Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Ford s Organizational Changes Of The Automobile Industry

Ford’s Organizational Changes Kimberly Rape Dana Mandell Chamindu Kavindra Organizational Behavior November 14, 2014 Introduction Background – Henry Ford Founded in 1903, Henry Ford managed to get investor support to open the first manufacturing automobile company in Detroit, Michigan. Ford Motor Company has been known for its mass production of vehicles using a perfected assembly line method and its innovations in the automobile industry. Ford’s famous Model-T was developed as an innovative automobile that could be produced quickly, while keeping the cost to a minimum. This allowed people with a lower income the opportunity to afford an automobile. One of the biggest changes in the automobile industry occurred in 1913 with the introduction of a perfected assembly line method. This assembly line method was the one of the main reasons Ford Motor Company was able to keep the cost of vehicles and the production time to a minimum. Ford also took the first step to increase wages of their employees above the industry standard. Although it was still a very low value, Ford offered $5 per day which was a huge improvement from the $ 2.34 per day that most companies offered. By the 1930 s Ford was a primary target of the United Automobile Workers (UAW) union to increase wages and working conditions. Despite attempts by Henry Ford to keep the Unions out of the company, the Supreme Court rulings forced Ford to work with the UAW. Another sentence†¦. With warShow MoreRelatedManagement Approach At Ford Motor Company Essay1479 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction In today’s day and age it is important for organizations to consciously improve and work towards meeting organizational goals to remain competitive in any industry. To do this, organizations should have a management approach in place, which helps navigate the direction and strategy of the organization. Customer satisfaction is a key component in the automotive industry and thus requires the aforementioned approaches to further build customer loyalty. Total Quality Management (TQM) isRead MoreU.S. Automobile Manufacturing in the Twenty-First Century1540 Words   |  7 PagesThe innovation of the automobiles had a significant social and economic impact on the United States. In the early 1900s, Henry Ford was well known for establishing the Ford Motor Company and five years after he launched his company, he introduced the first Model T (History.com, 2013). During this time, automobiles were considered luxuries, and 10,000 Model T automobiles were sold that year (History.com, 2013). In the 21st Century, automobiles are no longer luxuries but necessities. In additionRead MoreEssay about The American Economy1358 Words   |  6 Pagesas consumers, producers, investors and voters. The changes in the organization and performances of the manufacturing industry over the last century have helped shape the American economy. The Automotive industry perhaps made the biggest changes to their manufacturing processes. I will be reviewing the role of the industrialist Henry Ford and his innovative methods that changed the organization and performance of the American manufacturing industry forever. He produced an affordable car, paid highRead MoreExternal Environment And Internal Environment On The Automobile Industry1811 Words   |  8 PagesThis assignment enlightens on environmental influences that have derived automobile industry to adopt a significant change. This assignment consists of the four dominant companies in the automobile industries and how they have adopted to work in line with the changes in the environmental factors. This assignment looks into the external environment and internal environment for the leading powers in the automobile industry. External environment explains the major forces outside the organizationRead MoreCase Analysis - Ford Motors738 Words   |  3 PagesCase Analysis on Ford Motor Company Introduction Henry Ford’s Motor Company is one of America’s biggest prides in automotive industry. It is a multinational corporation and the worlds fourth largest automaker based on worldwide vehicle sales, following Toyota, General Motors, and Volkswagen. The founder, Henry Ford incorporated the company on June 16, 1903. At 1980’s, under the leadership of his grandson Henry Ford II, several bad decisions had been made regarding the organizational structure forRead MoreCase Study : Ford Motor Company1611 Words   |  7 PagesFord Motor Co. Casey T, Blackburn Business 104 Business Organization Management Dr. Earl Murray Jr. 1 November 2015 Abstract I hope that this meets the intent of this paper and that you learn something new about the management of an organization that I have the most interest in. I wanted to discuss how the lessons that we have covered during this class are used and demonstrated in a large worldwide company such as Ford Motor Co. Ford Motor Co. Ford’s Motor Company History Ford Motor CompanyRead MoreIntroduction. As Part Of My Initial Assignment In Hrm 530,1213 Words   |  5 Pagesstrategies. So as a result of this assignment, I will attempt to address the following issues in the order listed herein. The company that I have selected to explore these areas is The FORD Motor Company. I chose Ford primarily based on the current events that have reported that Ford will be opening more plants in the US. Ford Motor Co. announced  it would cancel plans to spend $1.6 billion in a new production plant in Mexico and instead invest $700 million into the Flat Rock Assembly Plant south of DetroitRead MoreFord Motor Company Case Analysis1104 Words   |  5 PagesThe current situation of the Ford Motor Company, revenue of $44 billion, 6 percent above second quarter 2006. The company net income of $750 million, or 31 cents per share. Profit of $258 million, or 13 cents per share, from continuing operations excluding special items. There was a significant year -over-year improvement for all automotive operations. Ford Motor Credit pre-tax profit of $112 million. Cost reductions of $600 million; $1.1 billion through the first half of 2007. There was automotiveRead MoreLee Iacocc An American Business Leader1540 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract Lee Iacocca is a businessman in the American automobile industry. He progressed up the ranks at Ford Motor Company to ultimately become its president in 1970. He is credited with such automotive hits as the Mustang and the Lincoln Mark III. He was fired by Henry Ford in 1978 due to personal differences. Chrysler Corporation was in a state of near bankruptcy in 1979 and called upon the leadership and expertise of Lee Iacocca to help save the company. Through his toughness and perseveranceRead MoreCorporate Strategy : Ford Motor Company Essay2010 Words   |  9 Pagesbusiness or product portfolio. There are three active strategies that can affect the overall direction of the company. The company can either expand their current activities, make no change, or reduce its current activities (Wheelen, Hunger, Hoffman, Bamford, 2015). Since the company was first founded in 1909, Ford Motor Company has participated in all three strategies to varying degrees of success or failure. The first strategy, expand its current activities, was the groundwork which sets up the

Monday, December 23, 2019

Smoking Ban. Introduction And ThesisThe Smoking Ban Is

Smoking Ban Introduction and Thesis: The smoking ban is to prevent health risks, and ensure a better economy and cleaner environment. The first ban was in 1575 to ensure no smoking in all the churches in Mexico by the ecclesial council. Even though there is so much evidence to easily ban smoking it is still a huge debate. Point 1: Health protected Although this may go against freedom of choice, it may reduce people having health risks. The ban will reduce nonsmoker’s chances of getting second hand smoke. Not only diseases are contracted by smoke but there is a high chance of premature deaths to occur even if you do not smoke. CDC (Central Disease Control) has found that with the Smoking ban enforced the number of hospital†¦show more content†¦The plant is very toxic and contains DDT, (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) Aldrin and Methyl Bromide which are powerful enough to destroy the ozone. According to Giovanni Invernizzi there are more than 4,000 chemicals in each cigarette and they are nonbiodegradable. In his studies, found that cigarette smoke causes air pollution and is said to be more lethal than diesel gas. The pollutants in the cigarettes may also contaminate the water source and make it an unreliable water source. When the consumer is finished using the cigarette they will often just toss it without p utting it out, then it will cause a wild fire. Rebuttal 1 Negatively effecting the economy. Although smoking is bad it is good revenue for the government to use towards public services. This may also will have the smokers to pay more if they choose to smoke (Owyang). The people who are against the ban claim it also may take away jobs. There is about 136,000 workers and 114 factories across the world if the ban is in place there will be a high rate of unemployment. Rebuttal 2 Freedom of Choice Though the ban may save lives, the ban may not be great because it goes against the Americas freedom. Peoples freedom and their right to choose would be abolished. The cigarettes are legal an easy to buy so it should be legal to smoke anywhere outside if it is not harming anyone. The smoke may just evaporate in to the air but it couldShow MoreRelatedFreaky Economics Essay1321 Words   |  6 Pagesnumber of Levitt’s’ peers may not recognize this work as economics at all (xxv). Regardless of the controversy, Levitt points out economics is the science of measurements and he is using data and patterns in the data to gain insight (11). A primary thesis he developed is about incentives. Levitt found that people are driven by them; the incentives do not need to be money, but they are motivational no matter the area. â€Å"The study of incentives is how people get what they want, or need, especially whenRead MoreSmoking Among Teens2694 Words   |  11 PagesTopic: Smoking Thesis: Smoking among teens has been increasing in an alarming rate. What are the effects on cigarette advertising has on the teenagers and the numerous ways to quit smoking. Related Issues: 1. Reasons why teens pick up the habit of smoking 2. The Effects of Tobacco Advertisement 3. The numerous reasons people give up smoking 4. The Health benefits of quitting 5. Numerous Steps to quitting TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Abstract pg 3 2. Introduction pg 4 3. LiteratureRead MoreShould Smoking Tobacco Be Banned?1875 Words   |  8 PagesTopic: Smoking tobacco in cars General Purpose: To argue Specific Purpose: To argue that the state of Idaho should make smoking tobacco in cars while children are present illegal. Central Idea: Smoking tobacco in cars while children are inside the vehicle should be illegal in the state of Idaho because: (1) exposure to secondhand smoke is harmful to the health of children; (2) the intensity of exposure to second-hand smoke in vehicles is much more harmful; and (3) the child or children in the carRead MoreThe Postive and Negative Social, Educational and Health Effects of Cell Phones on Teenagers3132 Words   |  13 PagesTHE POSTIVE AND NEGATIVE SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND HEALTH EFFECTS OF CELL PHONES ON TEENAGERS By Agshin Alizada For the course HSB 4MI Presented to Miss Dahl BLUEVALE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE Table of Contents Page 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Discussion ` 4 2.1 Positive and Negative Social Effects of Cell Phones on Teenagers 4 2.2 Positive and Negative Educational EffectsRead MoreIndustrial Hemp: The Great Debate1684 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Industrial Hemp The Great Debate Introduction Many knowledgeable people who know and understand the potential of industrial hemp are convinced that it is one of the worlds most perfect products. Its fiber makes rope and cloth which is very strong and resilient and when used to make paper products, the production is far tidier and much more efficient than using wood to make paper. Hemp is indeed considered one of the worlds oldest agricultural products and hemp has a history in the United StatesRead MoreThe Effects of Culture and Ethnicity on Tobacco Prevention and Cessation5317 Words   |  21 Pagesï » ¿ Introduction Tobacco usage remains the main preventable reason for loss of life and illness within the US, with almost 443,000 fatalities taking place yearly due to smoking cigarettes and contact with second-hand cigarette smoke (CDC, 2008). Furthermore, almost ninety percent of adult people who smoke start using cigarettes from age eighteen years (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). 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This section describes the product segments in which Crown competed, examines the industry’s competitive structure, and looks at three industrywide trends: (1) increasing self-manufacture, (2) new material introductions, and (3) the effect of the â€Å"packaging revolution† on the competitive atmosphere. The Products Metal containers made up almost a third of all packaging products used in the U.S. in 1976. Metal containers included traditional steel and aluminumRead MorePrincipals’ and Students’ Attitude Towards Provision of Guidance and Counselling Servises and Maintenance of Dicsipline in Secondary Schools of Nyamira District-Kenya7287 Words   |  30 Pagesschools, thus facilitating the smooth running of schools. The results further showed that the category of school a student was in was not a significant determinant of the attitude students had towards seeking guidance and counselling services. 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Sunday, December 15, 2019

