Melody in the Middle Ages Essay

In the early Middle Ages, melodic or textual embellishments added to plainchant were referred to as prosulae. In your own words, summarize the types of plainchant to which prosulae were most often added and the reasons for those additions. The Book of Hymns is one prime example of a prosulae. Plainchant was being sung day in and day out by the monks, who had already added some slight melody, but was still not easy to memorize. By adding some rhythm and separation in syllables throughout the melody, a new way to not only memorize the verses, but also present them, was born. In the early Middle Ages, melodic or textual embellishments added to plainchant were referred to as prosulae. In your own words, summarize Notker’s description of how and why he came to add words to melismas, and his teacher Iso’s response. Notker realized as a young child that he wanted to find a way to remember the words to certain melodies, but with them being so long, he could not. When he came across a man with sequenced verses he was at first excited, but soon disappointed as they did no better than the long, monotonous melodies he remembered as a child. When he decided to add words to these verses and took them to his teacher, Iso, he both appreciated and pitied Notker. He went back and corrected some mistakes pointed out by his teacher, and these changes proved to be successful. The new verses were deemed worthy and copied to a roll for the all of the boys to sing.

A Newborn Is Thrown in the Trash and Dies

A Newborn Thrown in the Trash and Dies is a thought provoking, gut wrenching tale about an infant who is born to a teenage mother that lives in a housing project in New York and is thrown down the trash, down ten floors to thecompactor chute to its death. The story is narrated by the unnamed infant who is the subject of the story. She is the sympathetic character as she describes her projected lifehas horrible as her certain death. She doesn’t seem bitter about dying, she feels sympathy for the mother who put her in the trash and accepts her life as being â€Å"how it is,† as she doesn’t know any better. As she passes each floor she shares the peek that she is given, from learning that people talk out of both sides of their mouths, political power, her molestation, and even the death of her brother. The infant almost gives the reader the idea that her life will be just as tragic as her death and wouldn’t change anything. She would just be one of many stories published in the paper. She believes that a Russian on the other side of the world is going through the same thing, that even though they are from different countries they have poverty in common. This is true today, we hear horrible stories about things that happen to children and the people of the city have become numb to its affects. For example, children are abducted from the city all of the time and it is reported, right after the story the news anchors switches gears and gives the weather as if they were not affected by what they have just reported. It seems that it is as easy to them as reporting rain or a traffic jam, they seem unaffected which is conveys to the listening audience. Those of us who are affected will be for a short time, but not enough to where we will feel that we need to do something about it. Life will continue to go on as it always has and stories like these will continue to occur. The story makes me question what I have become numb to and what do I consider normal. When I watch the news I almost expect to see where someone is murdered in the city. What is wrong with me, us, society? The story describes that there have been nine babies discarded in 1990 and as of August of the following year seven discarded babies were discovered. How ironic is it that the name of her housing project where she is born and dies is called the Gerald J. Carey Gardens. A garden is a place where seeds are planted, nurtured and tended, the total opposite of what was happening to her.

Chain Analysis: Literature Review and Application on Ikea

November 28, 2012 November 28, 2012 Aisling Lynch C09687271 Aisling Lynch C09687271 Stratgic management the value chain concept: literature review and application analysis on IKEA Stratgic management the value chain concept: literature review and application analysis on IKEA Contents * Introduction * Origination * Porter’s Value Chain Concept * Linking of the Value Chain * Focus on External Sources * The Future – Conclusion * Ikea Example * References DeclarationI, the undersigned, declare that this report is entirely my own written work, except where otherwise accredited, and that it has not been submitted for a degree or other award to any other university or institution. Introduction Since the 1980’s academics have been pointing to a firm’s own activity pool for analysis, as a way of determining competitive advantage. It was in 1985 that the term â€Å"Value Chain† was coined by Michael Porter (Porter 1998) and all its subsidiary headings. I will look at some of the literature surrounding the Value Chain concept to see how it has evolved and changed since its beginning two decades ago.Using this literature I will see what recommendations are cited to carry this concept into the future with an ever more globalized market. Finally an application of this literature will be carried out on Ikea: a global company that has changed with market trends when necessary to stay a top player in its industry. Origination Kippenberger identifies in his research, how the idea of analyzing internal activities as a source of competitive advantage began in the early 1980’s with McKinsey’s Business Systems Concept (Kippenberger 1991).Through this concept, firms could look at their own activity pool and performances and compare these to that done of their competitor. This comparison would then act as a source of competitive advantage. Michael Porter took influence from this research and began to fine tune it even further. His creat ion of the Value Chain concept in 1985 (Porter 1998) has been the topic of detailed research by academics in diverse fields: strategic management (Johnson et al. 2005), marketing (Webster 1988), and customer loyalty (Parasuraman 2000) to name a few.The concept was an aid to identify sources of competitive advantage by providing a basis of differentiation (Porter 1998). According to Porters earlier research, differentiation could be created by using one of both of the following strategies: lower relative cost, or some form of differentiation offering (Porter 1998). Porter’s Value Chain Concept The original concept started with a tool called the Value Chain which when implemented correctly helped to break down all activities that a business took part in, in order to identify and understand the sources of competitive advantage (Porter 1998).Johnson et al. (2005) states that the value chain can be used to understand how a company creates or loses value in its activities. This nee ds to be identified if the company achieves competitive advantage by providing value to their customers. By stripping systems back to ‘strategically relevant activities’ (Porter 1998), cost savers and creators can be identified as well as the activities that house sources of differentiation. If these are carried out more efficiently, better or cheaper than competitors, then competitive advantage is created (Parasuraman 2000).Kippenberger reminds us that in the original concept all of a firm’s activities can be broken down into two categories (Kippenberger 1991): primary and support. Primary activities are concerned with the physical creation and delivering of the product (Johnson et al. 2005); whilst support are the activities that supply primary ones with purchased inputs, human resources and technology. It also supplies the entire chain with firm infrastructure (Kippenberger 1991). All activities are embedded into a ‘stream of activities’ called th e value system (Porter 1998).These ‘generic description of activities’ should be mapped out in an activity system (Johnson et al. 2005). This disaggregation of discrete activities can isolate the value creating areas from the lacking (Porter 1998). In this way not so important areas can be combined or ‘clustered’ (Johnson et al. 2005). Thus the firm can now see which areas of activities they should be concentrating their resources on; and which they should de-emphasis or outsource (Johnson et al. 2005). Often the categorization of activities relies on judgment (Kippenberger 1991).Linking of the Value Chain This system of mapping out and categorizing activities helps the firm to link its competencies to competitive advantage (Normann 1993). Relating your core competencies back to your resources is a successful way to gain competitive advantage (Lusch 2011); and participation of this is key to good strategy in a business (Normann 1993). Optimizing co-ordinati on between some activities may take place, as well as trade-offs between activities in order to achieve an overall more successful value result (Porter 1998).Once activities have been clustered or isolated depending on their ‘higher order strategic themes’ (Porter 1998), the links between the different activities need to identified and analyzed in order to spot any potential competitive advantage sources that lie here (Kippenberger 1991). And so to, the notion of relationship and information management in the value chain arises in the different literature. Emphasis needs to be placed on the relationships between all activities within the firm and with external organizations (Walters 2000).Information plays a significant role in good relations as it helps to co-ordinate all activities in the value chain, and implement any sources of competitive advantage found. Walter and Lancaster (2000) relate back to Browns 1997 industry perspective of value whereby concerns raised in the value chain are to do with supply chain management and logistics involvement. In the upper part of the supply chain, inputs are created or provided by suppliers; the company then adds value to these inputs before handing the product or service downstream, finally reaching the end consumer (Porter 1998).Although most of the literature see’s the participation of the supply chain and logistic elements as a necessary involvement in the value chain in order to gain competitive advantage; these essentials play different roles in different literatures. Supply chain management has also been seen as the management of the differing relations along the value chain that take place to maximize value creation (Walters 2000). Every value creating activity is facilitated by logistics such as the management of costs that occur within the supply chain. Focus on External SourcesSo far, the value chain and its successful application has revolved around the industrial view. However to modern ize the value chain from its 1980’s foundations a focus on maximizing value starting from external sources has come to play. Instead of looking at one’s own activities within a business and its supply chain and logistical partners to spot sources of competitive advantage, businesses may start value chain analysis by looking at their target customer (Webster 1988),. Taking a customer-centric approach to the value chain means that when analyzing activities one is looking to see if it maximizes value for the customer.Value opportunities are now distinguished by their ability to satisfy customer’s needs (Walters 2000). High perceived value is a determinant of customer loyalty (Parasuraman 2000). Research has shown that customer loyalty and retention is more profitable than gaining of a new customer pool. Thus it is in a business’s best interest to optimize value creation in the minds of their customer. Value should not be solely focused on product quality, as service quality has been found to be a driver of value perception (Parasuraman 2000). This is especially the case where the product offering and service quality overlap e. . a hotel stay. The idea of customers’ needs and value perceptions being paramount to the company needs to stem from every aspect and level within that company. There needs to be an organizational believe in order to create a customer orientated firm (Webster 1988). This should start at top management and the CEO and then instilled into every aspect of the company. Thus the idea of an information flow and relationship management comes to the forefront again. Value creation is aided by a good fit between relationships and knowledge within a value chain (Normann 1993).This also contributes to good strategy within an organization where by all equally informed members working pro-actively together helps to create value in whatever activity they may be partaking in (Normann 1993). The value proposition (the val ue the customer understands is being offered to them [Walters 2000]) should be communicated to all stakeholders also (Lusch 2011). It needs to have an appeal to the stakeholders so that they can see the potential value for themselves in putting customer needs first (Lusch 2011). Through this aim, the idea of ‘corporate value’ is introduced (Walters 2000).Corporate Value is the notion that if a value chain is to be successful it is crucial that the objectives of all stakeholders as well as customers are to be met. Managing the relationships between all relevant parties through the provision of information is pertinent again. This management is facilitated by the supply chain and logistical functions (as discussed earlier) within the value chain. The Future – Conclusion A number of themes keep re-emerging from the literature; all of which are noted to be prominent drivers of a successful value chain, thus being a source of competitive advantage.Corporate value and the value chain should become a guide for a company’s mission statement. Supply Chain functions facilitate the strategic direction of fulfilling this mission statement. Logistics helps to implement this whole chain by managing operations (Walters 2000). To succeed in value chain management a number of factors need to be considered. Firstly customer value criteria needs to be identified. In this way a company can ensure that when carrying out Value Chain management they co-ordinate all activities and their suppliers so that customer satisfaction and the attempt to meet stakeholders objectives is maximized.This should be carried out continuously so that at no time should there be a more preferable option to ensure value satisfaction (Walters 2000), (Parasuraman 2000). Successful implementation of supply chain management and logistical functions to aid favorable results in the value chain, can only be done so by the management of relationships and information (Normann 1993). Man y relationships take place within the value chain such as relations between employers and employees, the firm with its customers and stakeholders, and the business with its partners in the supply chain (Kippenberger 1991).Relevant information must be passed to each and every individual within the value chain (Walters 2000). Through good relations, companies can spot value creators and sources of differentiation within the vale chain (Porter 1998). Thus successful companies will learn how to re-invent value rather than just create it (Normann 1993). This will provide competitive advantage in today’s globalized market where competition is immensely high. The value chain can now also be used as a tool for evaluating new business opportunities (Walters 2000).Globalization has also caused a change in customers’ needs and value criteria with the onset of increasing competitor choice in most industries. Thus tapping into customer’s wants and needs must be done on a con tinuing basis (Parasuraman 2000). This market intelligence needs to be communicated to everyone in the value chain in order that the chain be reconfigured to ensure maximum customer satisfaction and value at all times (Webster 1988). Value propositions should be looked at again. This is the way in which a customer understands the value offered to them (Walters 2000).Firms need to mobilize their customer base so that they can create their own value from the company’s product offering (Normann 1993). They can use their value proposition as a tool for doing so. IKEA Example Six decades ago Ikea founder Ingvor Kampvad began a Swedish mail order operation selling furniture (Ikea 2012). Today, it is the global leader in home furnishing expanding into new geographic and product markets each year (Ikea 2012). By November 2011 the company had 332 stores in 38 countries worldwide (Collins 2011); 2010 saw them with an increase of 7. 7% in sales growth from the previous year ($23. Billio n) (Collins 2011). But how does their use of the value chain attribute to this success? Ikea’s business model is simple: the selling of high quality, Scandinavian designed, flat pack furniture. New product lines have been added to their product offering such as the introduction of soft furnishing items e. g. rugs, paintings etc. Profit making amenities are also located within all their stores such as coffee shops and restaurants. What Ikea saves on efficient warehousing (Ikea Distribution 2011) and low cost components, they pass onto their customers in the form of lower prices.Apart from this low cost strategy the company are able to maximize their organizational practices within the value chain in order to provide greater value to their customers in comparison to fellow competitors. By re-inventing their value proposition they have mobilized customers to take their own value from their offering. Customers are doing the jobs that furniture providers once did such as assemblin g of the product. Ikea aims to ensure that this is as seamless a process as possible for the customer by providing good quality, easy to fit components along with safety warnings and instructions.If we go along Porters definition of value (Porter 1998) -value is what consumers are willing to pay for what a firm provides- then we can see from the Ikea example that consumers perceive the ease of assembly and instructions provided as high value for the low cost that they pay. Similarly when entering the store, customers are provided with measuring tapes, pens and paper etc. This allows the consumer to take over the role of the salesperson partially. This is aided by the amount of information provided about each product through their catalogue (also available upon store entry) and on product displays.Again, these additions communicate extra value gained in the consumer’s mind by shopping at Ikea versus a competitor. Ikea have reinvented the idea of value for their customers. They do not position themselves as a supplier offering finished goods to an end-consumer. Instead they act as a mediator between two sets of producers (Ikea 2012), whereby the end consumer is also a producer as it is he who finalizes and assembles the offering. Suppliers are located in 50 countries around the world (Ikea 2012). They are selectively hosen to provide low cost, good quality wood that also complies with Ikea’s ‘Iway’ programme, whereby all wood must be obtained in a sustainable and traceable manner (Ikea 2012). By managing good relations with their suppliers in the value chain, good quality, low-priced raw materials can be guaranteed, and constantly meet the Ikea standards. Ikea also heightens the value created by their suppliers through their ‘Ikea Engineering’ programme (Ikea 2012). Technicians are provided for suppliers to aid in technical assistance.Between their online and in store till sales, ordering and payment of goods is done elect ronically (Ikea 2012). This passing of information between activities makes it easier for their warehouses to analyze shipping patterns and sales globally (Ikea 2012). Stock quantities and deliveries can also be amended with ease. The communicating of information and managing of relations between all retail and supplier units worldwide means that standards are kept the same and are controlled no matter which Ikea location a customer may be in.This means that no matter where the customer enters an Ikea outlet, that the value provided remains constant and high. Thus providing Ikea with the loyalty that earns them their competitive edge in this growing industry. References 1. Collins, L. (2011, October). How Ikea transformed home furnshings: The New Yorker. Retrieved from The New Yorker: http://www. newyorker. com/reporting/2011/10/03/111003fa_fact_collins 2. Grewal, D. P. (2000). The Impact of Technology on the Quality-Value-Loyalty Chain: A Research Agenda. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. , 28(1), 168-174. 3. Ikea. (2011).Ikea Distribution. Retrieved from Ikea: http://www. ikea. com/ms/en_US/jobs/business_types/distribution_logistics/index. html 4. Ikea. (2012). Ikea-History. Retrieved from Ikea: http://www. ikea. com/ms/en_IE/about_ikea/the_ikea_way/history/index. html 5. Johnson, G. S. (2005). Exploring Corporate Strategy. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. 6. Kippenberger, T. (1991). The value chain: the original breakthrough. The Antidote, 2(5), 7-10. 7. Lancaster, G. W. (2000). Implementing value strategy through the value chain. Management Decision, 38(3), 160-178. 8. Lusch, R. W. (2011). A Stakeholder-Unifying,

