Case study of Jack Welch at General Electric Essay

Case study of Jack Welch at General Electric - Essay Example According to this definition, Welch partly fulfilled the corporate social responsibility. In the Welch era, the General Electric Company fulfilled numerous responsibilities to the society. For instance, the company fulfilled its economic responsibilities by paying taxes worth 5.7 billion US dollars in 2000, and enriching shareholders and pension funds to its employees. In addition, the company enriched its managers, transforming them into multimillionaires. Additionally, the company was involved in sponsorships in 2000 where it established a charitable institution, the GE fund, which completed 40 million US dollars in donations to educational institutions and non-profit organizations in United States. However, General Electric Company under the Welch era can be criticized for its lack of corporate social responsibility. Welch’s leadership was not appeasing to everyone for numerous reasons. He was regarded as a ruthless employment cutter where he laid off a mass of employees during his tenure. Needless to say, he also emphasized on globalization where he transferred labor to low wage countries. This created unemployment within the society and loss of labor within United States. The defective evaluation system and the pollution in the Hudson Rivers also constituted a lack of corporate responsibility to the society. Though no company ever achieves this paragon, General Electric Company should have endeavored to attain it. In order to achieve this, the Welch should have devised a fair evaluation system that would reduce the rate of layoffs in the company and motivate its employees, and device other environment friendly disposal methods that would reduce pollution to the society. The General Electric Company under Welch illustrates a constricted standpoint of corporate social responsibility nearly similar to friedman’s perspective that the only corporate social

Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Project - Research Paper Example This improves service delivery. The most crucial step in enhancing customer service quality is hiring qualified personnel. After hiring the right candidates, they should be trained to impart efficient customer service skills in relation to the company culture. Once absorbed into the company structures, employees should be empowered to provide. This provides them with a leeway and flexibility necessary in enhancing customer satisfaction. Feedback surveys confirm the efficiency of the training programs. The last stage of the process involves improvement of the outdated services and systems. Executive Summary Purpose of the Report The purpose of the report is to explain the impacts of customer service function in Delyumy Company, outlining the procedure followed in the formulation of efficient customer service training and show the benefits that the company attains from employee training. Secondary research included the use of various books and scholarly journals while the primary resea rch entailed the personal interviews with Rijkaard Reagan, Barry Feig and Jenifer Miles. Efficient Customer Service Training Findings from scholarly journals, books and personal interviews revealed that the golden rule for ensuring quality customer service is treating the employees well. Lack of proper treatment ranges from lack of recognition and rewards as well as inefficient training programs. ... After hiring the right candidates, they should be trained to impart efficient customer service skills in relation to the company culture. Once absorbed into the company structures, employees should be empowered to provide. This provides them with a leeway and flexibility necessary in enhancing customer satisfaction. Feedback surveys should be conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of the training programs. The last stage of the process involves improvement of the outdated services and systems. Table of Contents Transmittal Memorandum 2 Executive Summary 2 Customer Service Training 5 Secondary Research 6 Customer Service 6 Benefits of Effective Customer Service 6 Customer Service Training 7 Benefits of Employee Training 8 Primary Research 8 Interviews 8 Conclusion 10 Recommendations 12 In a recent meeting, managers and supervisors for the company (your choice) where you work (your choice) expressed concerns about employees' customer-service skills. Moreover, they wondered whether a specific set of procedures should be established — especially for new employees. They have asked you to investigate the customer service practices at other companies like yours to determine what skills should be emphasized and what procedures — if any — should be adopted. Customer Service Training Customer service is the ability of an organization to constantly and consistently provide customers with what they require i.e. ensuring satisfaction. It can also be defined as encounters that customers have with employees as they engage in their duties. Customer service is the most visible and significant aspect of organizational performance, especially in the hotel industry.

Analysis Of Mills Harm Principle

Analysis Of Mills Harm Principle In 1993, Canadian farmer Robert Latimer killed his extremely disabled child by putting her in his truck and running a pipe from his exhaust into the cab. Latimer fully admitted his guilt and claimed that, by killing her, he freed her from her chronic pain due to her severe form of cerebral palsy. His daughter was a full quadriplegic and required numerous surgeries to maintain her quality of life. She could not feed herself and was in constant pain despite painkillers she was given. Despite her condition, she was able to sporadically smile and respond to some stimuli. Later in the year, Latimer was convicted of first-degree murder. A year following this, his sentence was lowered to second-degree murder. Latimer, through many different trials and appeal processes was eventually released in 2008 as he was not deemed a danger to society. His case brought up many questions in regards to the law such as euthanasia, mercy killing and how it would affect other mandatory sentences for murder. The case itself calls to attention an argument made by philosopher John Stuart Mill relating to harm and liberty. He brings to light his harm principle and draws attention as to what liberty should be. In this essay, Mills argument for the harm principle will be explained and evaluated. Firstly, the harm principle needs to be analyzed as well as Mills argument for it. His essay titled On Liberty discusses civil and societal rights. His concern is mainly to do with the right to use methods of control on another person. He believes that the right to control another individual can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others (Mill, 1). Essentially, Mill is saying that liberty should not be restricted unless it is to prevent harm to other people. He furthers this argument with saying of over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign (Mill, 1). Here, he claims that individuals can essentially do anything to themselves as authority has no say in what they do to themselves. It is from this phrase that Mill states individuals have the liberty to think and have their own opinions, thoughts, and beliefs regardless if it applies to minority groups or the majority of society. Mill also states with this comment that he believes that individuals should have the right to pursue their thoughts, beliefs, and ideas regardless of how society views it so long as no harm is done to others. He declares that his harm principle and push for personal freedom over societal rule would be beneficial to society as a whole. He explains this by saying that individuals would be happier (Mill, 1) and would feel less oppressed. He further explains this by saying that since individuals would be pursuing their passions, society would spend less time controlling people and enforcing rules. Mill explains that that his doctrine is only meant only to apply to people in the maturity of their faculties (Mill, 1). He is saying here that his set of guidelines cannot apply to people who are not involved members of society and are outside a set of principles he applies to a civilized society (Mill, 1). Civilized society consists of people who can engage in their own interests, skills, and capabilities but also have had access to an education. He believes that through personal reflection and freedom, an individual will gain a higher level of power to understand his or her surroundings. However, without access to that educational systems and a developed society, individuals will not reach their potential for personal reflection. Mill explains that people who are dependant of others, like children or the mentally challenged, must protected from themselves as they are not capable of maintaining the state of personal reflection Mill requires. He also states the concept of a civilized society much be maintained in order for individual liberty and the harm principle to be effective for society. He explains that freedom of expression and thought is key t o avoid social stagnation and that with individuality comes progress. Next, analysis of Mills argument will be done. He brings up some solid points regarding societal progress due to individuality and thought development. Essentially, Mill claims that individuals learn from their mistakes and it is through this that personal development occurs. Unfortunately, his essay On liberty has gaps in which he is too vague on the limits of liberty. He also is much too vague on his definition of harm. This is due to the fact that he places way too much importance on individual freedoms to maximize happiness and understanding. He does not take into consideration that personal choices regarding an individual can sometimes be harmful to others. The argument of paternalism is a good example of this. Seat belt laws dictate that individuals must wear their belts regardless that they want to or not. The laws are in place in the name of the protection of the individual. With Mills argument, he claims that seat belt laws would be an infringement on personal happiness and freedom, regardless of the possibility of injury in an accident. Thus, he does not properly address the issue of an individual making poor choices. To conclude, the case of Robert Latimer was discussed and the momentous exception in law that was done. Through this, the Principle of Harm by John Stuart Mill was explored through its definition in regards to liberty and its link to personal freedom. Also explored was the only circumstance in which Mill believes freedom can be limited: to protect others from harm. Lastly, objections to Mill argument were brought up such as his vagueness in his explanations of liberty and harm as well as its tie to bad personal choices.

William Shakespeares Presentation of the Two Pairs of Lovers in Much A

William Shakespeare's Presentation of the Two Pairs of Lovers in Much Ado About Nothing 'Much Ado About Nothing' would have been pronounced 'Much Ado About Noting' in Shakespeare's time. Noting would infer seeing how things appear on the surface as opposed to how things really are. This provides an immediate clue as to how the play and the presentation of the story of the two pairs of lovers would be received by an audience of the time, living as they did in a patriarchal society which was based on social conventions and appearances. It can also be taken as an initial comment by Shakespeare about that society and its values and moral codes. Modern audiences, however, live in a more sexually egalitarian society. Although appearances are still important, values are more dependent on self-analysis and self-knowledge. It is significant that the story of Hero and Claudio, the first of the pairs of lovers, is one that Elizabethan audiences would have probably been familiar with. Ariosto and also Spenser in the 'Faerie Queene' had presented this love story as a tale of chivalry and high morality. Therefore the audiences of the time would be familiar with the conventional characters of Claudio and Hero. Hero displays all the qualities the Elizabethan audience would have admired in a woman. She knows her place in society. Her father is there to be obeyed, and she herself recognises how she should be punished were the charges against her proved to be true, ' O my father Prove you that any man with me conversed à ¢? ¦Ãƒ ¢? ¦ Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death.' There is an absence of dialogue b... ... upon flouting conventions as discussed. In 'Much Ado About Nothing', one may argue that Shakespeare decided to have two sets of lovers to provide the audience with contrasting perspectives on similar situations. One may also argue that the two contrast between what was expected at the time against the unconventional. In both cases Shakespeare's presentation of the relationships between these two pairs of lovers implies criticism of his shallow society and its conventions. Perhaps he set the story in Italyas he may not have wished to upset his benefactors at home. Modern audiences may only perhaps gain an appreciation of this element in 'Much Ado About Nothing' as a study of Elizabethan society. Their empathy and interest may therefore be based to a greater degree in the characterisation of Benedick and Beatrice.