Analysis of Marks and Spencer’s Past Failures and Present Developments Free Essays

Introduction Marks and Spencer Group plc, a leading and century-old Britain retail giant, which is selling of clothing, food and home products all over the world. After experienced the failure of international expansion about a decade ago, the company stages a comeback on internationalization and intends to form good relationship with customers worldwide. Therefore, this report is going to explore the reasons why MS failed in the past, identify the recent development on international operation and give recommendations for the future expansion. We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Marks and Spencer’s Past Failures and Present Developments or any similar topic only for you Order Now History of Internationalization MS has a long history of international expansion. It makes use of diverse types of entry modes worldwide which combined of entry modes from organic growth, joint venture, and franchise agreements to partly or wholly-owned subsidiaries (Whitehead 1994, p.41). This kind of widely use of ownership models and countries give the priority of the company to perform well globally even when some individual markets may not that good. The company began its tentative internationalization activities by exporting its St. Michael brands products in the 1940s (Alon 2000, p.5). Then MS formalized some of its export activities through franchise agreements in the 1970s. In the next two decades, a gradual expansion occurred both in number and geographic scope. By 1998, MS had almost 500 stores in over 30 countries with the retail sales of almost ?8bn. Meanwhile, the company owned Brooks Brothers and Kings Supermarkets in the United States (Burt et al 2002b, p.200). However, three years later, Marks and Spencer sold its Brooks Brothers brand and Kings Supermarkets (USA) businesses, turned the Hong Kong stores into franchises in a downgraded regional structure, closed the European stores which were unprofitable (Burt 2002a, p1). Under these circumstances, MS faced a survival crisis on its overseas market and most of the company’s direct international activities were compelled to stop. As a consequence, the reputation of the company went downhill both at home and abroad. Reasons of Failure Marks and Spencer suffered sluggish sales, slump in profits and a sharply declining market share owing to all sorts of external and internal reasons. Externally, more ambitious and vigorous competitors entered this market and therefore MS faced more stiff competition over the 1990s. Moreover, technological changes happened in retailing industry. New entrants were more likely to use the computerized systems and adopted new methods of operating which could improve effectiveness and efficiency. Nevertheless, Marks and Spencer still depended on the old systems and approaches. Therefore, the company gradually fell behind (Mellahi et al 2002, p23). Internally, first of all, the company did not have a unified, well-recognized and trusted brand name when exploring the international market. The company did not build up the brand effect. For instance, MS did not change the names of the US chains after it bought Brooks Brothers and Kings Supermarket and used Brooks Brothers’ chain to open the market in the Far East (Alon 2000, p.8). Therefore, the company could not touch customers through its brand image, whereas brand image is vital in marketing literature. Then, MS did not consider the customer’s needs on global market in early years. The company transferred their business formula from the United States to Canada without any modifications. Nevertheless apparently, the Canadian stores required customization to local needs (Alon 2000, p.7). It is an economy that driven by customers. If a business could not satisfy its customers’ needs and keep the customers in a cost-effective way and then it would confronted with losses. Moreover, the company â€Å"lack of clear retail positioning and design† (Burt et al 2002b, p.213). After enter each markets, MS did not have a long-term plan for the sustainable development. Supply chain always to be a problem and the company did not solve it properly. Canada had these problems for years which gave no guidance on the United States purchase. Moreover, many elements make MS run smoothly in the UK market but did not work on the global market and the business became a series of activities with little synergy and cooperative effect (Burt et al 2002b). Last but not the least, the company did not have an overall and long-term development plan of international expansion. Such as the company signed franchise agreements in numerous countries, but used diverse franchisees and different types of franchise arrangements. Therefore, over a long period of time, the international activities of the company were directionless and lacked internal communication (Burt et al 2002b, p.213). Recent Development After the failure of first-round international expansion, Marks and Spencer utilized contraction strategy that focus on domestic market to deal with the crisis. Ten years later, MS is rebuilt as a trustworthy brand which demonstrates its quality, fit, and service are reliable and consistent. Globalization is imperative and overseas expansion is regarded as an opportunity for future growth. Therefore, the company is fully equipped to renew global extension. Circumstances change with the passage of time, now MS has 327 stores overseas in 41 territories (includes Republic of Ireland)(Marks and Spencer Group plc 2010). As can be seen from the chart below that Southern and Eastern Europe is the key area to expansion and there would be great opportunities in emerging markets such as the Middle and Far East, as well as the Indian subcontinent. Source: Marks and Spencer Group plc Moreover, MS set a five year plan to raise international business to 15 to 20% of total Group Revenue from 2008. The company established some guiding principles to help complete the plan in 2010. Specifically: â€Å"Growing our Central and Eastern European partnerships; building sustainable businesses in India and China; accelerating growth with our franchise partners; and continuing to explore new opportunities.† (Marks and Spencer Group plc 2010) Therefore, MS focuses on the sustainable development of the company and proceed with internationalization sequentially. In addition to the European market, emerging markets, such as India and China, are potential areas which need to pay close attention for the next step. Furthermore, the company intends using multiple channels to drive the international business. Recommendation and Conclusion In order to achieve better performance in international expansion, MS needs to use past history for guidance and look to the future. To begin with, the company needs to transfer the â€Å"MS† from a national into an international brand. It is unlikely for a company to deliver a brand into a new market without any further consideration. Therefore, the first decision should be made is whether â€Å"use a brand in all chosen markets or to differentiate it depending on market peculiarities† (Kuvykaite and Mascinskiene 2010, p.446). Since a brand is a promise to make customers know who you are and then help the company generate customer trust. Therefore, the company need identify the brand positioning, symbol, logo and other images to arouse brand awareness. Following the point mentioned above, the company must have detailed market research and expansion strategy. The business strategy should generally cover the ambition, positioning, investment and organisation (Lasserre 2007). Under the strategy, the company need has clear defined short-term and long-term objectives with a suitable value proposition to the market. The company also should organize itself properly and excavate a sustainable competitive advantage which is difficult to replicate or imitate. Moreover, analyze each specific market and meeting customer needs such as supply good quality products at a lower price playing a vital role in the overall strategy. Another important point is that the company should choose a suitable entry mode for each individual target market and come up with the follow-up ways of development. The company can choose any of these entry modes (namely export, license and franchise, alliance, joint venture or wholly owned subsidiary) or some combination of them to enter a host country. It is depending on the country’s specific situation because the choice of entry confines the firm’s overall strategy (Johnson and Tellis 2008). In order to be able to resist challenges of entering a new country and has an efficient operation, the company should be concern with activities after establishment. Finally, all the plans and strategies must be implemented smoothly and adjust according to the changes of the market timely. It is well known that an effective implementation is always superior to a great strategy. A company can never succeed unless it can implement and carry out its strategy effectively (Sterling 2003, p.27). Moreover, the strategy should also keep pace with the newly developed technologies, the changes of market environment of a specific country or region and most important thing is looking squarely at the alteration of customer’s needs. Only in this way can the company use the market knowledge and power to tackle all the difficulties and successfully entering a new market and survive. Marks and Spencer is gaining momentum in internationalization which helps the company seeking new markets and reduces the dependency on the UK economy. Moreover, as the company has a rich experience on international expansion in the past, therefore, it could learn from the past mistakes and create a better future. In this way, the company’s international business offers considerable opportunities for long-term growth, as well as helps it grow into a world famous enterprise. References Alon, I. 2000. Marks Spencer: a case study in international retailing[Online]. Available at: http://www.elearning.ulg.ac.be/old_demos/HEC/html/marks.pdf [Accessed: 12th March 2011]. Burt, S.L. et al. 2002a. The failure of retail internationalization in Marks and Spencer. European Retail Digest. 35, pp.1-4. Burt, S.L. et al 2002b. Retail internationalization and retail failure: issues from the case of Marks and Spencer. International Review of Retail, Distribution Consumer Research. 12 (2), pp191-219. Johnson, J. and Tellis, G. J. 2008. Drivers of success for market entry into China and India. Journal of Marketing. 72 (3), pp.1-13. Kuvykaite, R. and Mascinskiene, J. 2010. Transformation of a national brand into an international brand. Inzinerine Ekonomika-Engineering Economics. 21(4), pp.446-455. Lasserre, P. 2007. Global strategic management. 2nd Edition. Basingstoke : Palgrave Macmillan. pp.34-61. Marks and Spencer Group plc. 2010. MS Annual Report 2010[Online]. Available at: http://annualreport.marksandspencer.com/operating-and-financial-review/where-we-sell.aspx [Accessed: 12th March 2011]. Mellahi, K. et al. 2002. An exploratory study into failure in successful organizations: the case of Marks Spencer. British Journal of Management. 13(1), pp. 15–29. Sterling, J. 2003. Translating strategy into effective implementation: dispelling the myths and highlighting what works. Strategy Leadership. 31(3), pp.27 – 34 Whitehead, M. 1994. Marks Spencer – â€Å"Britain’s Leading Retailer: Quality and Value Worldwide†. Management Decision. 32(3), pp. 38-41. How to cite Analysis of Marks and Spencer’s Past Failures and Present Developments, Essay examples

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Ernest hemingway vs. f. scott fitzgerald Essay Example For Students

