Celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in the Philippines Essay

Living in the Philippines where the religion of majority is Catholic, I am used to seeing people participate in almost every occasion relating to religion. Though I am not a Catholic, I admire them when it comes to their dedication and willingness to sacrifice. Among all their religious practices, the Celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene puzzled me most. Millions of barefoot men try to make their way as near to the Black Nazarene as possible in order to glance, touch, and wipe towels on it. These people push, fight, squeeze, and do almost anything just to fulfill their panata. As a result, a number of devotees are injured and killed, but they do not really care much because the devotees believe that the more sacrifice one performs, the higher the reward. This can be attributed to the Filipinos’ inclination to self-punishment and devotion to the images of Suffering Christ. According to the article written by Dr. Chua, the procession should actually inform and attract public to become converts of the faith. But based on what is commonly seen in news during the feast, I don’t think that the said procession is an effective way of encouraging new believers. Actually, there is a better and more peaceful way of celebrating the feast such as by praying the rosary or making a personal prayer. Joining the procession seems to be absurd for some people, even for the Catholics, but we must never judge or despise them. Instead, let us try to understand their motives by â€Å"putting ourselves in their shoes†. In my opinion, this is indeed a very helpful tool in comprehending the actions of other people in any given circumstance, not only in understanding the devotees of Nazarene. I have realized that in any ritual or vow performed, what is important is the heart. Without the right one, all sacrifices and effort will just be put to waste. Showing devotion and love for the Divine being should be manifested not only during the Lenten season or Feast of Nazarene; rather, it must be within oneself daily and naturally.

Green Mountain Coffee Essay

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters opened as a cafe in 1981 in Vermont. They roasted their own coffee and before long, demand grew and local restaurants and inns began to order their premium roasted coffee as well. Today the Company has extensive wholesale, direct mail and e-commerce operations. Green Mountain Coffee now has a distribution facility and two production sites in Vermont, and a manufacturing and warehousing facility in Knox County, TN (GMCR.com). GMCR’s operations are managed through two business units. The Specialty Coffee business unit produces coffee, tea and hot cocoa from its family of brands, including Tully’s Coffee, Green Mountain Coffee and Newman’s Own Organics coffee. The Keurig business unit is a leading manufacturer of gourmet single-cup brewing systems and markets its patented single-cup brewing systems for consumers at home and away-from-home. K-Cup portion packs for Keurig Single-Cup Brewers are produced by a variety of licensed brands, including Green Mountain Coffee, Starbucks, and Tully’s Coffee (GMCR.com). Keurig, Incorporated, which became a subsidiary of GMCR in 2006, is the second business unit of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. Keurig was launched in 1990 by Peter Dragone and John Sylvan, who asked themselves why do we brew coffee by the pot when we drink it by the cup? From this question, the concept of Keurig K-Cup portion-pack brewing was born. Keurig brewing systems employ a design that utilizes single serving pods of coffee grounds that the machine pushes hot water through and into the waiting cup. The result is a fresh, hot cup of coffee that has not been sitting in the coffee pot waiting to be poured. In 1998, after eight years of development, Keurig released an industrial-strength, single-serve machine that delivered a perfect cup of coffee or tea every time. Keurig brewing systems employ a design that utilizes single serving pods of coffee grounds that the machine pushes hot water through and into the waiting cup. The result is a fresh, hot cup of coffee that has not been sitting in the coffee pot waiting to be poured. K-cups are offered in 249 varieties on the Keurig website. Most retail grocery stores sell several varieties of K-cups. There are two types of Keurig brewers, the K-cup system and the new Vue brewing system. There are 12 different K cup style brewers. In the spring of 2012, Keurig released a Vue brewing system that gives the consumer the ability to customize their drink by offering more cup size options and by brewing specialty beverages, such as lattes and cappuccinos. To date, there is only one model of the Vue brewing system available. Competitor Analysis The market for single-cup coffee brewers is a fairly new one and has very few companies selling single-cup brewing systems. The market is an oligopoly, with GMCR’s Keurig holding approximately 75 percent of the US market share (Foxbusiness.com), followed by the Tassimo by Kraft, Nescafe’s Dolce Gusto and Senseo. The global leader is Nestlà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s Nespresso system with 35 percent, followed by Senseo brewers with 18 percent, and Kraft Food’s Tassimo with 8 percent. Green Mountain ranks fourth globally with almost 8 percent (Geller & Dalal, 2012). Almost all of the coffee brewers in the market are priced between $75 and $175. For around $100, the consumer has a choice of a hand full of basic brewers. The single-cup brewers each have their own system with pods or cups that work exclusively with their machine. Most of the companies in the market make most of their profit from the sale of their coffee as opposed to their machines. Mr. Coffee released a new machine in the fall that is compatible with Keurig’s K-cups specifically to edge in on Keurig’s share of the market. It is compatible with Keurig’s K-cups and is less expensive to the consumer. The main competitors in the mainstream single-cup coffee system market in the United States are Keurig, Tassimo, and Senseo. The less competitive players in the market are Mr. Coffee and Nescafe, while Nestlà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s Nespresso is currently the only serious contender in the high-end market in the United States. GMCR invests significant resources and capital in engineering and research and development in order to keep Keurig’s position as the leader in the single-cup brewing market. As a result, they have a strong and growing portfolio of market-leading, proprietary technology. Keurig’s integrated engineering team drives fast and original product development in brewers, portion packs, and high-speed packaging lines; all three areas that supported Keurig’s single-cup system. The engineering team at Keurig includes mechanical, software, and nutritional science, as well as quality assurance and industrial engineering. The company’s emphasis on quality products, easy-to-use features, and innovative technologies has earned Keurig high marks in customer satisfaction. GMCR started distribution of the new single-cup Keurig premium coffee system to office coffee service and food service providers in 1998. Keurig’s strategy to gain market share in the office market is to sell machines to distributors and encourage them to give the machines away or lease them for a small fee. The economics of the strategy works for distributors because the real profit is in selling K-Cups. Keurig sells it’s machines, both to distributors and to individual consumers, at near cost and gives the machines away or rents them cheaply to businesses, in order to secure the customer’s business. They make up the cost in less than six months just on the sales of their K-cups. Keurig has licensed several additional coffee roasters to package gourmet coffee and teas into K-Cups, all of which pay royalties to Keurig based on the number of K-Cups shipped. In addition to offering Green Mountain Coffee and Newman’s Own Organics and Celestial Seasonings Tea brands, which are packaged and sold by Green Mountain Coffee, Keurig offers several other North American K-Cup brands, such as Caribou, Folgers and most recently, Starbucks (Starbucksdrinks.com). The weaknesses of GMCR’s Keurig are that the K-cups are not recyclable and create more waste than traditionally brewed coffee, since the cups are made of plastic and aluminum. The company has received some bad press for being not eco-friendly enough. Another significant weakness is that Keurig’s strategy relies heavily on selling K-cups. The company makes most of it’s profit from the sale of coffee. However, in the fall of 2012, two of Keurig’s patents expire and other companies will likely begin producing pods that are compatible with Keurig brewing systems. Already, there are reusable cups on the market that consumers can buy to fill with the ground coffee of their choice. Tassimo is made by Kraft and was first introduced to the market in 2004. There are three Tassimo single-cup brewers currently on the market. Tassimo brewers use non-reusable plastic beverage pods called Tassimo discs (T-Discs), which are produced by Kraft. Each has a barcode printed on its label, which the machine reads to calculate the amount of water, brewing time, and temperature for the specific beverage. The strengths of Tassimo’s strategy are centered around their unique barcode. While Keurig pods are pre-measured to have one amount, no matter how strong or how large you want your coffee, the barcode on the T-Disc tell the Tassimo brewer exactly how to make the perfect cup of the drink in the disc. Tassimo’s T-Discs also use liquid milk, instead of powdered milk in their T-Discs and is capable of making beverages with frothed milk (Tassimodirect.com). The result is that the consumer can make better specialty drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos in their Tassimo. Also, the market has already seen the introduction of reusable cups for the Keurig, that the consumer can fill with the ground coffee of their choosing. This is bad news for a company that makes virtually all of its profit from coffee sales. There are also reusable pods for the Senseo. Tassimo is the only system that is protected because of their unique barcode system. The weakness that is holding Tassimo back from taking more market share is the lack of popular brands of coffee available in T-Disc form. While Keurig has lots of big name coffees available in K-cup form, Tassimo’s most well-known brand available in T-Disc is Maxwell house. A very recent, and concerning, weakness is that Tassimo recalled 835,000 coffee makers in the United States and another 900,000 in Canada after dozens of reports of the brewers spraying hot liquid, coffee grounds or tea leaves (http://www.cpsc.gov). There have been 140 reports of incidents with the brewers spraying hot liquid, coffee grounds or tea leaves onto consumers, including 37 reports of second-degree burn injuries. This is very bad for Tassimo because when people do internet research to help them decide which single-cup brewer is right for them, this recall is the first thing they will see. Senseo is made by Sara Lee, who recently bought the brand from Philips, and was one of the first single-cup brewers on the market in 2001. Unlike the other single-cup systems, the Senseo uses coffee â€Å"pods† instead of cups. The pods are made of coffee-filter paper and the consumer has the option to use one for a regular strength, or small, cup of coffee or to use two pods for a larger cup, such as a travel mug, or for a stronger cup of coffee. The ability to choose one or two pods is Senseo’s biggest strength. Reviews from coffee critics consistently give Senseo high marks in flavor and quality when compared to the other popular single-cup coffee systems. Senseo’s weaknesses are that they have built an unattractive brand image and that they do not have contracts with any well-known coffee companies and have very little variety in the coffee pods that are available. They produce 11 coffee blends, all under the Senseo name, for the Senseo brewer (senseo.us). In an interview in February, Sara Lee’s Executive Chairman, Jan Bennink, told Reuters that the Senseo is â€Å"a very unsexy machine† (reuters.com) and that young people do not want to be associated with the brand. Market Analysis Worldwide coffee sales peaked at $70.86 billion in 2011. Sales of single-serve packets accounted for $5.75 billion of that, or 8 per cent (Geller & Dalal, 2012). The single-cup coffee market grew at a rate 31 percent from 2010. Most Americans who consume coffee are still drinking traditionally brewed coffee. Coffee brewed in a single-cup machine from a pod, K-cup or T-Disc cost more than twice as much as the average ground coffee brewed in a drip coffee maker. There are few barriers to entry into the single-cup coffee market. Companies that already have brand-name recognition are more able, and likely, to produce their own single-cup system. One barrier to entry is that there are already some highly recognized names in the market that will make it difficult for an unknown company to compete. Another barrier is the high cost of entry into the market. Developing the technology to create a single-cup brewing system that will take market share from the established players is a daunting task that will discourage small companies from attempting to move into the market. The most interesting potential entrant to the market is Starbucks. In March, 2012, they announced that they will be releasing a single-cup coffee system later this year (Andrejczak, 2012). This is interesting because Starbucks and GMCR struck a deal in 2011 to sell Starbucks coffee in K-cups. The K-cups have been a huge success for both companies. So far, both companies are denying that the release of Starbucks’ Verismo will negatively affect the sell of Keurig machines and K-cups. The Verismo is being marketed as a high-end, high-pressure, specialty coffee system, more similar to the Nespresso than the Keurig and Tassimo, but considering how popular the Starbucks K-cups are, it will be interesting to see how it’s release affects Keurig and the single-cup coffee market. The Nespresso is worth mentioning in the potential entrants section because although they have been making single-cup machines for some time, they are only recently trying to grow in the United States ma rket. They are opening small boutiques in major cities, most recently in San Francisco this year, and advertising on major television channels. They market their product as a high-end system, but it will be interesting to see how much of Keurig’s market share they take. The substitutes in the single-cup coffee brewer market are traditional drip brewer coffee makers, caffeinated sodas, energy drinks and coffee from a coffee house, such as Starbucks, or from a fast food restaurant. McDonalds has invested a lot of money and advertising in the last five years reinventing their image as a hip coffee shop. Consumers can now get good coffee and specialty coffee beverages like cappuccinos and frappuccinos through the drive-thru window at a reasonable cost. Suppliers have moderate bargaining power in the market. If companies that produce coffee do not want to put their coffee in K-Cup or T-Disc form, that hurts the companies that manufacture the brewing systems. Senseo has no relationship with coffee producers, and it has drastically affected their business. Customers have moderate bargaining power as well. Most of the pods, discs and cups for the systems are sold in grocery stores or mass merchandisers. If Wal-Mart throws their support behind one of the companies, that company is more than likely going to experience growth in sales, while the other companies will be negatively affected. Likewise, if customers decide that they do not agree with the values, cost, etc of one of the companies in the market, they can take their business elsewhere and the loss of sales would hurt the company. However, if they are particular about the brand of coffee that they drink, they are tied to the company that sells that brand in a form that can be brewed in their machine. Keurig is the only machine that sells Starbucks coffee, for example, at least until the Verismo debuts this fall.