Steel Erection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Steel Erection - Essay Example Effectively, major incidents are expected to cause over 35 fatalities and cause over 2,300 people to suffer workday injuries. By implementing a new set of guidelines it will be the case that new rules as devised between the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, industry leaders and unions will save the lives of over 30 people as well as provide savings of over $40 million (Which would presumably be a result of lost work hours and payouts to injured workers). In essence the adjustments to the current regulations will not only save lives but will also have a positive effect on the steel industry bottom line. In terms of the construction safety aspects of the OS&H topic it is the case that this safety standard is the first of its kind developed under the negotiated rule-making act of 1990. As such it was developed by all agents affected by the standard. In this sense the article highlighted that some key hazards are associated with workplace injuries and fatalities which are ho isting, landing and placing decking; column stability; double connections; landing and placing steel joints; and falls to lower levels.

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

Prostitution - Essay Example To control trafficking of women, coercion and exploitation prostitution should be decriminalized and the social rights of prostitutes be recognized (Wijer 1998). If prostitution was decriminalized then there would be less chances of abuse and sex related crimes. For example if prostitution is made legal then the victims of sexual crimes would be less hesitant in reporting the criminal activity to the police. This would improve the chances of catching the real perpetrators and prevent them from further victimization. Nevada is a perfect example of low crime rates. Prostitution has been legalized there and this has led to a lower crime rate. In November 2004 a ballot proposal to criminalize prostitution in Churchill County, Nevada, was by a 2 to 1 margin. Decriminalization would mean that all laws related to prostitution be removed. In other words, buying a woman would be socially and legally equivalent to buying cigarettes. Rape and prostitution are almost the same with the only difference between to the two being that in prostitution the prostitute gets paid to be raped. Decriminalizing is not the way to make prostitution a ‘little bit better’ any more than it is possible to make slavery a ‘little bit better’. It is a cruel lie to suggest that decriminalization will protect anyone in prostitution. It is not possible to protect someone whose source of income exposes them to be raped at least once a week (Farley 2004). Prostitution is a profoundly harmful institution where the prostitutes (mostly women and young girls) are hurt the most. They are hurt not only physically but also psychologically. Most of the prostitutes in this industry are there as a last resort. They do not choose to be ‘paid rapedâ €™ like they would choose to be a doctor. Although prostitution has been decriminalized in New Zealand it has brought about an increase in illegal, hidden and street