Ernest hemingway vs. f. scott fitzgerald Essay F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, though both evolved from the same literary time and place, created their works in two very dissimilar writing styles which are representative of their subject matter. The two writers were both products of the post-WWI lost generation and first gained notoriety as members of the American expatriate literary community living in Paris during the 1920s. Despite this underlying fact which influenced much of their material, the works examined in class dramatically differ in style as well as subject matter. As far as style, Fitzgerald definitely takes the award for eloquence with his flowery descriptive language whereas Hemingways genius comes from his short, simple sentences. As for subject, Hemingway writes gritty, earthy material while on the other hand Fitzgeralds writing is centered around social hierarchy and longing to be with another person. Although the works that these two literary masters are so uniquely different, one thing that they hav e in common are their melancholy and often tragic conclusions. To explore the two distinct writing styles, one can begin with how the stories do. (That is, how they begin too.) The opening paragraphs of Fitzgeralds Winter Dreams and Hemingways Indian Camp epitomize the basic difference between their writing styles. Winter Dreams begins, Some of the caddies were poor as sin and lived in one-room houses with a neurasthenic cow in the front yard, but Dexter Greens father owned the second best grocery-store in Black Bear-the best one was The Hub, patronized by the wealthy people from Sherry Island-and Dexter caddied only for pocket-money (1504). Indian Camp starts out, At the lake shore there was another rowboat drawn up. The two Indians stood waiting (15). The thoroughly descriptive four-line, one-sentence opening versus the two-lines consisting of two sentences demonstrates Fitzgeralds exploitation of words as opposed to Hemingways less is more principle with his multiple short and simple sentences. Another distinction between the two styles is th at Fitzgerald narrated much of what the characters think and feel whereas Hemingway, for the most part with the exception of Soldiers Home, let action and dialogue reveal the storys message. Winter Dreams offers a complete narrative of the central characters thoughts from the beginning when Dexters winter fantasies are related to the reader to the end when his image of Judy is shattered and lost youthful passion for life is realized. Even the grief he could have borne was left behind in the country of illusion, of youth, of the richness of life, where his winter dreams had flourished (1519). The exact same is true about Babylon Revisited as in the final paragraph provides a clear view into Charlies mind. He would come back some day; they couldnt make him pay forever. But he wanted his child, and nothing was much good now, beside that fact. He wasnt young any more, with a lot of nice thoughts and dreams to have by himself. He was absolutely sure Helen wouldnt have wanted him to be so alone (Norton Anthology 1511). Now to look at Hemingway, The End of Something reveals the characters through dialogue and it is via this medium that the reader learns most of what the story is about. I feel as though everything was gone to hell inside of me. I dont know, Marge. I dont know what to say.†¦ Isnt love any fun? Marjorie said (34). A Clean, Well-Lighted Place lets the reader get to know the three main characters through the dialogue between the two waiters before shifting completely to the perspective of the old waiter wherein the concepts discussed between the two are clarified. It is through their conversing that one learns of the customers suicide attempt along with an understanding of why he wanted to die. This understanding is made possible through the older waiters ability to relate to the old man. Furthermore, this dialogue conveys the younger waiters lack of empathy and understanding which allows one not only to grasp his psyche but also what sets him apart from the other two. You have youth, confidence, and a job, the older waiter said. You have everything. And what do you lack? Everything but work.' It is also from these lines that the reader discovers that the one thing preventing the older waiter from replicating the actions of the old man is the fact that he has a job. In Indian Camp, everything is exposed to the reader through description and dialogue with the exception of the last paragraph which allows insight into the childs naivet concerning his own mortality. The discovery of the Indian fathers death is an objective description and it is not until Nick talks with his father that it is confirmed a suicide and the true life and death theme of the story is fully realized. .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f , .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f .postImageUrl , .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f , .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f:hover , .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f:visited , .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f:active { border:0!important; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f:active , .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3e9f1b61fbf12325267888212ba4354f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Civil War Definitions EssayAs mentioned before, the subject matter of both writers was influenced by the time in which they wrote despite obvious differences in subject. This is evident in the representation of the decadence of the 1920s which is thematically of great importance in The Sun Also Rises and The Great Gatsby. Furthermore, one cannot overlook the presence of WWI in many of their works. One similarity consistent throughout Fitzgeralds above mentioned writings, Babylon Revisited, Winter Dreams, and The Great Gatsby, which sets him apart from Hemingway is that each one is about a man struggling to attain someone with whom he is enamored which in all three instance s is female. Fitzgerald uses his trademark poetic style to romantically describe these objects of desire as from Winter Dreams, Her arms, burned to butternut, moved sinuously among the dull platinum ripples, elbow appearing first, casting the forearm back with a cadence of falling water†¦ (1509-10). Descriptions such as this one are representative of the idyllic fantasy present in Fitzgeralds work. Hemingway, on the other hand, portrays more earthy subjects that are similar to his simple writing style which lacks beauty and eloquence. One portion of his writing that exemplifies this concept is in A Clean Well-Lighted Place on page 421 in the second half of the lengthy paragraph in which the word nada is used 21 times. Not only does the meaning of that work connote the obvious nihilistic message, but the fact that so much is said with the repetition of one word is pure Hemingway in its use and imagery. By comparing the discussed samples from the two authors, it is obvious not on ly how their styles differ but also how their styles represent their two contrasting subject material. In conclusion, despite the various differences discussed above, one similitude between the two is that their stories all end in a negative if not tragic tone. In each of the Fitzgerald stories the main character loses what he desires and dreams of obtaining. Not only does this happen to Gatsby, but he is also tragically murdered in a case of mistaken identity. Hemingways endings also force the reader to sympathize if not pity the characters whether it be the boys navely innocent belief of self-immortality, Nicks and Marjories break up, Krebs emotionally dead stoicism, or the loneliness of the old waiter.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Caligula Essays - Julio-Claudian Dynasty, Iulii, Caligula, Tiberius

Caligula As most of the emperors of ancient Rome were given different names then the names they had at birth Caligula was no different. Caligula's real name was Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus and he was born at Antium, 25 miles from Rome, in 12 AD Gaius was a turning point in the history of the Principate, but he also was the one emperor from the Julio-Claudian dynasty who was very poorly documented. ( Bibliography # 2). Gaius was born on August 31, 12 AD to Germanicus; Augustus' adopted grandson, and Agrippina Senior, Augustus' granddaughter. Gaius was the third of six children, the youngest son, and accompanied his parents on many military campaigns. As a baby his parents would dress him up in a miniature soldier costume and show him to the armies on their campaigns. Gaius received his nickname Caligula from the half boots or sandals that went with the costume called caligilas. The armies affectionately called him little boots or Caligula. ( Bibliography # 1,6). When Gaius as youth he developed an unhealthy relationship with his sisters Agrippina Jr, Drusilla and Julia Livilla. Gaius's two brothers and his mother were killed after they were accused of plotting against Tiberius. Gaius's father, Germanicus, died under what is recorded as suspicious circumstances on October 10, 19 AD After which, while Tiberius reigned, he was sent to live first with his great grandmother, Livia and then, when Livia died, with his grandmother, Antonia. ( Bibliography # 2,4-6). In 31 AD Gaius was summoned to join Tiberius at his villa on Capri. Gaius stayed there with Tiberius until he became emperor, in 37 AD, after Tiberius' death. ( Bibliography # 2,5). Before Gaius became emperor the only political related job Gaius held was an honorary quaestorship in 33 AD. After Tiberius' death on March 6, 37 AD Gaius was in the perfect position to assume the emperor's throne, despite Tiberius' will that named his Gaius and his cousin Tiberius Gemellus joint heirs. Because of this slight obstacle in his way he had Gemellus killed within a matter of months. After the death of Gemellus, Gaius had Tiberius's will declared null and void. Gaius said that the will was void because of insanity. ( Bibliography # 2,4). Although Gaius started his political career on the right track he went down, and down fast. Within four years the very guards that were assigned to protect him murdered him. Ancient sources agree that insanity was the cause of Gaius' downfall. The best reason that researches came up with for Gaius' madness was that he, being a young man, was thrown into the job and he saw through the disguise that Augustus had set up and acted accordingly. Because of this, and his troubled upbringing, and the complete lack of tact led to his wild behavior that his contemporaries as way too extreme and even insane. ( Bibliography # 1-3). During Gaius' reign he had Mauretania annexed and reorganized into two provinces, Herod Agrippa appointed to a kingdom in Palestine and many severe riots between Jews and Greeks took place. He Gauls dress up as Germans at his triumph and had his Roman troops collect seashells as spoils for the sea. ( Bibliography # 2). After uncovering a nascent conspiracy under Cn. Lentulus Gaetulicus, Gaius had his brother-in-law M. Aemilius Lepodus and Cn. Lentulus executed and his two surviving sisters, who were a part of the conspiracy exiled. Gaius had great enthusiasm for divine honors for himself and his favorite sister, Drusilla. After her sudden death in 38 AD he had her deified. He even tried to have a statue of himself erected in the Temple at Jerusalem, But through delaying techniques of P. Petronius and the intervention of Herod Agrippa prevented riots and uprisings in Palestine. ( Bibliography # 1-3). The conspiracy that ended Gaius's life was hatched between the officers of the Praetorian Guard, apparently for personal reasons. Even though the guards thought it up it appeared to have the support of some senators and an imperial freedman. ( Bibliography # 2). Just as other conspiracies there were suspicions that the plot was broader than sources had said in the beginning. The conspiracy might have even had the support of the next emperor Claudius, but there isn't evidence that proves these theories. ( Bibliography # 2). On

