hall (2014) suggests that loss and grief are fundamental to human life..Harvey (1998) perceives loss as a life experience relating to something irreversible and emotions towards what is lost. Hall (2014) defines grief as the response to the loss in its totality – including its physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural and spiritual manifestations – and as a natural and normal reaction to loss. It has been argued that in order to understand grief it is important to understand the role of attachment. Mallon (2008) observed that in order to have loss there must be attachment. As a result many theories of attachment play a major role in bereavement counseling. Bowlby (1980) emphasised the role of attachment in relationships. He suggests that a childs emotional growth will be compromised i f the child does not have attachment to a significant other person. The consequences can be that the individual may have difficulties connecting with others. This essay will first explore some of the salient theories on grief and bereavement. Secondly, a discussion of my experiences grieving my fathers death drawing on some key elements of bereavement theories will follow. Finally, a summary of the discussion will conclude the essay. THEORIES OF BEREAVEMENT AND LOSS Freud (1953 – 1974) was the first major contributor to the theory of grief. His theory stressed that grieving individuals search for an attachment that has been lost. His work involved the process of breaking the links that bonded the survivor to the deceased. He identified three elements namely: Freeing the bereaved from the bondage to the deceased Readjustment to life without the deceased Building new relationships. Parkes (1971, 1996) argued that Freuds concept of grief was useful in considering grief to be part of a rebuilding process which he calls psychosocial transition. Freud (1953-1974) argued that the grieving experience for the bereaved requires that they acknowledge their separation from the deceased by going through a process that includes painful emotions of guilt and anger. Furthermore, these emotions must be expressed. Key to Freuds approach was the idea that if the bereaved failed to work with or complete their grief work, then the grieving process would become complicated and compromise recovery. This model stresses the importance of moving on as quickly as possible in order to return to normal functioning. Influenced by Freud (1953-1974), several grief theorists including Kà ¼bler Ross (1969), Bowlby (1980) and Parkes Weiss (1983) conceptualised grief as a process of predictable phases and tasks. One of the most recognised was Kà ¼bler Ross (1969), who proposed the five-stage model that constituted the following stages: Shock and denial Anger Resentment and guilt Bargaining Depression and Acceptance. The model insists that failure to complete the stages would result in acute mental health complications. Hall (2014) argues that the stage theories were popular because they suggest a sense of conceptual order while offering hope of recovery and closure. Despite their popularity, most stage theories attracted criticism in the same way that Freuds proposition attracted criticism for their lack of empirical evidence and their rigidity. Furthermore, the stage theories have been challenged for their inability to capture the complex, diverse and multi-faceted nature of the grieving experience. Baxter and Diehl (1998) argue that since grief is considered to be fluid, it is unlikely that individuals are able to go through the stages in a methodical manner as advocated by the stage theorists. In short, they do not take account of factors such as the physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs that impact on the bereaved people, their families and intimate networks (Hall 201 4). Despite these criticisms, early stage theories have provided great groundwork and influence on current theories such as the Dual-Processing theory developed by Stroebe and Schut (1999) and Worden (2008). Hall (2014) argues that these theories take account of many of the risks and protective factors identified by research and provide an important context for appreciating the idiosyncratic nature of attachment to the deceased that is lacking in the earlier stage theories. Both models provide frameworks that guide intervention. Richardson and Balaswamy (2001), when evaluating the Dual Processing Model, suggested that avoiding grief can have both positive and negative outcomes. They proposed that this is where bereavement is perceived as including Loss of Orientation and Restoration Orientation. The griever in the loss-orientation is preoccupied with emotions, yearning and ruminating about the deceased, whereas, restoration orientation involves taking over the responsibilities and the ro les undertaken by the deceased and making lifestyle changes, setting up a new identity without the deceased (Richardson, 2007; Bennett, 2010a). Worden (2008) suggests that grieving should be considered as an active process that involves engagement with four tasks: Accepting the reality of the loss Processing the pain of grief Adjusting to a world without the deceased (including both internal, external and spiritual adjustments) Finding an enduring connection with the deceased whilst embarking on a new life. To understand what the client is experiencing, Worden identified seven determinants that need to be considered: Who the person who died was The nature of the attachment to the deceased How the person died Historical antecedents Personality variables Social mediators Concurrent stressors EXPERIENCES OF GRIEF In discussing my grieving process, I am going to draw on Wordens (2008) four tasks indicated above. The seven determinants indicated above will be used to guide the discussion and interpret the experience utilising relevant theoretical perspectives. i. To accept the reality of the loss I was in the UK undertaking my nursing course when my father died in Zimbabwe from a sudden heart related problem. I was informed early in the morning soon after my brother received news of his death. Since I was living alone, I had to make several phone calls home to confirm his death and to ascertain how he died and establish why more was not done. I remember crying but the tears did not correspond to my emotions. For a long time I felt detached from my feelings. My emotions appeared to be bottled up and were difficult to release. My immediate response to the news reflects Bowlby and Parkes (1970)s proposed first stage of grief where the individual experiences numbness, shock, and denial. I had always dreaded the day my father would die. I remember pacing up and down my bedroom, feeling very alone and helpless. During one of the calls from my brother, he mentioned that he needed me there. That was the time that I realised that this was real. It was at this moment that I started to call friends and informing them of the news. I cannot remember most of what happened but I remember one of my friends took over and made the necessary travel arrangements and spoke to my family in Zimbabwe. I believe that I only accepted the loss much later when I found that I could not share with him that I had bought a beautiful house. I desperately needed his comments and praises. My letter with the surprise information and pictures was in the post box when he passed away. ii. To process the pain of grief I believe I experienced the pain of losing my father when I returned to the UK after going through three weeks of the funeral and other rituals related to death in my culture. The cultural rituals are a mixed bag of tears, laughter, praying, singing