MAPS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

MAPS - Essay Example The organisation secured a substantial new contract that can create 850 new jobs in the next two years but has to live up to the avowed standard of customer service. The company specializing in management services to businesses and the general public has a turnover of 40 million and employs a staff of 1400 (fifteen years ago the company employed 3500 people) in 4 divisions in different locations in the North East of England. The special techniques and management systems the company developed made it an attractive 'outsourcing' destination for business services from a broad customer base including engineering and construction industries. Increasing operational costs and the advent of information technology altered the business scenario and dwindled contracts. In order to ward off staff lay offs, the company opened its services to the general public. The services include the contract purchase of telecommunications time, gas, electricity and oil sold at a premium. However the business remained unprofitable and the company had to continually discharge staff in spite of many re-structuring activities. 2.1 MAPS' human resource management: Human resource development according to Armstrong (2003 523) is "concerned with the provision of learning, development and training opportunities in order to improve individual, team and organisational performance." One of the axioms of huma... Training employees to develop necessary skills Evaluating, motivating and rewarding performance Resolving or avoiding conflict situations Creating an atmosphere of security (psychological contract) and equitable opportunities A properly implemented human resource management system ensures attracting and retaining the right talent, motivating the workforce, developing workforce skills and resolving or avoiding conflict situations to achieve organisational goals cost effectively. Marchington et al. describe the best HRM practices as: Employment security and internal promotion Selective hiring and sophisticated selection Extensive training, learning and development Employee involvement and voice Self-managed teams/teamworking High compensation contingent or organisational performance Reduction of status differentials/harmonisation (2003 179) 2.2 Selection and recruitment: The absence of an HRM department at MAPS is stark. The company has no rational organisational structure. It has four divisions: operations, supporting services, (which lumps together finance and accounts, estates management like maintenance, security, porters and catering, internal information technology and personnel services), information technology services and marketing and sales. These divisions are located in different parts of the country making intra-divisional co-ordination very difficult. Each division has devised its own system for recruiting, negotiating pay structures and staffing. The largest and most important of the divisions viz., 'operations' employing a staff of 950 has the most ad hoc recruitment policies. Operational managers recruit staff either from within the organisation or without, based on the exigencies of work. The

Teenage Pregnancy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Teenage Pregnancy - Essay Example There has been a growing agony regarding the problem of teenage pregnancy and early parenthood, since it is acknowledged that these lead to poor educational achievement, poor physical and mental health, poverty, and social isolation for both the parents, especially the mother and the children. Teenage pregnancy carries high costs in terms of both social and economic health of both mothers and their children. This paper will introduce the historical background of this epidemic, focusing on the controversy that encompasses the topic of public school sex education. Then, policy goals and options will be critically discussed. , in an attempt to analyze this issue, this paper will conclude with an evaluation of this policy and recommended solutions regarding the problem of teen pregnancy overall (Hoyt, HH and Broom, BL., 2002). Among the industrialized nations, the United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy, abortion, and sexually transmitted disease. Publicly, the religious right had had a tremendous influence over the formation of federal policy in regards to teen sex education since the Reagan Administration in the 1980's. Since this time, the federal government has taken a rigid stance that the only allowable form of sex education is solely abstinence (Hampton, T., 2008). Morally speaking, the focus of federal policy is on preventing sexual conduct prior to marriage, which ignores the morality of trying to prevent teens from gaining the knowledge that could protect them from both disease and unwanted pregnancies (Dinan, J., 2008). Numerous people often question the ethics regarding this public policy. Teenage pregnancy carries high costs in terms of both the social and economic health of mothers and their children. Economically, teen pregnancy is an enormous drain on American society, as the responsibility of parenting a child often prevents young mothers from completing their basic high school education. Only one-third of pregnant teen mothers manage to complete high school and only 1.5 percent obtains a college degree by the age of thirty, while close to 80 percent of all single teenage mothers rely on welfare for support (Kelly, K and Grant, L., 2007). Thirty-four percent of teenage girls in America get pregnant at least one time prior to reaching the age of twenty (Horgan, RP and Kenny, LC., 2007). Thus far by law, abstinence-only sex education programs are mandated to eliminate educating complete, medically accurate information (Kohler, PK, Manhart, LE., and Lafferty, WE., 2008). Educators are prohibited by law from following research and public opinion supporting comprehensive sex education, regarding tactics that actually work in a positive manner to prevent teen pregnancy and lower STD rates (Rose, 2005, p. 1207). The most influential stakeholder group on this issue is the religious right. Rose (2005) makes it very clear that this group represents only 10 percent of the adult American population. A 2004 report, "Public Support for Comprehensive Sexuality education, "reveals that 93 percent of parents of junior high school students and 91 percent of parents of high school students indicate support for comprehensive sex

Critically assess Wildavskys theory of the two presidencies Essay

Critically assess Wildavskys theory of the two presidencies - Essay Example The papers will critically asses Wildavsky’s theory with regard to the presidencies of President Franklin, D. Roosevelt, President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton to establish whether foreign and domestic policies operate as dichotomies or they operate in reciprocity. The American politics has always been characterized by critical analysis of the policies adopted by presidents and how these policies impact on the values, beliefs and perception of the American people. The way the Americans perceive the policies usually determine the popularity of presidents and whether they will only rule for one term or two terms. A retrospective analysis on the approaches taken by American presidents reveals that there exists a dichotomy in relation to how American presidents shuffle their political cards in their bid to push forwards certain agendas that they deem important for the American nation. The Dichotomy is clearly brought out in Wildavsky’s theory of Two Presidencie s.

The effects of tobacco advertising on youths Research Paper - 1

The effects of tobacco advertising on youths - Research Paper Example In addition, the images in various advertisements relate tobacco smoking with accomplishment, liberty and as a way of relaxing (Farrelly et. al., 2001). Youthful age is considered as an age whereby individuals engage in experimentation process with various things. Therefore, tobacco use is depicted as alluring through the process of advertising, which is appealing to most youths. Furthermore, the media through various forms of adverting plays a role in terms of exposing the youth to tobacco use. Most advertising companies engage in the use of celebrities to promote various tobacco brands. Hence, the youth who mostly associate with celebrities are lured into smoking through advertising with this kind of advertising. Various reports have indicated the fact that the youth are considered as being more approachable to various forms of tobacco advertisements as compared to adults. The forms of advertising that are use by various companies involve print and promotional form of advertising. In addition, newspapers, magazines, and posters have been used by the tobacco industry as a media of advertising (Reddy et.al., 2006). The youthful period is regarded as a very crucial period of an individuals life. The actions of individuals during this stage greatly affect their future in terms of development and their careers. The youthful mainly illustrated by various passionate acts that can either be positive or negative in nature. During this stage, an individual engages in the process of experimentation with everything within their proximity. Tobacco smoking among the youth is considered as a vice that has far-reaching implications in terms of both the health and economic aspects. The main driving force to youth tobacco smoking is the advertisement that is mainly utilized by the tobacco industry (Pollay et. al., 1996). Therefore, advertising is considered as a powerful tool that is highly persuasive, especially among the youth. The process of advertising through

Leadership Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Leadership - Coursework Example These numerous studies have identified a variety of skills, personalities, and competencies that leaders possess. These studies include the renowned political and sociological legendary leaders as well as in the organizational set up. In the present context, an evaluation of the concept of leadership is done based on the teachings of Hughes, Ginnett and Curphy (2008) who assert that leadership is a complex phenomenon that involves the leader, the followers, and the situation. In the present context, leadership is assessed based on these three critical elements; in addition, leadership skills essential for effective leadership have been evaluated. Further, impact of management on leadership and vice versa has also been assessed. These evaluations are based on leadership conceptualization of Hughes et al (2008) with reference to leadership conceptualization made by Zenger and Folkman (2009). References have been made to Zaleznik’s (1992) article that differentiates manages from leaders. Personal experiences with respect to leadership have also been opined and explained. Considering Hughes et al.’s (2008) explanation of leadership, it is difficult to arrive at one specific definition of leadership because the definition depends upon the kind of leader being studied, the situation as well as the followers’ perception of their leader.... These people are self driven and proactive. However, for leaders to be effective, they must possess specific skills, which will enhance their effectiveness as leaders. Zaleznik (1992) describes individual leader as a person with unique qualities that distinguishes the leader form the rest of the group on the basis of courage, personality, and ability to control others. This does not mean that leaders tend to exert power or authority to control others or display their courage. Though famous leaders are known to have lead by these qualities, they possess other qualities that actually attract huge masses of people into believing in what the leader believes and influence them to achieving what the leader envisages. This means the leader’s vision eventually becomes people’s shared vision. Leaders can exert such influence on others through their effective and powerful communication, convincing abilities, inspiring speeches, conversations as well as actions. Zaleznik (1992) ar gued that leadership cannot be taught or trained; however, Hughes et al (2008) assert that leadership can be taught and leaders can be made. Usually great leaders or highly talented people emerge from those who were once seen as submissive, self-absorbed, or indifferent. Zaleznik (1992) refers to Albert Einstein, who was once seen as a mediocre and timid student in school and later became the world’s renowned scientist through his irrefutable discoveries and propositions. Einstein is known as a human being with unique set of abilities and passion for his work. Though he is known to be highly talented, he was extremely hardworking and passionate towards his work, which took him to the great discoveries. Other such notable leaders are Abraham

Thoughts on THX 1138 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Thoughts on THX 1138 - Research Paper Example The film depicts a dystopian future; workers are mandatory to take drugs to suppress their emotions and sexual desires in the way of their jobs. The plot of the move focuses on the worker THX 1138, a magnum manipulator who works in an operating cell 94107 with hundreds of other people. The plot of the film depicts that THX 1138 did not deliberately choose this job, and he was assigned the job. THX 1138 stops taking the drug and is suddenly influx with the emotion that leads him to a sexual encounter to with his roommate ‘Luh’. When THX is found involved in an emotional and illegal moment of passion, THX is imprisoned by the political dissident ‘Sen’ (Donald Pleasance) before he tries to escape. It is difficult to describe the amazing and fascinating experience in the film as it is focused on the visual and aural details. George Lucas describes the film (THX 1138) as an experience of sight and sound. The underground city of the film portrays everything in the film with the white, stark, bleak and nothing. All characters in the underground city are almost identical dressed up with white clothing, shaved head bald and identified with prefix followed by a number. Life in the film is controlled and monitored by computers and video cameras. In addition, the film portrays dark rooms as surveillance rooms that are darkened in order to view walls and the monitoring system of the city. The environment in the film is overlaid with the blueish-white glow and the mixture of stark white environment of the video monitors and the numeric computer records. On the contrary, the film depicts unimaginative sights, intense silence, echoes, hiss and the distorted radio sounds of people talking about the control of the workers and surveillance in the drones and clatters of machine. Also, the film illustrates intense controlling and monitoring of the surveillance over the populous by an unknown controller. It ends with a devastating and terrifying effect. Ind ividuality The film THX 1138 demonstrates the absolute loss of individuality and humanity. Internal forces without any leaders drive the entire society in the film (Telotte). Every activity in the film is carried out under intense observation and heavy surveillance; no one makes decision whereas no one else is charged. The robot police in the film enforces laws; laws are being argued by the lawyers, but the decisions made are computed (Telotte). According to Mike O’Neal, THX 1138 demonstrates a society where the society is not lead by any leaders. On the other hand, people are incapable to make independent actions. The film exhibits a society where law requires perfect compliance. Everyone in the society is subjected to perform with perfection (Douglas). Therefore, every worker is kept under heavy sedation by persuading these workers with the use of severe mind-altering drugs (Douglas). None of the workers can question the use of drugs; if any of them question their place the y are indoctrinate with the belief in Ohm (the God) that condemns individuality of the person and states that people are created for the masses (Telotte). The use of the elements allows every person in the society to perform their tasks mindlessly and efficiency (Douglas). Demonstrating that the society is no longer driven