Monday, November 25, 2019

Google Glass Research Paper

Google Glass Research Paper Marketing Plan for Google Glass Report Objective Project Google Glass was initiated in April 2013 and is aimed at integrating a head mounted display into an Android Smartphone (BUSINESS INSIDER, 2013, p. 54). Such a venture needs a comprehensive marketing plan and Google INC has ensured this by developing a marketing plan that entails pricing details of the product, launch criteria and preliminary budget calculations. This essay seeks to identify these key elements and provide an understanding of how the company will implement the plan. The Google Glass project entails the sale of wearable technologies therefore this essay will discuss the market potential of these technologies as well. Company Background Google is a multinational company that develops internet related products and services and avails them to its consumers. The firm was incorporated as a private company in 1998 (STUDYMODE WEBSITE, 2010, p. 43) and over the years, Google has managed to live to its customer expectations. The firm has developed high-end consumer products such as cloud computing and ADWords which are among its main sources of income. These online softwares and technologies have gone a long way to make necessary information readily available to its customer as stated in its mission statement. The Google glass plan involves an Eyewear that has an embedded camera, microphone GPS locator and an induction amplifier (STUDYMODE WEBSITE, 2010, p. 34). All these features sum up into a technological device that makes audible sounds to the user. The user can operate the Google glass using voice control. It is with no doubt that such a revolutionary gadget requires a sound marketing plan that will propel the company and product to greater heights. Marketing the gadget is a separate task of developing it. Poor marketing and pricing mechanisms could render the efforts of the company useless as was evident with the Bluetooth technology. Product Launch Announced in 2012, Google INC seeks to launch Google glass in late this year or early 2014 although a consumer sample of the product is set to be launched by the end of 2013 (MARKETING LAND WEBSITE, 2013, p.34). Google INC has maintained an open and transparent strategy to launch the Google glass. This is contrary to many technology based firms such as Apple INC (a major rival) which maintains secrecy throughout its product launches (MARKETING LAND WEBSITE, 2013, p. 52). The objective of maintaining a transparent strategy is to ensure they grasp market needs. Despite the transparency, Google INC maintains secrecy as regards date and location of launching the product. The device is limited to a small audience to build up and develops its ecosystem. Consequently, Google glass remains an experiment and research based project without an official date of release. Pricing Mechanisms and Strategy Google INC has developed an all-inclusive plan to back the launch of the product. Market segmentation is one way the company seeks to make the glass a success. The company has an initial recruitment plan whereby it has selected as few as 8000 consumers who will be the first official users of the device (KNOWLEDGE @ WHARTON, 2013,p. 47). This way, Google can get responses on how effective the glass is from the most appropriate applicants. The 8000 applicant will be spread out to enhance branding and awareness of the device. In addition to market segmentation, the company aims to design a product that is user friendly and does not reflect a geeky face. Being a wearable gadget, it is imperative for the company to design the product so as to meet consumer expectations. This move will ensure that the glass does not fail like the Bluetooth device (MARKETING STRATEGY, 2013,p .57). The company has also invited suggestions from the public on what they expected of the Google glass via social m edia sites like Twitter. In so doing, the firm aims to trim the project so as to satisfy and meet market demands. Google is a renowned company certainly capable of delivering a satisfactory end product given its level of technology and expertise in the marketing arena. Pricing of the glass remains unclear but a range of $ 250- $600 is estimated so as to make the gadget affordable. The preliminary budget for the launch of the device will be met by revenues generated from sale of the device. Another most likely way to monetize the project is through targeted advertising (ROB EDMONDS, 2012, p. 73). Market Potential The business Insider (2013) presents the Google glass market as a lucrative venture with significant potential of growth. In only 5 years, an estimated $ 11 billion industry is predicted. Google glass is expected to become a mainstream product by 2018 with sharp sales of close to 21 million units being projected. This will in turn translate to respectable profitability. Going by a figure of $500 per glass, a 10.5 billion annual market opportunity is realistic (Business Insider, 2013). This is of course dependent of various factors such as safety, developers’ interests and cultural barriers among others. Despite the negativity, the Google glass market presents a world of opportunities for users to interact with technology (CASSIDY, A., 2013, p.43). The company will be capable of generating profits through availing information easily to consumers. Moreover, Google is not the first company to come up with Eyewear technology. Most other companies for example, Epson, NEC and Vuzix have developed the concept before thus this is not a new trend in the eyeglass-display market. Marketing Plan and Implementation The marketing plan aims at exploring the attractive market composed of international business travelers between the ages of 24-36 years and technology enthusiasts between the ages of 21-40 (MARK RITSON, 2013, p. 68). This category comprises of the most of Google glass users. Teenagers who embrace technology are also a target group. The company seeks to place distributors in all potential markets and establish strategic relationships with key players in the mobile technology industry. Modern tactics such as mobile marketing, use of social networks and guerilla marketing are among the strategies the company has included in its plan. In addition, traditional forms of advertising such as billboards and commercials will certainly be used. Market segmentation will ensure the device does not face the same fate as the Bluetooth device. Contrary to what Bluetooth developers used, Google seeks to segment the market by targeting business professionals so as to give the device a more useful perc eption. Summary The company is certainly capable of pushing its Google glass plan forward and executing it as it has a solid marketing experience in the technology industry. The market also provides a number of possibilities for the industry’s growth. With this in mind, it is moderately accurate to conclude that the glass venture is capable of taking over the mobile industry and transforming it by bridging the gap on what is considered appropriate by the market and what is appropriate technology wise.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Microsoft report as an organization for Managent Course Essay

Microsoft report as an organization for Managent Course - Essay Example Moreover, Microsoft offers assistance in managing the progress of the organization/company in the following ways: Microsoft is a multinational computer technology corporation that develops, manufactures, certifies and maintains a broad range of software products and services for computing devices. Bill Gates is the founder of the Microsoft Company. The name of the company ‘Microsoft’ is derived from the terms ‘software’ and ‘microcomputer.’ The first international office of Microsoft was established in Japan in 1978, titled ‘ASCII Microsoft.’ In 1981, the firm established an integrated business in Washington (USA). The company is headquarters in Redmond, USA. Today, its most profitable products are the Microsoft Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software. The primary working system of the Microsoft was founded in 1980. Very soon, the firm started to create numerous new programs and there was no looking back! In 1983, Microsoft developed a residence computer arrangement named MSX. Since then, Microsoft beca me the largest competitor in the business for producing top-of-the-line facilities i.e., the Windows. In 2001 Microsoft launched a personal computer system. Microsoft offers various products and services which are simple, easy-to-use, and accessible for every one. â€Å"HP, the world’s largest technology company, provides printing and personal computing products and IT services, software and solutions that simplify the technology experience for consumers and businesses. HP completed its acquisition of EDS on Aug. 26, 2008.† (New HP products and services enhance Microsoft Virtualization from desktop to data centre, 2010, para.14). In order to satisfy the ever-growing needs of customers, a proper balance must be struck between the knowledge of the customer and what he anticipates from the product

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

History113 - Research essay on the Great war Researching and Arguing Term Paper

History113 - Research essay on the Great war Researching and Arguing From an Idea - Term Paper Example Those people who win from any war are given more attention than even those who survive to give the accounts of what happened. This idea matters to others since they have to understand that war is not a game of losers or winners, but those who survive are the most important since they will live to give the testimony of what happened. This matter also matters to others since they have to change their mind on the conception they have about history and war, giving example of the Great War. The methodology that I will use in this paper is continuity and change. The Great War is also referred as the First World War. The war started in 1914 to 1918, and it was triggered by some greed for power by some European countries (Kenneth 2005). The nations which were involved in the war all had some interest since some were in support of their friend nations while others were in need of territory, great empire and wealth. During the war there was signing of some treaties between some countries where they had to support each other even in times of war. In this war, Russia, Britain and France were one side meaning they were allies and on the other side was Turkey, Australia and Germany. After some time, the war was uncontrollable and it spread out of Europe where the United States in 1917, had to intervene (Keynes 1973). The war began on the 28th of July 1914 when Australia which is also known as Hungary declared war on Serbia. Other countries joined in the war since they had signed some treaties to support each other in times of war. The worst thing of all is that six million people both innocent citizens and the armies lost their lives (Keegan 1980). For one, no one would want or wish what happened the period between 1914 and 1918 to be repeated. This is because; there is no one who enjoys when there is war. When there is war, there is no peace and most of people lose their lives and their properties. The other effect

Monday, November 18, 2019

Foundations of Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Foundations of Terrorism - Essay Example The Red Brigades aimed at overthrowing the parliamentary and capitalist system and replacing it with a system ruled by a proletariat and had Potere Proletarion Armato, Prima Linea, and Nuclei Armati Proletari as organizations liaised to it. Red Brigates had 120 active members with operative members ranging from 50 to 75 at any given time. Operations are continuing for the Red Brigades but the last attack orchestrated by the group occurred in 2002 with their areas of operation being Italy with the specific operation areas as Milan, Genoa, Turin, Venice, Bologna, and Rome (Hoffman, 2006). Right-wing terrorism has a high reliance on restoring national greatness, expel cultural minorities, suppress opponents, and overthrowing democratic and capitalist systems for the establishment of a revolutionary order. Russian national Unity is an example of right-wing terrorism group and the main cause of the group was to ensure the creation of a racially pure Russian through the expulsion of the Turks, Jews, and Caucasians from Russia. The group consists of 6,000 active members and has operations running to the present in Ukraine, Russia, and Baltic States (Martin, 2003). Ethno-nationalist terrorism aims at gaining political self-determination and international recognition with their main motivation being ethnicity, religion, and nationalism. An example of an Ethno-nationalist terrorism group is Irish Republican Army (IRA) that has Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA, Provos) as an alternative name. The cause of the IRA is to form a unified Irish Republic with Sinn Fein as a directly liaised organization with the group that has been in operation since 1919 despite using the name PIRA in 1969. The group reached its peak in 1970 when in consisted of 1500 members and it was operative until 2005 when the decommissioning of weapons was

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Requirements for Healthcare Organization | Case Study