Character Analysis on Boxer (Animal Farm) Essay

Horses are well known for their strength and Boxer is no different and he lives up to the expectation of being a strong male horse. Boxer is an almost blind follower to the farm and whoever is in charge of it. His almost unreal strength is a great asset to the rebellion and to the farm as he is capable of working harder than any animal. As soon as he learns about Animalism, Boxer makes himself available to do anything for the rebellion. After the rebellion at the Battle of the Cowshed he proves once again how irreplaceable he is to the farm, as he proves he is a valuable soldier but he shows us that he is a kind and gentle soul as he feels pain when he thinks he has killed the young farm boy. He wakes up early everyday so that he can get more work done around the farm as he gives himself the job of making the farm a better place for his fellow animals. He adopts the maxim â€Å"I will work harder†. This leads him to do great things such as building the windmill twice almost on his own. Unfortunately, Boxer does have the intelligence that we so wish would match his strength (this is clear when he is unable to learn the alphabet past the letter â€Å"D†). He is actually very naà ¯ve and innocent and this leads him to be easily confused and taken advantage of by the pigs and Napoleon. After being taken advantage of many a time, Boxer eventually adopts a second maxim, except this maxim eventually leads to his downfall: â€Å"Napoleon is always right†. Boxer shows devotion like no other to the progression of the farm and this is evident when he collapses as he states â€Å"It is my lung †¦. It does not matter. I think you will be able to finish the windmill without me.† Even when boxer collapses and is close to death, he is still thinking of his work, his fellow comrades and how he can help make the farm better for when he is no longer capable to do more. Sadly for us, Boxer does not seem to grow wiser with age, and even when he is being taken away by the knacker, he needs to be told what is happening before he tries to do something about it. When he realises what’s happening he gets to his feet and tries to kick down the door of the cart but is unable. This is a sad image and a sad end to Boxer as â€Å"there used to be a time when one swift kick of Boxer’s hooves would have kicked down the cart wall with ease†. How fitting is it that such a great animal like Boxer, would be put to death in such a cowardly way and by the animal that he trusted and listened to the most, Napoleon. BOXER’S REPRESENTATION IN REAL LIFE Boxer represents the working class, a person of no great intelligence but very capable and reliable abilities in work that required labouring. He spends his time in the novel helping with the revolution, and then the pigs. Everything he does, he does to the best of his ability, he does this because he knows that his own hard work will result in a better farm for all animals. However, because Napoleon and the pigs view the other animals as workers for their benefit instead of equals, Boxer’s work is never rewarded; when he becomes injured and unable to work, Napoleon sells him to the knackers instead of letting him retire as promised.

My Crush Essay

My crush is the reason of my unexplainable emotions. Every time I see him I just can’t explain my feelings, because sometimes I feel happy, excited, mad and sad. Happy every time I’m with him and when he mingled with my family in our house. I get excited because he gave surprises to me. Mad when he ignores me especially when he is busy texting while we are still chatting. And lastly, sad because I know he is already committed to someone. On the other hand, he became a big part of my life. Because he always inspires me to do the best that I could do. But he is not merely my crush. He is also my mother, father, brother and best friend. Mother in the sense that he always takes care of me and reminds me to do the things I need to do. He could also be my father in a way that he scolds me every time I make a wrong decision. Brother for the reason that we fight for every small details and make argument with each other. And lastly, my best friend who was always been there for me, and never left me in my up’s and down’s. Every person has a crush; they said that it’s normal to have a feeling towards opposite sex. But more than that, our crushes could be an inspiration to us, in doing the things that sometimes hard for us to do. My crush would always be one of my inspirations in my life.

buy custom Business Law essay

buy custom Business Law essay Legal disputes arise when two or more parties disagree over the existence of legal duty or right and how a breach of such rights or duty should be compensated. Effective resolution of legal disputes depends on our ability to understand the legal system and the ethical considerations involved. At international level, dispute resolution is mainly influenced by three factors namely, jurisdiction, choice of law and foreign judgment. Addressing International Legal and Ethical Issues The main issues involved in resolving legal disputes associated with international transactions include enforceability, neutrality, procedural flexibility, cost and speed. Enforceability determines whether a court decision made in one country can be applied in another country . The legal institution handling the dispute should be neutral to both parties and the procedure should be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of all parties. Th legal process should also lead to a quick and cost-effective resolution. The practical considerations associated with taking legal action against a foreign business partner include the choice of law, jurisdiction and foreign judgment. The chosen law determines the outcome of the legal action in most cases. Jurisdiction on the other hand determines whether the foreign court is capable of settling the dispute. Foreign judgment is the ability of the legal systems in both countries to recognize and enforce a ruling made in either of them. CadMexs decision to enter sublicensing agreements can be undermined by its ability to comply with the law. The sublicensing agreement will not be accepted if it violates laws such as import-export laws. Transfer rights over trade secrets can also work against the sublicensing agreement. This is because CadMex may not be willing to reveal somme of its trade secrets to its partners. When local customs laws conflict with foreign ones, the customs of the country in which the goods are to be sold (importing country) will prevail. This is because custom duties are paid in the importing country and thus the laws of the importing country prevail. The issues in the simulation can be compared to domestic legal issues in terms of the factors that influence dispute resolution. At the domestic level, dispute resolution is mainly influenced by the effectiveness of the legal system. However, jurisdictional immunity plays a critical role in resolving disputes at international level. Thus companies should resolve domestic legal issues based on the local laws. International disputes on the other hand should be resolved on the basis of agreements or contracts which specify the jurisdiction and the law to be applied. Buy custom Business Law essay

Pension Plans in the United States After Retirement

Pension Plans in the United States After Retirement Pension plans are one of the key methods to successfully saving for retirement in the United States, and though the government does not require businesses to provide such plans to its employees, it does offer generous tax breaks to companies that establish and contribute to pensions for their employees. In recent years, defined contribution plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) have become the norm in terms of small businesses, self-employed individuals, and freelance workers. These monthly set amounts, which may or may not be matched by the employer, are self-managed by the employees in their personal savings accounts. The primary method of regulating pension plans in the United States, though, comes from its Social Security program, which benefits anyone who retires after the age of 65, depending on how much one invests over the course of his or her life. Federal agencies ensure that these benefits are met by every employer in the U.S. Are Businesses Required to Offer Pension Plans? There are no laws that require businesses to offer their employees pension plans, however, pensions are regulated by several governing agencies in the United States, which largely helps define what benefits larger businesses must offer their employees - like health care coverage. The  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Department of State  website details that the federal governments tax collection agency, the Internal Revenue Service, sets most rules governing pension plans, and a Labor Department agency regulates plans to prevent abuses. Another federal agency, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, ensures retiree benefits under traditional private pensions; a series of laws enacted in the 1980s and 1990s boosted premium payments for this insurance and stiffened requirements holding employers responsible for keeping their plans financially healthy. Still, the Social Security program is the greatest way in which the United States government requires businesses to offer their employees long-term pensions options - a just reward for working a full career before retirement. Federal Employee Benefits: Social Security Employees of the  federal government- including  members  of the military and civil service as well as disabled  war  veterans- are offered several types of pension plans, but the most important government-run program is Social Security, which is available after a person retires at or above the age of 65. Although run by the Social Security Administration, the funds for this program come from payroll taxes paid by both employees and employers. In recent years, however, it has come under scrutiny as the benefits received upon retirement  only cover a portion of the income needs of its recipient. Especially because of the retirement of many of the post-war  baby-boom generation early in the 21st century, politicians feared the government wouldnt be able to pay all its obligations without increasing taxes or decreasing benefits for retirees. Managing Defined Contribution Plans and IRAs In recent years, many companies have switched over to what is known as defined contribution plans wherein the employee is given a set amount as part of their salary and is thus tasked with managing their own personal retirement account. In this type of pension plan, the company is not required to contribute to the savings fund of its employee, but many choose to do so based on the result of the employees contract negotiation. In any case, the employee is responsible for managing his or her salary allotment intended for retirement savings. Although it is not difficult to set up a retirement fund with a bank in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), it can be daunting for self-employed and freelance workers to actually manage their investments into a savings account. Unfortunately, the amount of money these individuals have available at retirement entirely depends on how they invest their own earnings.