Learning Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Learning Theories - Essay Example Behaviorism is an important approach in educating younger students. Young learners may sometimes be unmanageable especially when they are left on their own (Casas, 2011). In teaching, behaviorists usually lay down the rules to the students at the beginning of the year. This helps to avoid misbehavior. Teachers also use positive and negative reinforcements to affect students’ behavior. As such, it is imperative for teachers to know their students’ behavior and plan out reinforcements to influence negative behaviors and make them positive. Rewards that are meaningful to the students should be in place to strengthen positive behaviors, and rules must be set at the very start to avoid negative behaviors. Classroom management is one aspect that a behaviorist teacher focuses on. Students have different personalities but when they come to school, they act in uniformity according to the policies and regulations set by the school and its teachers. Establishing classroom rules is thus the first step to a well-managed classroom. Teachers should make it a point to establish rules at the beginning of the year and have them posted. In particular, classroom rules may be memorized by students and recited as part of routines. Rules may be posted on the bulletin board to remind students of their responsibility. In terms of assignments, it is best to make contracts for parents or guardians to sign. There should be an assignment notebook where students will write all their assignments. The teacher signs the assignment page, whether it was completed or not, and students will ask their parents to countersign the page so as to monitor students’ effort in doing their assignments. ... Rules may be posted on the bulletin board to remind students of their responsibility. In terms of assignments, it is best to make contracts for parents or guardians to sign. There should be an assignment notebook where students will write all their assignments. The teacher signs the assignment page, whether it was completed or not, and students will ask their parents to countersign the page so as to monitor students’ effort in doing their assignments. Practicing routines is another beneficial aspect of the behaviorist classroom. Routines help to make students become organized individuals. Students who learn routines in school will learn to keep a routine at home and eventually, in their professional field. With routines, performance and processes will be perfected. As part of everyday routine, students should greet the teacher and their classmates, check attendance by counting off (each should be assigned a class number), recite classroom rules, and report current news. The re porting of current events should be done in turns, based on the class number. These routine activities are supposed to prepare students for the day ahead, and to condition them to behave the way they should in school. Setting the mood of students is a must in the behaviorist classroom. In every lesson, the teacher should always give students some idea on what to expect for the day. This gets the students in the mood for activities, games, etc. For example, if the teacher says, â€Å"Today, we will play a game.† The students will know how to behave or react, and they will respond accordingly to the situation. If some serious activities need to be accomplished, then the teacher could say, â€Å"Have you made a Diorama? Today, I will teach you how to

Ethic paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Ethic paper - Essay Example In 2011, Egypt had been facing numerous security issue of the leadership of the nation and the damage that was resultant of the chaos not to mention the number of deaths and injuries was numerous (Kirkpatrick, 2014). All this was being fuelled by the journalists in especially the print media who citing their freedom of expression in the constitution reported anything and everything leading to more fights (Aljazeera-America, 2015). The government censored the media preventing them from printing stories related to the leadership of the nation as this would cause further damages and deaths. This was an unwelcome decision by the Egypt media leading to debates (Chammah, 2011). What should be remembered is that even though this move harms the journalists, media censorship over security issues of a nation is more of a necessity than infringement of the media freedom of expression. The facts in this case are that the journalists; freedom of expression is being curtailed by the government through the media censorship. They are gaged not to report any news until the government ban on the media is uplifted which will happen once the security threats subside. On the other hand, there is the government which is trying to govern the people and restore peace and calm in the country but their efforts seem to be hitting dead end with the media perpetration of the crowd with leadership allegations and stories. It has to think about the larger society and not just the small community of journalists and their rights and gaging them is the best solution for the moment if peace and normalcy are to be restored in the country. Values refer to the available choices for the facts mentioned above. The values to be considered have to be moralistic based on Kantian theory of good or bad and objectivity being upheld in the ethical decisions (Kant & Pluhar, 2002). The journalists have to not only making their news sensational and selling them but have to consider minimizing

Global Interdependence Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Global Interdependence - Article Example Colonialism was responsible for the expansion of the slave trade, and the exploitation of colonies to make the colonial powers richer. Without colonialism it is doubtful that capitalism would have developed as rapidly and as widespread as it did. Colonialism also formed relationships between the colonies and the colonial powers that have heavily influenced global interdependence. The third article was by Davis and is about what the author terms as Victorian Holocausts. The main point of this article is that the colonialism of the Late Victorian Period had a detrimental affect upon the colonies, especially those in Africa. Davis contends that through a combination of greed, negligence, and apathy the colonial powers caused starvation, poverty, and backwardness. The colonial powers were responsible for making the developing countries poorer after they finally gained independence. These three articles when studied together offer different insights into how contemporary global interdependence came about. The Westad article concentrated upon the influence that the United States has had on shaping the world after the Second World War. Westad contends that the United States played a much greater role in shaping the post-war world due to the superpower rivalry with the Soviet Union. In contrast the Cesaire article places the most importance on the experience of colonialism. Stating it was one of the most important factors in the shaping of contemporary global interdependence. Colonialism as an experience remains very important in our understanding of how the modern world was shaped. The Davis article offers a great amount of detail as to how misrule and exploitation by the colonial powers has continued to have a highly detrimental affect upon the wealth as well as the stability of many former colonies, particularly in Africa. To be honest these three articles are most useful for understanding

Media Trial Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Media Trial - Essay Example The three most common types of media trials utilize narratives taken directly from entertainment media: abuse of power, the sinful rich, and evil strangers. These themes provide the news media with powerful pre-established conceptual frameworks to present and mold the various aspects of a trial's coverage." President Clinton is accused of obstruction of justice and perjury while attempting to conceal an affair with a White House intern. Verdict: The president is found innocent of the charges as U.S Senate votes on both articles of impeachment fall short of the two-thirds majority required to convict. Defendants: Clinton impeachment (1999) The impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton followed the lawsuit filed by Paula Jones on May 6, 1994 in the United States District Court for Eastern Arkansas for violations of her federal civil rights in 1991 by the president while he was governor of Arkansas and she was an Arkansas state employee, during which time Governor Clinton allegedly made crude sexual advances which she rejected. The name of Monica Lewinsky, who had worked as a White House intern in 1995 was included in a list of potential witnesses prepared by the attorneys for Ms. Jones that was submitted to the President's legal team. Ms.

The Synthesis of Sulfanilamide Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Synthesis of Sulfanilamide - Lab Report Example The use of the drug is based on the concept of metabolic antagonism. Sulfa drugs as antimetabolites act by competing with para – amino benzoic acid for incorporation into folic acid (ORPHDT, Chrles, 2003). Sulfanilamide (which is also known as 4-Aminobenzenesulfonamide) is a sulfonamide antibacterial. It belongs to a group of chemotherapeutic agents called sulfa drugs which were discovered in the 1930s. It has a molecular formula of C6H8N2O2S and molecular weight of 172.2049. It contains the sulfonamide functional group that is attached to aniline chemically. It functions by inhibiting competitively enzymatic reactions which involves para - aminobenzoic acid. When it is administered, it facilitates the dying of micro-organisms since the micro-organism are unable to make folic acid which is essential in cell division (TEBBUTT, Peter, 1998). It was the first drugs used successfully to combat diseases such as pneumonia, blood poisoning and meningitis. The general structure of sul fanilamide is as indicated in the graphic below. An example of this drug is methotrexate Other method of synthesizing Sulfanilamide Sulfanilamide is synthesized in several ways. The procedure outlined below can be used in the synthesis of sulfanilamide. Chemicals required Sodium Hydroxide Acetanilide Chrolosulfoic acid Hydrochloric acid Ammonium hydroxide Sodium bicarbonate Procedure: 2.5 ml of 0.1 Ml NaOH is added to the glass wall and 1.8 grams of acetanilide is placed in a dry 50ml Erlenmeyer flask. The acetanilide is melted by heating it gently with a Bunsen burner after which the flask is allowed to cool in the ice bath. In the hood, 5ml of chrolosulfonic acid is transferred to acetanilide and the flask is attached to the apparatus. After ten minutes, the flask is removed and heated in the additional 10 minutes in a hot water bath that is at a temperature of 70oC to facilitate completion of the reaction. Afterwards, 30 grams of crushed ice are then added to the 250 ml beaker an d the mixture transferred using a pipette (while stirring the mixture) onto the ice. The flask is then rinsed using 5ml cold water and then transferred to the beaker containing the ice resulting in the formation of a precipitate. The precipitate is then stirred to facilitate the breakage of bigger lumps. The beaker and the flask are rinsed using ice water. In the hood, a water bath is prepared in the 250 ml beaker at a temperature of 70oC after which the crude is then placed into the Erlenmeyer flask. 11 ml of dilute ammonium chloride is then added and stirred up to break up the lumps. The solution is then heated in cold water for ten minutes and allowed to cool by placing it in a water bath for several minutes. After cooling, the p-acetanidobezene is then collected on the Buchner funnel and the flask with the product rinsed with 10ml of ice water. The solid is then transferred to 25ml round – bottomed flask and 5.3 ml of dilute hydrochloric acid added. Boiling stones are the n added, reflux condenser attached and the mixture heated till the solid dissolves. The mixture is then refluxed for additional five minutes and then allowed to cool to room temperature. In case the solid appears, it’s then boiled again.100 ml o the mixture is then transferred to the beaker and drop – wisely, 5.0g of sodium bicarbonate added in the 10 ml of water while stirring constantly.After the addition, Sulfanilamide begins forming. Method used to prepare Sulfanilamide in