and sharing memories and kinship with the deceased. This, to a large extent, eased me into the grieving process. However, the real pain of his loss took place when I returned to the UK where I could grieve in private. I found myself avoiding friends and other associates. It was as if my identity had been taken away and that made me tearful. This echoes the suggestion by Caserta and Lund (1992) that the bereaved may have to redefine their identity. Prompting questions like Who am I now that I am no longer a daughter? Hall (2011) and Caserta and Lund (1992) suggest that this can set in motion a process of re-learning ourselves and the world. On reflection, friends and associates reminded me of the me that I had lost. The pain would come and go. I often cried on my own. The crying and anxiety concurs with Bowlbys proposition that loss of the affectional attachment results in emotional disturbances such as anxiety, crying and anger (Freeman, 2005). I experienced this for over a year and felt lost. Although functioning, I was no longer myself. I started having frequent dreams of my father and would look forward to going to bed where I could be with my father. iii. To adjust to a world without the deceased It is difficult to identify exactly when it was that I adjusted to a life without my father. It took a long time. Although we lived far from each other, my father played a major role in most of my decisions and reassurances. Two events contributed to my adjustment. Firstly, my mother encouraged me to register for a Masters course that I was talking myself out of. Suddenly, I saw my fathers qualities in her. The security and trust I had in my father had transferred to my mother. Secondly, crying uncontrollably at a church in the UK the day I received news that my brother had died in a car accident. On reflection I realised that although I was crying for the loss of my brother, I was also finally crying for my father. Taking over care for my brothers children added to the adjustment of living without my father. iv. Finding an enduring connection with the deceased whilst embarking on a new life Being ancestral believers, the bond between my late father and me remains but it manifests in a different form to the bond we had when he was alive. I believe that spiritually, my father and my forefathers protect me and help me achieve my ambitions by chasing away bad spirits and creating luck and opportunities for me. My family and I participate in cultural rituals in remembrance of him and our forefathers. Psychologically, my bond with my father remains as he continues to be my role model. As a result, I dedicate most of my achievements to him. This continued connection and perceived role played by my father 18 years after his death confirm Datson and Marwits (1997) argument that continued bonds with deceased can have positive outcomes. Therefore, letting go is not necessarily the requirement for successful grieving. According to Hall (2014) this idea represents recognition that death ends a life, not necessarily a relationship. CONCLUSION The discussion above illustrates that the theoretical perspectives of loss and bereavement have developed from emotional attachment to more holistic approaches. These theories not only carry on the influences of the early work focused on emotions and attachment but take account of the social, economic, cultural and spiritual needs experienced by bereaved people. Significantly, these theories do not center letting go as a requirement of successful grieving. On the contrary, a continued bond with the deceased can be positive. My experience largely confirmed the complexity of the grieving process. Some of the experiences indicated above confirmed some of the early theorists observations such as the emotional rollercoaster and the early stage theorists suggestions of shock in the early stages. I did not however experience the full stages of grieving in chronological order, and the experience was by no means quick. Factors such as my culture and spiritual beliefs contributed significantly to my grieving process and influenced the outcome of my continued bond with father. In view of this it can be argued that there is a place for the different approaches to loss and bereavement in supporting bereaved people. However, the multi-cultural society encouraged by globalisation requires that we take account of the wider aspects of the bereavement process. REFERENCES Baxter, E. A. and Diehl, S. (1998). Emotional stages: Consumers and family members recovering from the trauma of mental illness. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 21(4) Bennett, K. M. (2010a). You cant spend years with someone and just cast them aside: Augmented identity in older British widows. Journal of Women and Aging, 22, (3), 204-217 Bennett, K. M. (2010b). How to achieve resilience as an older widower: Turning points or gradual change? Ageing and Society, 30 (03), 369-382. Bowlby, J. (1980). Attachment and loss. Volume 3, Loss, sadness and depression. New York: Basic Books Bowlby, J. and Parkes, C. M. (1970). Separation and loss within the family. In E. J. Anthony C. Koupernik (Eds.), The child in his family: International Yearbook of Child Psychiatry and Allied Professions (pp. 197-216), New York: Wiley Caserta, M. S. and Lund D. A. (1992). Bereavement stress and coping among older adults: Expectations versus the actual experience. Omega, 25, 33-45. Datson, S. L. and Marwit, S. J. (1997). Personality constructs and perceived presence of deceased loved ones. Death Studies, 21 , 131 -146 Freud, S. (1953/1974). Mourning and melancholia. In J. Strachey (Trans.), The standard edition of the complete psychological works of Sigmund Freud (Vol. 14). London: Hogarth. (Original work published in 1917.) Freeman, S. (2005). Grief and Loss: Understanding the Journey. Belmont, CA: Thompson Brooks/ Cole. Hall, C. (2011). Beyond Kubler-Ross: Recent developments in our understanding of grief and bereavement.Retrieved June 19, 2015, from  http://www.psychology.org.au/publications/inpsych/2011/december/hall/ Hall, C, 2014. Bereavement theory: recent developments in our understanding of grief and bereavement, Bereavement Care, 33:1, 7-12, .Retrieved June 19, 2015, from:http://www.psychology.org.au/publications/inpsych/2011/december/hall/ Harvey J. H. (1998). Perspectives on Loss, a Sourcebook. Philadelphia, PA: Taylor and Francis Kà ¼bler-Ross, E. (1969). On death and dying . New York: Springer Mallon, B. (2008). Attachment and loss, death and dying. Theoretical foundations for bereavement counselling. In Praise for the Book: Dying, death and grief: Working with adult bereavement. (pp. 4-17). London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Parkes, C. M. (1971). Psycho-Social Transitions: A field for study. Social Science and Medicine, 5. 101-115 Parkes, C. M. (1996). Bereavement: Studies of Grief in Adult Life (3rd Ed.). London, London: Routledge Parkes C. M. and Weiss R. S. (1983). Recovery from bereavement. New York: Basic Books. Richardson, V. E. (2007). A dual process model of grief counseling: Findings from the Changing Lives of Older Couples (CLOC) studyJournal of Gerontological Social Work, 48 (3/4), 311-329. Richardson, V. E. and Balaswamy, S. (2001). Coping with bereavement among elderly widowers. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying, 43 (2), 129-144. Stroebe M. S. and Schut, H. (1999). The dual process model of coping with bereavement: rationale and description. Death Studies 23(3) 197-224. Worden J. W. (2008). Grief counseling and grief therapy: a handbook for the mental health practitioner (4th ed.). New York: Springer