Discussion Questions to Use in English Conversation

Discussion Questions to Use in English Conversation Asking good questions is essential to having interesting conversations. Sometimes, its difficult to come up with good questions when learning a new language like English. Here are several questions divided up by category to help classes improve their conversational skills by discussing topics that play an important role in their daily life. If you are teaching questions, can feel free to print out the questions for use in class. If you are learning English on your own, use these questions as cues to help you have conversations with other English learning friends or English speakers. Language Learning Do you speak any other languages?How many languages do you speak?Which languages do you speak?How long have you been studying English?How much do you study English every day?What is the most difficult thing about English for you?Are you studying American English or British English?Does listening to songs in English help you learn the language? How?Why are you studying English?Do you use English at work? If yes, how do you use English at work?Do you use the Internet to help you with English? If yes, how do you use the internet to help you with English?What is the easiest thing about English for you?How do you learn new vocabulary in English?In your opinion, what is the best way to learn English?Do other people in your family speak English?How do you think English will be helpful for your future?What could you do to improve your English even more?Which activities do you find most helpful in English class?Which activities do you find least helpful in English class?Do you think learning English with a native English speaker is a good idea? Education Are you a student?Where are you currently studying?How long have you been studying?If you are not a student, when did you finish studying?What did you study when you were a student?Which classes do you like the most?Which classes do you like the least?Which classes do you think will help you the most in the future?Which classes do you think arent necessary for your future?Who is your favorite teacher? Why?How often do you go to school?How much homework do you have to do?Are you going to graduate soon? If so, when?Which techniques help you with your homework?How important are computers for your studies?Do you go to university? If so, what is your major?What could your teachers do to help you learn more?Is higher education expensive in your country?How often do you skip class?How do you have to take tests? Hobbies and Activities Do you have any hobbies?How do you stay fit?Do you play any sports? If so, which sports do you play?In your opinion, what are the advantages of team sports?In your opinion, what are the advantages of individual sports?How do hobbies help people enjoy life?Do you belong to any clubs? If so, which clubs do you belong to?How much time do you spend doing your hobbies?What type of outdoor activities do you enjoy?What type of indoor activities do you enjoy?How long have you been doing your favorite hobby?How many different types of hobbies can you name?Can you name any of the hobbies of your friends?How much do you spend on your free time activities?Is your hobby expensive? If so, why?Have you made any friends through your hobbies?What days of the week do you do your hobbies?Where do you go to participate in your hobby?Which hobby would you like to take up?Do you think everyone should have a hobby? If so, why? Money and Work Do you have a job? If so, what is it?How important is money to happiness?What do you enjoy about your job?Whats the most challenging part of your work?Whats the most satisfying part of your work?Describe your colleagues.Would you like to try another profession? If so, which?How long have you been working at your current job?Do you invest any of your savings?How do you take care of budgeting?How many people work in your family? What do they do?Is unemployment a problem in your country?What type of education do you need for your profession?What type of continuing education do you do for your profession?In your opinion, how important is a big salary to job satisfaction?Have you ever had a promotion? If so, when were you last promoted?Describe your boss.Do you enjoy working with people?Which sector do you work in?Do you have a retirement plan at work? Family and Friends How many siblings do you have?Are you married? If so, tell me about your husband / wife.Who is your best friend? Tell me about him / her.Do you have any children? How many children do you have?Do you have a lot of acquaintances?How do you make new friends?Whats a good way to make new friends?What type of things do you like doing with your friends?Which activities do you enjoy doing as a family?Do you eat together as a family? If so, which meals?Tell me about your favorite aunt or uncle. Why are they your favorite?If you dont have any children, would you like to have children?Do you spend more time with your family or your friends?Do you have a boyfriend or a girlfriend? If so, tell me about them.What bothers you about your brother or sister?What bothers you about your father or mother?Are you an only child?How would you describe your best friend?Have you ever done business with friends or family? If so, what was it like?What should parents do or not do for their children? Technology How important is technology in modern life?Which technologies do you use at work?Which technological gadgets do you have?How much time do you spend on the computer?Do you use social media? If so, how much time do you spend on social media?Which technology could you live without?Which technology could you not live without?In your opinion, whats the most important type of technology in our lives?Are you comfortable using a computer?Do you think we can trust what we read on the internet?How can we recognize if something is trustworthy on the internet?What type of device would you like to buy?How much money do you spend on technology every year?Can you program a computer? If not, would you like to learn?Do you spend more time watching TV or surfing the internet?Do you ever shop online? If so, what type of things do you buy online?What would happen if we lost electricity for a long period of time?If you could, would you use less or more technology every day?What type of technology do you find frustrating? Which type of technology do you find the most helpful in your daily life?

Re-write this document Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Re-write this document - Essay Example Wave pressure is expressed by both time and distance. Sound moves in a straight line in a medium of equal density (Funk & Wagnall, 1979), but sonar depends on the reflection of sounds that are conducted underwater. Whether sound is reflecting (throwing sound back from a surface) or refracting (bending the normally straight path of sound toward a new direction) is of great importance to sonar applications. Levels of stratification and levels of salinity greatly change how sound travels through shallow water. Accurate calculations and research will give sonar operations more accurate and reliable results. The speed and velocity at which sound travels through water was first researched by Sir Isaac Newton in 1687. He began these investigations when he discovered that measurements of sound as it travels through fluids relied only on the physical properties of the fluid, such as its elasticity and density. The first accurate measurements of the speed of sound in water were made in 1826 by the French mathematician Jacque Sturm. Further studies of how sound originated and was carried underwater became crucial from a military standpoint in World War I with the introduction of the submarine. Great progress was made in our understanding of sonar during World War II and the issue has received increasing attention in more modern times (Funk & Wagnalls, 1979). The speed of sound in water depends on different factors including temperature, salinity and wave depth (Derencin, 2002). There is a positive relation between water temperature and depth – as the depth increases, the water temperature decreases. The term ‘isothermal’ is used to describe a uniform water temperature (Standards and Curriculum Division, 1944). Sound travels slower as it encounters denser gas or fluid; therefore, the speed of sound in water is four times

An effective corporate board underpins corporate governance Coursework

An effective corporate board underpins corporate governance. Critically discuss why this is so and what makes a board effectiv - Coursework Example Corporate sectors are therefore required to operate according to the rules and policies of the corporate governance for better growth as well as performance of transparent and responsible business functions. It also facilitates companies to conduct its business operations in accordance with the rules and the regulations prescribed under the companies act. Corporate governance offers specific guidelines on the basis of which policymakers and regulators ascertain that the policies and rules formulated are in compliance with legal provisions. Furthermore, it ensures that companies perform their business operations in an ethical manner (Fernando, 2009). Corporate governance ensures that a company is guiding its business activities in the right direction. In this regard, the BOD of companies are determined to be accountable for formulating appropriate strategies and policies in order to make sure that the company is operating ethically. It also seeks that the structure of the board is app ropriate, executives are properly compensated and shareholders are reported correctly. The principles as well as codes which are undertaken in the policy of corporate governance of companies accumulatively signify that companies are responsible for satisfying the requirements of its shareholders and stakeholders by a large extent (Tricker, 2012). Emphasising on these aspects, the study will intend to critically discuss about the importance of corporate governance in companies. The functions or operations of BOD of companies will also be discussed in order to ascertain that companies are conducting its business operations in an ethical manner. The important policies as well as codes will be further emphasized in this paper, which is the most significant aspect for corporate governance of companies. Due significance will also be rendered towards diversity as a crucial facet in the contemporary corporate governance frameworks. Significance of Corporate Board towards Corporate Governanc e Corporate governance of companies can be identified as largely dependent on the norms and functions of the BOD. The BOD of companies is recognised to be an important element as the participants or rather the board members are responsible for the formulation of policies as well as strategies for improved performance of companies and are also entitled develop or restructure the Articles Of Association (AOA) and Memorandum Of Association (MOA) for the company. These strategies, norms and policies are implemented with the intention of ascertaining that companies perform their business operations in adherence with legal policies, companies act and rules as well as regulations of the government. Business organisations are thus required to conduct its activities in accordance with the policies formulated by the BOD in order to ascertain that the planned business activities are performed ethically (Copnell, 2010; Ayuso & Argandona, 2007). Interest of Shareholders The key role of BOD is to act as a representative of the shareholders.