The Role of the Mentor In Organising, Managing And Leading Programmes Essay

The Role of the Mentor In Organising, Managing And Leading Programmes of Learning In Clinical Education - Essay Example In fact, one of the most familiar adages puts it, â€Å"Experience teaches us best.† This can be further elaborated from Kolb’s theory of experiential learning. Illustration 1: Kolb’s cycle of experiential learning (Quinn, 2000). In this theory, Kolb’s emphasised four generic adaptive abilities to reach effective learning and these involve concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation (Quinn, 2000). Furthermore, in clinical education, another important point in facilitating learning is about providing strategies for effective clinical teaching (Gaberson and Oermann, 2010). However, facilitation alone does not prove to be sufficient to ensure learning at the highest level. Supervision in learning in clinical practice is a must. Aside from facilitating the students in their learning in clinical education, mentors have the role to supervise them. This supervision is evident on the supervision cycle model o f Goldhammer and his colleagues in 1980. Regarding this supervision, it is an integral part of educator’s role (a) to initiate pre-observation stage which establishes rapport, reviews plans and discusses and rehearses changes; (b) the next stage is about educator’s actual observation of the session and taking into account noting issues for future discussion; (c) the third stage is about the analysis of the data that educator’s gathered from observation and consequently followed by strategy planning for feedbacks; (d) finally, both educator and student should initiate individual analyses and undergo plans for modification (Rose and Best, 2005). Supervision therefore is a hands-on activity that tries not only to facilitate learning, but more so... This essay stresses that managing the assessment process so that there is time for continuous feedback and identifying if the student is progressing is another important concern in student’s learning process. It is true that meting the challenges and difficulties presented to the mentors while supporting students in practice is another important area of concern. This is the bottom line of support system. This paper makes a conclusion that managing the situation if there are other concerns involved is another important move in student’s learning success. For example, enhancing the learning of students in the hospital area requires placement area analysis. This means mentors are not only there to facilitate, supervise, assess and give their support, but they should substantially consider the remarkable strengths and weaknesses of their students in their specific placement area. Mentors therefore are expected to conduct analysis and even specific forms of research. Students prior to becoming certified professionals in the clinical practice should undergo necessary learning, but they should not acquire this by themselves. They need mentors to teach, train and above all to support them prior to achieving their individual future objectives in life. Mentors therefore are expected to put their best foot forward as leaders which have substantial ability to facilitate, supervise, assess and support learning at the highest level as possible.

The Inclusion of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the Canadian Essay

The Inclusion of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the Canadian Constitution - Essay Example Opponents also point that the inclusion of the set of rights Americanizes Canadian politics. They disagree that Canada’s Constitution is not like the American Constitution, which incorporated the Bill of Rights and supports a strong sense of individualism among Americans. They argue that although the notion of individuality is important in Canada, the â€Å"Canadians also see themselves in terms of collectives or a part of a group† which they actualized in some legislative efforts. They claim that the inclusion â€Å"will erode collective tendencies.† It may be counter-argued that opponents value also individuality without sacrificing collective spirit of Canadians and since Canadians were able to show their collective efforts in Medicare and employment insurance under the present constitution, then working collectively under the present set up has confirmed the effectiveness of the present constitution for the collective spirit. It is hereby concluded that maint aining the inclusion of the Charter of Rights and Freedom under the present Canadian Constitution benefits Canadians more. Having explained and rebutted the opponents’ counter arguments, there is a basis to sustain the thesis of this paper. A constitution contains the government powers and maintaining the Charter therein is one way of preventing the abuse of these powers. Allan Cairns might be correct in saying that â€Å"from the evidence available, there is little possibility that a new constitution will emerge.†

Eukaryotic Transcriptional Activator Essay Example for Free

Eukaryotic Transcriptional Activator Essay Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Much of what was initially known about transcription came from pioneering prokaryotic transcription studies that followed the1959 discovery of RNA polymerase. During those earlier times, it was presumed that gene structure and transcription in bacteria were practically the same for eukaryotes. This later turned out to be incorrect since eukaryotic DNA assumes higher-order structural forms and transcriptional and regulatory processes in eukaryotes are much more complex. Thus, studies on eukaryotic transcription have become invaluable in further understanding this vital process that regulates gene expression in higher organisms (The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences 2).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One such study was done by Brent and Ptashne, wherein they investigated which of two proposed mechanisms does GAL4 activate transcription (729). GAL4 is a protein that initiates the transcription of the GAL1 gene in S. cerevisiae, given that a region called UASG or a certain 17-bp sequence (termed â€Å"17-mer†) is present anywhere from 40 to 600 nucleotides upstream of the gene’s transcription start site. The two regions bind GAL4 to activate transcription similarly when inserted upstream in another gene, CYC1 – normally regulated by the two UASs (upstream activation sites) UASC1 and UASC2, which bind certain cellular proteins (in Brent and Ptashne 729).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   GAL4 is thought to activate transcription either by a) binding to DNA and stabilizing unusual DNA structure so that protein binding near the transcription site is promoted; or b) binding to DNA without disturbing its structure and activating transcription by getting in contact with other proteins. Based on earlier lambda experiments that involved mutant repressors which, operating via mechanism b above, can bind DNA but are unable to activate transcription because the amino acids in the region thought to contract RNA polymerase were altered, Brent and Ptashne tried to determine the domains responsible for GAL4’s DNA-binding and activator functions. For this purpose they used LexA-GAL4, a new protein construct having the DNA-binding specificity of LexA, an E. coli repressor protein whose amino-terminal domain binds to operator regions to repress gene expression (729). It was found that LexA-GAL4 functions in the same manner in E. coli, but activates transcription in yeast if and only if, a lexA operator is likewise present near the transcription start site (730). Data Analysis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The synthesis of LexA-GAL4 in bacteria and yeast was facilitated through the use of plasmids. The gene for LexA-GAL4 is the combination of the E. coli DNA fragment that codes for the 87-residue amino-terminal of LexA, and the S. cerevisiae fragment coding for the 807-residue carboxy-terminal of GAL4. Figure 1a (see Tables and Figures) shows the DNA sequence and corresponding amino acids coded in the LexA-GAL4 fusion junction while b and c respectively show plasmid 1109, whose LexA-GAL4 synthesis is regulated by the tac promoter, and 1027, regulated by the ADH1 promoter (Brent and Ptashne 730).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     LexA-GAL4’s repressor activity in E. coli was demonstrated by two experiments. Table 1 summarizes the results of the first experiment on a bacterial strain wherein a lacZ gene was adjoined to the lexA promoter. LexA autorepresses its own transcription so the strain used carried a mutant, nonfunctional lexA gene. Plasmids were then used to synthesize different regulatory proteins after which repressor activity was measured by the amount of b-galactosidase produced by lacZ. The results show that LexA-GAL4 transcription repression from the lexA promoter was comparable to that of LexA. Meanwhile, Figure 2 shows the results of the second experiment which made use of the fact that certain LexA-repressed genes need to be expressed for cells to recover from DNA damage. That is why, cells with a mutant LexA that is able to bind to the operator but can’t be deactivated through proteolysis exhibit UV sensitivity. Figure 2 shows the survival rate of E. coli cells depending on the regulatory proteins synthesized by corresponding plasmids. As with the first experiment, LexA-GAL4 showed a similar repressor action as with LexA so that E. coli cells that had them were markedly UV-sensitive compared to cells that had no regulatory protein or had the l repressor which does not recognize the lexA operator and hence has no regulatory effect on transcription (730-731).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In contrast to its action in E. coli, LexA-GAL4 acts as a transcriptional activator in yeast when a lexA operator is present. Plasmids were used to transform one group of GAL4+ cells into producing LexA-GAL4 and another to produce native LexA. Both groups were then further modified to carry a gene made from the fusion of either GAL1 or CYC1 and lacZ, and either UASG, the 17-mer, UASC1 and UASC2, a lexA operator, or none of these upstream of the gene (see Figure 3). From the CYC1-lacZ gene results in Table 2, it can be seen that whereas LexA repressed b-galactosidase production, LexA-GAL4 activated transcription but only when there is a lexA operator upstream. Transcription appeared to be stimulated more when the operator is nearer the transcription start site. Conversely, transcription was markedly hindered in the glucose medium (731-732) which is consistent with previous observations that GAL4 is only active when cells are grown on a galactose medium but is inhibited in the presence of glucose (729). Table 3 shows the same trend in LexA-GAL4 activity with the GAL1-lacZ gene. In fact, LexA-GAL4’s dependency on the presence of a lexA operator to activate transcription was also emphasized in similar experiments using strains having either a gal4 gene point mutation or a gal4 deletion, wherein LexA-GAL4 activated CYC1-lacZ and GAL1-lacZ transcription only when an operator was present and likewise, was dependent on operator proximity to the transcription start site. In these experiments, LexA-GAL4 failed to stimulate b-galactosidase production even in plasmids bearing UASG or the GAL1-lacZ gene, nor was it able to compensate for the absence of wild-type GAL4 when no operator was present (731-732). Comparison of LexA-GAL4-stimulated GAL1-lacZ transcription with that in a plasmid bearing wild-type UASG showed that the 5’ ends of the RNAs made were the same (Figure 4). However, it is not yet clear why the amount of transcripts produced was only 5% of that which was expected based on b-galactosidase measurements (731). The reduced activity of GAL4 on glucose media is attributed to the association of the GAL4 C-terminus with the inhibitory protein GAL80, thus hindering efficient binding with UASG (729). The results in Table 4 indicate that the LexA-GAL4 C-terminus likewise associates with GAL80. A glucose medium was used to grow GAL4-producing cells that had UASG but no lexA operator upstream of a GAL1-lacZ gene. Results suggest that LexA-GAL4 proteins, in the absence of an operator to bind to, are free to interact with GAL80 and consequently facilitate transcription by leaving wild-type GAL4 to bind to UASG (732-733).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Figure 5 shows a spliced yeast gene and a derivative wherein a lexA operator was inserted into the gene’s intron. This was done to test whether LexA-GAL4 can also activate transcription if the operator is downstream of the normal transcription start site. UASG was present upstream but a gal4 strain was used so no GAL4-stimulated transcription would occur and b-galactosidase production would be purely dependent on LexA-GAL4. From the results in Table 5, it may be seen that LexA-GAL4 was able to stimulate transcription only when there’s an operator in the intron, though b-galactosidase production was only 4% as much of that resulting from transcription from UASG in a GAL4+ strain (733).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The essence of this study’s findings is depicted in Figure 6, which shows that the hybrid protein LexA-GAL4 can successfully stimulate transcription in yeast but only in the presence of a lexA promoter upstream (733). Tables 2 3 and more importantly, the parallel experiments with the GAL4-expression impaired strains (731-732), best illustrate LexA-GAL4’s strict requirement for the presence of an operator in order to activate transcription. Conclusions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Through the series of experiments done, Brent and Ptashne were able to gather data attributing activator function to GAL4’s C-terminus, consequently suggesting that activation by GAL4 is more probably achieved by its interaction with other proteins rather than by binding to UASG and then perturbing DNA structure. Since LexA-GAL4 successfully activated transcription without binding to UASG, a change in structure doesn’t appear to be crucial for transcription to occur (733). Though the results of the experiments were per se quite conclusive, they are rather indirect evidence for the GAL4 mechanism being put forward. A probably more direct proof is offered by the Keegan, Gill and Ptashne study mentioned which claims that another hybrid protein having the amino terminal of GAL4 binds UASG but fails to activate transcription, likely because the C-terminus is that of b-galactosidase which functions differently (733). This study has successfully illustrated the synthesis of hybrid proteins that can be used for exploring further not just the activator function of other eukaryotic regulatory proteins (734), but on the whole, transcriptional and regulatory processes in various other eukaryotic organisms. Good follow-up studies would therefore be a structural study to determine whether no change in DNA structure is indeed involved in GAL4 activity and more generally, the application of the methods and concepts learned here to other eukaryotic genes and their known regulators so as to perhaps be able to establish whether a mechanism similar to that proposed for GAL4 is also in play. Both ultimately can help to build a general but detailed picture that will allow for a deeper understanding of eukaryotic transcription and regulation of gene expression.