Intuitions Role in the Giant Spectrum Essay -- its effect on everyday/w

A tingling sensation in the air erupts. The body stops mid stride as the physical alarm bell goes off, awareness about every little thing resonates as an operation plays out that doesn’t require any conscious thinking, it just happens. It is the feeling that sprouts up in the presence of someone or something that just does not feel right. That discrete nudge to the brain, that ignites a gut feeling. Intuition. With intuitional decision-making there is no need for conscious reasoning as intuition takes over ones judgment capabilities. It is then that the question of intuitions role in our everyday judgment, comes about. In a multitude of case studies involving the latter question, researchers inquire about the effect of intuition upon everyday judgment calls in life and the work field. â€Å"Think before acting!† From the time a child is born they are unknowingly told to think with their head before making a detrimental decision. â€Å"Our culture is replete with cognitive maxims like "look before you leap" and "think before you act" that suggest that one's impulses or intuitions tend to be deeply flawed† (Lieberman 109). There is this essential ideal that intuitional based thinking leads to â€Å"Suboptimal† decision making; of less than the highest standard or quality of thinking (Lieberman, 109). When this thinking process takes place there is a lack in the logical structure of informational processing in the neurological system. In terms of economics, there is no weighing of the cost and benefits of certain deliberations. Psychologists, Betsch and Glà ¶ckner, call this process â€Å"recognition heuristic† (Betsch and Glà ¶ckner 279). The idea, that people make decisions based upon recognition; when they are familiar with something they know, that o... ...d UP, 1998. Print. Betsch, Tilmann, and Andreas Glà ¶ckner. "Intuition in Judgment and Decision Making: Extensive Thinking Without Effort." Psychological Inquiry 21.4 (2010): 279-94. Web. Campbell, Elizabeth Rose. Intuitive Astrology: Follow Your Best Instincts to Become Who You Always Intended to Be. New York: Ballantine, 2003. Print. Hogarth, Robin M. "Chapter 6/On the Learning of Intuition." Educating Intuition. Chicago: University of Chicago, 2001. N. pag. Print. Klein, Gary A. Intuition at Work: Why Developing Your Gut Instincts Will Make You Better at What You Do. New York: Currency/Doubleday, 2003. Print. Lieberman, Matthew D. "Intuition: A Social Cognitive Neuroscience Approach." Psychological Bulletin 126.1 (2000): 109-37. Web. Simon, H.A. (1987). Making management decisions: the role of intuition and emotion, Academy of Management Executive, 1: 57-64.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Groupthink Essay -- essays research papers

Groupthink   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is groupthink? There is a simple definition for it, but is it truly that simple? The term groupthink refers to the inclination of group members to have the same opinions and beliefs; it frequently leads to mistakes. It often occurs without an individual being aware of it. Conflict is considered to be a harmful element when related to groups, but conflict is good when considering groupthink because it helps to eliminate the existence of a groupthink. The explanation sounds simple enough, but it is more complex than the description given.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are eight symptoms of groupthink. The first symptom is when all or most of the group view themselves as invincible which causes them to make decisions that may be risky. The group has an enormous amount of confidence and authority in their decisions as well as in themselves. They see themselves collectively better in all ways than any other group and they believe the event will go well not because of what it is, but because they are involved. The second symptom is the belief of the group that they are moral and upstanding, which leads the group to ignore the ethical or moral consequences of the decisions. The group engages in a total overestimation of its morality. There is never any question that the group is not doing the right thing, they just act. The disregarding of information or warnings that may lead to changes in past policy is the third symptom. Even if there is considerable evidence against their standpoint, they see no problems with their plan. S tereotyping of enemy leaders or others as weak or stupid is the fourth symptom. This symptom leads to close-mindedness to other individuals and their opinions. The fifth symptom is the self-censorship of an individual causing him to overlook his doubts. A group member basically keeps his mouth shut so the group can continue in harmony. Symptom number six refers to the illusion of unanimity; going along with the majority, and the assumption that silence signifies consent. Sometimes a group member who questions the rightness of the goals is pressured by others into concurring or agreeing, this is symptom number seven. The last symptom is the members that set themselves up as a buffer to protect the group from adverse information that may destroy their shared contentment regarding the group’s ... ... that areas of expertise can be exploited, different people are good at different things. Groups can discuss material, and that discussion can improve the quality of the decision. Groups are less likely to suffer from judgmental biases that individuals have when they make decisions. People are more likely to follow through on decisions made by groups that they are connected to. Also, more monumental decisions can be made in groups, because one member will not be singled out for blame, making the entire group responsible. Groups however, do not always make good decisions. Juries sometimes render verdicts that run against the evidence presented. Groups tend to: fail to adequately determine their objectives and alternatives, fail to assess the risks associated with the group’s decision, fail to cycle through discarded alternatives and to reexamine their worth after a majority of the group discards the alternative, fail to seek expert advice, select and use only information that supports their position and conclusions, and does not make contingency plans in case their decision and resulting actions fail. Many times people’s lives are affected and little thought or care is put into it.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