Rhetorical Analysis of a Language Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rhetorical Analysis of a Language - Essay Example Yet it seems manipulative to make an emotional appeal in areas like politics or religion, even if it is done often, to get votes or converts. In these cases, it only seems fair to make an appeal to one's good sense in order to make decisions based on facts rather than how one feels at the moment. Baldwin states that "black English is rooted in American history" created by blacks during the time of slavery and designed to communicate with each other without their white masters understanding. It was designed as a method of survival. "What joins all languages.is the necessity to confront life,to outwit death" (Baldwin). He gives an example of one member of a family warning another of possible danger by speaking black English even in the presence of the white man because the white man could not understand it. Baldwin writes that "Language comes into existence by means of brutal necessity" and is a means with which to deal with life. Tan also acknowledges there are different types of "Englishes" that she uses and also proposes that English when speaking with her mother and another when at work or giving speeches. The English she uses with her mother is what she describes as simple or "broken". From the example given of how her mother speaks, it is easy to see where others may not understand her. But Tan understands, and to her, what her mother says is perfectly clear. She also realized that she used the same broken English when speaking with her husband and Tan refers to this language as a "language of intimacy" between them. Whereas Baldwin tries to make us see his point based on historical evidence, something factual and therefore credible, Tan gets her message across by appealing to a sense of family and unity and by using a personal relationship with which everyone can relate. She tells the story where she pretended to be her mother on a phone conversation and uses humor to generate a sense well-being and openness to further the point she wanted to make. Tan writes, "I had to get on the phone and say in an adolescent voice that was not very convincing. "This is Mrs. Tan." And my mother was standing in the back whispering loudly, "Why he don't send me check, already two weeks late. So mad he lie to me, losing me money." And then I said in perfect English, "Yes, I'm getting rather concerned. You had agreed to send the check two weeks ago, but it hasn't arrived." Using examples of Ireland and the parts of France that adhere to their own languages even if the mother tongue of the mainland is different, Baldwin states that language "is a proof of power". The Irish have suffered because England had "contempt for their language" and wanted to dominate them. Baldwin uses the non-emotional ethos appeal by referring to events in history to show that the countries that dominate spread their language to the conquered land. Drawing on examples of other countries that have suffered similar fates as the blacks, he makes his argument (Last Name) 3 more objective and less likely to come across as a "poor blacks, bad white" sympathy play for support. Tan also alludes to language being a proof

Three Main Dimensions of Financial Institutions Essay - 1

Three Main Dimensions of Financial Institutions - Essay Example Even in 2011, we find that the markets continue to struggle with the question of economic reforms, in association with other basic questions, like how to develop sustained and enduring financial growth while also elevating fiscal responsibility. The development of financial systems is affected by various factors, which are, financial institutions risk management policies, ‘indebtedness’ of both individuals and sovereign elements, the banking system, regulatory delinquencies, and exports via the ‘exchange rate policy.’ Some modern researchers claim that the chief cause of the current economic recession is mainly owing to certain socio-economic queries, pertinent to a much broader context, like the enduring presence of income inequality, through the investments made in the line of education and human capital (Rajan, 2010). The World Economic Forum has defined financial development â€Å"as the factors, policies, and institutions that lead to effective financial intermediation and markets, as well as deep and broad access to capital and financial services† (The Financial Development Report 2010, 2010, 4). Financial development is the trajectory through which the states can work towards elevating the efficacies of their economic system (markets and resources), the banking sector, the monitoring of various investment projects, and overall strengthen the position of the financial system. Thus, one can view financial development as a major aspect of affecting a country’s economic growth and welfare (Huang, 2006, 2). Strong factual evidence uphold the notion that finance is at the base of a state’s developmental process.  

Today's Crisis - 2009 vs. 2007 Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Today's Crisis - 2009 vs. 2007 Crisis - Essay Example Some of the biggest financial companies of the world, including Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch, have collapsed completely during this time (Savona et al., 2011, p.295). The crisis situation involves large number of aspects from restructuring of financial markets to that of economic policies across the globe (Kent et al., 2011, p.128). This decline has caused the decline in the financial as well as monetary system of countries across the globe. The financial crisis of 2009 has been a continuation of the financial crisis of 2007. This crisis has occurred because of the failure of world financial system to cope up with the growing level of demand for different goods and services and capital accumulation. This fact has been accelerated by the fact that during this time the rate of unemployment across the globe has reached a very high level (Poole, n.d., p.442). This paper is aimed at providing an analytical perspective of the crises situations. Global effects: The world economy has be en facing a 30% risk of entering into the depression. This figure has been coined according to the â€Å"Economist Intelligence Unit†. The London consultancy has defined the fact that an economic or a financial depression as growth or development process in the developed as well as developing world averaging lower than 1% per year between the time period of 2009 and 2013. There has been a 60% chance that the fiscal as well as monetary policies now being implemented will stabilise the world economy by the next year that it said. "Deflation would be characterised as mass bankruptcies and job losses," the London consultancy argued. A third situation in which lessening assurance in the US directs to the dollar getting dumped contains a 10% probability, it argued. The â€Å"International Monetary Fund† observes the global economy contracting 2012 for the very first time since times of â€Å"Second World War†. The â€Å"Economist Intelligence Unit† has estimate d 95 nations are at "high" or at "very high" risk of economic or financial unrest (World 'faces 30% risk of depression', 2009). Several banks across the country have failed or collapsed due to the prevalence of the financial crisis situation. These banks have been acquired by other banks or financial corporations. Hence, the negative effects have been exposed to the level of customer confidence on the banking and financial system of the country (Failed Bank List, 2012). The profundity of the financial and economic recession as well as widespread deflation has suggested the fact that nominal monetary policy rates are required to fall into negative region in order to supply sufficient incentive, which is impossible. Theoretically, in the equilibrium, the cost of acquired capital in respect to the aggregate economy must roughly be comparable to the rate of growth of nominal GDP. This is used as the substitute for the rate of capital return in respect to the aggregate economy). Both the se policy rates as well as the rates of growth of GDP values have been reduced during this time of deep financial recession across the globe (A World Of Credit Easing, 2009). Also the creation of large number of tent cities across the US has revealed the severity of the crises situations which have been outcomes of greater level of job losses and loss of houses. These tent cities have been found in New York and in New Jersey to a great extent (USA tent 'cities' on rise as US economy crumbles (23Dec11).flv, 2012). Effects on UAE: The emerging market (EM) nations in the â€Å"Middle East and North Africa† (MENA) region (which also incorporates UAE and all other GCC nations) have been comparatively insulated from the effect of the crisis

The Effect of Article on the Economy Toulouse Dissertation

The Effect of Article on the Economy Toulouse - Dissertation Example Toulouse, the capital city of the region of Midi-Pyrà ©nà ©es in France, is situated on the Garonne River side, in a plain midway between the Atlantic sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It is at present the fourth biggest city in France. Its international airport is just an hour away from Madrid, a one hour away from Paris and almost one hour and twenty minutes away from London. Airbus has done its best in increasing worldwide marketplace share for airplanes â€Å"Aviation industry is an essential part of the Toulouse economy (Toulouse is the home city of Airbus Industries) but is by no means the only high tech industry located there. The city has become Europe's leading space centre with CNES (French Space Agency), Matra Marconi Space, Alcatel Space Industry and Spot Image among others, all with their head offices around Toulouse† (13th Annual Computer Security Incident Handling Conference 2001). Toulouse has turned out to be a one of the center of spaceflight and aviation t in the past 20 years. In addition to 35,000 city dwellers 400,000 people from other part of the globe work in space industries or civil aviation; EADS/ Airbus is one of the largest employers in the area. This particular metropolis has remained comparatively unchanged in spite of the economic boom. Airbus provides tours with excellent services and facilities; and the tour for about 60 minutes consists of a guide who inform the background of the corporation; the screening of a historical / promotional video, and one can also observe the A380 production line. Airbus played a leading function in guaranteeing the sector elaborate communication and a common position on its various environmental impacts, on the foundation of scientific proof, and on the social and economic advantages it generates. The aim of the study is to identify how airbus has affected the economy of Toulouse since its inception in 1970. Due to the economic effect the industry has brought on Toulouse, this particular city has grown. The main reason for the city having grown is the a result of the aerospace industry, which has had a direct effect on the city of Airbus. Background of the Study: Airbus is a one of the leading aircraft and its producers have clients who focus on profitable know-how, technical leadership, and manufacturing competence which have added to its accomplishments in the industry. It was launched in 1970 as a European grouping of German, French, and later, UK, and Spanish business establishments. Air transport facility plays a key function in the economic growth and social development by addressing the rising demand for worldwide mobility. The advantages of air travel facility are becoming more available, more affordable and more significant to citizens from every economic environment and from every part of the world. The production of airbus is a clever move on the part of the top ranking Europe n ations, to complete with the operations of the US Being. Airbus is a configuration of smaller organizations combined into one large unit. The states that are the main players in Airbus are United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain. In recent times, airbus has done very well in increasing worldwide marketplace share for airplanes. Airbus is repeatedly trying to increase its market share by trying to reach out to new emerging marketplaces. These new marketplaces like India and China will play a big position in the future for airbus and boeing. Main industries of Toulouse are electronics, aeronautics, biotechnology, and space and information technology. Toulouse hosts the head office of the Airbus and assembly-lines of various airbuses such as A380, A340, A330 and A320. The others (A380, A32, A319 and A318’s interior furnishing) are in the state of Germany, Hamburg. Airbus intends to reposition Toulouse A 320’s bind assembling location to Hamburg, with A350 and A380 manu facture going in the opposite way, as a division of its Power8 Organization Plan initiated by its ex-CEO Christian Streiff. With the

