Methodology in action research Essay

Appropriate methods should be employed in the various stages of implementing a successful action research strategy. I have selected the methods discussed below based on their reliability and cost among other important criteria. This research in a qualitative survey and aims at gathering enough data from the selected sample. The data collected will then be subjected to qualitative analysis using the appropriate tools. This paper therefore seeks to gather relevant data from people who are led and those who practice leadership in the selected organizations. The selection of the sample was based random sampling technique so as to avoid bias selection. This is also significant in obtaining composite data that will touch on a variety of organizations that practice leadership. For the participants in this research I have chosen managers of various organizations for instance the sales managers are normally the team leaders in the sales team therefore they can provide the relevant data concerning leadership in their organization. I have also targeted to interview members of such team who are also capable of giving out information regarding to how they relate with their leaders and what they feel about their current leadership . In an organization like a bank I will target the sales representatives of customer relations officers who are part of teams in that particular firm. Data collection The first technique I will use will be the available information. This will be found in books, magazines, journals, reports and the internet. I will go for this technique because I will not spend much besides the information being readily available. But I fear that issues regarding to confidentiality may arise and I may also get incomplete information. The methods should also consider the appropriate demographic that is targeted in the research. Structured interviews in the form of questionnaires can best work for collecting pieces of information form that targeted group. This method is objective and its validity is high. Written questionnaires permitted anonymity and made me get more honest responses from the respondents. The following are examples of questions to be included in the questionnaire; What can you say about leadership in your organization? Are there teams in your organization? Does your team leader understand the needs of the other members? Have you ever been a leader? Do you trust your leaders and are they open to their subjects? What do you think a good leader should have? Do the leaders in your organization understand men and women who work for the organization? Are you contended with the leadership in your organization in terms of human relations? Do you think good human relations affects leadership in your organization? Oral interviews will also utilize because they provide direct contact with the sources of information hence increasing validity. I also preferred this method because of its flexibility besides seeking clarification where doubts exist. If a respondent does not understand well a given question I can give him an example or explain further before getting his/her response. There was a higher response in this method as compared to the written questionnaires where some respondents were asking for more time and some even delayed with their responses. The only problem I expect while using written questionnaires is that some respondents will delay and some will not be honest enough. This is because as they delay with the questionnaires some of them will go consulting and therefore compromise some of the ethical values associated with the information they are supposed to supply. Data analysis This part is vital so as to establish the relevance of what has been gathered Appropriate tools have to be used in this stage because the product will be used for interpretation I would prefer to use bar graphs in the analysis because they are straightforward and can easily convey the expected message. They are also very easy to construct using Ms Excel tools. Ms excel is able to choose different types of bar graphs that will bring out clear comparisons between the variables. I will format the graph in such a way that it will have different colors representing the views of the respondents on some of the questions concerning leadership in their organization for instance I can use Red, Blue and Green to represent Good, Fair and Bad leadership. This can be interpreted by whoever will be reading the report and reveal to him/her that the team members have a specific perception of how social intelligence affects leadership in the society. The bar graphs would be very useful especially when comparing between two or more variables. However one challenge with the bar graphs is that they will require some additional verbal or written explanation to accompany them. This will be a challenge because it will mean additional time will have to be created so as to provide the additional materials in terms of explanations. This will also result in more expenses because more effort will have to be put in.

Analysis of whether or not Transcendentalism is relevant to modern-day society Essay

Some aspects of Transcendentalism can be applied in today’s society, while others have lost their relevance due to the changes of social and economic conditions since the time of Thoreau. The Transcendentalists’ goal was to create a Utopia in America. They believed in a society without rules in which you would be free to do whatever you wanted as long as it did not infringe on the freedom or well-being of others. The concept of what is a Utopia is different for every person. In today’s densely populated countries it appears almost impossible to do anything that does not affect or infringe upon someone else. The Transcendentalists also believed in the Jeffersonian philosophy that each generation should only be concerned with itself and its own well-being, which would assure a solid foundation for the next generation. I think this would not work in today’s society because there are many things we could do to help our generation but would make later generations pay a price. An example of this would be providing jobs for a strip-mining project to help the current generation’s economy, while it destroys the environment for later generations. Transcendentalist beliefs of adding onto the previous generations’ efforts would not work if each generation, in helping itself, is destroying the Earth. The Transcendentalists also believed that one should live simply, with few material possessions. To explain this point, we consider how much the sheer volume of material possessions has changed over the years. When cave men roamed the earth, an elaborate material possession might have been a wood club studded with rocks, or an especially beautiful loincloth. In the 1800s, an automobile was a possession of great material value. Thoreau had a small house, 3 chairs, a desk, 2 suits, and a few books. He was able to sustain himself by growing his own food in the surrounding area. The concept of what is considered necessary for a comfortable life has changed vastly since Thoreau’s time. While all he needed was a roof over his head and a patch of land and a few seeds, most people in today’s society must have a â€Å"job† and get paid to buy shelter and food, energy, transportation, and all other modern necessities. In Thoreau’s time there were fewer people, so if someone wanted to, they could go out and live in the wilderness. Today, if someone wanted to live in the wilderness in a negotiable climate, it would be impossible because of the sheer amount of urban sprawl and the laws which are in place to protect the wilderness. As I examined the multiple points of Transcendentalism, I found that even in Thoreau’s time, it would be possible for someone to practice some of the aspects of Transcendentalism, while putting other aspects into practice would be nearly impossible. I think living in the true Transcendentalist lifestyle is neither feasible nor very beneficial. The true meaning of what Thoreau discovered while living at Walden Pond was to simplify your life and accept your place in the world. Here are some words from the man himself: â€Å"Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth. I sat at a table where were rich food and wine in abundance, and obsequious attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went away hungry from the inhospitable board. † â€Å"However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are richest. The fault-finder will find faults even in paradise. Love your life, poor as it is. â€Å"

Leadership and Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Leadership and Change - Essay Example Although there is no universal definition of the structural behavioral interviews, these can be employed to produce strong outcomes that are similar to proven techniques such as, assessment centers and ability tests. The structural interviews can be conducted in phases, involving peer discussions and telephonic interview. The third phase or reference checking is necessary for quality purposes. Leadership is referred to the process of initiating, enabling, developing, implementing and maintaining change with the management structure of an organization, group or team. In a continuously evolving environment, the role of leaders is critical for managing and maintaining organizational performance. According to the Path Goal theory, effectiveness of a leader is greatly dependent on the circumstances wherein an individual works and the leaders tend to adopt various strategies to find the best solution so as to cope with the situation (House, 1996). Leaders exhibit different managerial styles to induce change management in an organization in order to keep pace with the radical changes occurring in the external environment. However, this fact does not explain that effective leadership is driven by subjective preferences. Along with the Path goal theory, the situational aspect of leadership is supported by Fiedler’s contingency model. The contingency model states that rigorousness in the relationship between leadership style and effectiveness can be reduced by increasing the ability of leaders to control a particular situation. The contingency model has proposed three components that influence situational favorability, namely leader-member relationship, task structure and power of the leader (Offermann, Kennedy & Wirtz, 1994). In context of the current paper, the organization in subject is Procter & Gamble, where questions regarding employee satisfaction and retention

Hedging Oil Consumption Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Hedging Oil Consumption - Essay Example There are other inherent risks associated with business such as currency fluctuations, volatility of crude oil prices and so on. In order to reduce exposure to volatility in the market, many participants prefer hedging strategies using derivatives. A derivative is a financial instrument which derives its value from the underlying asset. One of the hedging strategies alternatives that are available to the market participants is by using futures derivative. The main purpose of futures markets is to minimise uncertainty in transactions and hence reduce risk. The basic objective of futures market is to hedge the associated risk by taking such a position so as to neutralize possibility of risk as far practicable. A futures contact is a standard contract between two market participants to buy or sell a specific asset of standard quality, quantity for a given price agreed upon on the date of contract (also known as strike price) with payment and delivery occurring at maturity date. The cont racts are standard in the sense that quantity, quality, price, strike price, delivery date, initial margin, marking to market, etc. are done via intermediary and not directly negotiated between parties involved in transaction. Hence, the refinery may enter into futures contract with its customers giving them the opportunity to purchase oil at current prices at a later date in future. In this way even if the prices of oil rises in future, the refinery would not require to pass on the higher costs to their customers (CME, 2006, pp.49-53). After discussing the concept of futures, it is now important to illustrate how futures might help the US Gulf refinery to hedge risk. There are two different methods of hedging namely short hedge and long hedge. A short hedge is suitable when the hedger owns the asset (as in this case) and expects it to sell at some time in future. Thus, the oil refinery may take short position in futures contract. A long hedge on the other hand involves taking the l ong position (buy at later date). This strategy is suitable when the hedger (in this case customer) knows that it will have to purchase a particular asset in future but would like to purchase at current price. In both the strategies payment and deliver occurs at maturity of contact which is usually three months. To further illustrate these strategies in details, consider the following example: Assuming that on June 13 (present) the oil refinery has taken a short position by negotiating a contract to sell 1 million barrels of crude oil. It is also agreed that the price applicable in the contract will be on the market price of September 13. So, for each 1% rise, the producer will gain $10,000 and similarly for each 1% decline in price refinery will lose $10,000. The standard futures contract on CME platform is 1,000 US barrels (or 42,000 gallons), hence the company can hedge exposure by shorting 1,000 September futures contracts. If the last trading close price was $90 per barrel, str ike price is $85 and assuming that price per barrel in September is actually $80, then per barrel gain of the oil refinery would be $5 (since, $85 - $80). This means the total gains for entire contract would be $5000 ($5 x 1000). Using the above example the long hedge strategy can be explained as