EPA’s Policy of Superfund Sites Redevelopment into Recreational Facilit

EPA’s Policy of Superfund Sites Redevelopment into Recreational Facilities: The Success of Chisman Creek Introduction Superfund sites are located all across the United States and its territories. These sites have been deemed the worst of the worst in terms of environmental damage; they pose a threat to human health and the environment, prior to their remediation. Superfund sites are usually a result of several years of contamination; however, there are some instances when they are one-time accidents. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in charge of Superfund, which is the common term for Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the enforcement of this law in the United States. Superfund was passed in 1980 to establish enforcement surrounding contamination sites in the U.S. and their cleanup. EPA has set up several initiatives and policies that deal with the remediation and redevelopment of these sites. EPA focuses their remediation policies on turning these sites back into productive and useful areas for the community, whether that reuse i s residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational use. Chisman Creek Superfund Site in Virginia was chosen as a site that could be successfully remediated into a recreational facility and serve as an example for other site remediation policy makers. The process by which this contaminated old landfill was redeveloped into a phenomenal recreational facility is an example of EPA successfully pulling together several issues and actors to achieve their agenda. Issues Superfund sites could have many different contaminations and remediation characteristics. The characterization of the site should strongly correlate with... ...ncy and Remedial Responses, Reuse of CERCLA Landfill and Containment Sites, OSWER 9375.3-05P, September 1999. EPA, Office of Emergency and Remedial Responses, Returning Superfund Sites To Productive Use, OSWER 9378.0-16FS, March 1999. EPA, Office of Emergency and Remedial Responses, Chisman Creek, York County, Virginia – Technical Appendix, OSWER 9378.0-16FS, March 1999. WWW.EPA.GOV/oerrpage/superfund/programs/recycle/benefits.htm WWW.EPA.GOV/oerrpage/superfund/programs/recycle/bensum.htm WWW.EPA.GOV/oerrpage/superfund/programs/recycle/recycle.htm WWW.EPA.GOV/oerrpage/superfund/programs/recycle/list170.htm Colvin, George H., "RCRA Cleanup Reforms", Environmental Protection, February 2000. Bolitzer, B and N. R. Netusil, " The Impact of open spaces on property values in Portland, Oregon", Journal of Environmental Management, 59, 185-193, 2000.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Lucent Technologies

Case analysis on Lucent Technologies: Global Supply Chain Management By, ROOPANVI DANDU Lucent Technologies: Global Supply Chain Management Lucent technologies are a manufacturing company that was a part of American Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (AT&T) until 1996. Lucent’s main product was the 5ESS switch. The switch was worlds most reliable and widely used switching system. Prior to 1996 the Asian supply chain has not been a high priority.The demand for Asian joint ventures was easily met by the manufacturing unit in United States. The high volume of production in Oklahoma City led to low production costs. Also AT&T’s large cash flow from the phone bills had insulated its manufacturing wing from the consequences of inefficient assent management and long time delivery times. Lucent’s independence made them loose the deep pockets of AT&T.At the same time many other factors like the booming Asian marketplace, significant price erosion for telecomm unications equipment, original part resourcing and manufacturing capabilities forced then to redesign the Asian supply chain. After the redesign the results were dramatic. 82 percent of parts were sourced with Asia, which led the factory to be three times as productive, inventory days of sales fell by more than half, time difference and long distance that had inhibited responsiveness were eliminated.Also due to its intimate knowledge of product cost, the factory was able to steer many bids towards configurations in which the switch had great cost advantage leading to competitive advantage needed to win the bid. They were many factors that led to revisit the Asia supply chain strategy. Due to unprecedented growth in cellular and Internet sectors, components demand outstripped supply, and huge material shortage developed. Leading edge procurement arrangements were sorely tested and in some cases broke down.The main five problematic areas were sole –sourced component lead times more than doubled, inventories increased by about 25 percent as assemblies could not be completed, the Taiwan factory had to commit to early parts delivery to ensure availability, product shipment to costumers were jeopardized and orders were at risk due to an inability to ship on time, premium prices were required in order to obtain expedited shipments of missing parts. Also the contract manufacturers were starting to get more involved in sophisticated telecommunication electronics.The switch was reaching the mature part of its life cycle. All these external and internal factors forced to rethink about the strategy. I would recommend reevaluation of supply chain to reduce the competition. To reduce material shortage I would suggest to design new technology that uses general products, forecast the demand, use contract manufacturers where their own manufacturing assets are not so profitable, order the parts beforehand so that premium prices can be avoided for missing parts.The main l esson learned form this case study would be to reevaluate your supply chain strategy every few years to be successful and ahead of the competitors. In order to effectively balance risk and opportunity, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers need to periodically rethink their strategies. . To improve the Supply Chain network Enhanced Collaboration should be implemented. It would dramatically minimize the delays and also reduces the costs. Work with suppliers to create contingency plans. Also to make supply chain more flexible increase product component standardization.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Designing and Managing the Supply Chain, Chapter 1 Questions

