Issues in Human Resource Strategies That Improve Organizational Performance Essay

A rapidly changing economic environment, characterized by such phenomena as the globalization, and deregulation of markets, changing customer and investor demands, and ever increasing product market competition, has become the norm for most organization. To compete, they must continually improve their performance by reducing costs; innovating products and processes; improving quality, productivity, and speed to market; and more importantly by improving their individual performance within the organization. In order to do this, a set of distinctive human resource strategies, defined as internally consistent bundles of human resource practices (Dyer & Reeves, 1995), is clearly essential. Sparrow and Marchington (1998) suggested that HR practices are the most advanced, the most sophisticated, and the most efficient basis for organizing and for obtaining high performance from employees since it seeks to strategically integrate the interests of an organization and its employees. In addition, a number of studies have also indicated that there is a positive relationship between effective HR strategies and organizational performance. Specifically, it is suggested that HR practices can improve organizational and operational performance when matched with quality manufacturing strategies (Stone, 2002). Nevertheless, despite the positive relationship found between HR practices and firm performance, there are a number of issues and questions surrounding them. One problem in relating HRM and performance is the lack of theoretical background; resulting in both terms remain ambiguous concepts. Other questions arise in relation with the link between HR strategies and performance are the inconsistent findings in regards to what constitutes a high performance HR strategy (Becker & Gerhart, 1996; Cooke, 2001) and the problems with HRM and performance measurements (Guest et al. , 2003). The aim of this essay is to outline and explain the issues in developing human resource strategies that improve organizational performance. Specifically, the essay shall begin with presenting the issue of theoretical background of the concept of HRM and organizational performance. Subsequently, it shall discuss the issue about diversified strategies used to improve performance, and the problems in measuring HRM and performance. ?HRM and Organizational Performance: The Lack of Theoretical Background Guest (1997) pointed out that to improve our understanding of the impact of HRM on performance; we need a theory about HRM, a theory about performance, and a theory about how they are linked. Unfortunately, there has been a great deal of debates amongst leading researchers and practitioners about the concept and contributions of HRM practice in managing employees in overall organizational objectives (Loosemore, Dainty & Lingard, 2003; Analoui, 1998; Sparrow & Marchington, 1998). McCarthy and Stone (1986) argued that the concept of HRM is ambiguous and that its contribution to organizational performance remains unclear and is not well understood. In addition, Sparrow and Marchington (1998) pointed out that rather than adding value to the business through its strategic integration with managerial objectives, HRM can remain a disappointingly mechanistic function. Similarly, there is no universal theory about performance (Guest, 1997). It was proposed that the meaning of performance involves two dimensions; the types of criteria and the weight of each. Organizations have different interpretations of performance according to the sector of their industries. Service providers, for example, might consider customer satisfaction as their top performance indicator, while manufacturers might view inventory level as an important criterion to measure their performance level. In addition, some organizations put financial results on top of their performance indicator list and employee’s job satisfaction at the bottom, but others may view this in the opposite position. As a result, it is hard, if not impossible, to define the concept of performance that applicable for all organizations. The impact of HR practices on firm performance is without a doubt an important topic in the fields of human resource management, industrial relations, and industrial and organizational psychology (Huselid, 1995; Jones & Wright, 1992). This literature, although largely conceptual, concludes that HR practices can help to create a source of sustained competitive advantage, especially when they are aligned with a firm’s competitive strategy (Jackson & Schuler, 1995; Wright & McMahan, 1992, both as cited in Huselid, 1995). Specifically, a large majority of published studies found an association between HR practices and firm performance, regardless of whether they are cross-sectional or longitudinal, whether conducted at establishment or company level, whether based on strong performance data or subjective estimates, whatever sector they are based on, whatever operational definition of HRM is used, and wherever they are conducted (Guest et al. , 2003). Nevertheless, despite the positive thrust of most empirical findings, Wood and de Menezes (1998, as cited in Guest et al. 2003) failed to find consistent associations between HRM and performance. Furthermore, Wood (1999) has also argued that the relationship between HRM and performance is relatively weak. One possible explanation lies in the various contingency factors, other than HR activities, that might contribute to organizational performance such as organizational culture (Kotter & Heskett, 1992; Van der Post et al. , 1998), business strategy (Richard & Brown Johnson, 1999), and political considerations (Ferris et al. 1998). ?Improvement Strategies: Is There One Best Way? Much of the research on the link between HRM and firm performance has looked at single HR practice such as compensation or selection, while others attempted to look on the impact of combining different HR practices to improve firm performance (Becker & Gerhart, 1996). Pfeffer (1998, as cited in Tyson, 1997), for instance, put forward a seven-principle best practice which he believed is universally applicable. The seven best practice HRM elements include; employment security, selective hiring, self managed teams, high compensation contingent on organizational performance, extensive training, reduction of status difference, and information sharing. Theoretically, bundling several HR practices should produce greater performance effects than any of the individual human practices (Dyer & Reeves, 1995). However, in reality, there is no single standardized bundle of HR strategies that is universally applicable for all organizations. Each firm might require different bundles of HR strategies to improve its organizational performance.