Music Essays Concept of Music

Music Essays Concept of Music Concept of music Journal Entry for Reading The given article clearly describes the concept of music and has helped me in understanding the music. According to my perception regarding the article, Music is a kind of art and environment. It is an art of transcription of sounds in time for creating a continuous, integrated and resonant composition with the assistance of melody, harmony, rhythm and timbre. It is a combination of pleasing and harmonious sounds. It helped me in understanding the basic constituents of a musical composition. I have become able to understand that it is an eminent part of all the living beings. Music has its presence everywhere, in every creature and in different forms. It provides relaxation to the mind. When I feel very tired and I use to hear music. It provides relaxation and energy to my body. Firstly, I was introduced to music at my school. I learned singing as well as playing harmonium at that time. After that, I learned music at a summer camp. My music teacher was surprised with my understanding of music and the abilities of learning music at a faster pace in comparison to my fellows. I really love music and want to become a singer in near future. For the achievement of my goal, I am working hard towards learning the skills. Journal Entry for Music Controversies The genre of music can be classified into two categories, i.e. good or bad. With the assistance of this, the content of the genre of music can be evaluated. Different kinds of music are present world wide in different cultures. Music differs from one culture to another. The different genres of music act as the web around the culture of the respective country. The music videos forecasted on different television channels are not according to the ethical standards of the society. The videos show vulgarity, which puts negative impact on the society. The growing multinational companies in music industry, and the utilization of independent record labels for the survival in the market by these companies has negatively impacted the young listeners. The young listeners are tending towards excessive use of drugs and violence after watching such controversial music records of rap, rock n roll, etc (Dalton, 2008). In the past few years, there is an increase in the listening of rap music by youths in America, which has led to an increase in crimes such as robberies, murders, rapes, etc. The rap music has led to social and political controversies. The critics have suggested proposing laws against such controversial cases and government has implemented security review for warning labels on records. Tupac was a critic of the system. He revealed the critical situations related to the system in his poetry. His work was mainly focusing on the lifestyles of ghetto and social militant engaged in activism. His lyrics were about the problems existing in the society and the conflicts due to racism. The listening of music is fine, but the images displayed on the television and copying them by the youths and children are the controversial aspects of music. Journal Entry for Movies Music plays a significant role in movies. Whether it is a play, drama, or a movie, all of them are incomplete without musical compositions. We can consider the example of the movie ‘Amadeus’ in which a child has a possession to become a famous composer. The life cycle to become a great composer and the twist in life of the hero are shown with very effective combination of musical tracks. The movie shows the courage of the director towards the life of Mozart and becomes successful in producing curiosity in the viewers towards music (Amadeus, 2008). In the movie ‘Dearly Beloved’, spiritual music has been composed by the composer and the movie shows a romantic mixture with musical lyrics. Music is present everywhere from the ancient time and it is integrated to nature. The movie ‘Phantom of the Opera’ is composed with classic silent version of the music, which shows a visual percept for the movie. The movie also presents a musical mystery. The basic requirement of any movie is an effective combination of sound effects with musical compositions. Music composed in the movies is the auditory art form, which can make the movie successful. The creativity of musicians and composers makes the music records successful in the industry. Journal Entry for Music in Puerto Rico African and European formation of music has a great influence on the music of Puerto Rico. It is famous world wide and mostly in the Caribbean region. The music of Puerto Rico has different genres, such as native genres: decimal and seis, and folk music genres: salsa, rock, danza, bomba, plena, etc. Each genre produces different and unique pitch and tone. The musical composers utilize different genres for composing music of movies related to love tragedies, and different stories conveying moral lessons. There are various radio stations in Puerto Rico. Among them, only one radio station carries classical music. The rap and hip hop music genres negatively influence the society. The criminal activities and actions increase in the society. The people will deviate from the cultural values and loose their old traditional roots (Welcome to Puerto Rico, 2008). The music industry of Puerto Rico must have to concentrate on its native and folk music genres instead of external music genres from different countries. The youth should be motivated towards learning classical music and promoting the original music genres of Puerto Rico world wide. The culture of Puerto Rico is mainly shaped by the music. The music of Puerto Rico has evolved out of the combination of other cultures with a distinctive tone of music. Thus, the Puerto Rican music should focus on its traditional music to bind the people and the cultural values in the society, as contemporary music has provided many popular stars like Ricky Martin, Olga Tanon, etc. with name and fame in the world of music. References Amadeus (2008). Retrieved August 23, 2008, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086879/ Dalton, C. (2008). Controversy between Rap Music Society. Retrieved August 23, 2008, from http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1320365 Welcome to Puerto Rico (2008). Retrieved August 23, 2008, from http://welcome.topuertorico.org/culture/music.shtml

rooster cloning :: essays research papers

TOP FLORIDA STORY Award limit in medical suits gets boost Senate signals shift during 4-day session Senate President Jim King said Monday the Senate is willing to consider limiting the amount of money people can win in medical malpractice lawsuits, as lawmakers returned to the capital under orders from Gov. Jeb Bush to address the rising cost of insurance for doctors. BY ERIKA BOLSTAD AND LESLEY CLARK / ebolstad@herald.com  » BUSH'S PLAN ON MEDICAL SUITS BREAKING NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS  » Nicaraguan pleads guilty in $2.9 million spiny lobster smuggling - 05:05 PM EDT  » Serial rapist linked to seventh victim in Miami - 04:36 PM EDT  » Dolphins' Taylor among group visiting troops in Persian Gulf - 04:36 PM EDT  » Devil Rays 11, Yankees 2 - 04:36 PM EDT  » Dolphins' Taylor among group visiting troops in Persian Gulf - 04:35 PM EDT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE FLORIDA NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seminole casino complex expected to rock visitors Imagine a 90-foot wall of water doubling as a movie screen, a casino bar dotted with dozens of suspended plasma-screen TVs, and a main entrance that -- like Orlando-area amusement parks -- gives visitors a spot for photo opportunities. ( BY JERRY BERRIOS, jberrios@herald.com, 06/17/2003 11:26 AM EDT) Gun firm wants Grunow widow to pay legal fees A gun distributor wants the widow of slain schoolteacher Barry Grunow to pay its defense costs from last year's five-week trial. The Valor Corp. says it is entitled to recover its legal costs because Pam Grunow lost her lawsuit accusing the Broward County company of being responsible for her husband's death. ( By BILL DOUTHAT, Palm Beach Post, 06/17/2003 03:01 AM EDT) Man lost in Everglades rescued after 15 hours Ordeal left him confused, combative (AP) -- A man riding four-wheelers with friends got separated and spent 15 hours in the Florida Everglades before being rescued. Christopher Quier, a 24-year-old plumber from Margate, had insect bites and sawgrass cuts and was dehydrated when a Broward County Sheriff's Office rescue helicopter spotted him Sunday morning. Wearing a camouflage shirt, he was about two miles from where his abandoned ATV had been found stuck in an alligator hole, officials said. ( 06/17/2003 03:01 AM EDT) Teacher accused of sex abuse resigns (AP) -- A teacher accused of molesting at least five 8- and 9-year-old girls in his second-grade classroom has resigned, school district officials said Monday. ( 06/17/2003 03:01 AM EDT) Research attempts to save manatees Underwater listening could be key (AP) -- Researchers believe manatee voices could help them develop a visual warning system that would reduce the number of sea cows killed and injured by boats.

Religiously Selfish :: essays research papers

Many people rely heavily upon religion daily. They use it as a source of reasoning, as an explanation for hardships or struggles they may be facing. However, many people only seem to rely upon religion when they feel they need outside support. Hemingway addresses the idea of religion many times in his novel â€Å"A Farewell to Arms.† However, Hemingway’s examples contrast with each other, demonstrating his belief that the majority of people seem to use religion only when timely for them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Religion can be used to explain events that one cannot find a way to rationalize or understand. Often, when one feels that he or she is being faced with great burdens, and cannot seem to find a way to understand why those burdens are being placed upon themselves’, one may turn to religion. When Fred’s companion Passini loses his legs to a trench-mortar, Hemingway describes his reaction: â€Å"He big his arm and moaned, ‘Oh mama mia, mama Mia,’ then, ‘Dio te salve, Maria. Dio te salve, Maria. Oh Jesus shoot me Christ shoot me†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬  (55). Though Passini may be moaning these things subconsciously, he has turned to higher-powers for help when he is in great pain. It is much easier to explain unfair treatment by saying it is God’s intentions, or the intentions of some other higher-being, than to decide that one is merely unlucky or has done something to bring those burdens into place.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When people do not feel they need the support of religion, and of a higher-power, they often dismiss it as nonsense and as foolish. They do not feel the need to devote themselves to something that they realize may be fictional. Hemingway demonstrates this through the actions of the soldiers when Frederick is dining with them: â€Å"‘The Pope wants the Austrians to win the war,’ the major said. ‘He loves Franz Joseph. That’s where the money comes from. I am an atheist†¦ All thinking men are atheists,’† (7 and 8). The major is poking fun at the priest, insulting both the priest and the pope and saying that there is no God. Later on in the story, Rinaldi has his own go at the priest, saying â€Å"‘To hell with you, priest... To hell with you†¦ To hell with the whole damn business,’† (173). Rinaldi claims he is joking with the priest, and it appears as though he is at first. However, his ranting bec omes serious and malicious.

psych paper notes :: essays research papers

1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  School violence starts out with the bully on the playground, or the pushing and shoving in the lunch line, but given the right set of circumstances what might have been prevented with some supervision instead turns into something deadly. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The only common denominator that exists between them all is the fact that there is no one determining factor. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  School violence does not start in the school. Most behaviors are learned responses to circumstances and situations that are exhibited in our everyday life. Home life conditions are influences on all children. If a child grows up in a home where one of the parents is abused, whether verbally or physically, the child will take this as the norm. Studies have proven that a child living in an abusive home will himself become an abuser. Children who see violence view it as a solution to the problem. They see the stronger of the two components as the winner in the situation, and want to emulate the behavior. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A survey conducted by the Loeber's group shows that parenting practices of severe discipline and voicing of negative attitudes towards young boys around the age of ten result in an increase of aggressive behavior in the school setting. Also the use of coercive methods to control children, such as the threat of violence for disobedience is another pathway to violent behavior 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sibling violence can erupt setting the groundwork for later violence in the school setting. If a child can bully his or her sibling and get away with it then what is to stop them from attacking their peers at school. 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lack of discipline can also cause a child to become self-absorbed. A parent who over indulges his child is instilling in the child a feeling that he can do no wrong. He may act out with the knowledge that he will not be punished. This child will grow up with a lack of empathy for others, and be void of moral values for his fellow man 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Violence on television is learned from a very early age with the watching of cartoons. These funny harmless half-hour shows that make us laugh are the first viewing of violence that our children see. What these shows are telling our children is that violence is ok. It makes them numb to the horror of the actual violence happening around them. Statistically speaking 47% of the violent acts on television do not harm the victim, 86% of the violent acts have no negative repercussions, no one dies, no one goes to jail, and no ones life is ruined.