PROC 5850 Week 1 Homework: Ch1 Question 1,2,6 1. Consider the supply chain for a domestic automobile. a. What are the components of the supply chain for an automobile? The components of the supply chain for an automobile are as follows: First you have the supplying industries. These include components such as steel and other metals, rubber, electronics, plastic, glass, and textiles. These raw components are fabricated into car bodies, mechanical and electrical subcomponents as well as engines and transmissions.These subassemblies are assembled during final assembly and then distributed to dealership for the consumer market. b. What are the different firms involved in the supply chain? The following are a selection of firms involved in the supply chain: Suppliers, Manufactures, Transportation companies, Warehouses and distributions centers, sub-contractors, dealerships, and customers. c. What are the objectives of these firms? The simple objective of these firms is to maximize market share and make a profit. Socratic Seminar QuestionsEvery challenge to operate the supply chain supports these two primary goals. d. Provide examples of conflicting objectives in this supply chain? The supplying industries would like the automobile manufacture to commit themselves to purchasing large quantities with stable volumes with flexible (long-lead) dates. On the manufacture’s side, they need to be flexible to their customers’ need and the change in demands. So what we have is a direct conflict of interest between the suppliers’ and manufactures’ desire for flexibility.The ability to optimally match supply and demand is just as much an art and it is a science. Other conflicts arise with transportation of smaller batches versus larger batches of supplies. Usually the smaller and faster a batch of supply is required, the cost of transportation increase; another conflicting objective. e. What are the risks that rare or unexpected events pose to this supply chain? An unexpected risk such as a natural disaster can bring the supply chain to a stand still. However, such events can almost never be managed.There are some challenges such as matching supply and demand risks, lead times, forecasts, transportation times and costs, which can be â€Å"managed† or operational risk management used to minimize risks. 2. Consider a consumer mortgage offered by a bank. f. What are the components of the supply chain for a mortgage? There are several components of the supply chain for a consumer mortgage offered by a bank. First, there are marketing companies that solicit to prospective customers. Secondly, the bank needs to be able to evaluate potential customers by using credit-reporting companies.Thirdly, usually a third party bank that extends the mortgage loans. Lastly, the bank requires mortgage brokers that distribute the loans. g. Is there more than one firm involved in the supply chain? What are the objectives of the firm or firms? Marketing companies try to increase the responses from prospective homebuyers to maximize their returns. The banks try to find customers that are a relatively low risk, on-time payments, and low average maturity date; i. e. , maximize profits. The mortgage broker is all about maximizing his commission of the sell of the property. . What are the similarities between product and service supply chains, what are the differences? Both product and service supply chains provide a need. The difference is the type of service, instead of the physical product†¦ faster, better, cheaper all apply. Some of the differences between the two types of supply chains are as follows: * With the product supply chain there is both the flow of physical and informational products. However, in the service supply chain, the product is mostly information. Unlike the service supply chain, inventory and transportation of goods are a major costs of product supply chains. * Since service supply chains usually don’t carry invento ry, coordinating capacity with demand is usually more important. * The cost of information is more often higher than in a product supply chain. Consider the cost of a credit report or hiring a consultant. 6. Consider the supply chain for canned peaches sold by a major food-processing company. What are the sources of uncertainty in this supply chain? Some of the sources of uncertainty are as follows: The first factor to consider is the peach crop and the factors that effect it†¦ weather, disease, and disasters. * Number if migrant workers available to harvest the crop†¦ spoilage. * Lead times from field to processing plant†¦ spoilage. * Processing time, storage, and transportation times and costs. * Demand is not know beforehand. CASE: Meditech Surgical 1. What are Meditech’s problems in introducing new products? In manufacturing ALL products? Meditech has two major issues with introducing new products. * It has poor service levels for new products The inventory levels are higher than necessary for all of its products 2. What is diving these problems, both systematically and organizationally? There are seven major areas in which Meditech is driving these problems: * In the planning system, there are too many built-in delays and monthly buckets. This leads to inefficacies, unneeded delays, and high inventory levels. * There is no tracking of forecasting errors. * Product demand is poorly studied. * The Info Systems used to record and monitor & inventory are not integrated and inadequately designed. Because Meditech does not normally see the end-customer, it has to overcome failures of communications with them†¦ hording/panic orders is one example of this failure to communicate with end-customers. * The poor planning system is use magnifies variations in demand. * Panic ordering. 3. Why is the customer service manager the first person to recognize the major issues? He was the person who directly received customer complaints. In his posi tion he was able to determine the scope of the problems. Other managers were not in positions to be aware of customer satisfaction. 4. How would you fix these problems?There are several ways to fix the problems Meditech is facing. The first and most important is improving communications with customers†¦ Five â€Å"Y†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s. Another way to improve their SCM is to develop better demand forecasting systems and accountability for their forecasts. Furthermore, Meditech needs to integrate, implement, and improve their information systems. They could easily eliminate bulk inventory by putting assembly within the pull system; i. e. , get rid of the â€Å"push-pull† system. Lastly, they could implement a planning system to decrease planning delays (or just use M. S. Project) and reduce system time buckets.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Information Technology in India Essay