Today's Crisis - 2009 vs. 2007 Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Today's Crisis - 2009 vs. 2007 Crisis - Essay Example Some of the biggest financial companies of the world, including Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch, have collapsed completely during this time (Savona et al., 2011, p.295). The crisis situation involves large number of aspects from restructuring of financial markets to that of economic policies across the globe (Kent et al., 2011, p.128). This decline has caused the decline in the financial as well as monetary system of countries across the globe. The financial crisis of 2009 has been a continuation of the financial crisis of 2007. This crisis has occurred because of the failure of world financial system to cope up with the growing level of demand for different goods and services and capital accumulation. This fact has been accelerated by the fact that during this time the rate of unemployment across the globe has reached a very high level (Poole, n.d., p.442). This paper is aimed at providing an analytical perspective of the crises situations. Global effects: The world economy has be en facing a 30% risk of entering into the depression. This figure has been coined according to the â€Å"Economist Intelligence Unit†. The London consultancy has defined the fact that an economic or a financial depression as growth or development process in the developed as well as developing world averaging lower than 1% per year between the time period of 2009 and 2013. There has been a 60% chance that the fiscal as well as monetary policies now being implemented will stabilise the world economy by the next year that it said. "Deflation would be characterised as mass bankruptcies and job losses," the London consultancy argued. A third situation in which lessening assurance in the US directs to the dollar getting dumped contains a 10% probability, it argued. The â€Å"International Monetary Fund† observes the global economy contracting 2012 for the very first time since times of â€Å"Second World War†. The â€Å"Economist Intelligence Unit† has estimate d 95 nations are at "high" or at "very high" risk of economic or financial unrest (World 'faces 30% risk of depression', 2009). Several banks across the country have failed or collapsed due to the prevalence of the financial crisis situation. These banks have been acquired by other banks or financial corporations. Hence, the negative effects have been exposed to the level of customer confidence on the banking and financial system of the country (Failed Bank List, 2012). The profundity of the financial and economic recession as well as widespread deflation has suggested the fact that nominal monetary policy rates are required to fall into negative region in order to supply sufficient incentive, which is impossible. Theoretically, in the equilibrium, the cost of acquired capital in respect to the aggregate economy must roughly be comparable to the rate of growth of nominal GDP. This is used as the substitute for the rate of capital return in respect to the aggregate economy). Both the se policy rates as well as the rates of growth of GDP values have been reduced during this time of deep financial recession across the globe (A World Of Credit Easing, 2009). Also the creation of large number of tent cities across the US has revealed the severity of the crises situations which have been outcomes of greater level of job losses and loss of houses. These tent cities have been found in New York and in New Jersey to a great extent (USA tent 'cities' on rise as US economy crumbles (23Dec11).flv, 2012). Effects on UAE: The emerging market (EM) nations in the â€Å"Middle East and North Africa† (MENA) region (which also incorporates UAE and all other GCC nations) have been comparatively insulated from the effect of the crisis

Reintroduce death penalty Essay Example for Free

Reintroduce death penalty Essay Death penalty is a legal process through which, as a punishment a person is sentenced to death for a criminal offense by the state. Criminal offenses punishable through death penalty are referred to as capital offenses or capital crimes. The death penalty proponents, pro-capital punishment argues that it is an important aspect for deterring crimes, preserving law and order, and is less expensive compared to life imprisonment. They also claim that it is in the honor of the victim to award the death penalty. This is because it ensures the offenders of the heinous offenses do not get another chance to commit such crime again. In addition, the death penalty consoles the victims grieving families. Those opposed to death penalty, abolitionists argue that there is no deterrent effect on crimes, and government wrongly uses it as power to take life. They claim that it is the death penalty is a means to bring about social injustices through targeting people who cannot afford good attorneys, and people of color disproportionately. They argue that life imprisonment is less expensive and more severe than the death penalty. With all these arguments, we are left to decide on what course to take, assess the pros and cons of capital punishment and decide to support or oppose it. Questions relating to who deserves the death penalty and who does not have been raised by both the advocates of death penalty and those opposed to the death penalty (Zimring 91-93). Should death penalty be introduced? This is the argument of this paper. Capital punishment, in many countries, cultures and societies, throughout the human history has been applied in the justice system; the question that arises is that is it morally acceptable? Is it justified? Both the advocates for death penalty and the opponents of death penalty have valid arguments to back up their reasons. Those for the death penalty argue that the act of capital punishment is a deterrent to crime. However, those against argue that the death penalty is only a life imprisonment and not a deterrent to crime. It is however evident that the deterrence from the perspec tive of capital punishment is about the murderer’s mind involving the existing psychological processes (Haag 70-71). Not everybody deserves the death penalty. However, some people earn capital punishment. A person who breaks into a grocery store and steals bread definitely does not deserve the death penalty. In addition, people who commit murder for self-defense or during moment of  passion. Such people according to me do not deserve death. On the other hand, a serial killer after the lives of innocent people for fun and personal gains deserves capital punishment. I support the proponents of capital punishment. This stance is informed by a number of facts and reasons. Death penalty is a deterrent to crime. Even though the death penalty is irreversible, convicted persons are often given numerous chances to prove their innocence. Capital punishment assures societal safety through elimination of criminals. A life for a life is a sensible and credible assertion. Deterrence is punishing someone to create fear among people for punishment. Capital punishment is a punishment creates fear, especially in the minds of sane persons. Haag (2003) in his article On Deterrence and Death Penalty, people refrain from dangerous and harmful acts because of inchoate, vague, habitual, and most importantly preconscious fear (Haag 72). Everyone fears death, and most criminals would have a second thought if they were aware their own lives would be on the line. There are not so many justifications and evidence of death penalty to effectively deter crime than the usual long term imprisonment. The countries or states with the capital punishment has no lower rates of crime or rates of murder than those countries and states without those laws. On the other hand, the states or countries that campaign against capital punishment have not shown any significant deviation in the rates of murder or crime. The indicates that capital punishment has no defined deterrent impact. Claims that the executions dissuade particular number of murders have been discredited thoroughly by the researches of social sciences. In fact people do commit murder widely in the heat of passion basically under drug or alcohol influence, or because of mental illness, without thinking about the implications of the act. Those murderers who make plans of their murder crimes expect and intend to escape punishment by avoiding getting caught (Haag 70-73). On the other hand, some social research has found that execution has a significant deterrence to incidents of murder. In addition, the implementation of the capital punishment is related to the increased murder incidences, while those against the death penalty argue that the capital punishment is used unfairly against the African Americans, every extra execution prevents murder of 1.5 African Americans. In moratoria, death row, and commuted sentences removals tend to increase murder  incidences. Americans have emerged to support the capital punishment for reasons such as; the existence of minimal justification that suggest unfair treatment of the minorities, and that the death penalty results into a reduction or deterrent to crimes and saves life. Those for capital punishment believe that the death penalty ultimately deter murderers from killing more innocent people. No concrete evidence justifies this assertion. Therefore the supporters suggest that the capital punishment is a basic reminder to the general public that there is no reward for crimes. It gives people a notion that if you engage in killing innocent people then you are forced to pay a quite high price (Zimring 95-96). Abolitionists, opponents of the death penalty argue that there is no need to take the life of a criminal to deter life, and that imprisonment in itself is a deterrent to criminal activities. Zimring (2004) asserts that deterring crime is only possible by frightening the would-be criminals by arrest, conviction, and punishment. However, imprisonment may not be enough for some criminals to stop committing more crimes. A number of criminals such as serial killers believe that they would never be caught and brought to justice. For these kinds of criminals, the death penalty should be warranted to teach others a lesson and instill fear in them. The advocates of anti the death penalty argue that capital punishment is irreversible, and may lead to making irreversible mistakes. I accept this fact because once someone is awarded the death penalty; there is no reverse even if they only failed to prove their innocence (Haag 77-78 ). However, the probability of making a mistake with the death pe nalty is very minimal, extremely low. Capital punishment is very extreme. Therefore, the judicial system exercises it with a lot of care and caution. Because of the various guaranteed rights protection of people facing capital punishment, guilt must be determined by convincing and clear evidence that leaves no room for alternative justification of facts. The right to appeal is also protected for the convicts, and other privileges that ensure only rightly accused persons are awarded the death penalty. According to Haag, whenever life is at stake, trials are often more likely to be fair, and the death penalty is less often inflicted unjustly than others. Therefore, the abolitionists’ argument of making irreversible mistakes is unjustified. People have argued that the death penalty theory is correct since people are deterred from doing crimes by what they fear most,  that people fear death more than any other punishment, that the death penalty is a deterrent to crimes that any other punishment possible, and that the capital punishment is humane enoug h and the law supports it. They also argue that because those sentenced to death normally do much to have the day postponed, it proves that people fear death and therefore will avoid it (Zimring 97). Others have also said that the televised executions are more effective as people exercise more reaction to what they see than that which they imagine. It is hence hard to threaten murderers with something basically invisible, but in their minds, the death penalty is a major deterrent option. These are justifications that the death penalty is effective. The U.S establishment of the death penalty was due to capital crimes and murder. State or congress legislature may recommend the death penalty for capital crimes. According to the Supreme Court ruling, the death penalty does not violate the Eighth Amendments ban per se on unusual and cruel punishment. However, the Eighth Amendment shapes certain aspects of procedures regarding where a jury may prescribe the death penalty and the way it must be conducted. Analyses of Eighth Amendment demand courts to consider the evolution of decency standards. This is important in ascertaining that a particular punishment constitutes an unusual or cruel punishment. It is required that when considering evolving decency standards, objective factors that show a change in standards of the community must be observed and independent evaluations made concerning the reliability and/or essence of the statute in question. Although the death penalty is being considered effective in deterring capital crimes, the Supreme Court ruling discredited capital punishment for juvenile offenders. Majority opinion indicated that juveniles are irresponsible and immature. They have incomplete character development and are greatly vulnerable to negative influences. The Supreme Court deduced that adolescent offenders assume reduced accountability for their crimes. However, social science researchers point out that people do commit murder widely in the heat of passion. The reas on for this may be influence from drug or alcohol, mental illness. This renders little or no thought to the consequences of the act. Those murderers who make plans of their murder crimes expect and intend to escape punishment by avoiding getting caught. Therefore, the death penalty may be appropriate in such cases (Zimring 98-101). In conclusion, I support the arguments given  by the proponents of the death penalty, the pro-capital punishment. I think death penalty should be reintroduced. I take this stance because I believe the death penalty serves a definite purpose of deterring crime and bringing criminals to justice, as well as honoring the victims. For capital punishment to rightly serve this purpose, it must be made efficient and more effective. The system of justice has gone through a drastic transformation to ensure only rightly accused persons are brought to justice. I believe the death penalty ensures societal safety, brings criminals to book, brings justice to the victims, and deter crimes and reduce the number of criminals. From these illustrations, I believe capital punishment should not be abolished. Capital punishment is necessary to maintain public safety and keep justice shining in the society. It also cuts down the number of convicts on death row. The death penalty relieves families and friends who lose their loved ones in the merciless hands of criminals. It also solves the problem of overcrowding through a humane action. From this account, the death penalty aids in resolving a number of societal criminal issues. Therefore, I take the stance of the pro-capital punishment: I support the reintroduction of death penalty. Works Cited Haag, Ernest Van Den. On Deterrence and Death Penalty, Reserved reading for Philosophy, 2(3) 2003; 44-78. Zimring, F. E. The Contradictions of American Capital Punishment, New York: Oxford University Press. 2004. Print.