Creative problem solving Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Creative problem solving - Research Paper Example Experts (Isaksen, 1992) have indicated that environment with a higher level of trust is more likely to promote collaboration and subsequently, higher performance and productivity in the organization. Similarly, during a CPS session, it is very important for the facilitators to ensure higher level of trust by ensuring openness during the session. This can be achieved by sharing the agenda of the session and ensuring transparency regarding expectations and challenges, which can play a constructive role in supporting productivity. Another way to promote creativity and productivity during a CPS session is to provide opportunities to the participants to share their ideas and opinions. One of the ways to implement this is idea-time strategy is to provide flexible timings and extra time that promote discovery and exploration of new ideas, which subsequently results in higher level of productivity. Business experts (Isaksen, 1992) have indicated that it is usually irrational to expect profit and/or productivity without taking any risks in the market. Similarly, in a CPS session, it is important for facilitators to take risks in order to promote uncertainty that eventually causes creativity and increases productivity. However, it is imperative that facilitators should consider the notions of diversity, ambiguity, and mentality of the stakeholders, as lack of awareness of these may result in contradictory outcomes. Collaboration (Isaksen, 1992) is one of the essential requisites to promote creativity. For example, in a CPS session, facilitators can create a collaborative climate by dividing individuals into groups and/or teams that will enable the individuals to go through different processes of forming, storming, norming, and performing while eventually enhancing the level of productivity. It is human nature to expect recognition or reward in return of an attempt

Indo-European Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Indo-European - Essay Example One of the theories about Indo-European languages that help in understanding contemporary languages is their disproportional significance. The disproportional nature of their significance is that they have dominated largely than would be expected of their number. This is because the languages are merely less than 30 percent of the total number of languages in the world but they dominate over the remaining majority languages (Diamond 249). The theory of disproportionate significance explains the current trend in languages in which non Indo-European speakers are assimilating Indo-European languages. Loss of linguistic diversity is the consequence because people are forsaking their native languages into the Indo-European languages, a wave that begun towards the end of the 15th century. The theory of disproportionate significance of the Indo-European language is also significant from the fact that it withstood possible influence from other languages that existed in Europe such as Finish and Assyrian. These other languages, in spite of having existed in the region, failed to influence languages in Europe and other regions as the Indo-European languages did. The theory of disproportionate significance of Indo-European languages therefore explains the languages’ spread to become native languages for other people across the world (Diamond 252). Another theory about Indo-European languages that helps understand contemporary languages is the theory that the Indo-European languages substituted other languages that then ceased to exist. This theory explains the spread of the Indo-European theories and supports the disproportionate theory. Not only did the Indo-European theories spread to other regions but also they replaced native languages in those regions. New generations therefore grew with the knowledge that an Indo-European language that they are exposed to id their native language. This theory further explains the use of Indo-European

The Idea of Reason and Democracy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Idea of Reason and Democracy - Essay Example Here, people are free to choose their leaders that they deem to be able to bring their country to a better place (Democracy - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. N.p., n.d.). Reason, on the other hand, is an idea that is always associated with the effective implementation of democracy. It holds that every free act should be guided by moral laws where one’s freedom stops where another’s freedom begins. Reason also supports that every act should be for the greater good and not only satisfy individual benefits and interests. My own take to the principle of having Democracy influenced by the principle of reason at all times to be appropriate and the only key to possibly enjoy the fruits of democracy. This is because of the fact that though people are innately good, we are also battling the tendency to be selfish and to put our own interest first over the general good. Thus, if democracy were to fun ction on its own, the presence of different interests of people which will lead to a wide array of actions that will fulfill their own purposes would cause unavoidable clash of interests that will step on other people’s freedom to act on their desires. This will be the cause of chaos in society that would defeat the purpose of democracy. As John Milton has given as an example to the tendency of evil when freedom is given without considering moral laws would be Adam and Eve. We all know that both of them have intellect and freewill and were given freedom to enjoy whatever was there in the Garden of Eden. However, even when they were given specific instructions by God to eat of the fruits of all tress except for the Tree of Good and Evil, they still struggled with obedience and ate the apple the snake lured them into (Milton's Areopagitica. St. Lawrence Institute. N.p., n.d.). Indeed, no matter how we are meant to be instruments of good by being blessed with a freedom that natu rally directs us to do good, we will constantly fall into temptation and sin which is why there is a need for managing of our wisdom and freewill which in our case would be the government that would balance democracy or freedom with reason or moral law. Another point Milton makes is that with freedom comes the desire to learn and have more. With this, there will be arguing of many opinions waiting to be heard. Though the end is good, the means are threatened to take the darker path which brings us to the principle that â€Å"the means does not justify the end† (Milton's Areopagitica. St. Lawrence Institute. N.p., n.d.). The worse fear of democracy without moral law is when men start to take the law into their own hands and rationalize everything to fit into their plan even when it means succumbing to evil. Another strong point made regarding this thesis would be that of Cicero’s excerpts. On the influence of law in the practice of democracy, he said: â€Å"True law is right reason in agreement with nature; it is of universal application†¦ The welfare of the people is the ultimate law. The precepts of the law are these: to live honestly, to injure no one, and to give everyone else his due. According to the law of nature it is only fair that no one should become richer through damages and injuries suffered by another. The strictest law often causes the most serious wrong. The more laws, the less justice. †¦

Latin america Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Latin america - Essay Example The â€Å"internal enemy† was thus, anyone who held any anti-government sentiments, or could hold them (Byrne). After the coup of General Pinochet in Chile, everyone with leftist leanings was considered to be an â€Å"internal enemy† to be destroyed. With the assent and approval of the US government, the repressive Chilean regime targeted many unions and their workers, universities were targeted too, as were students, and many people, thought to have leftist leanings, were kidnapped, to be tortured and/or killed. In Chile, an â€Å"internal enemy† was, thus, anyone who had communist leanings or was a communist sympathizer, a pretty vague term, which resulted in the death, torture and disappearance of many Chileans (Byrne). In El Salvador, the situation was pretty identical too; here too the â€Å"internal enemy† was anyone who was against the policies of the regime. Guised under a crackdown against communists or subversive elements (â€Å"internal enemy†), the regime cracked down on dissenters, unions, students and community leaders and massacred a lot of its population (Byrne). A few decades after the US support for Guatemala’s military governments, that ended up killing around 200,000 of Guatemalans, mostly Mayans (Carter), President Clinton felt it was important for the US to apologize so that a new era, where the US fostered democracy and democratic processes, could start. This could not be done without the US accepting its mistake and undertaking to support democracy. However, Clinton was criticized for doing that because those who were involved in US and Guatemala’s affairs feared that this would undermine all the good that the US had done to subvert communism and to win the Cold War. The critics point out that the US did not support military regimes, but rather was working for the â€Å"people’s right of self-determination.† (Carter). Political Prisoner Retamozo (File 3721)

Critical Analysis of the Research Designs in a Peer- Reviewed Article Essay

Critical Analysis of the Research Designs in a Peer- Reviewed Article - Essay Example It is an organized investigation into a subject in order to discover facts, to establish or revise theory, or to develop an action based on facts discovered (Encarta Dictionary, 2002, par. 1). The article entitled â€Å"Identifying the best research design to fit the question. Part 2: qualitative designs† written by Jenny Ploeg (1999) exemplifies research using the qualitative method identified to be crucial in providing answers to relevant nursing concerns. The article was chosen to be the appropriate example of a peer-reviewed discourse which explains a research design, specifically the qualitative method, as a means of furthering trends on nursing applications, a significant area of health science. The main problem statement or hypothesis of the discourse was stated as proffering the value of qualitative research in pinpointing crucial solutions to nursing concerns. Ploeg (1999) averred that â€Å"qualitative research methods have become increasingly important as ways of developing nursing knowledge for evidence-based nursing practice. This editorial provides an overview of qualitative research, describes 3 common types of qualitative research, and gives examples of their use in nursing† (par. 1). The article provided readers with the opportunity to be enlightened on the significance of the qualitative method as the research design most appropriate in seeking solutions to nursing dilemmas. By expounding on the common types of qualitative research (phenomenology, ethnography, and grounded theory), one is able to appreciate the kind of information provided by these types of research with the objective of understanding the process towards arriving at a particular result or outcome. Likewise, awareness of the differentiating factors or elements of each research type would enable practitioners to use the accurate kind of qualitative research for the identified purpose. Ploeg (1999) described the qualitative

Is a Government Ban on Human Cloning Wrong Essay

Is a Government Ban on Human Cloning Wrong - Essay Example Human cloning can essentially be beneficial to humanity, as well as to science and technology, if it were guaranteed to be successful every time. However, on the side opposing human cloning, the greatest argument involves the morals and ethics of all human beings involved in the process of cloning a human, which are the cloned child, the egg donor, and the woman carrying the cloned child. Very few cloning experiments involving animals have been successful, and even many of those result in death after some time; as such, there is nothing to suggest that human cloning will be successful since there is more at risk. Attempting to clone a human being involves too many risks, and there is nothing to say that any attempt at human cloning will be a success, which makes any safety risks having been undergone in vain. While trying to clone a human, the cloned child might be born deformed or as a stillborn, and the egg donor and the woman carrying the cloned child might risk future problems wh en trying to naturally conceive children.