Investment and Retirement Planning Essay

Introduction †¢ Retirement is the point where a person is not in any kind of employment /business/occupation. †¢ This usually happens upon reaching a determined age, when physical conditions do not allow the person to work any more. †¢ Retirement could also be due to personal choice-either due to adequate pension or personal savings or due to a regular unearned income like interest, rents etc. †¢ The retirement age varies from country to country but it is generally between 55 and 70. †¢ Certain jobs, which are of dangerous nature or of fatiguing nature, may have an earlier retirement age. Support and Funds †¢ Retired persons support themselves either through superannuation, pensions, savings or through family (earning children), as in Indian families. †¢ In some other countries the government provides the pension benefit to all its citizens. Retirement Planning †¢ Retirement financial planning refers to a collection of systems, methods and processes which support a family unit’s (client’s) desire to achieve a state of financial independence. †¢ It is a process of determining the financial goals at the point of retirement. †¢ It requires constant monitoring of the progress of the plan and then taking adequate remedial measures Need For Retirement Planning †¢ Increasing Life Span †¢ Low Returns In Conventional Modes Of Savings. †¢ Unintended Contingencies. †¢ Increasing Medical Cost. †¢ Diminishing Trend Of Joint Family System †¢ Inflationary Trends †¢ Absence Of Social Security Benefits By The State †¢ Pursuing Hobbies †¢ Falling Interest Rates Steps In Retirement Planning †¢ Decision retirement about the retirement age option. †¢ Setting of financial goals †¢ Saving of relevant amounts w.r.t. goals †¢ Investing in appropriate modes †¢ Calculation of net worth †¢ Regular monitoring of financial plan and incorporate the necessary amendments in the plan. Factors Affecting Retirement Planning †¢ Life style †¢ Personal values †¢ Nature of income- salaried, business or professional; stable job/non-stable job; private job/government job †¢ Number of years left for taking retirement †¢ Inflation rate †¢ Present net worth of a person †¢ Risk appetite of a person †¢ Services of a certified financial planner †¢ Conviction in the retirement planning effort †¢ Seriousness & perseverance for retirement planning Life Expectancy & Career Stability LIFE EXPECTANCY †¢ Life expectancy is the major ruler of retirement planning. †¢ As per the Indian context, still the importance of retirement planning is not clearly identified. †¢ With the increasing life expectancy, high standards of living and high expectations for the upcoming future, pressure is building up for fund allocation, to meet up the needs of retirement. †¢ Longevity of life expectancy has to be kept in mind while making out a retirement plan. †¢ Key factors to be evaluated while making out a retirement plan are present life style, income and capacity to save, family circumstances, level of inflation prevailing in the economy & the standard one would like to maintain at the time of post retirement INDIA & RETIREMENT PLANNING †¢ 90% per cent of India’s total working population is not covered for postretirement life. †¢ The main objective of retirement planning is to create a well funded and safe future for the client. †¢ Financial needs of the client needs to be clubbed between his/her current income and post retirement expenditure. †¢ To maintain up current life style one has to plan to save almost 65 to 85% of current income. Life Cycle †¢ Every phase of life cycle has a different level of income, expenditure and saving. †¢ The first phase of life cycle is the childhood where an individual has no earnings but certain amount of money is spent on him/her (school fees, clothing, food etc). †¢ Second stage comes where the individual may or may not start his real earnings or a stable career. †¢ In the third stage an individual enters a stable career and has good amount of earnings to save and start planning for his/her retirement †¢ Fourth & fifth stage is time period to save maximum and allocate maximum funds for the retirement planning. †¢ In the sixth stage comes the old age. At this stage the savings tend to reduce because of medical expenses, new expenses related to old age etc. †¢ The last two stages of the life cycle is the retirement period where the saving are utilized to cover the real retirement years or retirement costs. Career Stability †¢ Career stability is one of the most important factor which clearly needs to be evaluated to develop a retirement plan. †¢ Fund allocation for retirement is done with the help of surplus earnings of an individual during his/her pre-retirement period. †¢ Stable career and in return stable earnings provides a scope for having well planned and organized retirement plan †¢ Employers also have a important role in retirement planning as they contribute in pension plans other contribution plans etc. †¢ Career stability helps to draw clear anticipation of future earnings can be which helps in retirement planning Major Factors Affecting Career Stability †¢ Job Satisfaction: Job satisfaction covers the factors like the level of pay and benefits, the perceived fairness of the promotion system within a company, the quality of the working conditions, leadership and social relationships, and the job itself. †¢ Alternative opportunities: If the market is opening up for new jobs and careers and individual can provide his works onto those opportunities the career stability can embark for changes. †¢ Employer-Employee Relationship: This issue covers the factors like loyalty of an individual towards the employer, future protection provided by the employer, motivation, leadership, timely appraisals. †¢ Changing economic conditions: The economic conditions of a country like recession cycles, developing sectors, problems related to any particular sector private and public ownership etc also affects the career stability. †¢ There are also various policies and economic strategies of government related to employment & foreign investments etc which have a direct affect on employment scenario. PRE-RETIREMENT COUNSELLING Introduction †¢ It is an planning. interactive part of retirement †¢ In pre-retirement counseling all the basics of the retirement plan are drafted as per the needs and expectations of the client and as per the client’s present and anticipated financial conditions. †¢ Financial planner has to clearly evaluate the needs, attitude & lifestyle of the client to have a strong and trustworthy relationship with the client. Steps For Retirement Plan †¢ Inauguration Of Retirement Plan: Inauguration of retirement plan would depend on life expectancy. If the client starts accumulating funds for his/her retirement early, with small savings & less burden he will be able to achieve the goal. †¢ Desired Retirement Status: This would involve budgeting, income sources and proper asset management etc. Estimated expenditure and sources of income during the retirement years to the client have to be evaluated properly. †¢ Retirement Expenses & Sources Of Income: Clear identification of all the costs & incomes has to be made. Provisions for allocating 65 to 70% of current income for the retirement period should be drawn. Insurance With Retirement Planning †¢ Insurance plans with a cash back or whole life insurance are suitable because they provide insurance as long as the premiums are paid and also accumulates savings, thus it has a cash value. †¢ It also helps to pay off uncovered medical costs, funeral expenses & also acts as an income replacement for survivors. †¢ With increasing life expectancy, and other challenges a life insurance can provide a life-long, worry-free retirement and insurance protection. †¢ Major expenses of the retirement years are the health care costs, health insurance can act as a helping hand in that case to meet up these costs. 26/30 Estate Planning With Retirement Planning †¢ Estate planning is the process of accumulating and disposing of an estate to maximize the returns of the estate owner. †¢ Various tools of estate planning are used like Wills, Trusts, Gifts, Contributions & proper evaluation of Estate taxes. †¢ Estate planning should maintain out the costs of the property and should develop an estate plan to give proper and safe income generation. †¢ Estate plan will cover all the legal formalities and all the documentation regarding future transactions. Tax Planning With Retirement Planning †¢ Savings and investments are interconnected. †¢ Proper management of savings and investment results to tax benefits and these become very important at the time of retirement. †¢ Retirement planner must clearly evaluate the aspects of its liquidity, security, and the most important one the return and tax income over such investments. †¢ Proper tax planning can itself prove out to be a saving tool because with effective tax planning is basic foundation for effective retirement planning.