Photography Essays Bernd and Hilla Becher

Photography Essays Bernd and Hilla Becher Identify what you consider to be the legacy of the artist Bernd and Hilla Becher for the importance of the photographic image. ‘The modern photographer is the architect’s greatest publicist’; that is, if one considers architectural photography a dumb copying device, and a pure record that informs the onlooker only of the building and its functionality.   However banal a series of photographs depicting only water towers may seem, Bernd and Hilla Becher dedicated much attention to photographing such icons of post-war Germany and so created a historical document.   In this way, the Bechers’ living legacy is ‘a narrative of socio-historic reality based on photography’s potential to retain some indexical trace of its subject’, but as mentioned by Mack, the Bechers are amongst those photographers who are also ‘involved in some level of construction or fabrication, distinct from the realist and objective position which is usually attributed to [photography]’.   Their photography and teachings represent a time when photography was winning serious cons ideration by the European art scene and so are undeniably important and influential, but perhaps the most pointed question to ask of their work is the exact nature of its influence on other artists, on the nature of the photographic image, and on the landscape of Germany of which the mine shafts and silos they photographed were a vital part. Just as an historic text is the subject of the author’s interpretation of the reality of the times, a photograph is the product of the photographer’s choice and manipulation of an image.   It is plain that the Bechers were not attempting to flatter architects or approve of the design and function of the buildings they photographed, as is often the case in the classic understanding of architectural photography.   Although it cannot be denied that their many images, like those of August Sander, create a social document for posterity’s sake, the photographs are in no way a sentimental harking back to the past or a reassurance of German identity.   The technology depicted in the Bechers’ typological sequences, often in a state of deterioration or abandonment, could be said to represent a time of spiritual poverty and the ‘erosion of inherited cultural and moral values’.   In light of this suggestion, Bernd and Hilla Becher seemed to be see king to document their subjects in a clinical, objective manner; remaining fascinated with but shedding the past in the hope that ‘the unburied industrial sources of Modernist imagery be sanitized and distanced from us, lest [they]†¦ invade the minds of another generation’.   Therefore, unlike August Sander, the Bechers are more interested in showing us death (rather than Sanders life study of the classes of Germany); the photographs can be said to be looking ahead to a better future only if the viewer interprets it so. Shouldnt these photos then, fascinated by death to the point of necrophilia, be filed away and forgotten?   Rather, it should be said that the photos enlarge our understanding of the photographic image, precisely because they serve as a stark reminder of a past away from which the world has moved.   As much as it was tactful for German artists to deny history in the immediate post-war period, Bernd and Hilla Becher chose to show it, with characteristically functionalist honesty and truth.   Viewing the photographs, we know that the spiritually repressive time to which the buildings belong has passed and so view our position favourably.   Photography is the art form that is most closely comparable to our reality; whether they meant to or not, the Bechers have created art through which we view history with a clarity that cannot be gained through memory or other art forms. Photography has always been associated with some notion of cutting out and keeping the past in order that it is not forgotten, although not necessarily in order to commend or legitimate the events therein.   An extensive collection of nakedly truthful architectural portraits such as the Bechers’, could be said to be a way of preserving the buildings and what they represent, rather than a way of banishing them to ‘the registers of the dead’ in order that society moves forward (or at least away from the faux progression of industrialisation).   Preservation, yes, and as important to the renewal of German identity as is the conservation of Auschwitz.   Indeed, the Bechers were heavily involved in the German industrial preservation movement that started in the 1950s and resulted in numerous icons of the country’s economic and cultural history being listed and their demolition prevented.   The power of the Bechers art, and therefore part of their renderi ng of photography as an important form, is tangible in that the photographs were so compelling that they became a part of a movement which changed (or maintained) Germany’s landscape. It can also be said that, in preserving the winding gear, the framework workers’ houses and silos in their art, the Bechers’ ‘industrial archaeology’ was an investigation into specific communities.   Despite claims that their subjects are completely isolated from their environment, the photographs are often dated and their locations documented, and therefore offer a pertinent reminder of a specific space and time for each similar but significantly different image.   From there, a viewer can take time to study the stilled physicality of the buildings, their silent watch, whilst remaining aware of their specialised existence within individual societies. Whilst this is a large part of the Bechers’ typological studies’ legacy, their way of showing buildings is most certainly not anthropocentric.   Never do they purposefully use the human form to legitimise or enrich their industrial subjects.   Indeed, it is the very absence of the human form that makes these photographs so interesting because actually ‘the handiwork of men is everywhere visible’ and the collection stands partly as a testimony to humankind’s inexhaustible ingenuity and inventiveness.   The Bechers’ fascination with metal and all that goes with its production could not be a more powerful statement about that which is alien to human fleshly existence, but in the same way it is a comment on the extents to which industrial people are forced to go because of their reliance on the laws of nature. Not directly interested in the human form, but nevertheless a product of the human mind and skill, the Bechers’ art shows humankind’s flagging attempt to master nature, to reign it in and use it or, indeed, to ‘make nature in the image of their own desires’.   Such a battle can only end in failure as, with water towers for instance, the very function of the buildings remind us that we are utterly reliant on the earth’s resources; only when we combine our understanding of forces such as gravity with our desire to remain alive are we able to create technologies that serve us whilst abiding by nature’s laws.   In so saying, it is interesting to note that the static image of the photograph reminds one of the denial of evolution.   The Bechers help the viewer see, through their almost exhaustive collection of similar images, the differences between the humans self and the buildings in the photographs.   The most pointed distinction being ho w each succumbs to the processes of evolution.   Whilst we move on from war, from old ideas about art, from economic peak to economic trough, these buildings stay very much the same.   This becomes part of the distancing process that seems to make the Bechers’ work so important; the photographic image is unchangeable, undeniable truth that will always remain in the past whilst we move on ourselves.   The photographs come to deny the ‘progress’ they originally stood for, and so reaffirm our place in the present and, more importantly, suggest our continuation into a future that will be different. The Bechers’ work has received much attention; even winning a prestigious prize for sculpture.   The framing of the photographed buildings, the uniform lighting used and the subjects’ apparent freedom from their visible environment allows a neutralisation, which brings the buildings closer to sculptural treatment than the two-dimensional reportage that is often the lot of the photographic image.   As Klaus Bussmann states in his introduction to the Bechers’ Industrial Faà §ades; ‘in these photographs the function of the architecture does not emerge from its form’.   Unlike the art of the Neue Sachlichkeit, the Bechers’ photography does not celebrate the ‘dynamic and dramatic functionality of the industrial machine’; indeed it does not invest them with any meaning at all.   We invest them with meaning and memories – but the Bechers were seemingly fascinated by their deadness, their static place in history and their comparison with the vibrancy of human existence. The Bechers’ work made a remarkable impact on the art world, and the affect of their legacy is partly due to the manner in which they chose to display their photographs when their work was exhibited.   If there is an argument that depicts the photographic image as a bland record of what we can all see as it exists or existed in nature, then the Bechers’ typological constructs deny this.   Seen in groups; one building in comparison to a dozen others of almost (but pointedly not) identical appearance, the subjects of the photographs are recreated anew, and suddenly become something other than their pure physicality.   The viewer is irresistibly invited to take note of those differences, to see the similarities and variations all at once – are they impersonal or not, beautiful or ugly?   Seen together, the images become a greater challenge to the viewer’s notion of banality, of universality and the fundamental core of human needs. Alongside their fellow post-war photographers, the Bechers recreated photography as an art form, which is as legitimate as any other.   Their subject matter is not directly passionate, does not reveal the interior workings of the photographers’ identity and does not even deal with emotional issues, as is the common arena of the art world.   Instead, their calm, measured series of photographs introduces a part of western industrial society in the most honest way.   Because of its closeness to our experience of reality, we react very deeply to photography; the experience of looking at a framed portrait is intensely emotional whether the subject is treated in an emotional manner or not.   The legacy of the Bechers runs deep, especially in light of their teachings at Dà ¼sseldorf and the photographers who have come after them.   Bernd and Hilla truly understood the power of photography and have had a hand in investing the medium with the ‘power to influence our pe rception of the world around us’.   Their legacy is complex and the personal reaction to their work can be confusing as one finds a fascination with the deadness of their subjects at the same time as being instilled with some semblance of hope for the future.   Their ‘industrial archaeology’ will remain with us to aid the excavation of man-made landscapes and, indirectly, lead to a better understanding of the human condition. References Becher, B.  Ã‚   Tipologie, Typologien, Typologies – Bernd and Hilla Becher.   Munster: Klaus Bussmann, Bonn: 1990 Becher, B.   Industrial Faà §ades – Bernd and Hilla Becher.   Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press: 1995 Becher, B.   Water Towers – Bernd and Hilla Becher.   Cambridge, Massachusetts:   MIT Press: 1988 De Mare, E.   Architectural Photography.   London: B T Batsford: 1975 Gillen, E (ed.) German Art from Beckman to Richter: images of a divided country.   London: DuMont: 1997 Homburg, C (ed.) German Art Now.   London: Merrell: 2003 Honnef, K Sachsse, R Thomas, K (eds.)   German Photography 1870 – 1970: power of a medium. Cologne: DuMont: 1997 Mack, M.   Reconstructing Space: architecture in recent German photography.   London:   AA Publications: 1999 Robinson, C Herschmann, J.   Architecture Transformed: a history of the photography of buildings from 1839 to the present Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press: 1987 Rosselli, P. (ed.) Architecture in Photography Milan: Skira: 2001 Sander, A.   August Sander: citizens of the twentieth century: portrait photographs 1892 – 1952.   Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press: 1986   http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/visarts/globe/issue6/dptxt.html   31.03.05