The Meaning of Human Existence Essay Example for Free

The Meaning of Human Existence Essay In both the Metamorphosis and The Stranger the authors focus on the irrationality of the universe and explore the insignificance of human life. Both of the novels main characters, Gregor (from the Metamorphosis) and Meursault (from The Stranger) live lives of silent desperation. In the Metamorphosis Franz Kafka introduces us to Gregor, an ordinary young business man supporting his unappreciative family. The startling element to this novel is that Gregor has just turned into a beetle. The Stranger by Albert Camus tells a story of a very physically different character, named Meursault, yet both books convey similar messages. Gregor and Meursault start out unaware of their circumstances however throughout each of the novels they become more aware and learn to accept their fate. The Metamorphosis begins where your typical story is at its climax; we have no idea how or why Gregor has made this physical transformation to a beetle. This is the principal expression of the irrationality that exists in the novel. Gregor resists this situation for which he has had no control over nor can he change. It is an unfortunate irony that Gregor cannot accept the fact that he is no longer a human, this is seen on page five when he says, In fact, Gregor felt fine, with the exception of his drowsiness, which was really unnecessary after sleeping so late How can this man wake up one morning, look into the mirror and see a giant bug staring back at him, and then carry on with his day as usual? This brings up a serious issue; Gregor wakes up and his only thought is of getting to work, there is nothing that is going to stop him from getting there, even waking up as a giant vermin. Throughout the novel Kafka presents us with a man obsessed with his profession, in search of his parents approval, jus t as many of us live day in and day out. Meursault does not face the same physical obstacles as Gregor but is similar in that he possesses neither rational thought nor lives in a rational world. He exists solely as a physical being, there is no thought or emotions put into his choices. When Meursault is hungry he eats, when he is tired he sleeps, when he needs a woman he goes to his girlfriend. This desire for physical relief is presented multiple times throughout the novel: I ate almost everything. She left at one oclock and I slept awhile. (Page 36) Meursault does not display any emotion or rationale; he doesnt stop question anything, just accepts life as it is and carries on. Meursaults predicament stems from his choice to shoot and kill an Algerian man. During his trial the prosecuting attorney questions Meursaults morality because he did not grieve appropriately for his mothers death. When he faces the attorneys interrogation he answers each question telling the truth and doesnt try to skew things. Meursault didnt mean to maliciously go out and kill the Arab man, he simply allows himself to fall into these immoral situations because of his lack of thought and consideration. The attorney is playing his game and attempts to fabricate a rational reason for his behavior, but in reality Meursault was simply irrational. Camus uses this situation to comment on the way that we try to rationalize every situation that we are faced with, but sometimes things happen without a reason. Camus takes a perspective similar to the scientific viewpoint, that as humans we do not know anything for certain except that we will die. We are born, live out our lives, repopulate and then die to be forgotten forever, but I dont think that this is how Kafka feels we are meant to function. In his novel family has more of a presence, Gregors family does not love him because of his character, but rather because he provides them with a comfortable lifestyle. He lives the busy working mans life because he has to if he is to receive any respect from his family. As humans we need to be loved and as the provider of his family this is the closest that Gregor gets. Gregor feels the responsibilities of being concerned for everyone but himself which is shown by this quote, So, to spare her even (his) sight, one day he carried the sheet on his back to the couch and arranged it in such a way that he was now completely covered up. He is willing to cover himself up so as that he doesnt upset his mother with h is appearance. There is something very wrong with this scenario; Kafka uses this extreme example not to tell us how to live our lives, but to simply show us that this is how we should not live. Family plays a very different role in Camus novel. All of Meursaults family is gone; his mother has just died so her expectations of him are non- existent. Albert Camus uses his mother, Maman, as a tool to tell us of the lack of importance that human life has. On page three Meursault says, Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I dont know. His mother was elderly, and he decided to place her in a retirement home because she had become an inconvenience to him; she had stopped talking not to mention the trouble of getting (her) to the bus, buying tickets, and spending two hours travelling. (Page 5) To Meursault there is no one person that he truly cares for besides himself, he even feels indifferent towards his girlfriend. Camus uses. Meursault symbolizes everyone in todays world, and uses this situation as a way of commenting on how our life is. Again, just as Kafka, Camus is not attempting to tell us that our lives are meaningless, but that this is how we are treating ourselves. We ne ed to make a cha nge to recognize that human existence is of greater importance than we give it credit. As both of the novels move along Gregor and Meursault slowly decay until their death. Both characters make a transformation or come to a realization. As the novel progresses Gregor moves away from his human tendencies and becomes more and more insect like, accepting and even embracing his insect qualities. The symbols for this are the references to his head, for example on page 22 He could not raise his head anymore. It is at this point that we can tell that Gregor has lost some kind of connection to humanity. This representation is repeated multiple times throughout the novel, each time the situation Gregor less and less resembles a human until he finally dies and is swept out with the trash. Meursault too comes to accept his situation and his fate as he awaits his execution with no optimism, yet content and at peace with himself because he is no longer a stranger. Our lives are indeed meaningless to a certain degree, we are on earth to perform our function and then die. Even the most distinguished of our generation will one day be forgotten as just another person trying to make their mark on the world, so why do we live our lives in search of control and the ability to make rational decisions. We live in an irrational world where the only thing we know for sure is that we will one day die. This was not quite what every person expects to hear as an answer to the meaning in life, but life becomes meaningful only because we perceive it to have a purpose. Reflect on your own life. Do not live from moment to moment without questioning who you are as it is better to live forty years of knowing who you are and what you are doing with your life than live 100 years without a thought of anyone else, because life is only what we make of it.