India is one of the great standup country in the field of science and technology. every year india produces more than 500 thousands engineers. No doubt it is a bulk producers of scientists and technologists. Information Technology remain the backbone of the economical growth of India. and you can see it from the observed facts of exports. The share of IT in exports has increased by 17% from 1990 to 2001. IT based sectors such as Backoffice, remote maintainence, accounting, public service, medical, insurence and other bulk processiong fields are rapidly expending. Indian companies such as HCL, WIPRO, INFOSYS, TCS are today’s tough competitors for the other IT organizations. History of Information Technology in India The setup of IT in India was done by the Tata group in association with the Burroughs at Mumbai in 1967. The first software export zone SEEPZ was setup in 1973 this was what we can call the old avatar of the IT parks. at that time 80% of india’s software were exported from there. The indian government baughtEVSEM computers from soviat unions in 1968 which was used in big organizations only for the technological and scientific researchs. After the freedom of india in aug 1947 it was an economically beleaguered country. but due to the efforts of PM late. sir Jawaharlal Nehru india very repidly become a wide scientific work-field, such big that it was ranked 3rd after the USA and Soviat Unions. But due to the production of more engineers then country can consume the number of emigrants increased and this supported forigen countries to get a large step ahead from india. The most of the helping hands in the US’s scientific and technological improvement was Indian, in association with the california’s silicon valley. During this time the creation of new organization was in progress. with enhancement of IT in india some well known groups stood-up some of the names are, National Informatic Center, Tata infotech, Patni Computers, Wipro, Infosys etc. In 1991 Department of electronic created a corporation called Software Technology Parks of India which are owned by govt. of India. They provide VSAT communication. and after 1993 Govt. allowed pvt. companies to own dedicated links. VSNL was first to introduce Gateway E-Mail service with the 64kbps leased line service. It was the ministry of Atal Bihari Vajpai who significantly improved the IT in india by placing development of IT in the five major priorities and form National Task Force on IT and software development. and within 90 days of the creation of NTF the suggested 108 recommendation for IT sector. And new telecommunication policy IT Act 2000 was created for legal procedures of electronic transaction and e-commerce. Present Day Situation The present day situation of IT is a bit down due to the recession occurred in the market some year back but India is recovering very soon and IT sector id again on its running speed toward the progress. In the 2010 the economical revenue from the outsourcing operation of IT industry was US$ 54.33 billion which is greater then the other Asian country. and this revenue is expected to be raised up-to US$ 255billion in this decade. the major hub in IT in India is Bangalore which is also called silicon valley of India. beside this other emergind hubs are Delhi(NCR), Hydrabad, Chenni, Pune, Mumbai etc. The IT services has grown by 2.4 % in 2010 and is expected to grown at the rate of 4.2 % in 2011. according to the report of IDC in march 2010 india’s data center services had a revenue estimated upto US$1.39 billion. TRAI reported that country has more than 10 million broadband subscriber and these numbers will change into 100 millions by the 2014. and the market of PC in india has grown at the rate of 27% in the past year and of Notebook computers has grown with a rate of 52 % which is surprisingly a huge ratio as compared to other countries. India is seen as a business environment and is growing like pollution in the environment(i didn’t got other example of rapid growth rate). IT services and solution providers Patni computers has signed a deal of 32 million US$ with the a UK- based IT service provider. Firstsource solution has a deal with Barclaycard. vertex (CMO) has announced a joint venture with shell transource to address the domestic BPO. The market of the networking equipment in india is estimated to grow at a rate of 15 % till 2012as per reported in dec.2010. the net investment in the software and hardware market is of US$ 10,406 million according to department of industrial policy and promotion. An IT company EMC corp. will touch the investment of US$ 2 billion by 2014. A russian IT security company plans to invest 2 billion us$ in hydrabad in coming financial year. Still the Indian IT industry has no dead end in its way ahead. I wish for the continuous progress of IT in India. Note : the above discussed article is written on the basis of research on the various web resuorces. though I had tried to provide best, still there is no lack of knowledge on Internet for the subject of the same.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Motivating Employees in an Organisation Essay

Motivating Employees in an Organization S Santosh Contents Chapter 12 Chapter 25 Chapter 310 Chapter 415 Chapter 1 Motivation: Concepts and Theories Defining motivation The word â€Å"motivation† comes from the Latin word movere – â€Å"to move. † And managers often view motivation in exactly those terms (â€Å"I need to get my people moving! â€Å"). Motivation is the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action. General motivation is concerned with effort towards any goal, whereas effort towards Organizational goals reflects work-related behavior. Many contemporary authors have also defined the concept of motivation. Motivation has been defined as: the psychological process that gives behavior purpose and direction (Kreitner, 1995); a predisposition to behave in a purposive manner to achieve specific, unmet needs (Buford, Bedeian, & Lindner, 1995); an internal drive to satisfy an unsatisfied need (Higgins, 1994); and the will to achieve (Bedeian, 1993). For this paper, motivation is operationally defined as the inner force that drives individuals to accomplish personal and organizational goals. We mainly deal with the motivating employees in an organization towards the organizational goal for the benefit of both the organization and the employee. Understanding what motivates employees and how they are motivated was the focus of many researchers following the publication of the Hawthorne Study results (Terpstra, 1979). Motivation Theories and concepts While there are many theories on motivation, the seven major approaches that have led to our understanding of motivation are the following: †¢ According to Maslow, employees have five levels of needs (Maslow, 1943): physiological, safety, social, ego, and self- actualizing. Maslow argued that lower level needs had to be satisfied before the next higher level need would motivate employees. †¢ Herzberg’s work categorized motivation into two factors: motivators and hygiene (Herzberg, Mausner, ; Snyderman, 1959). Motivator or intrinsic factors, such as achievement and recognition, produce job satisfaction. Hygiene or extrinsic factors, such as pay and job security, produce job dissatisfaction. †¢ McClelland’s Theory of Needs which focuses on three needs, namely need for Achievement, Need for power, Need for affiliation.