Requirements for Healthcare Organization | Case Study TASK I A SUMMARY ON THE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF CONCORDIA HEALTHCARE LTD. RELATIVE TO: I. Internal Organizational needs First and foremost, ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. Requires that the staff, partners, members, directors will consider and respect the Equality and Diversity Guidance and Policy. This organization is committed to delivering quality health care services to the clients without prejudice on them due to race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religious affiliation, marital status, employment status and political opinion and characteristics. All clients should be treated equally and fairly. Professionalism on the part of the staff, partners, members and directors should be observed. No client should be discriminated; instead, promotion and accessibility of health care services should always be the ultimate mission of everyone. Quality healthcare services will result to the increasing demand by diverse clients. The ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. will be sought by the community and the clients they serve. A good name will be established for and in behalf of ABC Concordia Healthcare LTD. II. External Needs of ABC Concordia Healthcare LTD. To achieve the goal of this organization, that is the promotion of equal opportunity and accessibility of quality healthcare services to all clients, they are also considering their external needs. A. Meeting clients’ needs Appropriate steps must be considered to be able to meet the diverse needs of clients. 1. Identify the needs of clients who come from different communities. Clients come from different communities with different cultural background and upbringing. So, they also have different needs. These needs have to be catered well. 2. Formulate the policies and procedures that will be undertaken to meet clients’ needs. Policies should be done regularly because these are guides for decision making. Policies encourage coordination and integration of actions and plans within and across functional areas of an organization. The policy making process involves the following: a. Identifying the problem b. Formulating the policy c. Implementing the policy d. Evaluating the results 3. Specify the services that should be provided to the following group of clients: a. Clients with a disability b. Clients who are unable to communicate effectively in English c. Carers, children and the elderly d. Members of religious groups e. ethnic groups, nationalities f. Lesbian, gay or transgender people B. Communication Plan To avoid miscommunication, the ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. also provides the following: 1. A Communication Plan is prepared to disseminate the policies and procedures to ensure that all services are provided to the clients. 2. Steps to be followed and the requirements to be accomplished are also given to access the healthcare services 3. Orientation and training for the employees, members, partners, staff, and directors are done for effective implementation of the plan. FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE A just and fair treatment can be the strongest asset in any organization especially if there is competition. ABC Concordia Healthcare LTD. has laid some policies with emphasis on the following: a. Dealings with third parties – this organization does not unlawfully discriminate other Healthcare service providers. b. Dealings with contractors- ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. engages contractors on the basis of their skills, experience and ability. There is no discrimination whatsoever based on age, gender, marital status, race, religion, etc. c. Employment – Job applicants are treated equally and fairly. Recruitment and selection procedures and terms and conditions of employment, training opportunities, promotion and transfer, grievance and disciplinary process, demotions, dress code, bonus schemes, work allocations and other employment related activities are carefully relayed to employees and applicants. d. Recruitment and Selection- ABC Concordia Healthcare LTD ensures that the workforce is: Taken from the widest pool of qualified applicants . Job openings are open to all. Effort is directed towards the dissemination of the information that will reach all interested applicants. Employment opportunities are based on personal merit and fitness. Performance is considered in this regard. Priority is given to applicants from all sections of society especially the underrepresented in the workforce. This is where fairness is evident. No one is discriminated simply because he belongs to the underprivileged and the handicapped. ABC Concordia Ltd. has lawful exemption (genuine occupational requirements) to be used suitable to meet the special needs of a particular group. People with special needs are those coming from different ethnic and cultural background; gender (especially the gays, lesbians and transgender people), carers, etc. Recruitment agencies of ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. know the requirements not to discriminate. Fair and equal treatment should always be borne in mind. There is a wholesome working environment respecting the employee’s beliefs and diverse background. Terms and conditions of service for employees comply with anti-discrimination legislation. The organization identifies the diverse training needs of the workers. A plan is made which includes the details of the training to be provided, who will be trained, and when the training will be provided. Those identified are informed of this quality and diversity and training plan. Acts of unlawful discrimination on any of the forbidden grounds by employees, partners, members, directors will be subjected to disciplinary action. Appropriate action is imposed to any person employed who commits unlawful acts of discrimation. All complaints will be investigated in accordance with the grievance procedure of the organization. ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd. will monitor and record equal opportunities and information about staff and all employees. These pieces of information will be used exclusively for equal opportunities monitoring and have no bearing on opportunities and benefits. The organization will provide equal opportunities to the Human Rights Services Commission as required in relation to personal and clients under the terms of the legislation. Operation review of the organization will be conducted twice a year. Remediation will be imposed on non-compliance under the policy to equal opportunities. THE IMPACT OF PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION ON INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP 1. Prejudice and discrimination are acts of disrespect on the uniqueness of every individual. â€Å"Individual differences should be recognized although human beings are similar in many ways.† 2. Prejudice and discrimination may cause stress. â€Å"Typical causes of stress are: new work procedures, work overload, differences between the organization and employees values, frustration and role ambiguity. Workers are likely to suffer mental and physical symptoms as a result of pressure.† 3. Prejudice and discrimination hampers the individual’s desire to grow and to achieve his goal. If an individual is constantly discriminated, he loses his self-confidence. Thus, he can’t perform his task well. When prejudice is felt in an organization like a Healthcare Provider, the client would lose his motivations to get well and to become fit again. Nobody encourages him and nobody values his human dignity. 4. Discrimination and prejudice are non-humanitarian actions. This will deprive the act of getting people work together to accomplish desired goals and objectives at minimum cost and maximum profit.† 5. Commitment is obtained through kindness. Hence, organization should be fair and impartial, free from biases in dealing with employees and clients. 6. In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, belongingness, love, affection and acceptance are among the basic needs of man. When there are discriminations of whatever nature, then there is no love, affection and acceptance. 7. Discrimination and prejudice is against the Civil Rights of people. â€Å"Civil rights guarantees fair and equal treatment for all people regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disabilities, or personal beliefs.† On July 2, 1964, Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibiting discrimination based on a person’s race, color, national origin, religious beliefs and sex. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO ADDRESS GAPS IN THEIR SYSTEM PROCESS 1. Plan for review and monitoring on the compliance of equality and diversity issues should be prepared Separate from that of the communication and training plan. 2. Team meetings should be done regularly to track and discuss the progress of implementation. A special meeting may be convened also at any time to consider urgent matters. 3. Roles and responsibilities of the persons manning the organization should be clearly specified like: a. Director/ manager b. Staff c. Employees d. Other support personnel 4. Time scales for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation should be clarified. 5. Periodic audit on the organization’s financial status is important. This is one component of the overall performance management framework. As an initiative is implemented, the outputs and outcomes are monitored, refined and then evaluated. 6. Policies should be revisited from time to time. Substantial amendments maybe necessary to ensure the stability of the organization. 7. Human resources are important in any organization. Performance assessment should be conducted as basis for planning skill enhancement training and updating. 8. Facilities and other material resources should be equally allocated. Insufficient or outmoded materials may affect the efficacy of attainment of the organization. 9. Facts should be gathered and use them as supporting evidences in order to analyze the programs and services and in turn may serve as guide for proper actions.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

A Separate Peace Book Analysis Essay -- fear, john knowles, finny

In A Separate Peace by John Knowles, Gene, Finny, and Leper fear recognizing their own flaws and learning about the harsh realities of a world at war because it affects their decision making causing them to make poor decisions, such as severely hurting one another, more frequently. Fear surrounds Gene during his time at the Devon school, affecting how he feels towards others as well as how well he trusts others. The fear isolates Gene from his friends and makes him, both, become weary of the evils around him as well as make him see other irrelevant evils. â€Å"Preserved along with it, like stale air in an unopened room, was the well known fear which had surrounded and filled those days, so much of it that I hadn't even known it was there. Because, unfamiliar with the absence of fear and what that was like, I had not been able to identify its presence,† (Chapter 1). Gene, after returning to the devon school, finds the atmosphere unchanged and still riddled with fear. He is reminded of the fear he felt during his days at the school because, while he attended Devon, World War II was taking place and 17 year-old Gene who was a year away from being drafted feared going off to war. â€Å"I felt fear's echo, and along with that I felt the unhinged, uncontrollable joy which had been its accompaniment and opposite face, joy which had broken out sometimes in those days like Northern Lights across black sky,† (Chapter 1). Surrounded by fear, Gene is trying to find some sort of source of joy. He needs this joy to uplift him because, without it, the terrors surrounding him, such as the war, emotional struggles, and personal rivalries, could drive him insane. â€Å"Any fear I had ever had of the tree was nothing beside this. It wasn't my neck, bu... ...imum standard of the army. I did not know everything there was to know about myself, and knew that I did not know it; I wondered in the silences between jokes about Leper whether the still hidden parts of myself might contain the Sad Sack, the outcast, or the coward. We were all at our funniest about Leper, and we all secretly hoped that Leper, that incompetent, was as heroic as we said,† (Chapter 9). Leper goes mad and â€Å"abandons ship† does not bode well for the boys. "That was when things began to change. One day I couldn't make out what was happening to the corporal's face. It kept changing into faces I knew from somewhere else, and then I began to think he looked like me," (Chapter 10). Leper's visions portray a fear of changing identity. He is afraid of letting the war change him into a different person, which greatens his fear of joining the war effort.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Negotiation Strategy Article Analysist Paper

Negotiation is a process by which two or more parties, each with its own goals and perspective, coordinate areas of interest through concession and comprise to reach an agreement and take joint decisions about areas of common concern in a situation in which neither side has nor wants to use complete power. â€Å"we know that lawyers and car salespeople spend lots of time negotiating, but so do managers. Managers have to negotiate salaries for incoming employees, cut deals with superiors, bargain over budget, work out differences with associates, and resolve conflicts with subordinates.Negotiating is something that every one engages in almost every day and most of the time without even realizing it. . Negotiation occurs when two or more conflicting parties attempt to resolve their divergent goals by redefining the terms of their interdependence (Pruit and Carnevale 1993) Some researchers have suggested that in negotiations, collaborative style is the most effective, but the truth is that it may be too overbearing for the negotiations (Brett, 1984). While collaborating, one is most often to share all the information to arrive at a satisfactory solution.However, information is rarely shared until trust is established. As a result, negotiators adopt a cautiously collaborative style in the beginning, slowly trying to find out whether the other party will share the information that it knows. This also helps build trust (Fells, 1993). If trust is not established, negotiators shift to the win-lose style of negotiation from the win-win style, there by trying to maximize their returns. The success for negotiation depends on the bargaining technique used by both the parties involved. There are basically two major types of strategies.The first one is the distributive bargaining. The most distinctive feature of distributive bargaining is that it operates under a zero-sum game, that is, the gain made by one person is the loss incurred by other person. Each person involved i n the negotiation defines the ultimate point where the settlement will be made, Then there is a resistance point that marks the least settlement that is acceptable. The negotiator generally settles in the area between these resistance points, which tends to overlap. The second strategy is integrative bargaining.The characteristics feature of integrative bargaining is that it relies on a win-win and therefore, uses a collaborative model of conflict resolution. Both the parties involved in the negotiation process jointly look at the problem, try to search for alternatives and try to evaluate them and arrive at a mutually acceptable decision or solution. If the process is successful, it results in satisfaction and positive-long relationship. In this paper we have analyzed the case of United Parcel services. United Parcel Service is one of the messagengerial companies in USA.The company was founded the year the world’s largest global provider of package delivery. It has created i ts good name so far as logistic and the transportation services are concerned. So far as the workforce of the company is concerned, their work forces are young. It is because the company employs the part time activities. The young people generally prefer to join in the company as stop gap arrangement. The workforce of the company is also very large. The company part time workers constitute one of the major constituent of the total.There are around 2, 00,000 part workers in the company working all over the country day and night. They generally work for 27-28 hours in a week. These part time workers had number of problems. Their working condition was not satisfactory. The remuneration was not adequate they will not get the facility which the permanent workers were getting. So, all these factors lead to the dissatisfaction among the employees. The labor union wanted to take this problem to their hand. So the union decided to fight for this issue. The union decided there will be strike in the company.There were a public support from outside the union, who decided to go for it. This was intimated to every one through e-mail. The union demanded full hiring and also demanded other benefits what the full employees are getting from the company. The union came with list of demands. The reasons were mentioned why they are going on strike. Both parties agreed for the negotiation. In the beginning, the company studied the present status of the part time workers. The data was collected to know the disparities between the full time workers and the part time workers.They went for comparison between the part time workers and the full time workers. All the issues were discussed in detail regarding salaries, retirement benefits and the opportunities for full employment. The demand was basically for full time job and the job security in future. Finally the agreement was made. Many of the demand were accepted by the company for the benefits of the company as well as the benefit of the employee. More than ten thousand jobs were regularized. The part time jobs were converted to full time occupation at UPS. Ten thousand job positions are now available to non union members.The part salary increased. The disparities between the part worker wage rate and the full time workers got reduced. Measures were taken to improve the working condition of the employees. There was replacement of the older car fleets with power steering features and additional ventilations. The incentives were also given to the workers who went for extra time. The leave system liberalized. There was relaxation of leaves. The expansion of maternity and the paternity leaves were extended for the employees. The company made huge amount of losses for this strike.If we compare the situation with the strategy we have the combination of both the strategy. In case of distributive bargaining strategy the negotiator tries to be both helpful and rude to the other party alternatively. In this case the nego tiator may initially be abusive and threaten to walk out, and suddenly, later, takes, on an affectionate and helpful behavior, thus affecting the attitude of the other party until the other party decides to give in and lose. In case of integrative bargaining while negotiating, individual personalities with his or her egis should not take precedence over the objectives or the interest involved.The dynamics of interpersonal relationship between the people involved in the negotiation process should not take priority over the main issues. Negotiators should try to work on mutually acceptable solutions rather than trying to let each other down while negotiating. The negotiating parties should focus on some standards evolved at the negotiation table in the form of some rule and law. This will help the parties to focus on objectivity rather than the desires of the parties involved. By using objective criteria, neither party has to give in to the other, not must both the parties defer to a fair solution (Fisher and Ury, 1991 )