ASDA Company Analysis

ASDA Company Analysis Asda was formed by a group of farmers from Yorkshire (North of Britain) in 1965. It expanded south in the seventies and eighties, in the process of expansion bought rival chain of superstores Gateways superstores in 1989 for  £705m. This move unexpectedly went against the company because it was very hard for the company to sell too many different products. It was almost at the brink of disaster and to cop it up had to raise money from shareholders in the years 1991 and 1993. In the year 1991, Asda recruited Archie Norman from Kingfisher as the new chief executive, and that addition returned to its roots as a food retailer, and the strategy to be cheaper highlighted it than its three large rivals. For achieving this Asda concentrated on keeping the price low rather than involving in loyalty schemes (described in detail in Asda Approach). The Road to Wal-Mart  I have long been an admirer and I went on a pilgrimage to Wal-Marts headquarters in 1994, I came away thinking they had something we have got to have. In many ways I think this is coming home.  Archie Norman, former CEO Asda. That was what the new chief executive, Archie Norman observed form Wal-Mart and applied to outstand, first of all Asda had the advantage that it had larger stores than its rivals. Next to that, Everyday low price strategy was copied, by focusing on keeping the prices low rather than putting more money on expensive advertising and promotions. This was achieved by the Roll-back campaign, this idea was also taken from Wal-Mart. Take over by Wal-Mart Wal-Mart bought Asda or in other words (as the company focus on) became part of the Wal-Mart family on 26 July 1999 for $10.8 billion. Since then, A gain of one million new customers was claimed by Asda. Even after buying Asda, it was decided the name Asda would stay. Wal-Mart is a giant U.S. retailer and has a large form of superstore, named as Wal-Marts Supercentre, which is also applied here as ASDA-Wal-Mart banner. In July, 2000, Wal-Mart name first appeared, when the Asda-Wal-Mart super centre opened in Bristol. Two more Asda-Wal-Mart super centres opened in 2000. As the Asda applied approaches from Wal-Mart, it was already following and copying Wal-Mart practice to get rid of its crisis through most of the nineties. So it was not a very big transformation for Asda, and thats why the planning to make hypermarkets and Wal-Mart style supercentres was started but it was not very easy in the UK. The reason was the barriers from the government and law [2] Introduction Asda is the second largest supermarket chain in the UK with a 16.8% of the grocery market. Which is also offering food, drink, clothing and general merchandise. It also provides a range of financial services, sold both in the supermarkets and online all over the UK.   Asda is an abbreviation of  ASquith and  DAiries The company is famous for providing the most economical products as compare to others and is known for its two famous marketing campaigns; the first one is Asda price campaign and the other is smiley face rollback campaign. [1] Asda Approach: Asda, as it made its strategy emphasis on low prices and highlighted its popular no-frills Smart Price range. As a result, Asda was crowned Lowest Price Supermarket by The Grocer magazine for the past 11 years. [1] It you go through the current strategy of Asda, which is also described on their official website in a section your Asda, How we do business, very clearly defines the Asda culture: At Asda saving money and keeping costs low is part of our culture. Saving you money every day  isnt a marketing slogan; its the single-minded focus of everyone at Asda. When were asked what it is that we do differently from other retailers what it is that gives us the ability to keep costs low and pass that on to customers in lower prices we dont point to a handful of major initiatives. We talk about everything we do all of the little things that when added together make a big difference. [3] Market share As mentioned earlier, Asda the second largest supermarket chain in the UK. Lead by Tesco and followed by Sainsbury and Morrisons Current Situation Fueling recessionary concern  Asda  yesterday reported through Wal-mart a second quarterly drop in like-for-like sales, 0.4% lower in the three months to end May 2010 as figures show that Asdas market share amonst supermarket rivals Tesco, Sainsbury and Morrisons, has slipped below 17%. New store openings limited growth this year as also Asda indicated that promotions and lower prices for main food products did not have expected effect on turnover and profits as customers reigned in spending. Asda acquired Netto UK stores last year, with the addition of Danish discount supermarkets operators existing UK oulets taking its number of Asda to 377 stores. Asda itself was acquired by Wal-Mart in 1999, although it was decided to stay with the Asda brand name in the UK and the figures released were are part of the second quarter results from the giant US retailer. Asda added that tax increases and cuts in government spending would make the next 18 months challenging for the company and it UK customers whilst Asda indicated that it expected that UK family disposable income would decline in the period. Tesco TSCO grocery market share fell to 30.8%, according the Kantar World Panel market share data. J Sainsbury SBRY remained in third spot with a market share of 16.1%, up from 15.9% a year earlier. Morrison MRW edged up to 11.6% from 11.4% previouly. Kantar monitors the household grocery purchasing habits of 25,000 demographically representative households in the U.K and also indicated that discount retailers Aldi, ex-Netto and Lidl held a combined market share to 6.1% compared with 6.0% a year earlier. [5] Grocery market growth slows Sainsburys and Morrisons outperform 2011/03/04 The latest grocery share figures from Kantar Worldpanel for the 12 weeks ending 20 February 2011 show that the market is subdued as shoppers watch their pennies. Overall market growth slowed slightly this period to 3.9% compared to 4.2% last month. However, both Sainsburys at 5.2% and Morrisons at 4.5% outperformed, growing ahead of the market. Sainsburys market share moved up to 16.5%, compared to 16.3% a year ago, which continues their strong run, gaining share every month since March 2009. Morrisons maintains its 12.3% market share from the same period last year. Tesco and Asda performed slightly behind the market, with share now standing at 30.3% and 16.9% respectively. Fraser McKevitt, Retail Analyst at Kantar Worldpanel commented: Waitrose followed the market trend of slightly slower growth this period, but still posted increased sales of 6.6% compared to a year ago, taking its market share to 4.4%, the highest ever recorded by the retailer. [6] Asdas market share falls again Asda, the Wal-Mart-owned supermarket, saw its market share slip for the fifth consecutive month in March, as the low-priced retailer continued to suffer at the hands of rivals with more premium ranges. Comment The chain saw its market share fall from 16.9pc to 16.8pc over the 12 weeks to May 16. The monthly rolling data put Asdas year-on-year growth at 2.5pc, lagging the overall markets growth of 3.3pc. Earlier this month Asda appointed a new chief executive Andy Clarke to help turn around the chain. Asdas focus on value may be working against the company with the latest figures showing that consumers are continuing to shop at the premium end of the market, said Kantar Worldpanel, which publishes the monthly figures. While Asda suffered, upmarket rival Waitrose maintained its strong run with an increase in market share from 3.8pc to 4.1pc. It saw year-on-year growth of 12.5pc nearly four times the total grocery market growth of 3.3pc. Meanwhile, Kantar said that Tescos premium Finest Range continued to perform well. A spokesman for Asda said that the chain is addressing its under-performance: We know where we want to be, we know what we need to do, and were doing it. J Sainsbury saw its market share grow by 4.4pc, while Wm Morrison saw its share grow by 6pc. One analyst said that over the last four weeks there has been a convergence in the sales performances of the big four. [7]

Reflecting on Practices in Medicine Administration

Reflecting on Practices in Medicine Administration The ability to become reflective in practice has become a necessary skill for health professionals. This is to ensure that health professionals are continuing with their daily learning and improving their practice. Reflective practice plays a big part in healthcare today and is becoming increasingly noticed. Administration of medicines is a key element of nursing care. Every day some 7000 doses of medication are administered in a typical NHS hospital (Audit Commission 2002). So throughout this essay I will be evaluating and highlighting the learning that took place whilst on placement at a day unit. Drug administration forms a major part of the clinical nurses role. Medicines are prescribed by the doctor and dispensed by the pharmacist but responsibility for correct administration rests with the registered nurse (OShea 1999). So as a student nurse this has become my duty and something that I need to practice and become competent in carrying it out. Each registered nurse is accountable for his/her practice. This practice includes preparing, checking and administering medications, updating knowledge of medications, monitoring the effectiveness of treatment, reporting adverse drug reactions and teaching patients about the drugs that they receive (NMC 2008). Accountability also goes for students, if at any point I felt I was not competent enough to dispensing a certain drug it would be my responsibility in speaking up and let the registered nurses know, so that I could shadow them and have the opportunity to learn help me in future practice and administration. The reflective model I have chosen to use is Gibbs model (Gibbs 1988). Gibbs model of reflection incorporates the following: description, feelings, evaluation, and conclusion. (Gibbs 1988). The model will be applied to the essay to facilitate critical thought, relating theory to practice where the model allows. Discussion will include the knowledge underpinning practice and the evidence base for the clinical skill, that I have learnt and supporting this with available literature. Description The first stage of Gibbs (1988) model of reflection requires a description of events. I was asked to administer a drug to a patient named in hereafter as Mrs. A for confidentiality purposes (NMC 2008).I had observed this clinical skill on a number of occasions and had previously administered medication under supervision. On this occasion I was being observed by two qualified nurses, one of which was my mentor. The drug had been dispensed and was ready to be administered and Mrs. A consented to have a student administer the medication. My mentor talked me through the procedure step by step, and informed me that they have struggled with Mrs. A and her compliance with medication before so I should keep an eye and ensure that she swallows her medication and that she does not keep it her mouth. The medication that Mrs. A is on is Clozapine. The decision to use clozapine is not taken lightly because of the potentially life threatening side effect. An awareness of side effects is important to primary care practitioners because they have most contact with the patients. I learnt that using anti-psychotics is just a component of a holistic approach to a patient with psychotic illness and that care should also include psychological treatments and social care. Mrs. A does not have any issue with the drug it self but with the staff, as she is in a very psychotic state. Service users have requested strategies from services providers to manage the risk of using psychiatric medication to inform their choice about which psychiatric medication to use (DOH,1999). However evidence suggests that, there is choice, but generally by practitioner experience (Hamann et al. 2005). In non compliance of medication I had to encourage Mrs. A to make her choice to take the medications and that it was in her care plan and as part of her treatment. A nurse who has built a good relationship with a patient by informing and empowering them will be in a strong position to have a non judgmental conversation with them about the importance of adherence (Mc Lellan. 2009). My thought and feelings I was aware of being under the supervision of two qualified nurses and this made me feel very nervous and self conscious and I had to ensure that I was doing everything correctly and that I made no errors. Once my mentor questioned my practice, concerning if I knew the side effects of the drug I was about to administer, I became even more aware of feeling nervous and under pressure. The patient was present and I did not want the patient to feel that I did not know what I was doing. So I had to ensure before administering that I was giving the medication to the right patient and at the correct dose that it was at the right time and route. All of these had to be done to guarantee that I am competent in my ability to administer medication under the supervision of a registered nurse. This also gave me the opportunity to carry out this task in order to achieve this so I could get it signed off by my mentor in my essentials skills cluster. The nurse patient relationship is by many considered the core of nursing. This can be done to build a good relationship and rapport with patients (Framer.et al 2001). When I was first orientated to the ward, I took it upon myself to read the patients notes so that I had more insight to the patients and their illness and index offences if any. After this I went and introduced myself to the patients because it is vital that the patients are aware of who I am and my status if I am to provide nursing care for them. (Berlo, 1960) puts great emphasis on dyadic communication, therefore stressing the role of the relationship between the source and the receiver as an important variable in the communication process. Evaluation Administering medication and how this combined with care, compassion and communication forms the bases of a holistic approach to care, and with the knowledge I got from supporting literature formed the foundation of my learning and practice. Burnard (2002) suggests that a learner is a passive recipient of received knowledge, and that learning through activity engages all of our senses. Reflective practice is becoming an essential skill that is incorporated into clinical practice and CPD and it is therefore important that the nurse understand the role and the potential of reflection. Different ways to reflect in practice can be approached; however, there are evident barriers to reflection within a care setting including time because of the busy environment a hospital encompasses or lack of motivation if the vast majority of health care practitioners are not undertaking it. The NHS has to implement ways in which all healthcare professionals can reflect in their practice to enhance patient care, as one of the NHSs main aims is to improve the care of patients.