Business Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business Law - Case Study Example 2). On the other hand, the Clayton Antitrust Act, another antitrust law of the United States of America, prohibits "exclusive dealings", "mergers or acquisition" if these acts substantially lessen competition (15 U.S.C., secs. 14 and 18). The US antitrust law refers to the body of laws that make illegal or unlawful certain business practices deemed to hurt businesses or consumers, or both, or violate business ethics. These include anti-competitive behaviors such as monopoly, restraint of trade and commerce, and unfair business practices like exclusive dealings, mergers, and acquisition and other practices that lessen business competition or harm the economy. In order to determine whether a corporate action or conduct is anti-competitive and thus prohibited by the antitrust law, two methods can be applied: the per se rule and the rule of reason. Under the per se rule which was utilized in the Sherman Antitrust Act, a corporate conduct is anti-competitive if is overwhelmingly harmful to the business or to the economy like horizontal price fixing or territorial division agreement. It does not require further evidences since it is evident on the face of the agreement itself. The rule of reason on the other hand, utilized in the Clayton Antitrust Act, requires the plaintiff to prove that the agreement caused economic harm in addition to proving that the defendant acted as charged. Merger is most likely the type of transaction that Awesea will offer in the case at hand. A merger is considered when both CEO's agree that joining together is in the best interest of the companies, as in the increase of sales but cutting the cost of operational expenses. The law on merger in relation to antitrust law is governed under section 7 of the Clayton Antitrust Act. It was further strengthened by the Celler-Kefauver Amendments of 1950 and the various merger guidelines issued by the US Department of Justice. Said laws modified the Sherman Antitrust Act where a mere merger is a violation of the antitrust law as a method of promoting monopoly (Sec. 1). At present, any challenges in the legality of mergers are decided using the rule of reason, that is, the plaintiff can only prevail upon proving to the court that the defendants are doing something which can bring substantial economic harm. The Clayton Act also allows the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice to regulate all mergers and gives the government discretion whether to approve a merger or not. Another law, the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act, provides in summary that before a certain merger can close, both parties must file a "Notification and Report Form" with the FTC and the Assistant Attorney General in-charge of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice so that the regulatory bodies can assess whether the proposed transactions violate the antitrust law of the US. Applying the rule of reason under the Clayton Act, when a company merges or acquired another company in order to promote its product in a certain country or to increase it sales, said transaction lessens competition, thus violates the antitrust law. The said fact is supported by various decided cases by the US Supreme Court which still are in effect today. One case is US v. Falstaff Brewing Copr., et. al., 410 U.S.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Exam 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Exam 2 - Essay Example Also, he said that he would be willing to sell the Dealership to a third party. The loan officer verbally said that the Bank would not foreclose or sue on the promissory note as long as the note was paid when the Dealership was sold, but not later than September 1, 2010. Analysis: The promissory note and the deed of trust both contained the following clause: â€Å"Any amendment hereto or modification hereof must be in writing signed by both parties. Any waiver or indulgence of any default by Dealer shall not operate as a waiver of any subsequent default. Time is of the essence hereof.† Clearly, the Dealer was able only to reach a verbal settlement with the bank officer, so his liability exists and he can be prosecuted for not making a written negotiation. Issue 2: The promissory note called for monthly payments of interest but 16 of the 24 interest payments due under the note had been made untimely. Moreover, the last three payments had not been paid at all. Analysis: It is astonishing that the bank did not take action in time. The bank could have sought legal help against the Dealer earlier too. In such circumstances, the role of the concerned lean officer should be examined by the court. as stated by the website â€Å"Cornell Law School †¦ Lawyers in the Best Sense† under the auspices of the American Law Institute and the National Conference of Commissioners on United States Laws. Needless to say, this article is equipped with a strong framework to prevent unfair and unreliable financial action and prosecute the wrong doer. â€Å"U.C.C. – ARTICLE 3 – NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS.† Cornell Law School †¦ Lawyers in the Best Sense. The American Law Institute and the National Conference of Commissioners on United States Laws, 2005. Web. 7 Aug. 2010.

Monday, August 12, 2019

Human Development observation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Development observation - Essay Example It is located fifteen meters away from the main road. On observation, the playground is an ideal place for this activity because there are no trees or many other obstacles that may impede the observation process. The playground is not so wide but enough for the child to be seen. In one corner of the playground are play equipment such as seesaw, swing, slides, and other play equipment for climbing. Physical description of the subject The child involved in the observation is approximately one to two year old boy. On observation, he has all the stamina to climb on some small steps in one corner of the playground. He is chubby with observable fold on his upper extremities. The child has the creativity and imagination to explore his new environment for the moment. He was brought to the playground by an aunt. Although the child tends to have developed muscles, his stomach is observed to be disproportionately bigger and the head larger. Interactions Observed The child and the aunt were alre ady on the playground when I arrived for observation. They were in close proximity. On a distance, I saw the aunt showing the child a stone that she picked from the playground. The child is so curious with the stone that he wants to hold it. However, when the aunt hid the stone at her back the child actively tries to search for the missing stone where it disappeared. This is evident when the child went at the back of his aunt’s back and pushed her away just to locate the stone. This reaction of the child is in congruent with Piaget’s theory where he explained in his sensorimotor stage that the child behaves this way because they have the belief that object continues to exist even if they disappear (santrock & Yussen, p 41). After some time, the aunt started to walk away from the child but the child followed her and tried to hold her hands in protest to be left alone. This shows that the child has still doubts on other people around him or to his environment in general. His reaction explains that he did not yet surpass the first stage of Erikson of trust versus mistrust. In addition, the child showed signs of separation problem as reflected in his anxiety when attempt to leave him is initiated. After a minute, the child and her aunt walk hand in hand toward some plants where there are butterflies. With excitement, the child tries to say something to the butterflies however, the language is not fully understood as he mumbles and can speak two words combination just yet. When other children tried to join him in watching and catching butterflies, he screamed and even tried to kick them to shove them away. The aunt tried to pacify him telling him that the action is something â€Å"bad†. When the aunt was able to catch a small butterfly, the child is so excited but at the same time confused if he is going to hold it or not. His aunt tried to teach him how to do so and explained it would not hurt. Behaviors Observed The behaviors observed in a ch ild include the child’s aggressiveness as he tried to grab toys from other children on the playground. When one child from the playground tried to get the butterfly he was holding, he screamed at them and tried to be aggressive. I believe the child is displaying a normal behavior of an infant who is one and a half years old. However, if aggressiveness continues and becomes excessive, lack of social skill is evident. At some point, as he follows