Juvenile Probation and Community-based Corrections Essay Example for Free

Juvenile Probation and Community-based Corrections Essay This society is much more different than that of yesterday. Today, the country is encountering the biggest economic crisis, the war against Iraq seems to be endless, and the crime rates are increasing to a highly alarming level. As depressing as this current situation appears, the even more devastating part is that the juveniles have been partly responsible for the crime and violence all over the country. Juvenile delinquents are young people. To be more specific, they are individuals below the legal age or under eighteen who have been convicted of a crime. In some states, the legal age for criminal liability has been lowered down to 14 years old (Hill Hill, 2005). Criminal Justice System is a very complicated and diverse field, and the aspect concerning juvenile delinquency has always been on top of controversies and heated debates. These young people are in the early stages of their lives and as such, it is difficult to devise and implement the exact measure that will be necessary and effective for them to learn their lesson. Everybody knows that breaking the law and committing serious crime and violence are unthinkable; however, a more unbearable and heartbreaking thought would be finding out that the law offenders and crime doers are children who, at their very young age, are supposed to be blissfully unaware of the devastating aspect of being a grown-up. They should be in school studying, playing and enjoying their innocence (McCurley Snyder, 2004). Examining all the different angles of juvenile delinquency can be a very complex process, and as such, different measures and approaches are necessary. The observation made by many was that the plans and programs enacted focus too much in the offense, and they may have lost their perspective on the treatment. Some states lowered the age of accountability from juveniles to adults. The courts, on the other hand, created minimum sentences depending on the offense. The problem created in these situations lie in the application. These are offense-based strategies. They create an assumption that the youth who committed a crime should be dealt with no matter what. These laws completely disregard the age, level of maturity, individual differences, and the competence of the person in making judgments. For instance, in Virginia, New York, and other states, laws relating to juveniles have been adjusted to include young children who committed serious crimes to be tried as adults and not as juveniles (University of Pittsburgh, n. d. ). When asked about this new reform, these states simply stated that there are times when the child committed crimes in ways that are heinous and unthinkable, and as such, the acts cannot be perceived as the works of a child. Therefore, the court deemed it proper that they be tried and punished as adults (MoneyInstructor. com, 2009). Rehabilitation and not punishment should be the main aim of juvenile delinquency laws. The presumption is that adolescents are very fragile during their growing years. Thus, they should be treated with extreme care and sensitivity. In order to make an effective prevention plan, one must first understand the person’s main reason in being involved in these criminal activities in order for different methods and approaches in disciplining them to be enforced. The government has not given up hope in reaching out to these youngsters, so they made available community and residential treatments as well as non-residential and institutionalized treatments. A person will be placed by the court on probation when it becomes convinced that the child poses no harm or danger to himself and to the society. Probation is a supervised program commanded by the court of competent jurisdiction in instances wherein the offender is a youth which has been convicted of a criminal act. In this case, the person’s freedom is limited, and his or her activities are restricted and are under the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. It is mandated by the court that the youth should follow all the conditions and sanctions in connection with the offense (Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, 2005). Some of the conditions under which a youth is released for probation are being home on a specific time of the day upon the request of the probation officer, attending school, and obeying its rules and regulations constantly. The court may also order the youth to avoid going to a particular type of place and to avoid mingling with a group of people. As of 1999, statistics show that four out of ten juvenile delinquency cases or approximately more than one half were placed under probation (Elrod Ryder, 2005). Community-based correction and treatment pertains to the different kinds of overseeing, control, and support for the youth offenders. These plans and programs were organized because the government firmly believes that one of the efficient and effective ways to influence the young people to change their bad attitudes and behaviors and become a better person is to assist and give them responsibilities that belong to a normal person within a particular community (Elrod Ryder, 2005). It is important for the juvenile to be affiliated with a group. This will give him or her a chance to socialize and be acquainted with other people with whom he or she can relate to. This environment is especially set up and programmed for the children to feel as normal as possible and for them to be engaged in community-related activities. Making these youngsters feel that they are significant and accepted in the society will help speed up their rehabilitation. The government strongly supports the community treatment for juveniles because of the symbiotic relationship created. In this atmosphere, everybody has a role to play; therefore, no one would feel less important and insignificant (Streib Sametz, 2006). Restitution has also been made a part of the community treatment. In restitution, the offender gives either monetary payment or community service in proportion to the damages that the victim suffered. This is a way of reimbursing the victim for everything that he or she experienced because of the crime. The rationale behind this type of treatment is that rehabilitation in the lightest and mildest form may lead the offender to think about what he did. Putting a child in a penal establishment even for just a minor infraction would not rehabilitate him or her; it would ruin the child’s life and his or her perspective for the worst, thereby destroying his or her life (Streib Sametz, 2006). Community-based programs for correction and rehabilitation aim to achieve several objectives. These include but are not limited to sanctioning the youth offenders, assisting them in identifying themselves in relation to the community that they belong to, and helping them realize that being in this program is much better than being placed inside a penal establishment. There are times when they should realize the truth of their current situation because some of these young offenders resist being helped and would rather be put in an institution. Helping them see the possibilities and changes that may occur by reason of their cooperation in the community will help them gain a variety of new perspectives, and in some instances, this is an effective strategy (Elrod Ryder, 2005). Every treatment given is on a case-to-case basis depending on the situation. Thus, there is no treatment proven to be most effective for all juveniles. The community-based treatment generates different results. The test to measure whether or not a program worked is the recidivism rate. If the offender, after finishing the rehabilitation plan, never committed another crime again, that is only the time when the program can be declared as effective (Streib Sametz, 2006). There are also several pieces of evidence that prove that this program is less inexpensive than institutional-based programs. Other programs for youth offenders have been evaluated, and according to the findings, they do not produce great improvement as shown by subsequent acts of the offenders. The government was not surprised to a certain extent because the disparity between the community-based approach and other types of programs can be readily ascertained. Due to these results, some states are making a huge effort to shift their plan of action to community-based systems (Streib Sametz, 2006). There are many factors that come into play regarding the causes and effects of juvenile delinquency. The parents, the church, and the community greatly influence the upbringing of these children. In most cases, the root of the problem for these youth is lack of self-acceptance, guidance, and attention. The future of the country lies in the hands of these children, and if they mess up their present, they will have no future ahead of them. The juvenile justice system is continuing and struggling to attain its purpose in giving the youth a second chance at life because of that promising hope of a brighter tomorrow for the entire country.