Nazism vs. Fascism Essay

R.Q.: To what extent were the German and Italian regimes under Hitler and Mussolini Totalitarian? i. Why? With this research I want to discover whether Hitler and Mussolini transformed Germany and Italy, respectively into Totalitarian regimes. In my discretion this played a major role when looking at traditions, respectability of countries and reputations of countries. Such â€Å"emotions† can also trigger wars, as we so in WWII. Initially, I feel that Dictatorships having absolute power over a country can cause many inconveniences for the citizens of it. Hence, I want to understand their motives and ambitions. Also, I figure that this is a very important time period in which milestones and new dimensions have been opened. Thirdly, I decided on this topic because I am a German citizen, who is naturally interested in the background and history of ones father country. ii. What? I am going to use a series of books written in different time periods by different writers from different countries. This shows a certain scope of viewpoints, which makes the answer to this question more objective. I am also going to use the Internet as one research option of my internal assessment. iii. I planned my essay. This can be seen in the appendix, 1) Essay Plan. This plan shows how I am going to attempt to accomplish my Task i. Define Nazism a. Nazism is the body of political and economic doctrines held and put into effect by the National Socialist German Workers’ Party in the Third Reich including the totalitarian principle of government, state control of all industries, predominance of groups assumed to be racially superior, and supremacy of the Fà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½hrer1. ii. Define Fascism a. Fascism is a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition2. iii. Define Totalitarian a. Totalitarian is defined as of or relating to centralized control by an autocratic leader or hierarchy. Of or relating to a political regime based on subordination of the individual to the state and strict control of all aspects of the life and productive capacity of the nation especially by coercive measures (as censorship and terrorism)3 iv. All these definitions above are essential in order to understand how totalitarianism is initially linked with Nazism and Fascism. These terms, Nazism Fascism and Totalitarianism have all got the subordination of the individual to the state and the control of mind etc. of the individual in common. The difference between them, however is that Totalitarian is purely a term describing a situation, a current state of something. Nazism and Fascism on the other hand, describe an ideology that developed over centuries and eventually ruled a country. When we are looking at these definitions, we discover, that both ideologies have a feature of totalitarianism innate. Therefore, initially we would say that they the states, Germany and Italy, both are totalitarian because the autocracy by which they are ruled is totalitarian. This must mean that the people believe in it because they elected this system of government, and hence the system must be totalitarian. This, however, is debatable. In the ongoing lines I will question the above statement by looking closer at the two ideologies and how they became elected. i. Discrimination of Minorities a. Germany i. Minorities, such as Jews, Blacks, Gypsies and women were discriminated widely. Anything not of Aryan derivation, was inferior. Women, for example, were expected to behave just like â€Å"K,K,K†-meaning Kinder, Kirche, Kà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½che. Translated, Children, Church, Kitchen. In other words, they were expected to have as many children as possible to expand the Aryan race, support the religion and cook well. Jews, of course, were treated the worst, i.e.: concentration camps. b. Italy i. Fascist Policy towards women was condescending. Women were not put equal to men. It was also anti-urban and anti-consumerist. There was birth control and additional taxes on unmarried. This, in a way, was similar to Nazi Germany, where there were incentives to bear as many children as possible. It aimed to promote the ‘superior’ race. Fascist policy was at the beginning not racially concerned. However, when relations with Germany improved, Mussolini adopted some anti-foreign steps. This aimed to give the people a feeling of superiority over other nations and should promote the will to fight for the cause of the nation. Employment conditions for female workers were restricted. They were excluded from several workplaces. ii. Church a. Germany i. Germany was almost entirely a Christian country. Hitler realised this and did not underestimate the power the church, as a single institution, could have on the peoples’ minds’. Therefore, he knew it would not be wise to attack the church during his campaigns. Hence, he made an agreement with the church, the Concordat, which granted the church religious freedom. This, however was only superficially. In reality, any member of the church speaking bad about Hitler or his party, NSDAP, was prosecuted or sent to a concentration camp. Even Church schools were influenced by Hitler; the bible was replaced by â€Å"Mein Kampf† and the cross by the swastika. b. Italy i. In Italy the church played a more important role than in Germany because of the Pope and the Vatican being situated in Italy. Hence, Mussolini tried, after 1922 when coming to power, to include the church as much as possible in the fascist state in order to stabilise and ensure power for his party, PNF. Catholicism was also seen as a possible threat to the emerging fascist state. Hence, a concordat was attempted to improve church-state relations. Catholicism was considered the religion of most Italians, which was so deeply rooted in Italian life that could directly endanger the position of the fascist might. iii. Education a. Germany i. Education in Germany was largely controlled by the Nazis. The main subjects were history, biology and physical education. All of course indoctrinated and altered to shine a good light on the Nazi party and its style of rule. Special schools were build for the â€Å"most talented†. This meant that from a very young age onwards, children in Germany were focused on the Nazi ideology, similar to the Youths, which I will talk about in the next paragraph. b. Italy i. Education was focused on Fascist ideas and ideology. Children were educated in physical education and military training. These are just examples to illustrate what Mussolini wanted to achieve. iv. Youths a. Germany i. Various youths’ existed in Nazi Germany, all aiming to control the mind of German children. Hitler once described his views concerning the purpose of youths:† When an opponent declares, ‘I will not come your side’, I calmly say: ‘Your child belongs to us already†¦In a short time, they will know nothing else but this community.† These programs existed for boys and girls. Boys camps were more physical, preparing for war. Girls’ camps were aiming to make them strong to bear many healthy children. b. Italy i. From 1929 onwards, Mussolini focused more intensely on the control of children in his regime. He wanted to control them by education, which he stated as a right of the leading body in a totalitarian state. The Ministry of Public Instructions was changed to the Ministry of National education (ONB) in 1929. This new organisation provided pre-military training, drill and gym. All measures to convey a more aggressive and disciplined way of live. This program was even integrated into the school curriculum. Recruitment was thus made very easy and numerous. The Fascists wanted to create an Italy were there were young courageous men willing to fight for the cause of the nation. Their motto was: â€Å"Believe, Obey, Fight†. This displays exactly what Mussolini was after. Especially during the great depression, Mussolini tried to give his people a cause to believe in. He created groups or fixed mass meeting so that the people would experience a way of unity. v. Propaganda a. Germany i. Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany was Goebbels. He was an able man, with enormous aims. Not only wanted he the people to accept the regime. He wanted them to capitulate to them, grasping the ideology. He, for the first time in history, effectively made use of the radio and press. He seized control over both. By 1932 less then 25% of the population owned a radio. Hence, he made provisions for producing cheap sets of wireless radios. He called it the ‘Volksempfà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½nger’, translated, ‘nation-receptionist’. The press seemed harder to control. The Nazi publisher-‘Eher Verlag’-bought many of the 4,700 existing newspapers. Goebbels held a daily press conference and eventually, the Editors Law, made the seizure of the press complete. Via the radio, the Aryan race was emphasized. Jewish music was not played. People were constantly bombed with Nazi propaganda, their ideology. b. Italy i. Mussolini wanted to create an image of the ‘new’ Italian. This image should be aggressive and patriotic. He also used heroic figurers from the wars to illustrate the alleged superiority of the Italian nation. vi. Police State a. Germany i. The party seemed to be well organized and structured. Hitler himself, however, rejected any document work. Now the question appears, how it was so sufficient? The answer is that a powerful force was acting behind the scenes. This force was the ‘army’. It consisted of the SS, short for â€Å"Schutz-Staffel†, the SA, short for â€Å"Sturm-Abteilung†, the Gestapo, known for its brutality and later the SD, â€Å"Sicherheitsdienst†, the party internal police force. All these acted in order to maintain or restore order. The SS was once created to be Hitler’s personal bodyguard. It evolved to be a unit with incredible power over, economic, political and social matters. It turned out to be an extremely useful tool for Hitler. b. Italy i. The military was also guaranteed a supreme status in Italy. However, the German army had become a political power whereas the Italian had not. After the death of Hindenburg, Hitler was able to benefit from an exclusive oath. Mussolini never had such an opportunity under the still existing Monarchy. The Italian Military acted with divided loyalties. The Italian army did not face any threats form party-army-type organizations, as opposed to the German SS and SA. vii. Power of the Leader a. Germany/Italy i. Both, ‘der Fà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½hrer’ and ‘il duce’, were charismatic and ambitious men. They had a set aim which they wanted to achieve no matter what the cost was. They managed to elate masses so that they would virtually believe anything they said. These are, among others, characteristics a strong Leader must have in order to be successful. Hitler was not only appointed chancellor but became President after Hindenburg’s death. He also appointed himself Chief-Commander of all armed forces. This gave him the mere control over many bodies. i. Weigh factors against each other a. Germany vs. Italy ii. Conclusion a. When looking back at my research and all the information I collected during it, I think it is fair to say that both ideologies and those implementing it, transformed the respective countries to a large extent into totalitarian regimes. Although, I would say that this phenomena did not occur in the conventional way. By definition, a totalitarian regime controls every aspect of life. When looking at the moment they came to power and the day they left, a great difference in many senses can be seen. Especially, when looking at how they controlled the peoples’ minds’. Propaganda, Force, Speeches, youths and discrimination are all factors, which increased their influence. This integrated so quickly into the respective countries roots, so that it was inevitable that people would eventually believe what they heard. They would also obey by it because they the how brutal their measures could be. Power conveyed and achieved by force was one feature in these regimes. The other means was propaganda. New technology, new innovations enabled them to convey their messages and slogans whenever they wanted. They could also reach every member of their â€Å"community†. They not only controlled adults. One of their ideas was to transform the young so that their ideology would be carried further with the next generation. 1 http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=Nazism 2 http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=fascism 3 http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=totalitarian