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Business paln for Arts cafe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business paln for Arts cafe - Essay Example The plan purposes to help learners develop their skills in art and provide a relaxing environment for workers especially those in the financial institutions who often experience stress from the long hours of work and less time for recreation and entertainment. The Art Cafà © offers an opportunity for artists to sharpen their skills and a common discussion area for individuals having common interest in art to share ideas and explore the art industry. It will also serve snacks, coffee and tea beverages as refreshments to the visitors; this is based on a study confirming coffee and tea to be the highly consumed beverages. Employees at the cafà © will be middle-aged individuals with experience in art and coffee. The plan focuses its strengths on customers who love art and provision of quality coffee and tea as a means of overcoming the competition in the market. The business plan aims to promote the love for art by establishing an arts cafà © where individuals with interesting art can meet and share ideas. Thank

Saturday, August 10, 2019

International Marketing assignment Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International Marketing assignment - Case Study Example Analysts predict that by 2010 the fast food segment will account for half of all food service growth during the first decade of the 21st century. McDonald's has been able to capitalize on this trend and expand globally. Their international operations are very significant to them because a sizeable portion of revenue is generated through franchisees. While the US and Europe each account for 35% of the revenues, France, Germany and the UK collectively account for 60% of the total revenue. In Australia, China and Japan, they have 50% owned-affiliate account under the equity method which account for nearly 50% of the revenues. These six markets are the major markets for the company. More than 70% of McDonald's restaurants are owned and operated by independent local people. At the end of 1006, the company had 31,046 restaurants in 118 countries out of which 18,685 are operated by franchisees, 4195 by affiliates and 8166 are operated by the company. McDonalds, the leading global food retailer, serves 52 million people each day. Since most of its restaurants are franchised, they do not have a director in charge of international operations separately. Instead, they have different heads in charge of specific regions. For instance, they have a President - Europe supported by four different Presidents in charge of Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Divisions. To handle other regions they have President - Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa. 2. They claim to be committed to listening to the customers and to being open and direct about facts surrounding the food, people and the restaurants. McDonald's has frequently been accused of resorting to unfair and unethical business practices. While McDonald's has often been accused on various grounds, the beef-fries controversy in 2001 revealed the negligent and the irresponsible way that is unexpected of a global player of the magnitude of McDonald's. McDonald's initially declined to comment and then issued a 'conditional apology'. As the people became more violent, the company kept changing their approach. This adversely affected their brand image. McDonald's follows the 'Code of Federal Regulations' which does not require the restaurants to list the ingredients (Mukund, 2002). The French fry suppliers do use a small amount of beef flavoring agent as an ingredient in the raw material. The ingredients in 'natural flavors' need not be broken down. This was their initial reaction but when there was an upsurge created, they reacted saying that they never claimed that the fries sold in US were vegetarian but this claim of theirs was also subsequently proved wrong. They went on the defensive instead. They were blamed for deceiving million of people who may not want to have beef extract in their fries for religious, health, ethical or other reasons. In the fast-food outlet sector, the management is faced with the dual challenge of providing high standards of service to the satisfaction of customers both at home and across borders with their own cultural differences. According to Ritzer (1993) the fast food segment is the organizational force representing and extending the process of rationalization and encroaches on individual identity (cited by Keel, 2006). McDonald has been charged with undermining cultural diversity and destroying the viability of local communities (Rifkin, 2001) for example, in India, consumers recently trashed McDonald's restaurants for violating Hindu dietary laws. McDonald did make some adaptation to

Friday, August 9, 2019

Globalization, Communication And Postmodernity Describing The Shift Essay

Globalization, Communication And Postmodernity Describing The Shift From Web 1.0 To Web 2.0 - Essay Example From the read-only interface offered by Web 1.0, the introduction of Web 2.0 has opened various means of web communications making the web interface not only as a source of information, but also as an interactive zone. Blogs, wikis, social network sites, online games, and even e-commerce have redefined practices of communication in the postmodern times re-introducing the processes and activities in a globalized approach. Starting from Web 1.0 as the first generation World Wide Web, the first web interface offered read-only contents via static websites with limited performance and visual parameters, zero to minimal interaction with the site, and most importantly, web communication fundamentally facilitated via e-mail. Shuen (2008) has described Web 1.0 as a digitized place for searching information, for making available and transmitting various downloadables, and for fashioning e-commerce approach from the traditional mail-based interfaces. Added by Oreilly (2007), Web 1.0 treated web as a platform for presenting information using one-way channel of communication with limited response mechanisms. For instance, Web 1.0 services, such as Mp3.com, Akamai, Ofoto, content management systems, and others, are the means utilized for conveying content, downloadables, and information. ... Meanwhile, business model of Web 1.0 follows the principles of treating users as audience and speculating consumers (Eighmeya & McCordb, 1998), admin-based web business (Oreilly, 2007) and lastly, one-way search and one-way feed of information (Sinclair, et al., 2006). These details support and explain the architectural background of Web 1.0 that stems from the identified â€Å"architecture of presentation† (Oreilly, 2007; Sinclair, et al., 2006). On the other hand, the upgraded version known as Web 2.0 is characterized by the read-write interface where values emerge from the contribution of the larger viewers instead of the traditional command and control of information (Lytras, et al., 2008). The objectives of Web 2.0 are to enhance creativity, information sharing, and collaboration among users, such as the development of so-called web communities through various social networking sites, wikis, blogs, and folknomies (Zhang, 2008). Gossen (2011) has identified four key charac teristics of Web 2.0. He claims that web 2.0 fosters web presence on the web by allowing the option of regular updating, responding to, and even creating content under a user profile. Secondly, Web 2.0 allows personal modification of web-interface affecting the personal web experience of a single user with a 2.0-based website, and more notably, website contents are user generated often a result of collaboration between users and site developers. He also asserts that, Web 2.0 is about social participation through various web activities, such as ratings, rankings, commenting, feedback mechanisms, and others all aimed at interacting with other users. Aside from its