Women, Title IX and Film :: Sports Essays

Women, Title IX and Film When I was younger I can remember watching old movies with my mother every Sunday. I loved watching the dashing men sweep away the pretty women and the extravagantly cheesy music. However much I loved the romance part of the story, it always struck me as kind of funny the way the woman was usually a very passive part of the whole relationship making model. She waited for him to kiss her, and the (or I should really say perhaps then) the ball is in her court and she has the ability to make decisions. In countless movies the woman is mad at the man and so what does he do? He grabs her and kisses her passionately. I always thought that it looked like it hurt. Some guy mashing his face into yours when you really do not want to be kissed? Not pleasant. My point in all this is that if you look at movies like these and then watch, say, Bend it Like Beckham or Girl Fight, the woman is actively choosing her sport, her path in life, and her relationship. Women now have the right to be empowere d in film (despite the still pervading Hollywood kitsch) and on of these ways, is inherently, through sport. Sport empowers women. That is a proven fact, and for many of us Title IX babies, a no-brainer. The question is why? When Title IX was still a fresh, new thing, for women sport served as something once denied them that they could finally experience. It represented getting the ball and being able to play just like "one of the boys." Now women were on an even playing field, and that is always empowering. For these women it represented a chance more than anything else, but women of my generation get something else out of sport that makes the modern woman different. In films across the board, sport or no, the image of woman is changing. She is thinner, yes, to keep up with the Hollywood standard of the waif, but she is also fit and muscular. Jada Pinkett-Smith is my favorite example of the new Hollywood body. She has muscular definition in her body but she is still very feminine. Women are expected (not just in Hollywood) to go to the gym regularly and work out. A woman who is not physically fit is not as attractive in today's modern world and that is the truth.

Shadows of War :: Articles Short Stories Papers

Shadows of War Something had gone wrong. Terribly wrong. â€Å"How could this have happened?!† the leader demanded. â€Å"You told me it was safe! You said I wouldn’t become involved!† â€Å"You’re not involved--there’s nothing that connects you to the operation,† Mitchell said. â€Å"As far as everyone else is concerned, I’m in charge.† The leader was not pleased. The operation had been planned for months, every detail accounted for, every contingency considered--save one. A simple thing like a speeding ticket had screwed everything up. The team had been stopped by the Syracuse police. Something had possessed them to search that car and they had found everything--the guns, the armor, the grenades. Because of the vice president’s visit, federal officials had quickly been notified. The President’s Guard had been famous for its interrogation techniques ever since their creation by President McClellan. It didn’t take long for a member of the team to crack and reveal the entire plot. It didn’t take long for the security to tighten. Now, getting close to the vice president would be impossible. And if it was ever connected to the leader, his career would be over. While many in his country agreed with him, the government would care little for that. There was a larger good at stake, though. He had a duty to his people, even if his government disagreed. Mitchell was the only connection between him and the operation. It wouldn’t be long until Mitchell became a wanted man and he might--just might--get linked to him. â€Å"We have to remain calm,† Mitchell said. â€Å"We don’t know that my name will come up. They have to get to Luken first and he’s already at a safehouse.† The man was a fool. The President’s Guard was a group of the most determined and talented men in the nation. It wouldn’t take them long to figure everything out. The only way to stop the chain was to break it. â€Å"Fine, fine,† the leader said. â€Å"Get out of here. Get yourself to the safehouse. Stay there and wait for my instructions.† The leader walked to the window and watched as Mitchell got in his car and drove away. He watched as Mitchell’s car became nothing more than a small dot of light.