Great Gatsby :: essays research papers fc

Fitzgerald’s Masterpiece F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is an enchanting novel, which tells an exquisite story through various techniques characteristic of a gifted author. The story has elements of deceit, high hopes, fallen dreams, and false intentions which make it thrilling to read. However, the true genius of the novel lies in the character description, setting of the novel, and the structure and form used. It is these literary devices that set The Great Gatsby apart from other novels. Life in the 1920’s was much different than that of life during any other era and Fitzgerald depicts this in The Great Gatsby very accurately through the characters. One critic stated that “The only bad of it is that the characters are mostly so unpleasant in themselves that the story becomes rather a bitter does before one has finished with it'; (Wilson 149). Where as one may take this as an insult, it can also be taken as a compliment. This shows that Fitzgerald described the character and their action so realistically that the reader developed strong opinions of the characters. Fitzgerald’s use of the setting is also another incredible technique used in The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald’s description of Gatsby’s mansion is a perfect example of this. “The one on my right was a colossal affair by any standard- it was a factual imitation of some Hotel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin beard of raw ivy, and a marble swimming pool and more than forty acres of lawn and garden. It was Gatsby’s mansion.'; Throughout the novel Fitzgerald uses this type of description to put the reader into the story and give them a realistic sense of the time period. Not only do the words themselves paint pictures, but also the structure and form used is a delight. “…Every line of hard and intelligent effort'; (Mencken 148). The incredible part about this is that Fitzgerald does not do it too elaborately where the reader will get lost, but “written in sentences one can understand which is a comfort'; (Stein 149). Fitzgerald has written a complete novel which is his “best planned, best sustained, and best written [of Fitzgerald’s works]…not a whole in it anywhere'; (Wilson 147). The Great Gatsby is one of the few novels that is able to incorporate a wonderfully crafted setting and a very realistic set of characters that depict the young people of the time all in a smooth flowing well written novel.

Intraspecific Competition: The response of the sunflower (genus Helianthus) to increasing density :: essays research papers

INTRASPECIFIC COMPETION: THE RESPONSE OF THE SUNFLOWER (genus HELIANTHUS) TO INCREASING DENSITY. INTRODUCTION All species, including plants, are impacted by density. Plants, of course, cannot leave their habitat as animals can, so they tend to respond in different ways to density. As populations grow more dense, they compete for resources such as food and space and are more prone to disease. Less dense populations are more susceptible to predation pressure. It is hypothesized that as plants in small spaces compete for space, the plants compensate by reducing individual stem weight and frequency of bud formation as density increases. This would be intraspecific competition. A factor is density-dependent when it kills more of a population at higher densities and less at lower densities (Stilling 2002). The factor of competition between individual plants of the same species would be considered density dependent. METHODS The experiment was designed to test the hypothesis by planting an increasing number of genus Helianthus (sunflower) seeds in pots to see how they respond to increased density in limited space. Two replicates each of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 seeds were planted in similar size pots containing an equal mix of potting soil and perlite. All plants were kept in greenhouse conditions exposed to similar light and temperatures settings and were watered at equivalent intervals. At the end of the time period each pot was evaluated for number of seeds that had germinated as well as number of stems with blooms. Stems and blooms were cut and weighed. RESULTS Table 1 shows averages of each replicate for each series of seeds relating to mortality rate/germination rate, budding rate, and mean plant weight (total, with buds, and without buds). Figure 1 indicates an increasing mortality rate (positive slope) in plants as density increases; Figure 2 shows the corresponding germination rate reflecting the exact opposite trend. Mortality remains zero until 8 seeds are planted (6% mortality), then is reduced to zero at 16 seeds then increases to 14 percent (32 seeds), 32 percent (64 seeds), and more than half (57 %--128 seeds). Figure 3 shows a dramatic decrease in bud formation of approximately 20 percent from four to eight seed plantings, followed by slight decreases of 3 percent of less in bud formation as significantly greater quantities of seeds are planted. Figure 4 reflects a decreasing mean weight per plant as density of planted seeds increases-- from a high of 11.73 grams (2 seeds) decreasing gradually from between 3 to .

Relationship of Self-Esteem to Objective Success: Is it a Cause or Cons

It has been stipulated that self-esteem is one of the most studied concepts in social psychology. In the now classic study Pygmalion in the Classroom by Rosenthal and Jacobsen, it highlights how teachers' unfounded beliefs about their students became objective realities of the students performance (Baumeister, Campbell, Krueger, & Vohs, 2003, p. 2). Early studies like this one has ignited the pursuit to find ways to increase self-esteem and encourage instillment, or creation, of self-esteem to guarantee future success. Because it is so popularly studied, results of studies investigating variables associated with self-esteem often significantly vary. In our individualistic culture, having high-self esteem is a coveted state. Through multiple studies exploring this topic, perhaps a conclusion can be made about the relationship between self-esteem and success. Is self-esteem a predictor of success or a result of achieving the success? A previous study called "Predictors of situational disengagement in the academic setting," the authors Stephan, Caudroit, Boichà ©, and Sarrazin (2011) examined the predictors of discounting or devaluing negative feedback in a physical education class in France. By comparing the grades received in class (of which the participants were informed) and the reports of the students type of motivation, as well as their perceived competence in the subject (p.446). The researchers measured the level of disengagement and perceived competence following receiving the individual grades. They identified three different kinds of motivation is from the self-determination theory: intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation, or absence of motivation (p.444). If an unsatisfactory grade was receiv... ...eral self-esteem to school achievement. Personality and Individual Differences, 45, 599-564. Ramsdal, G.H. (2008). Differential relations between two dimensions of self-esteem and the Big Five? Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 49, 333-338. Stephan, Y., Caudroit, J., Boichà ©, J., Sarrazin, P. (2011). Predictors of situational disengagement in the academic setting: The contribution of grades, perceived competence, and academic motivation. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 81, 441-455. Stumpp, T., Muck, P.M., Hà ¼lscheger, U.R., Judge, T.A., & Mair, G.W. (2010). Core self-evaulations in Germany:Validation of a German measure of its relationship with career success. Applied Psychoology: An International Review, 59, 674-700. Zhang, M., & Cross, S.E. (2011). Emotion is memories of success and failure: A cultural perspective. Emotion, 11, 866-880. Relationship of Self-Esteem to Objective Success: Is it a Cause or Cons It has been stipulated that self-esteem is one of the most studied concepts in social psychology. In the now classic study Pygmalion in the Classroom by Rosenthal and Jacobsen, it highlights how teachers' unfounded beliefs about their students became objective realities of the students performance (Baumeister, Campbell, Krueger, & Vohs, 2003, p. 2). Early studies like this one has ignited the pursuit to find ways to increase self-esteem and encourage instillment, or creation, of self-esteem to guarantee future success. Because it is so popularly studied, results of studies investigating variables associated with self-esteem often significantly vary. In our individualistic culture, having high-self esteem is a coveted state. Through multiple studies exploring this topic, perhaps a conclusion can be made about the relationship between self-esteem and success. Is self-esteem a predictor of success or a result of achieving the success? A previous study called "Predictors of situational disengagement in the academic setting," the authors Stephan, Caudroit, Boichà ©, and Sarrazin (2011) examined the predictors of discounting or devaluing negative feedback in a physical education class in France. By comparing the grades received in class (of which the participants were informed) and the reports of the students type of motivation, as well as their perceived competence in the subject (p.446). The researchers measured the level of disengagement and perceived competence following receiving the individual grades. They identified three different kinds of motivation is from the self-determination theory: intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation, or absence of motivation (p.444). If an unsatisfactory grade was receiv... ...eral self-esteem to school achievement. Personality and Individual Differences, 45, 599-564. Ramsdal, G.H. (2008). Differential relations between two dimensions of self-esteem and the Big Five? Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 49, 333-338. Stephan, Y., Caudroit, J., Boichà ©, J., Sarrazin, P. (2011). Predictors of situational disengagement in the academic setting: The contribution of grades, perceived competence, and academic motivation. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 81, 441-455. Stumpp, T., Muck, P.M., Hà ¼lscheger, U.R., Judge, T.A., & Mair, G.W. (2010). Core self-evaulations in Germany:Validation of a German measure of its relationship with career success. Applied Psychoology: An International Review, 59, 674-700. Zhang, M., & Cross, S.E. (2011). Emotion is memories of success and failure: A cultural perspective. Emotion, 11, 866-880.