Stress: Causes, Effects and Reflection Paper

Stress: Causes, Effects and Reflection Paper LAI Mincong Stress is a common problem that affects us in our daily lives. When we encounter a number of changes, difficulties or challenges in life, for example, change jobs, exams, marital problems, and we will feel pressure. What is Stress? Stress is a state of tension of both physical and psychological phenomenon when we feel there is not enough capacity to meet the requirements of life or facing challenges and threats. According to Taylor (2012), Stress is a negative emotional experience characterized by predictable biochemical, cognitive, physiological and behavioural changes aimed at either changing the stressor or adapting to its effects. Stress is also combined by two components: Stressor and Stress reactivity. (Greenberg, 1999) Conceptualizing Stress Chronic stress refers to experiencing a long-term stressor, while acute stress experiences a short-term one (Pearson, 2014). Personality Factors Stress Type A personality pattern reacts to stress in emotional ways, while Type B personality pattern reacts it in rational ways (Pearson, 2014). Major Sources of Stress The infinity hope and requirements of human in the limited real life cause both conflict and frustration, for example, when we face some daily hassles and major life events such as death, we may feel stressful. Those are the stressor. Greenberg (1999) said, a stressor is a stimulus with the potential of triggering the fight-or-flight response. The stressor will produce feeling of pressure, it depends on the degree of personal attention to the stressor, the capacity of relevant things and situation management, and expectations of their own. Physiological Stress Reaction Most of the stressors arouse anxiety, which means the disagreeable feeling of nervousness or worry, We usually cope with the stress by using defence mechanisms, which can protect us from the awareness of anxiety, and help us to maintain a sense of self-worth in those situations. (Pearson, 2014) For example, we will justify our unacceptable behaviour with reasons, which is called Rationalization. Selye (1991) found there is a characteristic pattern of nonspecific physiological mechanisms that are activated in response to almost any stressor, he called this pattern the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). It is made up by three progressive stages (Pearson, 2014): Alarm reaction: When we first time exposed to the stressor, it will produce the biochemical changes and defence mechanisms to maintain our body normal functioning and trigger the fight-or-flight response. Resistance stage: The reactions of the alarm stage disappeared; our body resistance to the stressor will increase to cope with the continued stress. The cost of this resistance is our body’s defence system would be weakened. If the stressor hasn’t been successfully dealt, then we will enter the third phase reaction. Exhaustion stage: When the body is constantly exposed to the same long-term stressor and still unable to adapt it after adjustment, the body can no longer to adapt to chronic stress, and the physical symptoms of the alarm reaction reappear. Managing Stress There are two methods of managing stress, they are modify our environment and alter our lifestyle (Pearson, 2014). Application Two years ago, when I was going to take my first Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE), I have to finish studying my form.6 lessons, the Independent Enquiry Study project (IES), and lots of tests finish many past papers from different subjects after school. But I also need to review the lessons that I have learnt before. I was very stressful and that time. Not just because of the heavy workload, but also the Importance of the HKDSE, it would affect the result that I can enter the university or not. Another reason is the high personal and family expectation to my HKDSE result. When I realised that I have lots of assignments and important exams were coming, I was facing a chronic stress, which means the coming assignments and exams are long-term and on-going stressor. It triggered my fight-or-flight response, on the very beginning, I was choose to flee from those heavy workload, I was keep telling myself that I still have plenty of time to finish my assignments and do the revision, try to rationalize my unacceptable behaviour. Afterward, I realised that the time is running short and I have to confront with these stressor, I felt very stressful and I started to sweat, my heart beat and my breath have been faster than before. Those are the biochemical changes results in my body when I was in the alarm stage, it helps my body to ready for dealing with heavy workload and keep its normal functioning at the same time. Moreover, when I start working on my assignments, my sweat, rapid heartbeat and breath disappeared, The physical reactions of the alarm stage disappear. I felt that I have enough energy to focus and finish my IES. Those are the signs of my body defence rise to cope with the continued stress which means the IES project during the resistance stage, also to return my body normal functioning. However, it takes a few days for me to finish it, and I barely worked overnight in those days. My body resistance to infections decreased, so I felt stomach pain and headache afterward. Finally, my body defence has broken down, I was suffering from insomnia, and I got sick and fever afterward. Though I have finished my IES, but there are still lots of assignment, test and revision coming. Facing this extremely tight schedule, I was getting more stress. I was worrying whether I can finish them all or not, and my HKDSE result everyday. And it just makes me felt frustrated and stressful. So the physical reactions of the alarm stage reappeared. The stress makes me feel anxious and decrease my working performance on my school and the exam. So my HKDSE result is very poor, and I have decided to repeat the form.6. After the above experience, I usually react to the stress in worry, anxious and time-urgent ways, so I have found that I have the characteristics of Type A personality pattern. Improvement There are two categories of methods of managing stress (Pearson, 2014): Frist, It is modify the environment. We can use different ways to modify what happens around us, such as assertiveness, withdrawal and compromise. Second, we can alter our lifestyle. We can modify something about ourselves and our behaviours. In fact, we may have more control over ourselves than over the environment. Action Plan After the above experience, I decided to improve myself by altering my lifestyle (Pearson, 2014). First, I have to set a timetable for my daily life, try to rearrange my working time and rest time, so I can allocate my time appropriately and prevent the stress when the workload is high. Second, I have to do more exercise, such as swimming and running. Our body will release endorphins during exercise, which can help me feel good and burns away the stress. Also I can reduce my stress by doing relaxation, such as listen some soothing music or engage in deep breathing. Finally, I can seek out for social support by sharing my painful feelings to my friends and support group, they can provide emotional support through their expressions of concern and affection, and also the information and advice that can help me to get more effective solution. Those actions can help me to manage stress. Conclusion To conclude, Stress is everywhere. It may cause positive or negative impact to our mental and physical health. It can sometimes help to motivate us or make us feel anxious and decrease our working performance. But there are also different ways to manage can cope with stress. References Clarke, Deborah. (1994). Stress management : trainers notes. Cambridge: National Extension College. Division of Social Sciences. (2013). DSS10103: Practical psychology for   everyday life course materials. Kowloon Tong, HK: CCCU. Pearson. (2014). Practical psychology for everyday life. Quarry Bay, HK:  Pearson Education Asia Limited. Greenberg, Jerrold S. (1999). Comprehensive stress management (6th ed.). Boston: WCB/McGraw-Hill. Taylor, S. E. (2012). Health psychology (8th ed.). Singapore: McGraw-Hill International Edition.