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Physiological Reason Behind Texting and Driving

But a few days later that same student, while driving, would hear their hone chime and reach for it without second guessing their actions. Humanity is attached to technology, mainly cell phones because of their vast capabilities which lead people not to think about the ramifications cell phones could create, particularly when they are used while driving. People who refrain from cellophane use while driving usually ask: â€Å"Why would someone text and drive if they knew the numberless consequences it could cause? â€Å".Believe it or not a majority of the population, especially teenagers have a psychological need to use their cell phones. Human beings have not Just a desire, UT an uncontrollable need to socialize with other people. When people communicate with others they find a sense of self-identification, while also getting a sensation of acceptance, and recognition. Even the Supreme Court has recognized that in today's society testing has become an important way of self-identif ication; which is how one person pictures themselves with someone else.The mind yearns for relationships with other people, and people nowadays maintain steady contact with their friends and family through technology. Humanity is willing to go too certain extent to talk to people due to their need to associate with others. One of these common extents includes multitasking such as: watching television and testing, doing chores and testing, and even driving and testing. Another psychological need of the human brain consists of the yearning to feel wanted and belonged. By receiving Just one text message, a person consciously or even unknowingly feels these two sensations.They begin to feel wanted and belonged because their mind realizes another person wants to engage in a conversation with them. Many teens have what official identified as problematic phone use which known to be caused by several psychological variables. A study conducted by Adrian Bianca and James G. Phillips proved th at one's self-esteem, neurotics, age, and gender are determining factors in the amount of time one spends on their cell phone (Bianca, Adrian, and James G. Philips). All of these factors are different for each person which is why some people abstain from testing and driving, and others do not.In a different study by three doctors it is proven that there are three indulgences earned from testing, and these gratifications leads to addiction (Young and Connected). The three indulgences are: self, social, and security. These indulgences lead to what doctors refer to as a behavioral addiction to testing. Doctors also say an addiction to technology is not easy to overcome. This addicting behavior gives anyone the ability to communicate practically instantly with another, giving them a sense of belonging. A majority of the population admits to going to a certain extent to talk to friends and family by simply testing and driving.A sense of belonging or fitting in emits positive, addicting f eelings that many people wish for. This identifies why some people, mainly teenagers, find it difficult to immediately stop testing and driving. Testing brings emotional benefits that indicate a psychological need to text, no matter the situation. More people should come to the realization of the myriad consequences testing and driving could cause. The most well-known consequence of testing at the wheel is car accidents. Also, the primary consequence of testing and driving is getting in an accident.The United States Department of Transportation proved that testing and driving makes the driver twenty times more likely to get into a car accident (Federal Ban on Testing for Commercial Truck Drivers). The chances of getting in a crash increase dramatically when a driver uses their phone due to the fact that the human brain cannot completely focus on two different things simultaneously. Testing and driving not only puts the driver's life in danger but the passengers' lives as well. If a driver gets into an accident due to testing and driving they could easily kill or injure another person typically resulting in a Jail sentence.If a driver gets into an accident that was their fault and ended up hurting or injuring someone they would feel pure guilt, an amount of guilt that no one should have to deal with. Right alongside the guilt the driver would get a sense of regret. In the back of their headed the accident would always linger and they would begin to think: â€Å"The text wasn't that important, if only I waited until I got home, I wouldn't have hurt another human being. † The large amount of regret could even cause psychological problems that would take time to erase.Along with the probability of accidents, and the psychological effects, testing and driving is also against the law. Only seven states in America have no restrictions on testing and driving while the other forty-three have various laws regarding the subject. Some laws ban all cell phone use, a nd others ban it for children under the GE of eighteen. If a driver breaks a law concerning cell phone use the driver could be fined or even get license suspension. Drivers should refrain from testing and driving due to the innumerable consequences it could lead to.The chance of someone growing up to text and drive is determined by their parents driving habits, other drivers, and their age level. Without even knowing it, parents easily influence what kind of drivers their kids are going to be. If a child constantly sees their parent on their cell phone while they drive the child will begin to think it must be okay to text and drive because their parents do. Two thirds of high school children say their parent or parents text while they drive, thus meaning, these children will most likely text and drive. Another factor that influences a driver's habits includes other driver's behaviors.When teens first start driving and see other drivers being careless by testing while driving, they d eem it acceptable. By seeing strangers, and even friends text and drive a beginner driver starts to think that the act of testing and driving has no ramifications. Seventy one percent of drivers text and drive end up unknowingly influencing others drivers (WAIF). Teens typically text ND drive more than older people due to their high level of self-confidence. In this generation, teenagers typically believe they are invincible. Therefore teens believe they can handle testing and driving.Truthfully the human brain cannot focus on two things at once, but the stubborn teenagers of this generation refuse to believe in the incapability of multitasking. There are many organizations and inspirational speakers that are country wide trying to reach out towards teenagers to engrave the possible consequences of testing and driving into their minds. A major organization is Stop the texts. Stop the wrecks funded by Ad Council. They have collaborated with the office of State Attorney Generals and t he National High and the National Highway Traffic Administration to gain more power and have a more profound effect on people.Their campaign includes Public Service Advertising on the radio, television, and social media platforms. On their website they have tips and tactics on how to change the negative behavior of testing and driving. A website, funded by the government, known as D! Striation takes the motto â€Å"One text or call could wreck it all. † The United States Department of Transportation has banned testing and cell phone usage for immemorial drivers and encourages states to make laws against cell phone usage while driving. The website does an effective Job of informing their audience about the epidemic, how to get involved, and how to keep the roadways safe.Since we do live in the twenty-first century there are solutions to technology, with technology. A well-known app is Phonograph, which disables the ability to text while traveling over ten miles per hour. This application can also notify parents or another adult when the device is traveling at an unsafe speed. Testing and driving has become a well- now problem and people are trying to find ways to prevent it, but even where there are solutions there has to be a person willing to make a change in their behavior.Humanity's technological advances have so many good qualities that people do not want to realize its downfalls. Cell phone usage while driving is caused by the psychological benefits of testing, and the influence of other drivers. Drivers around the world should be more aware of the consequences testing and driving causes, and how much trauma an accident can produce. Humanity should realize there is a time and place for testing, and driving does not happen to be one of them.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Economic Theory Exploring the Marginal Concept

Economic Theory Exploring the Marginal Concept Circumstances Encouraging Businesses to Open Up Coal Minds and Exploiting These Resources The coal industry in Europe has recently been closed because the revenues received from coal mining did not justify the costs needed to sustain the production. Specific problems are connected with impossibility to meet environmental standards, as well as development of green economy (Kanter n. p.).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Economic Theory: Exploring the Marginal Concept specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The business engaged with coal mining should be more concerned with these issues to attract investments and introduce new conditions for launching the production (Kanter n. p.). Cost effectiveness of the coal production also influences the pricing policy. In case the prices increase, there is a possibility that consumer demand will decrease (Webster 73). Environmental factor is an important condition that influences margina l costs and, therefore, the businesses that are planning to open up coal mining should take this factor into consideration (Miller and Spoolman 617; Hirschey 29). Negligence of such aspects as environmental pollution can influence the marginal costs that could exceed the potential benefits received from the production. With regard to the above-presented deliberations, the three economic principles are closely involved into the production process (Webster 73). In particular, the coal production can be renewed in case the production methods are changed and the target consumers are strictly identified. Relevance of Marginal Concept to the Destruction of the Rain Forest Certainly, deforestation has a negative impact on the earth ecosystem due to the decrease in oxygen production, which is essential for sustaining normal existence of flora and fauna on the planet (Ghosg and Choudhury 17). However, there are other factors predetermining deforestation, such as oil production, for which the demand has recently been increased. The marginal concept implies that availability of reserves can be enormous in case new areas are found for production. Though the reserves are available for extracting, numerous industries resort to deforestation to increase productivity and remain cost-effective (Ghosg and Choudhury 17) However, the manufactures should take greater responsibility for crude oil production because reserves are not limitless (Rima 226). When all areas are cultivated, no land will be left and, as a result, the productivity can be enhanced by means of introducing new technology.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Understanding of Marginal Concept and Its Impact on Establishing Strategies to Conserve As Opposed To Destroying Natural Resources (Crude Oil) Product forest certification is among the most innovative strategies to avoid ecological problems. A ccording to Viana et al., â€Å"sustainable forestry aims to provide a continuous yield of high-quality forest products while preserving the essential biological and ecological integrity† (238). Thus, changing shift to green economy system can reconsider the crude oil production. For instance, to ensure environmental safety, the marginal concept should contribute to exploring new ways of production, transportation, and distribution among the population (Steele n. p.). Full transformation of the oil industry is impossible because it will follow to much more serious consequences, including increase in unemployment rates, destruction of economies, and failure of international relations (Fee 19). Numerous economies have significantly benefited from the crude oil production because they used it for exporting. In fact, further production requires appropriate technologies for refining it into gasoline. However, the refiners have been hampered by the impossibility to proceed with fur ther production because of the environmental hazards (Hrishey 496). Therefore, most managerial decisions consider changes that are much broader in concext. In order to sustain environmentally safe production, the production should adhere to the marginal concept to build long-term strategies. Fee, Daniel. Technology for Developing Marginal Offshore Oilfield. US: Taylor Francis, 1993. Print. Ghosg, Piyali, and Purba Roy Choudhury. Managerial Economics. US: Tata McGraw-Hill Education, 2008. Print. Hirschey, Mark. Managerial Economics. US: Cengage Learning, 2008. Print.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Economic Theory: Exploring the Marginal Concept specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Kanter, James. Europe Proposes to End Coal Mining Subsidies by 2014. The New York Times. 2010, Web. Miller, George Tyler, and Scott Spoolman. Living in the Environment: Principles, Connection, and Solution. US: Cengage Learning, 2008. Print. Rima, Ingrid. Development of Economic Analysis. US: Taylor Francis, 2009. Print. Steele, Henry. The Economic Potentialities of Synthetic Liquid Fuels from Oil Shale. US: Ayer Publishing, 1979. Print. Truby, Johannes, and Moritz Paulus. Have Prices of International Traded Steam Coal been Marginal Cost Based. Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne. 2010, pp. 2-17. Web. Viana, Virgilio, Ervin Jamison, Donovan Richards, Elliott Chris, and Henry Gholz. Certification of Forest Products: Issues and Perspectives. US: Island. 2008, Print. Webster, Thomas. Managerial Economics: Theory and Practice. US: Emerald Group Publishing, 2003. Print.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More