“My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning Essay

Robert Browning sets the tone of â€Å"My Last Duchess,† by using three significant poetic techniques, one of which is imagery. Browning uses the Duke’s monologue to sketch out images in the reader’s mind of the Duchess herself, and the sinister personality of the Duke. Browning also uses another key device, which is diction to illustrate the darkness in this poem. Browning’s careful word choice adds to the description of the Duchess and perhaps her disgraceful behavior, as well as the Duke’s terrifying jealousy, and expectations. Finally, Browning also uses symbolism, which is instrumental in showing the Duke’s jealousy, which possibly could have led to the Duchess’ demise. Robert Browning is able to achieve a haunting, mysterious, and eerie tone in â€Å"My Last Duchess,† by using imagery, precise diction, and symbolism. The imagery in â€Å"My Last Duchess,† conveys a clear picture in the reader’s mind of not only of the Duchess, and her portrait, but also the darkness of the Duke’s life. The Duke begins his soliloquy by saying, â€Å"That’s my last duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive,† (1-2) already the reader is hit with the image of the late Duchess’ portrait. A mysterious tone lurks as the Duke speaks because the reader now wonders how the Duchess died. As the Duke continues with his speech, he vividly paints a picture of the Duchess. The Duke recounts how the painter, Fra Pandolf compliments her beautiful skin by saying, â€Å"Paint / Must never hope to reproduce the faint /Half-flush that dies along her throat† (17-19). As the Duchess blushes at Pandolf’s kindness, the Duke’s jealousy is building up. As the Duke and his guest make their way downstairs to meet the rest of the company, the Duke says, â€Å"Notice Neptune, though / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity† (54-55). The image of Neptune as he tames the sea horse is a perfect example of the Dukes temperamental, and controlling personality. This image reflects his domineering disposition, which adds to the haunting, eerie tone. An eerie and mysterious tone is further enhanced by Browning’s use of diction. Browning’s particular word choice in this dramatic monologue steers the reader to believe that over time the Duchess’ flirtatious nature becomes more difficult for the Duke to handle. As he says to the emissary, â€Å"Sir, ’twas not / Her husband’s presence only, call that spot / Of joy into the  Duchess’ cheek,† (12-14) the Duke begins to explain how she is charmed by anyone, and â€Å"too easily impressed† (24). In addition to being overly impressed by gifts from â€Å"officious fools,† (27) the Duke is especially upset as he says, â€Å"she ranked / My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody’s gift.† By marrying the Duchess the Duke gave her the gift of nobility, and she now holds a higher social rank. He feels that that gift alone should maintain her happiness, and commitment to him. The Duke’s anger, and jealously have now escalated, and the reader begins to question what his madness will carry him to do. Another meticulous selection of words Browning uses is, † Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt, / Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without / Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.† (43-46) The poem has now turned very mysterious, how was the Duchess executed, and who other than the Duke is responsible? Browning is able to make the Duke’s controlling nature apparent through the use of symbolism. The Duke’s need to be dominate and in control at all times is frightening. The portrait of the late Duchess is a symbol to show the Duke’s dominance. The Duchess had slightly rebelled against the Duke, and he questions her fidelity when he says, â€Å"She thanked men, good! But thanked / Somehow I know not how† (31-32). The Duke was distraught that he was unable to control her innocent blushes, or friendly smiles at others. It finally came time for the Duke to take matters into is own hands, he then, â€Å"gave commands,† (45) and â€Å"then all smiles stopped together† (46). The art is a symbol that he is now able to control her every glance and every smile. Not only does he now have complete control over her, his guests are only allowed to see her when he draws a curtain and permits them to. It is exceptionally haunting that the Duke is so obsessed with having the power to control someone. The imagery brought to the reader’s mind as the Duke is entertaining the emissary is chilling. Browning’s comparison between the Duke and Neptune increase the mysterious effect. As the Duke explains that he refuses to allow his next wife to behave the way the late Duchess did, mystery sets in as it makes the reader question if he is capable of committing this crime  again, and how the Duchess was brought to her demise. Browning’s word choice also enhances the mystery and eeriness of the poem. By using diction, the Duke’s controlling personality was described. Finally, Browning uses the Duchess’ portrait as a symbol In conclusion, Robert Browning achieved a haunting, mysterious, and eerie tone through the use of three poetic techniques.

Culture Influences the Lives of Individuals Essay

The novel â€Å"Kite Runner† by Khaled Hosseini vividly portrays the impact of culture on personality and even destiny of the main characters. Khaled Hosseini describes unique Afghan culture, its traditions and rituals, social norms and human relations which have a great influence on decisions of the protagonist and his life. Thesis using different themes and motifs, Hosseini creates a powerful life story portraying that culture and national identity determine destiny of a person, his life choices and relations with others. The book is based on the ideas of friendship and family relations, generation gap and immigration, cultural assimilation in America and cultural identity. In the interview Hosseini comments that â€Å"Because the themes of friendship, †¦ the uneasy love between fathers and sons are universal themes and not specifically Afghan, the book has been able to reach across cultural, racial, religious, and gender† (cited Azad 2004). The protagonist of the novel, Amir, is faced by cultural traditions of his nations, misunderstanding with his father and feeling guilt. Hosseini portrays family relations typical for many Afghans based on a man’s power and dominance and oppression of women in this culture. This theme is closely connected with generation gap and inability of Amir’s father to understand his only son. In contrast to many young people of his culture, Amir loves literature and poetry. He is portrayed as a radical whose circumstances and temperament lead him into a very different experience. Literature and story writing are not considered as a good profession for a man like Amir belonging to high social classes. The conflict between this cultural tradition and Amir’s desire to become a writer creates a tension and misunderstanding between Amir and his father. The idea of friendship and close peer relations between men is another theme which runs through the novel. When he was a child, Amir betrayed Hassan and defamed him. Many years have passed, but he feels guilty because of his weakness and disloyalty. Using this theme, Hosseini portrays that much human behavior is based not on the underlying values people hold, but on their compliance to the pressures exerted by the social world around them which can be resisted only at a high price. Everyone lives by cultural and social rules whose existence they are well aware of, but that they cannot resist their social world mostly rules them. In the explanations that the people in this book give of their lives, the dominant form personal level takes is that of the world of other people. Amir ponders: â€Å"I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded †¦ with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night† (Hosseini 198). The novel vividly portrays a conflict between Afghan culture and the Soviet Union traditions spread in this land. On the other hand, through minor characters of Afghan military, Hassan and his wife, Hosseini depicts different cultural traditions and national identity of two opposite cultures. Patriotism is not always a delusion and there may be values in one’s country that are worth defending, even dying for. However, states’ molding of their citizens into a common way of life is under challenge today. It is under challenge in part because of the resurgence of ethnicity and ethnic identity. These ideas of self echo Hosseini’s interpretation of culture: both self and culture are seen by some as belonging to a particular place, bounding and shaping the beings therein, and by others as radically open and free. In his interview Hosseini comments: â€Å"It’s hard not to feel some guilt in a country where privilege and poverty are basically next door to each other† (Jolly 2006). The themes of immigration and assimilations help readers to perceive cultural differences between Afghan and American cultures based on different values and religious traditions. In contrast to Afghanistan, American culture is based on collective consciousness. This contradiction can best be resolved by considering self and culture in a common phenomenological framework: a framework based on how people experience the world. For Afghan people, their experienced are based on revolutions and military struggle, constant tension to be killed and master-servant relations. Through the character of Sohrab, a nephew of Amir, Hosseini depicts a strong bond between relatives and importance of blood relations. In spite of great risk and Taliban rule, Amir returns to Kabul and saves his nephew Sohrab. Through this theme, Hosseini depicts that this choice of values and identities is not really free. People pick and choose themselves in accordance with their class, gender, religious belief, ethnicity, and citizenship, as well as all the exigencies of their own personal molding, from a cultural frame; they pick and choose themselves in negotiation with and performance for others. â€Å"Hosseini gives his readers credit by being subtle about his metaphors, such as the fact that Afghanis live among war and kite flying is children playing at war, preparing for it† (Most Readers Loved This Novel 2005, G3). For Amir, his half-brother Hassan, choice is not free, but it seems to be free: as if, from the vast array of available cultural choices as to what one might believe, how one might live, they make their choices and live and believe accordingly. For the most part, these men characters shape themselves in ways close to home, in congruence with their membership in home societies. Following Makhmalbaf (2001) â€Å"transformation changes the socioeconomic infrastructure that in turn breaks the traditional culture and creates a more modern one, exporting oil and consuming the products of industrialized countries† (29). The facts, events and destinies of the characters described by Hosseini show that culture is the main factor which determines human life and personality. According to Hall and Gay (1996): â€Å"The cultural shaping of self occurs at what may analytically be viewed as separate levels of consciousness† (34). In the novel, lives of all characters are shaped by a particular language and set of social practices that condition them as to how they comprehend self and world. All characters think in language and behave in accordance with Afghan cultural values and norms of their ethical group. In sum, the novel portrays that the self universally is made of past memories and future anticipation linked to an ever-shifting present. Amir’s experience in America shows that human self-identity does not disappear in the other country determining life goals and behavior. Human personality is culturally shaped: people of different cultural backgrounds clearly have different ways of experiencing the world.