The performance of The Galley restaurant

The performance of The Galley restaurant The Galley is a restaurant which is a part of the large international shipping company which used to cater food to the company employees. The restaurant was in a cafeteria style with 150 seats and was located on the top floor. Due to a rise in the international market the Galley reduced in size. In the year 2003 the restaurant merged with the Lunchbox Ltd. The area around the building went under a huge change, new technology, new restaurants with new concepts, quite a large number of offices and a pub which gave a tough competition to the Galley to survive in that area.( Galley case study). The report contains a SWOT analysis and some theory on managing change successful in an organization. Since the area has gone under rapid change so it was necessary to conduct a SWOT analysis to find out the organizations factors that match to the surrounding area. It also provides information which is helpful in matching the resources and capabilities in the competitive environment to know where it stands. SWOT analysis is done to make some strategies for the business. Strength and weakness are internal to a company. Each and every organization should find out its strengths and weakness to become successful in achieving the goals of the organizations. Resources can be tangible and non-tangible, human and non-human. Threat and opportunity are external to any organization. Any organization to become successful and to survive in the market should know its surrounding area. Strengths are its employees, brand name of the company, any unique selling proportion etc. weakness include outdated resources, human resource gets older etc. Opportunities inc- lude any growth in the business and threats include competitors and active participation of trade union. The aim of SWOT analysis is to make a clear picture about where the organization stands. (Bhat and kumar, 2009). Kirkpatrick has suggested that element like Empathy, communication and participation are successful in managing a cha nge in any organization. After the market condition is known then specific steps should be taken to manage change in an organization. The organization should prepare itself to adapt the change in the surrounding. If a change is planned it shows that the organization is trying to improve its operation ways so as to survive in the competition. (Mullins, 2005).The report contains detailed information about the SWOT analysis and change management. SWOT ANALYSIS: A SWOT analysis is an analytical tool which is used in the business to assist in assessing a business in relation to other competitive business. It is a quick way to look at the current environment as well as what the future may hold. (Hall, 2003, pg-92) 2.1.1 STRENGTH(S) The galley has the following strengths. 2.1.2 INFRASTRUCTURE: The Galley Cafeteria is a 150 seat cafeteria and is located on the top floor of an eight storey office block. The view from the top can be very useful for attracting customers and can also act as a unique selling proportion. 2.1.3 EXPERIENCED STAFF: In this cafeteria 20 employees have been working since 1970s and are experienced and have emotion attached to the organization. The employees know the type of customers come and also know about the area. 2.1.4 EXPERIENCED MANAGER: Jean Porter was an experienced caterer who had previously worked and managed other outlets of lunchbox. Jean had a proper knowledge about the companys objectives and hence use the experience to maximize profits and minimize the loss. 2.1.5 BRANDNAME/GOODWILL OF LUNCHBOX: A brand is a term, name, sign, symbol, design or a combination that identifies a companys product from its competitors. The brand of Lunchbox can be used to make the Galley unique and attract customers as the area had gone under rapid change. 2.1.6 LOYALTY OF STAFF: The Galley had merged with the Lunchbox in the year 2003. The employees accepted the change and still were working with the organization. 2.1.7 STILL GAINING PROFITS: The area around the building had gone under a vast change with new restaurants, new technologies but the Galley had a few old customers who used to come. WEAKNESS (s) The Galley has the following weakness. 3.1.1 SCARCITY OF NATURAL RESOURCES: The area had a gone under rapid change and the Galley has been operating since 1970s so there are chances of outdated resources and no proper training given to the employees to cope up with the change. 3.1.2 LACK OF LEADERSHIP QUALITY: Jean was not able to motivate the employees to adopt the change. Jean tried to force orders rather than planning some strategies to make them a feel a sense of ownership for the company. Team work and co-ordination was missing which lead to conflict between the employees and the manager. 3.1.3 SUBSIDISED MEAL IN THE GALLEY: The area had gone under rapid change with new restaurants, new technologies and new cuisines. The galley had a very few range of dishes which lead to decrease in customers. 3.1.4 RESISTANCE TO CHANGE: When Jean joined the company she introduced a wider range of dishes. The staff did not accept the changes and did not listen to Jean as she was 10 years younger. 3.1.5 PRESSURE FROM NEW OWNERS: The owner and the manager tried to force their ideas on the employees. Jean abolished the half an hour morning coffee, smoking break which annoyed the staff. 4. OPPORTUNITY: The galley has the following opportunities: 4.1.1 DEVELOPMENT IN THE LOCAL AREA: The area around the building has gone under rapid change with offices, restaurants, cinema and a pub. There are chances of increased marketing condition. Proper strategies and advertisements are done then more customers can be attracted. 4.1.2 DIVERSIFICATION: Galley can make plans to increase its outlets. New products can be introduced with new varieties and modify its service operations. 4.1.3 TIE-UP WITH MULTIPLEX: Galley can take contracts from the multiplex and can open up a food court where they can sell their products and at the same time they can promote their restaurants and thus can increase their customers. 5. THREAT (s): 5.1.1 GLOBALISATION AND FIERCE WORLD COMPETITION: The area around the building has gone under rapid change. New restaurants have opened up with new strategies and varieties in dishes. 5.1.2 INVOLVEMENT OF TRADE UNION: Trade union plays an important role in any organization. The trade Union has legal powers to shut down the company if the employees are not happy. 5.1.3 CUT-OFF IN WAGES: The employees did not respond to the managers orders so the management decided to cut down the wages by 5% as a result there are chances of high turnover of employees. Thus a SWOT is a systematic identification to find out the companys position in the market. Strengths are matched with opportunity to convert the weakness into strengths and threats into opportunity.( Stapleton and Thomas,1998).Change management is done to retain this position and still gain profits and minimize the loss incurred. 6. Change Management has been defined as the process of continually renewing an organizations direction, structure and capabilities to serve the ever changing needs of external and internal customers. (Moran and Brightman, 2001: 111 as cited in Todnem{2005} ). Change may originate from outside or inside the organization. In order to promote or adopt the change the organization should define the origin of change and the need to change to its employees. (Mullins, 2005). Change is a pervasive influence. We are all subject to continual change of one form or another. Change is an inescapable part of both social and organisational life (Mullins, 2005, pg-909). Kirkpatrick has suggested that Empathy is the first key to anticipate the feelings and reactions of the employees towards a change. Communication is the second key to communicate clearly with all the employees affected by the change. Participation is the third key to make the employees involved and generate ideas for the change. (Kirkpatrick, 2001) 7. EMPATHY: Empathy is about putting oneself in the conditions of other person and looking into things from their point of view. Manager should try to find out the reason for their resistance. The author mentions that may be the employees feel threatened and disoriented by the challenge of change. (Kirkpatrick, 2008).Managers should have the skill to anticipate the point of view and emotions behind the resistance. It is the ability to understand others perspective in a neutral way and understand their emotions and give weight to their concern and ideas. (Cook, Macaulay and Coldicott, 2004).Managers should take initiative to make a change effective. Usually employees are emotionally attached to the organization and hence feel afraid to accept the change and hence adopt a negative attitude. (Mullins, 2005).Supervisors should think beyond their positions and analyse the change from an employees perspective. An empathetic manager can encourage and increase the sense of ownership among them and it ca n also act as a tool for motivation and leadership. (Pugh, 2007). Managers should analyse from employees view point and this can be done by anticipating the advantages and disadvantages according to them. (Kavanaugh and Ninemeier, 1995). Jean Porter in the Galley Cafeteria tried to force decisions on the employees she did not try to look at the things from the employees point of view and hence could not create a sense of ownership towards the organization. The employees did not respond to her decisions as she was ten years younger and hence their was ego problem. Jean should have tried to bridge the age gap between them. Employees also became hostile towards her as she forced some rules on them. As mentioned above Kirkpatrick and some other authors mentioned that Jean should come down her position and think from the staffs view. The employees working did not adopt the change as Jean did not discuss about the cause of change in the organization and did not show concern to their views. 7.1.1 COMMUNICATION: Communication is a skill or ability to negotiate for mutual benefits of the parties involved. Good communication helps to share thoughts and ideas and helps in social negotiation. (Kirkpatrick, Duck and Foley, 2006). Communication is a two way process in which one listens and the other gives feedback. To implement a change proper communication should be there between the employees and the management. (Daft, 1988).Formal and informal communication helps to convey 80% of the information to the employees. Grapevine is a network of informal communication and helps to translate the managements formal messages to employees language. (Bhatt and Kumar, 2009). Management should clearly discuss about the change with the employees. One to one communication, group discussion and debates are the mediums through which information from the owner to the employees are passed. (Robbins and Sanghi, 2006). Supervisor should delegate their work to the subordinates through proper communication. It is very essential that supervisor should communicate properly to implement a change. (Miller, Walker and Drummond, 2007). Poor communication act as a key driver of negative feelings and conflict among the employees. (Tony and Doukakis, 2003). Communication is an important factor in the process of implementing a change because it is used as a tool for discussing and making people understand about the positive and negative aspects of change. (Spike and Lesser, 1995 as cited in Kitchen and Daly {2002}). Jean should act as a medium of communication between the owner and the employees. She did not explain the companys aims and objectives to the employees. Employees did not understand about the change and hence were not flexible as a result it led to conflict between the employees and organization. Organizations that effectively communicate their purpose, information about products and their services to the employees are more successful. 7.1.2 PARTICIPATION: Employees input and ideas should be used to develop and select alternatives as the work of implementation will be easier. Employees who are involved in the decision making process will accept the change. (Kavanaugh, and Ninemeier, 1995). Participation is basically creating opportunities under suitable conditions for the employees to take part in the decision process where the subordinates get control over freedom of choice with respect to his own duties. (McGregor as cited in Banerjee, 1994). Prior to implement a change staff should take part in the decision process as it is very difficult for the staffs to resist a change decision which they have participated. It will also increase commitment towards the organization. (Robbins and Sanghi, 2006).Manager should ask the employees to cooperate and take part in the decision process. Staff would take initiatives and generate ideas and concern to accept the change. (Mullins, 2005). Participation benefits both the organization and the staff . Specific programs like discussions or training can be done to involve the staff to generate their views. Participation contributes to the quality of change and increases the acceptance for those who implement the change. (Kirkpatrick, 2001). Encourage employees to introduce ideas without any fear. Encourage the participation of employees in the use of quality management process of the company. (Tony and Doukakis, 2003). Worker responds positively to change if their responsibilities are increased. Encourage active participation and ask the employees to contribute express their ideas freely. (Walton, 1985 as cited in Obrien {2002}). Manager should be honest and open minded and should be able to build trust among the employees for the organization. (Judson, 1991 as cited in OBrien {2002}). Records show that direct employee participation within the company leads to motivation and trust. In direct participation employees are concerned about the working environment, employee turnover, recruitment and wages but in current scenario records show employees are more interested in the development of the business and achieving goals. (Geary and Sisson, 1994 as cited in Shapiro{2000}) Jean did not involve the employees in the decision making process which lead to lack of co-operation and co-ordination. She did not discuss about the aims and objectives with the employees and hence they resisted the change. Jean should recognize the importance of motivation and encourage the staff to contribute in the improvement process 8. CONCLUSION: The SWOT analysis gave a clear picture about the Galley where it stands in the market. The analysis showed that what the company is good at or bad at and also shows steps how to maximize the profits and minimize the loss. SWOT analysis and change management are done to help every organization to adapt to new circumstances, to take part in the competition in the surrounding area and also to improve product and services. Employees are known as the internal customers or internal market of an organization. Employees should be informed about the organizations mission and vision. Manager should keep a notice that the channels of communication work properly in order to keep the internal market up-to-date about the external market. Special motivation programs should be introduced to meet competition. Managers should understand employees capabilities and use some communication techniques like newspaper and videos to provide latest trends in market. Manager should take initiatives to teach emp loyees the necessity in doing things than only asking them to complete. Employees can be motivated through rewards and incentives to provide excellent service. (Tony and Doukakis, 2003).Empathy, communication and participation are the important skills for the successful management of change. Jean should have understood the staffs mentality towards the change and then discussed with them or inform them about the change and finally asked them to generate ideas during decision making process and give weight to their concern. Kirkpatrick as well as some well known authors have mentioned above the idea or concept to be followed to overcome the change. When Jean the company she should have done through reading about the Galley. Jean did not try to change the weakness and threats to strength and opportunities. If the internal customers (staff) are happy then the external customers will be happy.

JFK Essay -- essays research papers

Evaluation Of JFK   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Through out the course of history, America has seen great Presidents. These men all exhibited characteristics which helped them to be successful in their endeavor to become the nations leader. Among those characteristics are traits such as being a good spokesperson or leader and being fair towards all which makes for a good President.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As President, one must make numerous speeches. Someone who has a phobia of making speeches in front of a large group of people, may find this job difficult. Remaining composed and in control of the situation may be crucial in gaining your viewers support. The President also must be able to convey his thoughts clearly so his nation knows where he stands on issues.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Being President is being the leader of a great nation. If the President is afraid to step up, make the decisions and take action, then the nation as a whole may suffer. This would take confidence and some skill in sweet talking to those who are relevant, into uniting behind him. Rising to the occasion and shining when looked upon would be expected from a man with leadership.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A good President is one that is fair. The duty of making sure the Constitution is followed and obeyed is up to the President. This document should be the foundation on which our government is shaped. So he should be able to put himself in the place of those his decision will be...

The Lord Of The Flies: Themes Essay -- essays research papers

The Lord of the Flies: Themes The world had witnessed the atrocities of World War II and began to examine the defects of their social ethics. Man's purity and innocence was gone. Man's ability to remain civilized was faltering. This change of attitude was extremely evident in the literature of the age. Writers, who through the use of clever symbolism, mocked the tragedy of man's fate. One such writer was William Golding. An author who has seen the destruction of war and despises its inevitable return. Through the use of innocent and untainted children, Golding illustrates how man is doomed by his own instinct. The novel is called Lord of the Flies, and is of extreme importance to help reconstruct the current wave of revolutionary ideas that swept the twentieth-century generation. Lord of the Flies portrays the belief of the age that man is in a constant struggle between darkness and light, the defects of human nature, and a philosophical pessimism that seals the fate of man. Golding's work are, due to their rigid structure and style, are interpreted in many different ways. Its unique style is different from the contemporary thought and therefor open for criticism. The struggle between darkness and light is a major theme in all the works of William Golding. Strong examples of this are found throughout Lord of the Flies. The most obvious is the struggle between Ralph and Jack. The characters themselves have been heavily influenced by the war. Ralph is the representative of Democracy. Elected as the leader he and Piggy his companion keep order and maintain a civilized government. The strength of Ralph's character was supported by the power of World War II. Jack, on the other hand, represents authoritarianism. He rules as a dictator and is the exact opposite of Ralph. Jack is exemplifying the Hitler's and Mussolini's of the world. He is what the world fears and yet follows. This struggle is born at the very beginning and escalates till the very end. The struggle in the book is a negative outlook on life in the future. One other example is the debate over the existence of the beast. The idea of a beast brings all into a state of chaotic excitement in which Ralph and Piggy lose control. Ralph and especially Piggy try to convince everyone that there is no such thing as a beast to maintain order. Jack an... ...he war-paint and sticks of Jack and his followers. He too is chasing men in order to kill, and the dirty children mock the absurd civilized attempt to hide the power of evil. And so when Ralph weeps for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the death of his true wise friend, Piggy, he weeps for all the human race." (Cox 164) Such a tragic view of the future of mankind and their nature is a perfect window for people to understand how the impact of the war made the world rethink its ethics and how life was thought of as a punishment in the extreme sense and that there was no hope for the future except fear. This view has since changed but not greatly as one would imagine. The basic ideas are still their and modern society may still relate to this novel. The interpretation may not be exact but from now on mankind will always weep for " the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and" the most disturbing" for all the human race."