Monday, November 4, 2019

Swot analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Swot analysis - Essay Example 3. Although AFVs save costs and enhance economy, â€Å"hybrid† is a relatively new technology which is not "tried and true" and only little is known about its potential development. This may also lead to disapproval from potential consumers. (Wasko, 2006) 4. Petrol and diesel vehicles have been around for decades and have been proven reliable time and time again. Solar and electric powered vehicles are new to the market and consumers might be reluctant to swap to the new technology. 5. A design that is â€Å"petrol-free† means that the â€Å"Synergy† loses some acceleration as a trade-off for economy and being environmentally friendly. People might still prefer petrol/diesel vehicles for performance. (Wasko, 2006) 1. Petrol prices are rising day by day due to the huge increase in crude oil prices. This provides a perfect opportunity to the Toyota Corp. to make cars that do not require petrol to enter the market. (Wasko, 2006) 2. The Toyota CS&S concept car puts Toyotas popular hybrid technology inside a sportier and futuristic design, with speeds up to 127 miles/hr. The CS&S incorporates the Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the same gas-electric technology (Fuller, 2009). Toyota can work on this model to develop a hybrid car that saves fuel and is made for performance. This can be targeted towards the urban youth market. 3. Toyota has planned to build about 400 demonstration plug-in hybrids by the year 2010. The batteries in these cars can be charged from wall sockets which further cuts gasoline usage. (Woodyard, 2008) 1. In 2010, Toyota declared the callback of about 436,000  hybrid vehicles  worldwide, including its latest make, the Prius, to fix the  brake problems. The total includes more than 200,000 Prius cars sold in Japan. (Prius Call Back Worldwide By Toyota 2008) Lack of quality control can severely damage

Saturday, November 2, 2019

The Greenhouse Effect Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

The Greenhouse Effect - Essay Example Different greenhouse gases have different capabilities to trap heat. Some of the gases can prevent more heat from escaping than an equivalent amount of Carbon dioxide. The warming effect of a methane molecule is 20 times more than a molecule of carbon dioxide. Chlorofluorocarbons and other gases have a thousand times of heat-trapping potential than carbon dioxide. However, the concentrations of these gases are much lower than carbon dioxide. Therefore, Carbon dioxide topples all greenhouse gases in warming the atmosphere. Natural sources of global warming gases are relatively few when compared to their human-made sources. They include volcanic eruption that releases sulfur-based gases, dump, and swamps that release methane, activities of soil bacteria, and oceans. Before the ushering in of industrialization, there was a balance between the production of carbon dioxide from natural sources and absorption of the same gas by natural sinks like forests and oceans. However, industrializat ion resulted in new sources of carbon dioxide without providing sinks to absorb the released gases. Therefore, there was an overall buildup of carbon (IV) Oxide in the air, and consequently, the accumulation is increasing with continued industrialization. The ultimate result of the greenhouse effect of global warming is a threat to human life and lives of other living things. Therefore, human beings need to realize that they should urgently solve this issue. Any delay and lack of seriousness will further endanger lives on planet earth.

Thursday, October 31, 2019

2 page letter to the editor Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

2 page letter to the editor - Assignment Example This involves an ability to clearly think through an issue, formulate opinion / policy, communicate it effectively and argue successfully the merits and demerits of the opinion and alternatives. In other words, a leader has to talk, listen and argue coherently to win over skeptics if any. Since we are all individuals from different socio-economic and political backgrounds, we manifest our leadership qualities in different styles. Some of us are authoritative, some are democratic and yet others are of please-all by nature. These styles appear appropriate in different situations e.g., military commanders are in general more authoritative, HR managers are more democratic etc. Authoritative leaders impose their will on the subordinates or even colleagues by the force of their personality and the power of their hierarchical status. Persuasive leaders opt for a more democratic approach Since the topic of healthcare reform is with the political leaders, I wish to draw a parallel with the council member of our neighborhood and the successful way he practices his leadership skills. On the one hand, this council member has to listen to the suggestions and grievances of his constituency (voters), prioritize them and do his best to get them executed through the administration. On the other hand, he has to contend with similar (and sometimes, opposing) demands from the other council members who have obligations to their own voters. There are political careers involved here and the contest is, as in the National Congress, among local leaders. Our council member is a soft spoken Republican. His priorities are dictated by public opinion and national policy. His interactions with the other council members can be seen as the flip side of his interactions with his own voters. Skillfully, he persuades the other council members to support his priorities within reasonable limits and extends similar support to them. By this way, he has

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

US History Essay Example for Free

US History Essay 4. Describe how prokaryotes carry out photosynthesis and cellular respiration when they lack compartmentalized organelles such as chloroplasts and mitochondria. The area of cellular respiration in prokaryotes is the respiratory membrane. For aerobic prokaryote the infoldings of the plasma membrane are similar to the cristae of mitochondria, whose purpose in eukaryotic cells is cellular respiration. In photosynthetic prokaryotes, the area responsible for cellular respiration is the thylakoid membrane. It functions are similar in manner to chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells. 5. Explain why prokaryotes are unable to grow in very salty or sugary foods, such as cured meats or jam. Prokaryotes have the ability to live harsh environments. Prokaryotes however are unable to live in very salty or sugary foods like cured meats or jams because they lack the essential nutrients that water etc provide. In response to these harsh conditions endospores are formed. In essence, endospores are a touch wall surrounding a set of chromosomes. Eventually as water is removed from the cell its metabolism halts and the rest of the cell disintegrates. In this manner prokaryotes die out in harsh conditions like sugary or salty foods. 6. State the function(s) of each of the following prokaryotic features: a. Capsule i. A capsule is a sticky layer that surrounds the cell wall of some prokaryotes, protecting the cell surface and sometimes helping to glue the cell to surfaces. b. fimbriae ii. A short, hairlike appendage of a prokaryotic cell that helps it adhere to the substrate or to other cells; also known as an attachment pilus. c. sex pilus iii. In bacteria, a structure that links one cell to another at the start of conjugation; also know as a conjugation pilus d. Nucleoid iv. A dense region of DNA in a prokaryotic cell. e. Plasmid v. A small, circular, double stranded DNA molecule that carries accessory genes separate from those of a bacterial chromosome. Plasmids are also found in some eukaryotes, such as yeasts. f. Endospores vi. A thick-coated, resistant cell produced by a bacterial cell exposed to harsh conditions. 7. List three factors that give rise to high levels of genetic diversity in prokaryotes. Rapid Reproduction- Rapid reproduction is comparable to a prokaryote reproducing by binary fission repeatedly. After rounds of division most of the offspring cells are identical Mutation- Genetic Recombination- 8. Describe three processes that produce recombinant DNA in prokaryotes.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Neurobiological Mechanisms that Cause Aggression