Literary Analysis Essay

To write a good story, not only ideas take place. You need to use literary devices in order to provide a good story. The best mentor to look up is Sue Monk Kidd. She used a lot of literary devices in her story which is called The Secret Life of Bees. The three main literary devices which she used throughout her story are: epigraphs, character development and allusions. â€Å"Heat would make a person do strange things.†(112).Specially we see this when is described Lily’s hard life without the main person of her, without her mother. Since her mother died she is an orphan and her father doesn’t care for her even though she has her nanny that loves her. Not only she needs her mother to care for her or love her, but also she needs her in daily life to help her going through her childhood and teenage problems that every single person goes through. The most common literary device which you will see, while you read the book are epigraphs. This is shown in the beginning of every chapter, giving the readers many hints and some sort of warning of what might be happening in the story. This is an optional device which you choose to use. But it put epigraphs to give you clues on what she will talk next. This is one example: â€Å"A worker [bee] is just over a centimeter long and weighs only about sixty milligrams; nevertheless, she can fly with a load heavier than herself.† –The Honey Bee (257) The Secret Life of Bees. This foreshadows you that the main character who is Lily, a 14-year-old girl, is carried too much responsibility on her shoulders, about what she’s going through. Other device that develops ones story, being the most important device in my opinion, is the character development. It pictures the things that the character goes through and how they change throughout the story, most of the characters change a lot during the whole book .Character development explains every detail, until the final touch that that character goes through. We see the main character Lily develops so much through this story. In the beginning we see her as an innocent girl, which she does everything to find out more about her mother. Last but not least†¦allusions. Why is it important to put them in your story? Allusions as you know, is the reference of something that has happened in history,that everybody knows about. If you put them in your story, you make  your story real. You make the readers feel it, actually live it. Sue Monk Kidd uses allusions to help you understand what is going on in more details. That’s what you should do. Some of the allusions which are very important to be named is where the author put in THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT. This automatically touches your brain by telling you that this was in the 60’s and that the colored people where fighting to win their rights. Also adding, it brings you that feeling that you think you’re living in the story, being able to relate in anyone’s everyday life. Another allusion is the WAILING WALL which May writes on it every time somebody dies. In conclusion to this, Allusions help the story by allowing the audience to relate and apply these reasoning’s in their lives. Briefly explained, the three literary devices which would be good to include in stories are: epigraphs, character development and allusions. This brings your story to a point that the reader believes they are actually living the story, feeling every single detail of it. So, all in all, literary devices increase more use of detailed writing and allows people to understand what is going on.

Hazards and Changing Place Essay

Many have said that our planet Earth is mother to us all. With the ravaging tornadoes, typhoons and earthquakes that the world has experienced, with the sufferings and burdens brought about by these environmental disasters, the deaths, the losses and the change. And with the ongoing and still increasing records of undoable destructions, devastating effects and the unbearable pain due to the great looses laid upon the living by the Earth’s deeply hidden wrath, one could acknowledge the fact that mother Earth is not more of a loving and caring parent. Shortly after these hazards have occurred, a place can figuratively still hold on and still have the chance of changing the course and even its features. Changes may occur right after and along time after these phenomena might happen. Places may rebuild themselves like the way they were before or they may reconstruct and form itself into a new one. During instances, after environmental disasters such as flood, tornadoes, thunderstorms, earthquakes and eruptions have occurred, places can change for the better and develops themselves in order to adapt to whatever might come again. They often equip themselves with more advance technologies and gadgets in order for them to detect the presence of dangerous disasters earlier for them ready themselves. At the present time, natural disasters, like these have been very frequent in the face of the planet. It had been like these catastrophes are part of the evolving earth. Though they might have been here long before man has been, still the effects of these disasters are hardly taken by men. They have more of the power that man ever had. As to now, many people declare that these catastrophic activities which are environmental in nature occur mostly on places wherein poverty, crimes and sin thrive. And some, associates religion to the happenings, occurrences and the effects of the disasters. They often call places which are frequently run over by these catastrophes as places cleaned up by God. And for some, these disasters are normal to the earth since they are brought and created by nature in reasons only the planet itself knows. â€Å"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. † One case regarding these places that have been severely struck by brutal calamities is Sri Lanka. It was in the in the early hours of December 26, 2004 when a lot of the homes, boats, belongings and live of the twenty thousand locals of Hambantota have been lost due to the destruction of a tsunami. However, not only the lives and belongings of the victims of the tsunami have been carried away by it. The source of livelihood and the lives of the survivors have been seized by the disaster as well. After the tsunami, a lagoon which serves as a place for birds and fishes and a sanctuary for most of the wildlife in the place and also the source of the additional and prime income of most of the residents of the place have been cleaned up by the tsunami carrying with it the future of the people depending their living in the lagoon. Now, the lagoon become a primary breeding grounds for disease-bearing insects and pests which largely puts the people of the site onto a greater peril of diseases such as malaria, encephalitis, dengue and other death causing sickness. A t present, still, the traces of the disaster could still be seen. However, much has been changed after the tsunami has happened. Projects for sanitation and rehabilitation have been launched by most of the government and private sectors of the society. Though the projects made by these organizations can not totally eradicate the effects of the tragedy at an instant, it also helps the people of the place regain their hope that the place that they have been born and lived on and the place that the tsunami has taken away from them can still be restored. The projects launched in the place include cleaning and eliminating the trash and debris brought about by the tsunami. Today, they have already cleaned up almost one third of the entire place and though it is still far from the end, the clean up project can help them earn money and help stimulate the start of a new and better life for them. Though it may still take more time before they have totally erased the destruction made by the disaster not only to their community but also to their lives, still, the faith of the people in reviving their place and their lives could be seen in their acts. Though the people have been fated with the consequences of the tsunami, still they believe that they have been blessed with having a chance to rebuild their place and their environment into a newer and better Hambantota. â€Å"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. † (Matthew 24:7, 8) One thing that can be classified as a hazard in the history of the planet is the losses, pains and bloodshed done by warfare. Since history has been accounted, there have been many battles and wars written not only in history books and newspapers but also in the hearts and minds of the soldiers who have been engraved with pain and anger among enemies and of the civilians who had been victims and had suffered deeply from the injuries and outcomes of the rivalry. One of the several places that have been victimized by oppositions between different nations is Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Early in the August 45, 1945, these two places endured the ache and the sufferings brought by the series of bombs dropped onto them during the final period of the world war not long before Japan surrendered as an indication of the ending of the war. The bomb definitely did a very devastating effect on that place. The bombs dropped off on the place immediately caused explosions, destructive blast pressure and radiation contact which then resulted to massive death and severe losses. The stern products brought about by the blast almost resulted to the obliteration of both of the places on the map. As from great survival of men, Hiroshima today had really managed to stand after the war. These days the population of Hiroshima boomed to four hundred and ten thousand deeply going beyond its population before the war. This population burst was most dependent on the positive changes that have happened to the place after the war. Today, Hiroshima has machinery, food processing and automotive as its chief industries that supplies most of its funds. The rebuilding efforts made by the people of Hiroshima had been done outstandingly. As a matter of fact Hiroshima’s outstanding changes have been acknowledged by one of the writers of Daily Sun. He said, â€Å"In today’s Hiroshima, bustling shopping centers line covered pedestrian malls and major department stores feature a range of merchandise almost as great as their Tokyo counterparts,†. Far from the Hiroshima that has once been victim of man-caused disaster, Hiroshima now rises from the wreckage of its past. The disasters that caught the world’s attention and the most recent catastrophes have filled the everyday news; have caused many questions on the mentalities of most of the believers. Are these things that happen to the earth that takes the lives and properties of the people God’s judgment? Most of might say that this is a very simple question. Though simple as may be, this has a very compound answer. Truly, these tremendous environmental and man-made disasters are not God’s will to eradicate the sinners and clean up the homes of the ill hearted and the unbelievers. One reason why there is a complete and strong stand in saying that is because these disasters do not pick or choose who is the righteous and who are not. Clearly, disasters just ramp on everything that gets on their way and eradicates everything that needs to be eradicated. And the though that these disasters happen in places where most of the sinned dwells and people are more on the bad side that on the good side does not reside in the idea that these disasters have been sent on earth by God as a his judgment and prize for people who does not follow him. Undisputedly, still in the places where there have been cases like the hurricanes, thunderstorms, floods and earthquakes which had obliterate a thousand or even a million of the population of the globe, the people that have died and suffered in the peril, most likely are not sinners at all. And if there were or if there are more sinners than the believers, still, the fact that there are good hearted sin those places and they have been included in the death list caused by the disaster cold not support the idea that the catastrophe have been sent by God. If they are sent by God for the judgment for the sinners, then why were the righteous not saved? This question leads back to the story of Noah and the flood. Clearly, before the flood happened and drowned the earth, god had managed to tell Noah what to do and therefore saving him and his family from the judgment. It was indicated in the bible that during that time, Noah and his family were the only righteous for they are the only ones following god’s will and thus, because they were righteous they were saved from the only judgment made by god – the flood. Other examples of judgments of god to the sinners are the destruction of Sodom and the plaques on Egypt and in those two cases, the righteous were saved. These natural and man-made disasters were not god’s judgment on the sins done by man nor had he insisted on creating men that would obliterate its own race of his own life. For in his judgments, the righteous would always be saved. The catastrophe that had been arriving into the planet just recently is clearly not god’s will for the sinners. These calamities are made in order for men to repent his sins and have his time to rebuild again and revive his own self for the better. For god always loves the righteous and he would not want them to be removed from this planet because he wants them to make the sinners repent and go back to him.