Alina Humanities Essay

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the course, students should be able to accomplish the following. 1. Understand and appreciate outstanding cultural expressions of the humanistic tradition. 2. Interpret and analyze selected artistic and ideological expressions. 3. Compare and contrast selected artistic and ideological expressions. 4. Identify causal influences in the chronological development of arts and ideas. 5. Applywhattheyhavelearnedaboutonecultureorculturalexpressionwhenexamining another. 6. Demonstrate how selected artistic and ideological expressions do or do not illustrate a cultural period or a stylistic concept. 7. Defend personal opinions regarding the interpretations of selected artistic and ideological expressions. 8. Demonstrate rhetorically effective writing appropriate for the study of humanities and meeting all requirements for college level writing. ***Please advise instructor if you will be taking exams at DSS. *** CLASS PROCEDURE & OBLIGATIONS Class sessions will consist primarily of PowerPoint presentations that include representative images, texts, and audio from the humanist tradition. Students will be responsible for viewing/reading the powerpoints and/or other material prescribed for each presentation. When 1  engaging literary texts, the students must read the assigned pages before classes, be ready to pass written quizzes on the readings and be ready to discuss each respective day’s assignment. *** Using laptop computers or other electronic devices is not allowed in class. For each incident, violators will be docked ten points on the following exam. Classroom Etiquette: 1. No talking during class. Private conversation cannot and will not be tolerated. 2. No reading the newspaper, or other outside material, or doing other homework during class. 3. Due to the abuse of using computers in class in the past, I ask that you do not use a laptop for  taking notes. 4. Arriving late and leaving early are disruptive. Please be considerate of your instructor and fellow students by arriving on time. If you should need to arrive late or leave early, please notify the instructor. 5. Turn off cell phones before entering the classroom. Attendance Policy Classroom attendance supplements and enriches text materials through films, slides, lectures, and discussions. In addition, class discussions suffer without each student present, since all viewpoints in discussion are important. Class attendance and punctuality are important. TCC’s  Catalog states, â€Å"All students enrolled in the College are expected to attend all classes, since regular attendance and regular application constitute the two most significant factors that promote success in college work. Until midterm during fall, spring and summer C terms, any student absent from any class for more time than that class meets in any one week (i. e. , two classes) may be withdrawn by administrative action (AW grade). † Tardiness and/or leaving class early both disrupts the continuity of the class and reduces other students’ engagement with the material. Both, therefore, will be counted as absences.  Since late arrivals and early departures constitute class disturbances, each instance of tardiness to and early departure from this class will be counted as an absence from an entire class session. Consequently, STUDENTS WHO ARE TARDY OR WHO LEAVE EARLY — FOR ANY REASON, INCLUSIVE OF BATHROOM USAGE — ON MORE THAN A TOTAL OF FIVE OCCASIONS PRIOR TO THE WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE WILL BE SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL. STUDENTS SHOULD ARRIVE ON TIME AND POWER OFF THEIR CELL PHONES BEFORE CLASS BEGINS. Eight absences will lower your final grade in this course one full letter grade. A student with nine absences will automatically fail the  course. There will be no distinction made between excused and unexcused absences, so plan your absences wisely. 2 STUDENTS SHOULD ARRIVE ON TIME AND POWER OFF THEIR CELL PHONES BEFORE CLASS BEGINS. OBLIGATIONS I. Exams Students will be responsible for performing well on three exams. The course will be divided into three units, and a non-cumulative examination will be administered at the conclusion of each unit. All three exams will be comprised of slide identification, multiple choice, matching, short answer, and true/false questions. Students should bring a #2 pencil on the dates of the exams. IF FOR ANY LEGITIMATE REASON A STUDENT IS UNABLE TO TAKE AN EXAM ON THE ASSIGNED DATE, HE/SHE MUST NOTIFY THE INSTRUCTOR BEFOREHAND. Otherwise, no make-up exam will be administered, and failing to take an exam will result in an â€Å"F† for the course. The key to doing well on the exams: attending class, taking notes, and studying diligently. Each exam will include 20% extra credit. II. Writing Assignments Students will be responsible for submitting a total of three essays (600-650 words each). Each one of the three essays corresponds with each one of the 3 exams, and each of the three essays  will be a response to prompts aligned with each unit/exam — that is, each of the three essay assignments must be related to the readings for each exam. Further instructions and the essays’ prompts will be posted on BlackBoard. The due dates are specified on the calendar at the conclusion of this syllabus. Note: Students must complete successfully a short grammar quiz before submitting each of the three essays. Essays may include MLA prescribed in-text citations. That is, if you quote or paraphrase from a source, you must parenthetically cite that source after the quote or paraphrase. Also, you will  need to include a Works Cited page. ***If you plagiarize, your essay will receive a zero, and your overall grade will drop to an F. Grading Each of the student’s three exams and the writing assignments will receive a letter grade: 100-90 = A; 89-80 = B; 79-70 = C; 69-54 = D; 53-0 = F. >The three exam grades will each count 30%, totaling 90 percent of the student’s final course grade; and the three essay grades total 10 percent of the final course grade. *Failure to submit an exam or essay will result in an F for the course. * 3 A student’s excellent attendance, punctuality, Discussion Board participation, and attitude  (citizenship) can count up to 10%++ â€Å"extra credit† toward the final exam grade. Conversely, a student’s poor attendance, poor punctuality, and poor citizenship/attitude (which includes talking, texting, & â€Å"acting out† in class) can affect negatively the final exam grade. Tardiness or leaving early will be counted as an absence and will therefore negate a student’s extra credit for that particular class. Academic Honesty Policy Plagiarism: Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary states: to plagiarize is â€Å"to steal or pass off ideas or words of another as one’s own†¦to use created productions without crediting  the source†¦to commit literary theft†¦to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source† (p. 1371). Academic dishonesty is not accepted at Tallahassee Community College, and I will pursue and prosecute any instances of such dishonesty. ***Do not plagiarize—that is, do not use the research, ideas, or words of others as your own without giving proper credit to your source. This policy especially includes copying or paraphrasing written materials from gallery brochures, play programs, books, periodicals, encyclopedias, CD-ROMs, the Internet, or someone else’s paper. ***Do not cheat. Students who cheat or plagiarize will receive an automatic zero on the assignment and will be referred to the academic dean for expulsion from TCC. By the act of submitting written work or an exam, the student acknowledges that she/he understands the definition of academic dishonesty and is willing to accept the consequences for any violation. COURSE WEB SITE: This course has been designated â€Å"WA† (â€Å"Web Assisted†) in the schedule of classes, and the â€Å"WA† designation means: â€Å"Some use of computer online technology required. † In this regard a course web site has been established for students in this class. The purpose of the web site is to allow students access to important course materials (syllabus, writing assignment, study guides, presentation assistants, images, et cetera). The materials are intended as supplemental to the classroom experience; they should not, in other words, be viewed as substitutes for in-class presentations. Students may also use the course web site to communicate with one another by means of the â€Å"Discussion Board,† which can be found by clicking on the tab labeled â€Å"Communication. † Via the Discussion Board, students can introduce themselves to one another,  ask questions about the material covered in class, and ask questions about the course writing assignments (be careful, though, not to copy the answers of another student). Activating Your TCC E-mail Account If you have not already done so, you will need to activate your TCC e-mail account. To activate your TCC e-mail account, go to the TCC homepage at http://www. tcc. fl. edu/, click on â€Å"Online Access,† click on Student NetMail Guide†; click on â€Å"Activate your eAccount,† and follow the directions. You will be given â€Å"Student eAccount ID (or Name) and a Password (or PIN) that you need to record and store in a secure location. You will need your eAccount ID and Password to access both the course web site and your TCC e-mail account. If you have any problems, call 850-201-8535. Finding the Course Web Site 4 You may find the course web site by going to the TCC homepage at http://www. tcc. fl. edu/, clicking on â€Å"Online Access,† clicking on â€Å"Blackboard. † After logging in with your username and password, the next screen should display the name of the course in which you are enrolled. LIST OF CLAST SKILLS TAUGHT OR REINFORCED: The State of Florida requires each student to demonstrate proficiency in certain College Level Academic Skills (CLAST). The students of HUM 2210 will have the opportunity to practice and develop their reading and writing skills. As for their reading, students will engage their Literal and Critical Comprehension Skills; and, as for their writing, students will engage their English Language Skills: Content, Organization, and Grammar/Mechanics (i. e. , appropriate word usage, syntax, spelling, punctuation). Advising The Associate of Arts degree offered through TCC requires the completion of six credit hours in humanities with a grade of â€Å"C† or better. There are three different tracks through which those six hours may be obtained. The common track runs through both HUM 2210 and HUM 2230, Humanities of the World I and II. If students pass HUM 2210, then, to fulfill the humanities requirement, they must also pass HUM 2230 (and vice versa). Another track runs through HUM 2740 and 2741, Humanities Abroad I and II. If students pass HUM 2740, then, to fulfill the humanities requirement, they must also pass HUM 2741. The third track offers two humanities courses from four different categories. Those categories include courses relating to (1) Art History, (2) Literature, (3) Music, and (4) Philosophy and Religion. For the third track students  must pass two courses, and the two courses must fall into two different categories. Students cannot fulfill the humanities requirement by completing courses in different tracks. If, for example, students pass HUM 2210 and then pass REL 2300 (World Religions), they have not fulfilled the humanities requirement. ACADEMIC ALERT! Students enrolled in the same college-prep or college-level course for the third time shall pay one-hundred percent of the full cost of instruction (which is the equivalent of fees paid by out-of-state residents) except in approved cases of documented extenuating circumstances. Students may not withdraw on the third attempt and will receive a grade in courses taken the third time. An appeal to take a college-level course for the fourth time may be allowed based on academic goals. The appeal process is executed through the Counseling Department. If a fourth attempt is granted, a student will not be permitted to withdraw and will receive a grade for the course. The counting of attempts began in the fall of 1997 and includes only those attempts at the Florida college where one is currently enrolled. Take your course work seriously. Consult with your academic advisor, make an educational  plan, attend class, and take advantage of the skills’ labs available to you. * * * PRESENTATION TOPICS AND RECOMMENDED READING 5 Unit I: The Earliest Traces of Culture Ancient African Egyptian Culture Ancient Mesopotamian and Hebrew Culture Ancient Hindu and Buddhist Cultures Unit II: Ancient Greek Culture Ancient Roman Culture Early Christian and Byzantine Culture Unit III: Islamic Culture Japanese Culture: chs. 16, 23 (if time permits) Medieval European Culture Renaissance European Culture IMPORTANT DATES Classes Begin Holidays: Labor Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Break Monday, August 25 Monday, September 01  Tuesday, November 11 Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28 Last day to cancel registration/drop courses and receive a refund; last day to change from credit to audit or audit to credit Last day to withdraw from a course(s); last day instructors may assign AW Friday, August 29 Monday, November 03 1st Exam 1st Essay due Sept. 18 (Slide ID) Sept. 23 (Multiple Choice, etc. ) Sept. 16 2nd Exam 2nd Essay Due Oct. 21 (Slide ID) Oct. 23 (Multiple Choice, etc. ) Oct 28 Last Day of Classes Friday, December 05 Final Exam 3rd Essay Due TBA Day of the Final Exam TBA Final Exam: TBA Twelve Ways to make sure You Pass Your College Classes  6 1. Study the text, lecture material, or additional assigned recommended reading. Superficially scanning the reading the night before the exam â€Å"doesn’t cut it. † 2. Observe due dates. Late work, no matter what the excuse, will be downgraded or not accepted. 3. Do not urge the instructor to â€Å"cut you some slack† or â€Å"give you a break. † If he or she did that for someone else and not you, what would your reaction be? 4. Attend class. While you may think class is boring, the teacher might just provide some insights that will help you better understand the content of the course. 5. Come to class on time. If you really want to get on the wrong side of the instructor, just make tardiness a habit. 6. Do not play with your cell phone, iPod, or other electronic device in class. Unless you have childcare problems or are a first-responder, these actions tell the instructor that something else is more important than what is being taught. 7. Do not copy from Wikipedia, a Google search, or someone else’s work without proper citations. Teachers usually can identify plagiarism and material that is not yours. 8. Do not sleep in class. We know that school interferes with your social life, but do not make it so obvious! 9. Do not try to con the teacher. Telling an instructor that this is the last course you need to graduate or transfer will not earn you any leniency. 10. Do not tell the teacher that this class is the only one with which you are struggling and you have â€Å"A’s and B’s† in all other classes. Don’t give the impression that your other teachers are too easy. 11. Do not tell the teacher that you must have a good grade or you will lose your eligibility for sports, scholarship, or grant; lose your G. I. Bill; or be on academic probation. 12. Take your course work seriously. Try your best to learn.