Project Network

A project network illustrates the relationships between activities (or tasks) in the project. Showing the activities as nodes or on arrows between event nodes are two main ways to draw those relationships. With activities on arrow (AOA) diagrams, you are limited to showing only the finish-to-start relationships – that is, the arrow can represent only that the activity spans the time from the event at the start of the arrow to the event at the end. As well, â€Å"dummy† activities have to be added to show some of the more complex relationships and dependencies between activities.These diagrams came into use in the 1950's, but are now falling into disuse. Activity on node (AON) diagrams place the activity on the node, and the interconnection arrows illustrate the dependencies between the activities. There are more flexible and can show all of the major types of relationships. Since the activity is on a node, the emphasis (and more data) usually can be placed on the activi ty. AOA diagrams emphasize the milestones (events); AON networks emphasize the tasks. Introduction to The Nine Project Management Knowledge AreasAlso read about our new agile delivery model called  Scrumthat is significantly different than the  model below. As a PMP I often get questions about what goes into running a project. I will try to explain in a couple of articles the various components that make up a project. There are several ways to look at a project as a whole. You can view it as a series of processes. Some processes are executed in order and some are recurring processes that are executed at various stages throughout the entire project.You can also view the project from the different knowledge areas that are needed to execute the project. I will cover the knowledge areas in this article and go on to the processes in my next article. There are nine knowledge areas and each one covers its own important part of the project. A knowledge area can cover several phases or p rocess groups of the project. The nine areas are mentioned below in some detail. Integration Management If each little part of the project is a tree, Integration Management is the entire forest.It focuses on the larger tasks that must be done for the project to work. It is the practice of making certain that every part of the project is coordinated. In Integration Management, the project is started, the project plan is assembled and executed, the work is monitored and verification of the results of the work is performed. As the project ends the project manager also performs the tasks associated with closing the project. A project manager must be very good at Integration Management or the project may very well fail.Other knowledge areas are also important, but Integration Management is the area that requires the most management and control of the entire project. Scope Management This area involves control of the scope of the project. It involves management of the requirements, detail s and processes. Changes to the scope should be handled in a structured, procedural, and controlled manner. The goal of scope management is to define the need, set the expectations, deliver to the expectations, manage changes, and minimize surprises and gain acceptance of the project.Good scope management focuses on making sure that the scope is well defined and communicated very clearly to all stakeholders. It also involves managing the project to limit unnecessary changes. Time Management Project Time Management is concerned with resources, activities, scheduling and schedule management. It involves defining and sequencing activities and estimating the duration and resources needed for each activity. The goal is to build the project schedule subsequently to manage changes and updates to the schedule.When the schedule is first created, it is often referred to as the time baseline of the project. It is later used to compare updated baselines to the original baseline. Many project ma nagers use software to build and maintain the schedule and baselines. Cost Management This knowledge area includes cost estimating and budgeting. After the cost of the project has been estimated the project management must control the cost and makes changes to the budget as needed. The Project Cost Estimate is dependent on the accuracy of the cost estimate of each activity in the project.The accuracy changes as the project progresses. For instance, in the initiation of the project the estimate is more difficult to assess than later in the project when the scope and the schedule have been defined in detail. Quality Management This area is an important area where outputs of different processes are measured against some predetermined acceptable measure. The project manager must create a quality management plan. The quality plan is created early in the project because decisions made about quality can have a significant impact on other decisions about scope, time, cost and risk.The area also includes quality control and assurance. The main difference between control and assurance is that control looks at specific results to see if they conform to the quality standard, whereas assurance focuses primarily on the quality process improvement. Human Resource Management This area involves HR planning like roles and responsibilities, project organization, and staff management planning. It also involves assigning staff; assess performance of project team members, and overall management of the project team.The project manager is the â€Å"Boss† of the project and Human Resource Management is essentially the knowledge area of running the project in relations to the resources assigned to the project. Communications Management This area focuses on keeping the project’s stakeholders properly informed throughout the entire project. Communication is a mixture of formal and informal, written and verbal, but it is always proactive and thorough. The project manager mus t distribute accurate project information in a timely manner to the correct audience.It involves creating a communications plan that explains what kind of information should be communicated on a regular basis and who should receive it. It includes project performance reporting to stakeholders so everyone is on the same page of the project progress, for example, what is outstanding, what is late, and what risks are left to worry about, etc. Risk Management This involves planning how to handle risks to the project. Specifically the project manager must identify risks and also plan how to respond to the risks if they occur.Risk has two characteristics: Risk is related to an uncertain event, and a risk may affect the project for good or for bad. When risks are assessed, the project manager usually has to assess several things: How likely will the risk happen, how will it affect the project if it happens, and how much will it cost if it happens? The project manager will use a lot of risk analysis tools and techniques to answer these questions. Procurement Management This area focuses on a set of processes performed to obtain goods or services from an outside organization.The project manager plans purchases and acquisitions of products and services that can’t be provided by the project manager’s own organization. It includes preparing procurement documents, requesting vendor responses, selecting the vendors, and creating and administering contracts with each outside vendor. As you can see there are many knowledge areas that a project manager must excel at. Even though some areas are more important than others, each area must be executed with care and professionalism in order for any project to be successful. ———————————————— Work Breakdown Structure, WBS Chart and Project Management WBS Work Breakdown Structure, WBS, Term Definition Work brea kdown structure, WBS, is a project management technique initially developed by the US Defense Establishment, which deconstructs a project with the intent to identify the deliverables required to complete the project. The project management work breakdown structure, WBS, is utilized at the beginning of the project to define the scope, estimate costs and organize Gantt schedules.Work breakdown structure, WBS, captures all the elements of a project in an organized fashion. Breaking down large, complex projects into smaller project pieces provides a better framework for organizing and managing the project. WBS can facilitate resource allocation, task assignment, responsibilities, measurement and control of the project. The project management work breakdown structure, WBS, is utilized at the beginning of the project to define the scope, estimate costs and organize Gantt schedules.In the project management WBS it is important that the project is not broken down into too much detail as tha t can lead to micro management. Conversely, too little detail can result in tasks that are too large to manage effectively. Work breakdown structure, WBS, can be presented in a tabular list, an indented task list as part of a Gantt chart or in a hierarchical tree. More often the work breakdown structure, WBS is listed in a hierarchical tree that captures deliverables and tasks needed to achieve project completion. ork breakdown structure (WBS) * E-Mail * Print * A * AA * AAA * inShare1 * Facebook * Twitter * Share This * RSS * Reprints A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a chart in which the critical work elements, called tasks, of a project are illustrated to portray their relationships to each other and to the project as a whole. The graphical nature of the WBS can help a project manager predict outcomes based on various scenarios, which can ensure that optimum decisions are made about whether or not to adopt suggested procedures or changes.When creating a WBS, the project manager defines the key objectives first and then identifies the tasks required to reach those goals. A WBS takes the form of a tree diagram with the â€Å"trunk† at the top and the â€Å"branches† below. The primary requirement or objective is shown at the top, with increasingly specific details shown as the observer reads down. When completed, a well-structured WBS resembles a  flowchart  in which all elements are logically connected, redundancy is avoided and no critical elements are left out. Elements can be rendered as plain text or as text within boxes.The elements at the bottom of the diagram represent tasks small enough to be easily understood and carried out. Interactions are shown as lines connecting the elements. A change in one of the critical elements may affect one or more of the others. If necessary, these lines can include arrowheads to indicate time progression or cause-and-effect. A well-organized, detailed WBS can assist key personnel in the effective a llocation of resources, project budgeting, procurement management, scheduling,  quality assurance,quality control, risk management, product delivery and service oriented management. Related article: Conveyor Belt Project

Case Management Overview Essay

The case worker has many different roles and responsibilities that are part of their jobs. Being able to support all of their roles no matter of what population or problem there is the case worker needs to be able to deal with it, this is an important part of a case worker responsibly. The case worker can use different tools and methods to help support their clients. Roles and Responsibilities of a Case Worker There are many roles that case workers have. Some may think that the case workers are only there to find services for a client, but there is more to their jobs and responsibilities. Some of the roles that case workers have are caregivers, teachers, advocate, outreach worker, mobilizer, community planner and a behavior changer. Case workers have responsibilities that go with each role. For the caregiver role the case workers role is one that supports a client and is concerned about their wellbeing the caregiver is also part of the planning process. The teacher role, this role is a support to the client helps the client gain, develop and increase knowledge in emotional behavior or intellect. Advocate role for a care worker a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular service or resource that will help the client in their plan. Outreach worker is another responsibility that a case worker has, an outreach worker will reach out to people that are having problems, and help them find services that may need. The role of the mobilizer is to get specific service that are not yet in the area, that service does not have a presents in that particular area that the clients need support. A case worker may work on getting certain support with help from others. Another is a Community Planner; this role helps the clients as well as the community. The responsibility is to work with community based boards, committees, to ensure that a community development  supports the community and the people in it. The last role is behavior changer, is to encourage their clients to change their negative behaviors for more positive behavior. Behavior changers provide support for their clients and provides them with the needed tools to change their behaviors, so they are more positive. There are many roles and responsibilities that case workers have, all of their roles support their clients in many ways. Theoretical Models â€Å"Ecological model to develop a broad understanding of each individual client who comes before them. This model sometimes referred to as person-in-situation or person-in-environment model looks at the individual client in the client’s context†. (Summers, 2012). Within this modal there are three levels that, Micro, Meso, and Marco levels. Micro level, where the focus is on the client’s personality, motivation, affect, and other personal attributes Meso level, where the focus is on the context immediately surrounding the client (family, church group, close friends, and work group) Macro level, where the focus is on the larger society’s characteristics and the way the client experiences these or the way these are brought to bear on the client’s situation (institutions and organizations such as the political system, social stratification, the educational system, and the economy). (Summers, 2012) Being able to use these levels will help identify the problems that the client is having. The Micro level, is more personal, the Meso focus on the surroundings of the client and the Marco focus on the larger group around the client. Being able to figure out the problem and where it is coming from and affecting will help the overall help the client. When looking at all the problem behaviors that come up, one that we can look at it Life transitions. This situation in someone’s life can affect many things. Breaking it down it done into the levels can help support the client and figure out how to help. The Mico level, getting to understand the life transition and the client, the Meso level, looking at the close relationships that the client is having is any of these relationships supporting or interfering with the client’s behavior and last the Macro level looking at the community and the bigger picture of where the client is at. Looking at all of these areas will help support the client’s behavior problems. Special Populations When a case worker is thinking about Special Population they have a good understanding of what that is really saying. Special population is a term used to express a disadvantaged group.[where?] In health professions, special populations include those with disabilities, minors, and the elderly. Special populations often require accommodations for physical, mental or emotional differences. Their bodies may respond in a different manner to treatment or medication. For example, the small liver in a child means that he or she can’t take typical adult doses of medication. The same goes for an elderly person, whose decreased liver function similarly affects the processing of medication. (â€Å"Wikipedia†, 2014). As a case worker you have to be prepared to have a good understand of things that may come up. There may be certain issues that may come up when working with a client that is part of a special population. One issue is does their special population and or problem fall within the Human Service field, or do you as a case worker need to help them find other services. Other issues are there and mental, emotional or physical development problems that could change the services that are out there to support the situation they are in. Also there can be problems with understanding what is needed and getting them support in there are, which them may cause transportation issues. As a case worker, being prepared to handle things that special population deal with, abuse and neglect for an example. When working as a case worker there are many roles and responsibilities that are taken on as part of a case workers job. Having a good idea how to support their needs and help to figure out how to help is important and to make sure that as a case worker you understand them as a person is also needed. As a case worker there will be many different types of people that you woke with Special Population being one of the group, and may be one of the most challenging. But, remembering that as a case worker there is a job to be done, it is not always done the same way, and remembering that is very important. References Mehr, J. J., & Kanwischer, R. (2011). Human Services. Concepts and Intervention Strategies (11th ed.). : Pearson Education. Summers, N. (2012). Fundamentals of Case Management Practice. Skills for the Human Services (4th ed.). : Cengage Learning. Wikipedia. (2014). Retrieved from http://n.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_populations