Critique paper Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critique paper - Article Example The article provides the reader with a response from the CEO of Disney to the member of congress, which was meant to ridicule him for not getting his facts straight (Mangu-Ward 1). This paper will criticize the article, and mention some of the crucial aspects the reader needs to note. The author provides sufficient evidence to support the issues raised by the member of congress. This is through direct quotes that are recorded in the article from the member of congress. The author’s thought processes are brought out through the interpretation she offers the reader. This assists in bringing the reader to one conclusion about what goes on in many of the corporations present, but ensuring the reader understands that Disney is not among them. This is done by the author through the evidence the Disney CEO provides about what goes on (Mangu-Ward 1). It is not clear if the author will gain anything through favouring either party. It is; therefore, fair to say that the author was not biased in any way. The overall message from the author is logical because, it brings out what happens in many multi-national corporations, and how they do it. It is through the evidence provided that one can see the application in the real world (Mangu-Ward 1). It is possible for this to happen in today’s society with the advancement in technology. Corporations are guilty of putting their profits above the people’s interests. As a reader, one has to agree with the suggestions put across in the article. Social sites are examples that may assist an individual comprehend the situation better. These sites ask for personal details, and act as a passage for this information. People on social networks need to be wary of the issues that may come up with providing such information. In conclusion, the issue of what happens to privacy once individuals decide to be part of the technological world should be given thought. This may ensure individuals are safe and enjoy

Discuss in scholarly detail ways that building intra-organization Essay

Discuss in scholarly detail ways that building intra-organization cooperation between information systems personnel and line managers improve the information systems - Essay Example ferent managers perceive the environment differently.† Information system personnel can evaluate and ratify several technical aspects of ISs but the line managers can provide them important operational insights into these systems because of their firsthand practical experience. Line managers that interact with information systems can reflect the limitations and weaknesses observed in the system and this feedback can play a vital role in important modifications. Zientara (n.d., p.4) declares the â€Å"Line managers continual dissatisfaction with the quality of information systems services† as the failure of information systems. The growth and advancement of distributed information systems has also instigated the need of intra-organization cooperation because consolidation of information received from various modules of the information system can be used to further improve the system. Eduardo states, â€Å"A new purpose of the informal distributed information systems for innovation that arise from the interaction of the accumulated stock of knowledge emerging at the individual (micro) level.† It can be safely deduce that the information accumulated by the line managers can provide a useful insight into the information systems for further

The Portrayal of Realism and Fantasy in Children's Fiction Essay

The Portrayal of Realism and Fantasy in Children's Fiction - Essay Example This document highlights the portrayal of liberalism and fantasy in children’s fiction novels â€Å"Christmas Carol† and â€Å"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz† (Adsit, 2011). Realism and Fantasy in Literature Realism refers to a truthful aspect of life which are put forward after observations of different facts and features of events taking place in the life. In literature, realism is an approach, which describes the understanding of life without a subjectivity of an ideal life, fantasies or romantic interests. These realistic approaches are the product of all the influential bodies pertaining in everyday life and they are placed specially among the lower and middle classes of the society. The social factors of the environment play a very significant role in realistic literature. The psychological elements of individuals are also examined in realistic approach in the literature (Villanueva, 1997). Realism in literature emphasizes on proper documentation of the events, which are taking place, with an insight of all sociological aspects and details of facts and figures of life. There are few elements, which are avoided like poetic diction and melodrama in this approach and the subjects’ issues of lower middle class families of societies are elaborated. (Stoodt, 1996) Fantasy, on the other hand depicts such characters which may not be real, they can vary from fairy tales as well as about demons that take us on a journey of imagination and metaphysical form of literature (Horne, 2011). Most of the Science fiction tales come under this category. The metaphysical literature deals with such subjects which can be supernatural and the characters will inhibit traits of super natural beings like dragons and wizards, fairies or vampires (Miller, 1997). Hence, the fantasy literature incorporates such super natural or unrealistic notions, which may provide an understanding of the structural elements and characteristic features taking place in such sett ing. (Schmitz, 2008) Most of people enjoy fantasy because of the concepts underlined in the structure of this kind of literature (Hudson, James, & Christopher, 2003). People are more inclined towards the theories in literature, which depict good against evil, magic and demons and explore concepts, which in reality may not be of any use but may have a profound impact on how a person perceives the situation. (James & Mendlesohn, 2012) Studies of Realism and Fantasy Literature in Schools In order to keep children focused on realities of life and the impact of realistic events in the lives of a common man, it is necessary to introduce realism in literature in studies by introducing novels which are depicting which can have a positive impact in their upbringing and development (Adams, 1990). However, practically speaking the idea of realism in fiction novels may differ in different people (Klemmer, Anoop, Chen, Landay, & Aboobaker, 2000). The depiction various scenarios by writers may be perceived differently because there are cases when a realistic event may seem illusory to one person and realistic to another (Wolf, Coats, & Enciso, 2010). Exploration is required in terms of confusion of such realism in literature so that there is understanding of literature as a basic course in children’s school to promote learning through fictional tales.

Who is profiling for Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Who is profiling for - Essay Example In â€Å"The Violent Kid Profile,† Mary Lord claims that the new method being used to detect violence from unpredictable students will take over the student dignity of millions of students at school. She feels profiling is wrong and is a form of offender, and she also believes that it goes against the Bill of Rights as well. Thus, some students unintentionally suffer the profiling they have no control over. In general, I agree with Mary Lord who claims that profiling has negative effects on students at high school. Those negative impacts are further discussed in this paper with specific reference to Mary Lord’s article â€Å"The Violent Kid Profile†. However, the paper does not aim to provide biased information but is designed to present both positives and negatives of profiling. One of the most crucial criticisms against profiling involves the uncertainty about the causes of the problem behavior that a teenager demonstrates. This is the weakness of profiling that it lacks exposing the actual reason behind a problem behavior and accepts the behavior as an intentional, violent act. The fact that the profiled actions might just be the similar actions performed by other teenagers in the same situation and with the same capacity is ignored! Certain actions are logical to be expected on the basis of reasonableness and situation. Lord points out that some profiles apply equivocal standards to evaluate students behaviors and provide vague standards to include students in the list of those having problems, anxiety abd related issues. She quotes Kevin Dwyer president of the National Association of school Psychologists, who describes some of these profiled behaviors as, â€Å"Listens to songs that promote violence... Appears to be an average student....Isolated... Dr ess sloppily† (Para 6). The behaviors mentioned by Kevin Dwyer are too normal to be observed in the new generation. Therefore, adding such standards to

Case Study Based Report - Performance Management Essay

Case Study Based Report - Performance Management - Essay Example Based on the drawbacks, a new system is developed. The impetus for the new system of performance management was driven by the arrival of a new CEO in the organisation. His mission is the creation of a culture which is completely based on performance and the creation of a proper career path for the operational staff. Answer to Question 1 Review of the organisation’s previous approach to performance management The previous performance management system for the senior operational staff was meant to evaluate the performance of the employees against the set standards of performance. This would consequently help in the development of action plans for addressing the gaps identified (David, 2009, p.288). Since they were senior operational staff in the organisation, their performance were indirectly accountable for the performance of the personnel working under their supervision. The first step in the system included identifying the personnel’s performance dimensions. ... He is responsible for completing his assignments on time through the performance of his subordinates. He is supposed to demonstrate budgetary controls, monitor the subordinates’ activities, initiate the effective and timely corrective actions and suggest budgetary recommendations (California State University, p.1). Certain pitfalls have been identified with regards to the performance management system for the senior operational staff in the organisation. Firstly, the system is not found to promote or enhance productivity in any way. Moreover, it is not a favourable system which drives commitment in the workforce or motivates employees towards continuous improvement of performance (Montebello, 2004, p.1). Firstly, there are divergent goals and objectives. In other words, the goals are not very defined and do not provide a proper guideline to the operational staff for proceeding in his work activities. Secondly, there are loopholes in the implementation plan of the system. The s ystem is not implemented aggressively. Moreover, the technology used for implementing the plan is not based on the latest technology which allows errors and loopholes in the system. There is lack of transparency in the system which eventually causes improper performance appraisal. Inefficiencies creep in and at times, there is biasness in the appraisal system. The performance appraisal forms are constructed poorly. This implies that the factors for rating are not well defined and allows ambiguity. The rating scale also contains certain problematic terms. Thus, it is difficult to evaluate whether the performance meets requirements, exceeds it or is at par. The problem that arises because of this is that the process lacks validity and value and is considered to be impractical. The forms

Liberalism, Republicanism, Ascriptive Hierarchy On Case About Same- Dissertation

Liberalism, Republicanism, Ascriptive Hierarchy On Case About Same- Sex Marriage - Dissertation Example This essay declares that legally wedded couples living in marriage equity states will soon have equivalent access to all the government rights and profits focused around conjugal status. For wedded couples living in states without marriage fairness, there is less clarity. Indeed with DOMA off the beaten path, distinctive government projects have diverse decides that figure out where an office looks to choose if a marriage is legitimate – either place of festival or spot of living arrangement. Under the current runs and practices, a legally wedded same-sex couple living in a state that does not perceive their marriage will have admittance to some government rights and profits, however might not have admittance to numerous others, contingent upon how the court principles. This paper makes a conclusion that the reaction has been in two ways. For instance it has been believed by many people that, all they are going to have is more weight to comply with foreordained character boxes, and less flexibility to be an individual, and more weight to need the administration's gift to have a "true blue" relationship. Also constraining individuals to perceive connections that they ethically can't help contradicting is not really flexibility of religious practice. On the other hand, there is a solid conviction that, numerous profits are just accessible to wedded couples, for example, doctor's facility appearance amid an ailment, assessment and legacy rights, access to family wellbeing scope, and security in the occasion of the relationship ending.