Book Summary

Book Summary Beginning chapter one with citing one of the ten commandments, â€Å"Thou shall not steal,† Wayne Grudem sets the stage of what is about to come; a black and white analysis on how having business success does not necessarily make you fall short of being a â€Å"good† Christian. As a well-known, very credible Christian theologist, one may wonder why Grudem would venture out to right a book solely about business. â€Å"Business for the Glory of God,† looks at business ownership, profitability, money, competition, and borrowing and lending, just to name a few topics.This essay will take a look at a few of the controversial topics, and share insight of why they may or may not be feasible arguments for why business is, â€Å"a gift from God. † When Grudem speaks of the commandment that states, â€Å"Thou shall not steal,† he uses this as evidence that by stealing, one must have their own possessions, and if we did not have possessions, this commandment would make no sense. This is a reasonable assumption, therefore it can be a good way to begin discussing how ownership is not so bad; on the contrary, if Grudem is unable to offer clear, factual information, his credibility may waiver.Chapter one continues with Grudem’s discussion of how ownership is not synonymic for greed, and if one is selfless and realizes that God is the real business owner, he has not sinned. The points that Grudem makes are quite valid, and are very simple, and to the point; the issue with this, is that these may seem like simple subjects, however the responses are more analytical than what is given. When speaking of ownership, the only viewpoint is one attempting to prove that business ownership is not a sinful act; without overcoming specific objections that this may be a sinful act.While the writer makes valid arguments, he tends to only cater to what he believes, instead of being philosophical on the subject. This can lead to the reader questioning the content being read, and frankly can lead to distrust in the content overall. A similar argument would be, â€Å"The world was created in six days overall, because the Bible said so. † Though this may be feasible to someone who acknowledges that the Bible is accurate, it is not a proper argument for those who look for a deeper understanding of the matter.Chapter four’s focus is commercial transactions; the beginning of the chapter reads, â€Å"Buying and selling are fundamentally good and provide many opportunities for glorifying God, but also many temptations to sin. † On the topic of buying and selling, Grudem discusses how selfish motives can easily lead to a sinful nature. When a business or individual is making a profit from their company, and they do not share the profits accordingly with their partners, they have encountered a sinful nature. Also, when a business begins focusing on their profits only, they have â€Å"idolized† money , and forgotten their original business promises.Grudem speaks of many good points on how buying and selling is essentially trading, so that we can get what we need. This is obviously what makes our economy, and allows us to provide for our families accordingly. Unfortunately, an unaddressed concern would be price gouging. For a typical, middle class American, there are a lot of products and services that are necessary that are outrageously expensive due to circumstances. One example of an unethical, non-Christian business practice would be pricing generators at a higher price due to power outages.This is unfair to the consumer who needs the product, and demonstrates the seller’s greed. Profits allow businesses to succeed; if there was no money earned for one’s labor, a business would be unsuccessful. Reasoning as to why profits are not against what Christianity stands for, is because if we make something and sell it for a higher price, we are generally selling the val ue that we have added to a product. Mass merchandisers, such as Wal-Mart, have the ability to sell items at low prices, because they can financially order items in very large quantities.The discounts that they receive on their merchandise are evidential to the buyer, who chooses to buy their items because they are the cheapest. It becomes a pattern; and being that consumers are primarily focused on the cost point, Wal-Mart has become somewhat of a monopoly. There is no physical value added to purchasing things from Wal-Mart, but there is value in saving a dollar or two. Due to the fact that privately owned supermarkets barely stand a chance against a mass merchandiser, â€Å"mom and pop† places are forced to close, with the inability to compete.Though price is a consumer’s primary concern, if there were lower costs of living, small businesses would have a lower overhead cost, and would not be forced to raise their prices for consumers. This is not insinuating that mass merchandisers are being sinful with their low prices; this simply demonstrates how the government’s involvement in protecting small businesses can drive the economy. In chapter eight, Grudem discusses competition; this is probably one of the most controversial subjects surrounding one’s idea that businesses are synonymous with greed and corruption.Competition can be defined from several different view points, and can be either positive or negative. One example of friendly competition would be a children’s basketball game. Children are encouraged to be aggressive, and to win, however, they realize that the game is to be played fairly, and friendly. Teams know that at the end of the year, the best teams â€Å"win†, and are awarded accordingly, which is another motivator for friendly competition. Competition takes place through all business standpoints, and sometimes goes without notice. In my workplace, there is friendly competition amongst employees who a re selling phones.Being that our pay is based on what we sell, this friendly competition can turn ugly very quickly; it just depends on your mindset. Being a Christian, I do not participate in unethical behavior that can hinder someone else, or me. I always make an attempt to treat each associate fairly, and I refrain from using foul or negative language. The unfortunate part is that not all associates will feel the same way about this, and this can lead to a tense environment, and ultimately employee remorse. This example demonstrates the positive and negative aspects of competition from a Christian viewpoint.Throughout his very short, theological book, Grudem tends to make a black and white analysis of topics pertaining to business. Throughout my reading, I found that his points were very valid; however, they could be contradicted very easily. To a common reader who may not have much knowledge on Christian theology, it would be feasible that they search for further explanation. Th is book would benefit from the author having more of a philosophical mindset, and sharing both views on the matter with conclusive evidence as to why his viewpoint is correct. In this instance, the reader yearns for more information and ultimately, a better argument.The writer begins each chapter with stating that all â€Å"can† lead to sin if you let it, but he does not elaborate enough. For my educational purposes, I found this book very helpful in its attempt to shed light on a commonly overlooked topic in the Christian world. I was able to see Grudem’s points very clearly, and more importantly, I was able to gain information that can help me in my profession. WORKS CITED Grudem, Wayne. Business for the Glory of God: The Bible’s Teaching On the Moral Goodness of Business. Wheaton, IL: Good News Publishers/Crossway Books, 2003