Neurobiological Mechanisms that Cause Aggression Review of the Neurobiological Mechanisms Which Underpin Reactive Aggression in Humans: a Closer Look at Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) Module 1: Prosocial and antisocial behaviours across the lifespan Violent acts have a significant toll on human societies: annually over 1.6 million deaths worldwide occur due to human violence (Viding Frith, 2006). Although acts of aggression have an important adaptive purpose, when overexpressed, they may result in destructive consequences. Conventionally, aggression has been defined as an intentional action with a purpose to inflict physical damage on another individual (Nelson Trainor, 2007). Currently two forms of aggression have been recognized in humans: controlled aggression instrumental subtype, and reactive aggression impulsive subtype (Vatiello Stoff, 1997). Instrumental aggression, also referred to as premeditated and predatory, is generally planned and goal-oriented and has often been linked to psychopathy (Blair, 2001). This kind of aggression is thought to be regulated primarily by higher cortical systems and is characterized by diminished amygdala response (Nelson Trainor, 2007). Reactive aggression on the other hand, is depen dent on the limbic and hypothalamic systems, and is characterized by high autonomic arousal (Siever, 2008). Impulsive aggression generally represents a direct response to stimuli and accounts for the majority of violent acts. Individuals with borderline personality disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, or ADHD are particularly prone to reactive aggression and impulsivity. Previous research on the neurobiology of aggression pointed out that for such individuals, repetitive acts of aggression are often influenced by the underlying neurobiological susceptibility (Nelson Trainor, 2007). Indeed, one remarkable feature of aggression is its apparent heritability. Twin and adoption studies suggest that genetic factors account for between 40% and 50% of population variance in risk of antisocial aggression (Buckholtz Meyer-Lindenberg, 2008). However, the relationship between aggression and the underlying neurobiology is far from being simple (Nelson Trainor, 2007; Siever, 2008). Previous research in individuals prone to impulsivity and reactive aggression as well as a number of studies based on animal models identified numerous genetic loci and neurotransmitters associated with reactive violence, including, but not limited to, Dopaminergic genes (DRD4, DRD5, and DAT1), Serotonergic genes (5HTT, HTR1B), and genes responsible for encoding enzymes involved in regulating the levels of these neurotransmitters, particularly catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA), often referred to as â€Å"the warrior gene†. However, the association between genotype and phenotype of aggression is only beginning to be properly understood (Caspi, McClay, Moffitt, Mill, Martin, Craig, Taylor, Poulton, 2002; Nelson Trainor, 2007; Siever, 2008). While there have been many studies showing the association between different genes and aggression, results were often mixed and inconclusive. Currently, the best candidate gene with the most supportive evid ence appears to be Monoamine Oxidase A (see: Brunner, Nelen, Breakefield, Ropers, van Oost, 1993; Byrd Manuck, 2014; Cases, Seif, Grimsby, Gaspar, Chen, Pournin, Muller, et al.,1995; Caspi, et al., 2002). The MAOA gene, located on the X chromosome, is a functional polymorphism with high activity (MAOA-H) and low activity (MAOA-L) variants, which encodes the MAOA enzyme, responsible for breaking-down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (Shih, Chen, Ridd, 1999; Viding Frith, 2006). Previous research using animal models as well as humans demonstrated an association between aggression and genetic deficiency in MAOA activity (Rowe, 2001). Transgenic mice without the gene encoding MAOA had higher amounts of brain serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE), and displayed increased aggression (Cases, et al., 1995). After restoring MAOA activity, mice aggression was stabilized (Shih Thompson, 1999). In humans, point mutation in the MAOA gene led to MAOA deficiency and was found to be associated with reactive aggression in several men from the Dutch family. Moreover, across generations, these men with MAOA knockout also showed frequent violent outb ursts, particularly in response to mild provocation, and impulsive antisocial behaviour such as assault, rape, and attempted murder. (Brunner, et al., 1993). This condition, however, is quite uncommon and is unlikely to explain much variation in human violence and aggression. Findings of the studies that only looked at levels of MAOA activity and antisocial outcomes in adulthood have been mixed and thus problematic to interpret since both MAOA-H and MAOA-L were linked to reactive aggression (Ficks Waldman, 2014; Nelson Trainor, 2007; Siever, 2008). The study that produced very robust findings in that area and has later proven seminal was conducted by Caspi and colleagues (2002). This study was the first to look at the effects of MAOA activity in combination with childhood maltreatment on reactive aggression in adulthood. Indeed, adverse childhood experiences were found to affect the development and functioning of neural pathways involving the neurotransmitters metabolised by MAOA which can potentially result in increased aggression (Caspi, et al., 2002). Thus, Caspi and colleagues (2002) hypothesised that childhood maltreatment can predict reactive aggression in adulthood, and that this relationship is moderated by levels of MAOA expression. Results of this study demonstrated the dose-response effect of childhood maltreatment on the aggressive behaviour in adulthood, which was consistent with prior findings. However, this effect was much smaller in participants with the high-activity version of the MAOA gene as compared to men with low MAOA activity, suggesting the protective property of MAOA-H (Caspi et al, 2002). Moreover, as levels of maltreatment increased, so did the protective effect of the MAOA-H variant. A low-activity MAOA gene combined with a history of childhood maltreatment increased the risk of aggressive behaviour in adulthood sevenfold. These results supported the predicted hypothesis that MAOA activity would act as a moderator of the effects of childhood maltreatment on antisocial outcomes in adulthood. This study paved the way to a number of subsequent studies looking at gene and environment interaction. A recently published meta-analysis, which looked at 27 peer-reviewed studies on adverse childhood experiences, MAOA genotype, and aggressive and antisocial behaviour showed that results across 20 male cohorts (11064 participants) were largely consistent with findings from the original study by Caspi and colleagues (2002) (Byrd Manuck, 2014). These findings remained robust even after removing each study individually. However, the question remains, how does low activity MAOA gene in combination with childhood stressors translate to antisocial behaviours in adulthood? Several theories have been proposed to answer this question. On one hand, the association between low activity MAOA gene and aggression appears paradoxical, since MAOA-L leads to increased levels of serotonin, which has been found to be positively correlated with impulse control and negatively correlated with aggression (Manuch, Flory, Ferrell, Mann, Muldoon, 2000; Siever, 2008). However, MAOA also plays a role in regulating dopamine and norepinephrine, which were shown to lower thresholds for violent response to perceived threat (Manuch, et al., 2000). High levels of DA and NE, resulting from MAOA dysfunction, would activate a fight or flight response, and indirectly enhance aggression (Volavka, Bilder, Nolan, 2004). Indeed, previous studies showed a similar association between COMT gene (also responsible for breakdown of NE and DA ) and aggression (Siever, 2007; Volavka, et al., 2004). Therefore the elevated levels of NE and DA, due to low expression of MAOA, would be consistent with the results of previous studies, showing an association between low activity MAOA gene and aggression. Nevertheless, this theory does not account for the role of childhood maltreatment on aggression, and as it was mentioned previously, results of studies looking solely at MAOA activity and aggression are mixed and inconclusive, showing both high and low activity MAOA gene being associated with impulsive aggression (Ficks Waldman, 2014; Nelson Trainor, 2007; Siever, 2008). Another theory that sheds more light on the mechanism through which MAOA deficiency in combination with childhood maltreatment influences aggression in adulthood relies on the findings that high concentrations of intracellular serotonin have been associated with increased reactivity to stress and elevated anxiety (Seif De Maeyer, 1999, Viding Frith, 2006). Therefore, it is possible that MAOA deficiency might predispose individuals to neural hyper-reactivity to a threat (maltreatment). While genetic predisposition alone rarely results in adverse outcomes in adulthood, when combined with childhood stressors, it might potentially have consequences on brain function (Meyer-Lindenberg, Buckholtz, Kolachana, Hariri, Pezawas, Blasi, Wabnitz, et al., 2006). Previous findings in populations prone to impulsive violence demonstrated functional and structural abnormalities in brain areas associated with perception and regulation of emotions, particularly in the amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, and the interconnected regions (Davidson, Putnam, Larson, 2000). Neuropsychological functions associated with these brain regions were also compromised in the aforementioned populations (Blair, Peschardt, Budhani, Mitchell, Pine, 2006). Previous work using animal models and clinic samples seems to suggest that maltreatment negatively affects the functioning of the neural structures involved during an individual’s reaction to threat (i.e., pariaquaductal gray and amygdala) and the regulation of the triggered threat response (i.e., orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate). Therefore, the genetic risk (MAOA-L) along with childhood maltreatment may result in changes to brain function, and subsequently increases the risk of impulsive aggression (Viding Frith, 2006). These speculations imply that there is no one clear explanation for the findings we currently have regarding genetic variation and its effect on aggression. The human brain and the effects of genetic and environmental factors on its development are too complex to assume that one specific gene, or neurotransmitter levels are responsible for aggression. More likely, it is the gradual change in neural pathways that regulate aggression. As of this moment, it still remains unclear if aggression in adulthood that is observed in many of the aforementioned studies is due to developmental change in neural circuits or to a change in neurotransmitter function. Moreover, the effects of these changes for adults are very different than for children. Therefore, it is possible that low MAOA activity resulted in compensatory changes which transformed the organisation of the nervous system in children during the sensitive period of brain development, and was later reflected in antisocial outcomes in a dulthood (Lesch Merschdorf, 2000). Attempts to replicate Caspi et. al. (2002) findings in female populations yielded significantly different results. Recent meta-analysis that looked at 11 studies with female samples produced inconclusive results: even though MAOA activity had a significant association with adverse childhood events, high, as opposed to low, MAOA activity in combination with childhood maltreatment was associated with antisocial behaviour in adulthood. Moreover, this interaction was weaker, and after removing a few individual studies, it lost its significance (Byrd Manuck, 2014). Replicating Caspi and colleagues’ study using female cohorts has proven to be significantly more complicated for two main reasons. First of all, dividing females into two groups based on MAOA activity is challenging due to uncertain inactivation of heterozygous alleles. Secondly, severe personality disorders and antisocial outcomes are quite rare in women, thus it is difficult to get a large enough sample to demonstrate dose-response relationships. In sum, taking into account findings from previous studies it is unclear what relationship MAOA activity plays in antisocial outcomes in women, and calls for further investigation (Caspi, et al., 2002; Byrd Manuck, 2014). In attempts to understand the relationship between genes, environment, and aggression, the study by Caspi and colleagues (2002), as well as numerous studies that came out afterward, certainly advanced our understanding in the field. However, it is important to point out the limitations that characterise many of the research studies investigating the relationship between gene-environment interaction and adult antisocial behaviour. First of all, lack of published articles reporting null findings due to publication bias still remains a big problem in the field. As a result, published findings seem more robust than they actually are (Duncane Keller, 2011). Secondly, the samples of many studies, primarily those with female subjects, are often too small resulting in inadequate statistical power (Byrk Manuck, 2014). Indeed, negative findings had larger sample sizes compared to positive ones. These limitations make it difficult to correct for potential false-positive results (Duncan Kelle r, 2011). This is especially the case in replication attempts using female populations, and in neuroimaging studies. Finally, due to the difficulty recruiting participants for these studies, samples are often not easily comparable and consist of individuals with many comorbid psychiatric conditions, making it difficult to tease apart effects of certain genetic variations and maltreatment on specific psychopathology (McCrory, DeBrito, Viding, 2010). While there is strong evidence to suggest that genotype, particularly variants of the Monoamine Oxidase A gene, in combination with childhood maltreatment, plays an important role in reactive aggression in human adulthood, the exact underlying mechanism remains unclear. The aforementioned controversies call for caution when making any strong conclusions regarding the effects of genetic variation on antisocial outcomes. Further research, including longitudinal studies, genome-wide association studies, gene-environment-sex and gene-gene interaction studies, and neuroimaging studies, is necessary to better understand the underlying neurobiological mechanisms which underpin reactive aggression in humans. References: Blair, R. J. (2001). Neurocognitive models of aggression, the antisocial personality disorders, and psychopathy. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 71, 727-731. Blair, R. J. R., Peschardt, K. S., Budhani, S., Mitchell, D. G., Pine, D. S. J. (2006). The development of psychopathy. Journal of Chid. Psychology and Psychiatry and allied disciplines, 47(3-4), 262-276. Brunner, H. G., Nelen, M., Breakefield, X. O., Ropers, H. H., van Oost, B. A. (1993). Abnormal behaviour associated with point mutation in the structural gene for monoamine oxidase A. Science, 262(5133), 578-580. Buckholtz J. W. Meyer-Lindenberg, A. (2008). MAO and the neurogenetic architecture of human aggression. Trends in Neuroscience, 31(3), 120-129. Byrd, A. L. Manuck, S. B. (2014). MAOA, Childhood Maltreatment, and Antisocial Behavior: Meta-analysis of a gene-Environment Interaction. Biological Psychiatry, 75(1), 9-17. Cases, O., Seif, I., Grimsby, J., Gaspar, P., Chen, K., Pournin, S., Muller, U., et al. (1995). Aggressive behaviour and altered amounts of brain serotonin and norepinephrine in mice macking MAOA. Science, 268(5218), 1763-1766. Caspi, A., McClay, J. Moffitt, T. E., Mill, J., Martin, J., Craig, I. W., Taylor, A., Poulton, R. (2002). 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