Texting vs. Calling

â€Å"Texting vs. Calling† The evolution of cell phones has changed the world socially. The creation of cell phones began in the 1840s, but the first phone did not come out publically until 1977 (â€Å"Cell Phones†). Majority of people today could not go a day without their phones. Now that phones are more portable, lighter, smaller, and easier to use, more and more people are upgrading and getting newer phones. Since the 1990s, cell phones have added new features to expand the way we communicate with others.With the new cell phones today, a person can do more than just make phone calls, he or she can text, instant message, and send emails. The two most common forms of communication through a cell phone are making a phone call and texting. Despite the fact that texting and calling have many similarities, they have many differences. Texting is when a person types a short message on a cell phone and sends it to another person with a cell phone. Texting allows more conveni ence because it is a faster way to get in touch with someone.There are a lot of people who will not even call on their phones, but will respond to a text immediately. Texting is more private. When a person is in a public place, he or she will not disturb others and no one would know what his or her conversation is about. An individual can also send a picture through a text. For example, instead of describing an item over the phone, a person can send a picture. We can see many useful things that texting bring to us. While texting, we can think clearly before we intend to say something.Once a person says something while on the phone, it is out in the open and he or she cannot take it back. While texting give us some time to consider carefully before saying what we think. This can cause less drama and fights. It is also more difficult to start a conversation by calling every time. Sometimes, texting will be good for explaining or saying sorry. Having conversations can either push peopl e apart or bring people together. Depending on how a person says it and what kind of tone he or she uses, results in the way others may react.As if cell phones weren’t already pricey enough, the cost to have text messaging and calling features can put a dent in his or her pocket. That brings up another difference between texting and calling. Texting on the mobile phone is less costly than calling. Students and younger teenagers prefer paying for text messages rather than phone calls, especially when they’re low on money and do not have a job. Unless a person has unlimited texting, it can range from ten cents up to about twenty-five cents a message. Calling can be between one dollar to a dollar and twenty-five cents.It all depends on the phone plan he or she chooses, but the cost of calling is still more than the cost of text messaging. Even when researching the statistics of calling and texting, people can come to the conclusion that more cell phone users choose textin g over calling. More and more people agree that texting is more fun and easier than calling. All of this texting activity has come at the expense of voice. Last year, teens texted instead of calling because it was fun. Now, more teens consider texting faster and easier than calling.Voice activity has decreased fourteen percent among teens, who average 646 minutes talking on the phone per month. Many adults over the age of fifty-five, on the other hand, prefer to talk instead of text. It is said that they communicate by calling more than teens do. If it seems like American teens are texting all the time, it’s probably because on average they’re sending or receiving 3,339 texts a month. It’s amazing at how many people use texting more than calling, but sometimes calling can do more than texting can. Texting can be short and sweet; however, most people think calling is more meaningful.Someone can pick up the phone, and say, â€Å"I love you, mom† or â€Å"I will have dinner at home, Dad. † Just by hearing his or her voice, the parent will feel more satisfied compared to reading a text message. By calling, cell phone users can talk with their friends comfortably and transfer their emotions to their friends naturally. Although both have their own value, I believe that calling makes people closer than texting. Besides, people just call for 911. If they try texting a message to 911, it won’t quite work out like they thought. I will say that some messages you shouldn’t reply to.Some messages are sent just to deliver information that the receiver needs to complete a task or something simple as a greeting or a farewell. Also think about the elderly, they are not used to the new technology that the new mobile devices offer, so most likely text messaging will be out of the question for them. A lot of elderly people have bad vision and won’t quite understand the different options and menus that a new mobile device has to offer. The simple task of texting could take them up to thirty or more minutes, and I’m sure this will become very aggravating.Cell phones can be very distracting. Both texting and calling while driving are dangerous, but texting is absolutely unacceptable and more likely to cause accidents. Cell phone users have to look down at the phone to text and call. While making a phone call, it takes less time to dial a number than it does to type out a sentence. Texting causes drivers to focus more on what a text message says rather than worrying about driving. Phone calls require drivers to focus on the phone to dial a number, but it’s not nearly as distracting as texting.Overall, there are different aspects to look at when choosing whether to call or text, but both are great ways to communicate through a cell phone. A text or call can let people know they are being thought about and send out a bit of emotion. They both have many similarities and differences, but I believ e the differences overcome the similarities and are more important. Works Cited â€Å"Cell Phones. † Cell Phone History. N. p. , 2008. Web. 03 Oct. 2012. <http://cellphones. org/cell-phone-history. html>. Texting vs. Calling â€Å"Texting vs. Calling† The evolution of cell phones has changed the world socially. The creation of cell phones began in the 1840s, but the first phone did not come out publically until 1977 (â€Å"Cell Phones†). Majority of people today could not go a day without their phones. Now that phones are more portable, lighter, smaller, and easier to use, more and more people are upgrading and getting newer phones. Since the 1990s, cell phones have added new features to expand the way we communicate with others.With the new cell phones today, a person can do more than just make phone calls, he or she can text, instant message, and send emails. The two most common forms of communication through a cell phone are making a phone call and texting. Despite the fact that texting and calling have many similarities, they have many differences. Texting is when a person types a short message on a cell phone and sends it to another person with a cell phone. Texting allows more conveni ence because it is a faster way to get in touch with someone.There are a lot of people who will not even call on their phones, but will respond to a text immediately. Texting is more private. When a person is in a public place, he or she will not disturb others and no one would know what his or her conversation is about. An individual can also send a picture through a text. For example, instead of describing an item over the phone, a person can send a picture. We can see many useful things that texting bring to us. While texting, we can think clearly before we intend to say something.Once a person says something while on the phone, it is out in the open and he or she cannot take it back. While texting give us some time to consider carefully before saying what we think. This can cause less drama and fights. It is also more difficult to start a conversation by calling every time. Sometimes, texting will be good for explaining or saying sorry. Having conversations can either push peopl e apart or bring people together. Depending on how a person says it and what kind of tone he or she uses, results in the way others may react.As if cell phones weren’t already pricey enough, the cost to have text messaging and calling features can put a dent in his or her pocket. That brings up another difference between texting and calling. Texting on the mobile phone is less costly than calling. Students and younger teenagers prefer paying for text messages rather than phone calls, especially when they’re low on money and do not have a job. Unless a person has unlimited texting, it can range from ten cents up to about twenty-five cents a message. Calling can be between one dollar to a dollar and twenty-five cents.It all depends on the phone plan he or she chooses, but the cost of calling is still more than the cost of text messaging. Even when researching the statistics of calling and texting, people can come to the conclusion that more cell phone users choose textin g over calling. More and more people agree that texting is more fun and easier than calling. All of this texting activity has come at the expense of voice. Last year, teens texted instead of calling because it was fun. Now, more teens consider texting faster and easier than calling.Voice activity has decreased fourteen percent among teens, who average 646 minutes talking on the phone per month. Many adults over the age of fifty-five, on the other hand, prefer to talk instead of text. It is said that they communicate by calling more than teens do. If it seems like American teens are texting all the time, it’s probably because on average they’re sending or receiving 3,339 texts a month. It’s amazing at how many people use texting more than calling, but sometimes calling can do more than texting can. Texting can be short and sweet; however, most people think calling is more meaningful.Someone can pick up the phone, and say, â€Å"I love you, mom† or â€Å"I will have dinner at home, Dad. † Just by hearing his or her voice, the parent will feel more satisfied compared to reading a text message. By calling, cell phone users can talk with their friends comfortably and transfer their emotions to their friends naturally. Although both have their own value, I believe that calling makes people closer than texting. Besides, people just call for 911. If they try texting a message to 911, it won’t quite work out like they thought. I will say that some messages you shouldn’t reply to.Some messages are sent just to deliver information that the receiver needs to complete a task or something simple as a greeting or a farewell. Also think about the elderly, they are not used to the new technology that the new mobile devices offer, so most likely text messaging will be out of the question for them. A lot of elderly people have bad vision and won’t quite understand the different options and menus that a new mobile device has to offer. The simple task of texting could take them up to thirty or more minutes, and I’m sure this will become very aggravating.Cell phones can be very distracting. Both texting and calling while driving are dangerous, but texting is absolutely unacceptable and more likely to cause accidents. Cell phone users have to look down at the phone to text and call. While making a phone call, it takes less time to dial a number than it does to type out a sentence. Texting causes drivers to focus more on what a text message says rather than worrying about driving. Phone calls require drivers to focus on the phone to dial a number, but it’s not nearly as distracting as texting.Overall, there are different aspects to look at when choosing whether to call or text, but both are great ways to communicate through a cell phone. A text or call can let people know they are being thought about and send out a bit of emotion. They both have many similarities and differences, but I believ e the differences overcome the similarities and are more important. Works Cited â€Å"Cell Phones. † Cell Phone History. N. p. , 2008. Web. 03 Oct. 2012. <http://cellphones. org/cell-phone-history. html>.

Growth Performance Management Essay

In this report I have given a lot of research into the relevant subjects. I think that the way I have looked at the possibilities will help Helen Marsh and Brian Taylor overcome some of the obstacles in their organisation in order to make there business successful. Suggestions on what you should be specifically looking at in order to make your business a success, in my view would be the try to improve employee attitudes and training for employees. I think I have covered all the points that you have given me in depth if I have not apologies on my behalf. Introduction- Aims of the Report The aim of this report is to show Helen Marsh and Brian Taylor the problems of their business in more detail than the report give (case study). I will outline and investigate further into the following matters: * Growth * Performance Management * Performance Appraisal Systems and Motivation * Motivation * Rewards * Employee Turnover/Retention * Training and Development * Communication Growth To consider the growth of Brian and Helens company, we will look need to examine into the PEST (Political, Economical, Social and Technological factors) and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis for this company, this will help us identify if the company should continue to grow. By understanding about the SWOT and PEST analysis this will show us key information and help us identify some of the problems with the business. SWOT Analysis: SWOT Analysis is a very effective way of identifying your Strengths and Weaknesses, and of examining the Opportunities and Threats you face. Carrying out an analysis using the SWOT framework helps you to focus your activities into areas where you are strong and where the greatest opportunities lie. SWOT Analysis is a strategic method for identifying your businesses’ Strengths and Weaknesses, and to examine the Opportunities and Threats. These are just some of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats there may be more if you feel that there are, pleases do not hesitate to call me we can discuss these further. By reading the report that you gave me (case study) I found more weaknesses than strengths. This is not ‘bad’ as this shows you that you can improve on these to make your business a success. Read more:  Difference Between Performance Management and Performance Appraisal PEST Analysis: It is very important that an organisation considers its environment before beginning the marketing and decision planning process. In fact, environmental analysis should be continuous and feed all aspects of planning. The SWOT analysis shows a lot of weaknesses in the business, the points that I have mentioned in the SWOT analysis affect the future growth of the business. I think that if you over come the weaknesses that are outlined in the SWOT analysis this will help improve and develop the company significantly because the employee would contribute to the full potential and would also create a good working environment which means less staff turnover. I suggest that you should postpone in growing for the moment and consider improving on the weaknesses that I outlined in the SWOT analysis. I suggest that you should consider growing in the future rather than now. I found out that: †Weakness are not necessarily indicating bad things of the organization but showing a path to a better future†¦.† ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR (1990) Northcraft. G page 437 You should consider improving the weaknesses into strengths as this would be beneficial in the future when you should consider to grow (it is not necessary yet) by improving weaknesses the business would function better and more advantages would be gained such as more share and profit. Performance Management In the report given to me (case study) I see that you have a problem on monitoring the ‘field based’ staff. This is a important issue as the staff may or may not be doing what you have told them this would cause all sorts of issues with your company for example you may be losing money, valuable resources and time. Field based staff may be difficult to manage but there are ways. Staff that work in the office are easier to evaluate on what and how that are doing. When managing or monitoring employees you have to be aware of their privacy and not to breach that mutual line as this may inevitably cause conflict in the work place. But When you can’t be present to observe employee performance, be sure that you have the right processes in place through which you can learn about how they’re doing this can be undertaken for ‘field based’ staff also. These processes should be open, fair, and understood by everyone. Options for obtaining input about performance in your absence may include, but are not limited to, the following: * Evaluate the output and products of the employee’s work. * Have routine one-on-one meetings with your employee and include discussions of performance. * Every so often review and discuss with your employee the standards of performance for his or her job and your expectations. * Ask your employee to do periodic reports and share them with you for discussion. * Obtain feedback from customers – in writing when possible. * Do brief stand-up check-ins or phone calls to ‘field based’ staff as well as ‘office based’ staff. * Ask an appropriate person who is present day-to-day to serve as a work leader or give the person authority to act in your stead, and ensure that everyone understands the person’s role. * Perform routine spot checks of the employee at work. * Ask for confidential evaluations of employee performance by peers (or direct reports of supervisors). This process should be clearly understood by everyone and applied fairly to all. Performance Appraisal Systems and Motivation Performance appraisal systems are designed to serve the company’s and employee’s interests. They are used to inventory the abilities and resources of employees and to let an employee know where he stands so that he will be stimulated to improve his performance. Employee motivation can be enhanced and performance improved with the monitoring of employees’ performance level and the use of feedback to advise those employees about their effectiveness. Performance feedback exchanges can be ongoing and informal, on a day-to-day coaching basis or on a formal basis, annually. I found this statement: ..Employers want to be sure their employees are doing a good job, but employees don’t want their every sneeze or there trip to the toilet logged†¦ Managing People 2nd edition Tomson. R I think that employee monitoring is acceptable to a reasonable level but should nod be exceeded. I used to work at ‘KFC’ (Kentucky Fried Chicken) and the manager was constantly monitoring me and other staff that work there. I can understand this as people in other restaurants have tampered with food for example a ‘Mc Donald’s’ restaurant in USA Mississippi once was shut down because of food tampering. So to some degree a lot of monitoring needs to be undertaken. But I think you should use some of the procedures I have given for example I would recommend these: * Perform routine spot checks of the employee at work. * Obtain feedback from customers – in writing when possible some sort of feed back sheet of possibly a questionnaire * Do brief stand-up check-ins or phone calls to ‘field based’ staff * Ask your employee to do periodic reports and share them with you for discussion. Motivation Staff motivation is the one of the most significant factors in managing people. No one style is better than another for motivating employees, but it is essential that leaders are aware of their staff motivation style and are able to adapt for different circumstances. Some circumstances will call for a strong direction to inspire staff motivation other circumstances will call for staff motivation to be influenced by a more advice-giving approach. The necessary skill is in knowing what motivates people and satisfying the needs of individuals and groups at a given time. Staff motivation in regard to reward and recognition means taking account of and balancing the needs of the organisation and its objectives as well as the needs of the people expected to achieve those objectives. One of the worlds most successful Software and Hardware entrepreneurs stated: â€Å"When we create a desirable workplace and find good ways to have work/life balance, we’ll attract and we’ll retain the best people and that’s our competitive advantage.† Lewis Platt, CEO, Hewlett-Packard (1001 Ways to Reward Employees 2000) Source: www.nelson-motivation.com/hpackard/ceo Hear is an example of a motivational theory: Douglas McGregor, was a American social psychologist, he proposed his famous X-Y theory in his 1960 book ‘ The Human Side of Enterprise ‘. Theory X and theory Y are still referred to commonly in the field of management and motivation. Mc Gregor’s X-Y Theory remains a valid basic principle from which to develop positive management style and techniques. McGregor’s XY Theory remains central to organisational development, and to improving organisational culture. McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y THEORY X THEORY Y 1. Workers must be supervised as closely as possible, either through direct oversight or by tight reward and/or punishment systems. 1. People usually do not require close supervision and will, if given a chance to control their own activities, be productive, satisfied, and fulfilled. 2. Work is objectionable to most people. 2. Work is natural and enjoyable unless it is made offensive by the actions of organisations. 3. Most people have little initiative, have little capacity for being creative or solving organisational problems, do not want to have responsibilities, and prefer being directed by someone else. 3. People are ambitious, desire autonomy and self-control, and can use their abilities to solve problems and help their organisations meet their goals. Creativity is distributed â€Å"normally† across the population, just as is any other characteristic. 4. People are motivated by economic factors and a need for security. 4. People are motivated by a variety of needs only some of which involve economics or security. Figure Obtained from: MANAGING PEOPLE R. Tompson, 2nd Ed, Pub: Institute of Management I think that employee motivation in regard to reward and recognition means taking account of and balancing the needs of the organisation and its objectives as well as the needs of the people expected to achieve those objectives. I think that motivation should also have been included in the SWOT analysis. I think you should also consider how you can motivate staff you could use the web site I have given above for more information. The more you motivate staff the better they will work, this will also help with the monitoring of employees. You should also consider looking at the various patterns used by managers to encourage motivation in the work place, for a good example see Appendix 3. Rewards There are a staggering amount of reward types and schemes, you just have to make sure you have the right ones chosen for your business because performance of staff is the key to the success of any organisation. One of the main rewards that I think is relevant for your business is PRP (Performance Related Pay) One of the key contributors to effective performance is a well-designed performance management process. Such a process should incorporate objective setting, the day-to-day management of performance, the review or appraisal of performance, and rewarding performance. Your employees are your most important asset, they are the people who shape and form the company’s future. Rewarding staff can develop healthy in-house competition between individuals, teams or even departments. Another major factor in rewards are employment benefit packages. Reward and incentive programs are a popular part of employee benefit packages. Many employees value such offerings as flexible scheduling, tuition assistance, and child care in order to satisfy personal needs and professional development. I think that you too should consider re designing your employment package. Nowadays society, it is becoming more and more common to support these reward systems with the overall business strategy of an organisation in order to satisfy business needs and to improve shareholder value. In addition, many organisations are developing or restructuring their rewards programs based on employee performance. This trend is likely to continue as costs continue to increase and competition continues to thrive in a highly unpredictable economy. Some other useful reward types that can be used are as follows: Social Rewards: Which include praise, employee recognition, and social acceptance within the business. Psychic rewards: Which include self esteem, job satisfaction, and feelings of accomplishments You could also give piece-rate pay, commissions, merit pay and bonuses. When I was talking about the business and how it will grow in ‘Conclusion of Growth’ in the first part I think that in order for the business to grow you need the best employees you can get. So you would need to have the reward schemes that the employees are looking for. I the way you are rewarding employees at the moment is not working in fact ‘I know it is not working’ I think you should use the PRP (Performance Related Pay) method, and also consider giving annual bonuses. Also if you give PRP (Performance Related Pay) you will sort out the problem you have with the monitoring of ‘Field based staff’ as they too will be attracting more customers for the business. You should also give bonuses if the company is making a stable profit as this would encourage more work to be completed. Employee Turnover/Retention One of the most difficult problems companies had to cope with in the increasingly volatile business climate of the 1990’s was the high rate of employee turnover. When employees, particularly long-term employees leave a company that has made a substantial investment in them, they take with them training, skills, experience, and productivity. Output is inevitably diminished during the training process of new employees, no matter how qualified. additionally, a high level of workplace turnover rends the types of social bonds that encourage other employees come to work and maintain their normal levels of productivity. ..In today’s workplace, employers are not only having a hard time attracting employees, but are also having a difficult time keeping them.. (Harkins, 1998) I found out that employees leave for a variety of reasons, including poor supervision, unchallenging positions, limited advancement opportunities, lack of recognition, limited control over work, perceived pay inequity, and the perception of more favorable opportunities in other companies. Measuring Absence Obtained from: MANAGING HUMAN RESOURCES J. Weightman, 2nd Ed, (1996), Pub: Cromwell Press This overall figure, however, leaves many questions unanswered. For example, is the absence rate a reflection of a few employees suffering from long-term ill-health or are a substantial number of employees being regularly absent for relatively short spells? A more in depth way to monitor absence and retention is give in Appendix 1. Hear I found some of the ways in which to help with retention: * Align your employees with company goals and visions * Establish department goals and standards * Set employee goals and performance measurements * Conduct performance reviews that test the established goals * Train managers to effectively coach their staff * Identify barriers & find strengths to build upon * Isolate key performance gaps and craft a plan to improve performance * Define the relationship between job satisfaction, goal alignment and individual performance growth I suggest that you should consider some of the points above in order to combat turnover/retention. You should regularly try to monitor staff absence. Try to make the rate as nearer to 8.5 % as possible if it goes over this may be critical to the business. You should have a maximum number of days for employees to comply by, for example I work as Safeway Petrol station in the Penn, employees there are only allocated 50 hours off of work (excluding sick or acceptable absence). You should check out Appendix 1 in how to measure turnover and retention in your organisation. Training and Development There are a number of advantages to training and development and this is another point that was added in the SWOT analysis that needed to be improved in order for the business to function properly and effectively. Training has become the most important feature of a successful organisation. Training is necessary because it improves profitability and/ or more positive attitudes towards profit orientation. Enhances the job knowledge and skills at all levels of the organisation. The work force gets a high morale. Due to proper training employees can identify with organisational goals, corporate image gets improved. Training fosters realism, openness and trust. A boss an the subordinates get to work in a better environment and relationship. Some typical reasons for employee training and development can be initiated for a variety of reasons for an employee or group of employees, for example: * When a performance appraisal indicates performance improvement is needed * To â€Å"benchmark† the status of improvement so far in a performance improvement effort * As part of an overall professional development program * As part of succession planning to help an employee be eligible for a planned change in role in the organisation * To â€Å"pilot†, or test, the operation of a new performance management system * To train about a specific topic I found out some key topics for employee Training and Development they are as follows: * Communication- The increasing diversity of today’s workforce brings a wide variety of languages and customs. * Computer skills- Computer skills are becoming a requirement for conducting administrative and office tasks. * Customer service- Increased competition in today’s global marketplace makes it critical that employees understand and meet the needs of customers. * Diversity- Diversity training usually includes explanation about how people have different perspectives and views, and includes techniques to value diversity * Ethics- Today’s society has increasing expectations about corporate social responsibility. Also, today’s diverse workforce brings a wide variety of values and morals to the workplace. By giving the appropriate training and development you can gain a lot of advantages. The general benefits from Employee Training and Development are: * Increased job satisfaction and morale among employees * Increased employee motivation * Increased efficiencies in processes, resulting in financial gain * Increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods * Increased innovation in strategies and products * Reduced employee turnover * Enhanced company image, e.g., conducting ethics training (not a good reason for ethics training!) * Risk management, e.g., training about sexual harassment, diversity training I think that training aids in developing leadership skill, motivation, loyalty, better attitudes and other aspects that successful workers and managers usually display which we discussed earlier in the report. The quality of work is also increased and so is the productivity. Its cost effective as well, it cuts costs in different areas e.g. production, personnel, administration etc. it develops a sense of responsibility to the organisation for being capable and knowledgeable. Labor management is also improved, as workers instead of feeling ignored, feel taken care of which develops a sense of loyalty Communication Effective communication skills are vital for success in a business environment with most business people being engaged in some form of communication activity most of the time reading, listening, writing or talking. Business communication is, however, different from educational or literary writing and speaking it requires precision, clarity and efficiency since business people just do not have the time to savor an idea or an expression. †Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Moreover, unethical behavior in the workplaces arising from the lack of ethical communication by the top management to the first-line supervisors proves the fact that employees are either directly or indirectly rewarded for unethical acts or harshly abandoned for going against the norm of practicing corruption†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Zimmerman: Jansen and Von Glinow, 2001, p. 119). As explained in this text that I researched into, Jansen and Von Glinow through their in-depth study that encouraging â€Å"counter norms† in an organisation is also a form of promoting corrupt standards in a company in order to save the firm’s name or to avoid charges by this means reflecting the decreasing ethical communication in organisations. There are many factors that help establish an organisation’s ability and skill in maintaining the stability and organisation among its employees/members. One of these factors includes attaining an organisational communication process through effective communication skills. The most prominent forms used by most organisations are the development of verbal and non-verbal communication since these are the most obvious ways of communication that provide a dialogue for employees and the management in an organisation. However, what is not realized by both the employees and management is that listening is one important communication aspect that precedes verbal and non-verbal communication. I think that in order to attain effective communication verbally or non-verbally, communicators must first learn to listen in order to assess carefully the issues at hand and the required action that must be taken. If you have a look at Appendix 2 it shows you different types of communication processes. I would recommend that you try to focus on the ‘complete network’ as this would make communications in your business better. Overall Report Conclusion and my Recommendations I think overall this is what we should be doing in order to maintain and run a successful business: * Growth- we should not be growing just yet as there are to many problems as indicated in the SWOT analysis. We should be improving on the weaknesses and consider to grow and expand in the future. * Performance Management- monitoring needs to be undertaken but only to some degree that is acceptable by you and the employees. But I think you should use some of the procedures that I have indicated in this previous section (please refer to Conclusion for Performance Management). * Performance Appraisal Systems and Motivation- Performance appraisal systems are designed to serve the company’s and employee’s interests. * Motivation- You have to consider Douglas McGregor Theory X and Theory Y. to offer the best motivation go through the chart that I have drawn and consider what you can do to have a successful motivated staff. Look at Appendix 3 for patterns of managerial approaches to motivation. * Rewards- if you offer better rewards and better benefit packages then Turnover/Retention will be low, and employees will work more and contribute their highest potential. * Employee Turnover/Retention- you need to make sure that you monitor employees sickness and absenteeism and make sure it dose not go over 8% Check Appendix 1. * Training and Development- if you train and develop employees better the function of your business will be better, you should try to encourage more employees to gain different skills and knowledge. You should also try to offer recognised qualifications. * Communication- look at Appendix 2 I recommend that you try to bring in the process of complete network communication. There are numerous factors that help conclude an organisation’s ability and skill in maintaining the stability and organisation among its employees/members, one of these factors includes attaining an organisational communication process through effective communication skills.    References I recommend that you look at the following text as this will help you improve on the factors mentioned in this report and also help you with difficult decisions about your business. I recommend looking at this text: ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR: INDVIDUALS, GROUPS AND THE ORGANISATION I. Brooks (1999) 1st Ed, Pub: Financial Times HUMAN RESOURCE STRATAGIES Salman, (1998) Pub: The Open University MANAGING PEOPLE R. Tompson, 2nd Ed, Pub: Institute of Management ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR: A MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE G.B.Northcroft & M.A.Neale (1990), Pub: Ronda Colour PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT GA Cole, 4th Ed (1997), Pub: Ashford Colour Press MANAGING HUMAN RESOURCES J. Weightman, 2nd Ed, (1996), Pub: Cromwell Press The following Web-Sites are useful also: www.bized.com www.hrmang.co.uk www.humanrecourses.co.uk/text/hrissues www.resourcemanage.co.uk