Impact of television on professional sports Essay

It was in late 1940’s and beginning of 1950’s that television was introduced to the common people. In the words of Marc and Thompson, â€Å"Marshall McLuhan who was earning the distinction of becoming the first ‘media critic,’ described television in the 1950’s as an ‘electronic hearth,’ a kind of proto-cyberworld fireplace, around which families were gathering during this new stage of post-industrial existence. (2005, p. 55) Following sports became completely different with the advent of television. Now there was no need to waste entire day to watch one’s favourite game in the stadium or strain one’s ears to keep track of the latest happenings in the fields through the radio. Those who had not yet brought this powerful medium of entertainment home used to be a part of â€Å"a crowd of people standing in the street in front of an appliance dealership watching TV through the store window. † (Marc and Thompson, 2005, p. 53) So people at homes or as sidewalk audiences started cheering the sportsmen for their efforts that was visible on screen. The television enhanced the status of sports as a social activity that could be viewed at the comfort of homes. It also introduced the masses to different kinds of sports. Earlier people were aware of the sports that were common in their country only. Due to television sportsmen of diverse kinds of sports became household names. Television gave the sportsmen, the fame and recognition across the continents. This was unimaginable otherwise. Boyle and Haynes observed, â€Å"today it is difficult to imagine football without television or a television schedule bereft of football. † (2004, p. 7) This observation is true in a wider context too. Television sector has undergone tremendous growth. Hundred of channels all over the world are dedicated to sports, which telecast not only the game but also each and every aspect of the players’ lives. The top sportsmen enjoy the same fan following and power as the film stars. Where there is maddening fan following and popularity, can money be behind? The salaries of the top players in all the sports have soared really high. It’s no wonder that popular games like tennis, football, cricket etc. have become businesses in their own right. There has been major commercialization of sports since 1950’s – the advent of television. Talking about football Boyle and Haynes lamented, â€Å"the increasing influence that television has exercised over the sport and the unhealthy degree to which clubs have become dependant on television income have meant that the economic aspects of the game have become of considerable interest. † (2004, p. 8) This pathetic state of affairs can be identified with the economics of other professional sports too. All the different sports can be addressed as different products. The mushrooming of rival leagues in each category of product can be compared to different brands of that category, which are constantly trying to outdo each other. This competition or war amongst the rival leagues is benefiting them but deteriorating the spirit of sports. The flow of television money has turned competitive balance into competitive imbalance. However Wigglesworth argued, â€Å"commercialism has always been present in sport in one form or another. It may have begun with the donation of prizes by local tradesmen at holy day recreations and have become more highly organized in rural sports, often sponsored by publicans. † (2007, p. 35) According to Wigglesworth commercialization has helped in the growth of professionalism. This indicates that before 1950’s it was impossible to consider sports as a profession because the players were not paid proper salaries. Thus all the players used to dabble with other professions in order to keep their kitchens running. Since the advent of television, sports have been started being recognised as one of the well-paid professions and each decade after 1950’s has seen a further hike in the players’ salary. The channel boom in the past decade has made the picture rosier for the players as far as their salaries are concerned. Talking about the growth of leagues Wigglesworth observed, â€Å" money from television coverage and all the associated media opportunities was the spur for the bigger clubs to organize themselves into a league†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (2007, p.129). He further elaborated â€Å"even cycling clubs have derived commercial benefits from increased television coverage of the sport during the 1980’s and 1990’s. â€Å"(2007, p. 132) It is since the 1980’s that the television started changing the conventional scenario of sports at a much greater pace than ever before. Some of the top rival leagues, which were created in 1960’s and 1970’s to promote sports, merged sports and media and have even started running their own sport channels, thus taking their rivalry to newer areas. The following statement of Holland paints a gloomy picture of the impact of television on sports: â€Å" As the broadcasting of sport gradually becomes as important as the event itself, there has been growing concern over the adaptation of the sports to suit the needs of television. † (2000, p. 138) It is threatening that all the sports event have become a ground of cut throat competition between the satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasters. To get the exclusive rights of the major sporting events these parties have been bidding higher and higher. This factor has shook competitive balance to a great extent, which has started proving detrimental for the sports on the whole. So to conclude the impact of television has been both good and bad across all sports, whether it is cricket, rugby, boxing, swimming, horse riding tennis etc. It has been most beneficial to the players of popular sports, financially. The creation of rival leagues can be viewed a positive impact but growing unhealthy rivalry amongst them and competitive imbalance has been some of the drawbacks of television. In the words of Wigglesworth, â€Å"One result of the commercialization of sport through television has been the depersonalization of spectator sport with the old fashioned ‘fan’ becoming simply a customer. † (2007, p. 164). References Boyle, R. and Haynes, R. (2004). Football In The New Media Age. New York: Routledge Holland, P. (2000). The Television Handbook. (2nd ed. ). New York: Routledge. Marc, D. and Thompson, R. J. Television In The Antenna Age: A Concise History. USA: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Walvin, J. (1978). Leisure and Society. UK: Longman. Wigglesworth, N. (2007). The Story Of Sport In England. New York: Routledge.

A theoretical element of media violence

A theoretical element of media violence Various hypotheses have been offered to describe processes of influence which violent TV might have on childrens behavior. All I can do here is to refer to some of these proposed processes briefly. No single process is likely to offer an adequate explanation. Short-Term Influences Modeling/Imitation: Social learning theorists (such as Bandura) emphasize the observational learning of particular kinds of aggression from a model. Those who employ this argument see film and TV characters as models from whom children learn behavior which may be imitated in everyday life. Unless they had seen the film The Deer Hunter the American teenagers who killed themselves with randomly loaded revolvers (as in the films grisly game of Russian roulette) might not have done so. In such cases, simple imitation of media violence is widely cited as the reason for the violent behavior. Symbolic Modelling is a variation on this process, whereby watching violent programmes may be a factor in encouraging violent behavior which is not directly imitated but which has been generalized from the specific behavior demonstrated in the media. Identification In another modified version of the imitation theory, it is argued that viewers tend to adopt the aggressive behavior of characters only if they identify with them and if the characters behavior is seen to be justified. Obviously, people are more likely to imitate the behavior of an attractive model than a less attractive one, and empathy is likely to heighten this tendency. Vicarious Reinforcement: If violence is reinforced by being seen to pay off for the aggressor this may promote its acceptability to the viewer compared with violence which is punished or unproductive. We have already referred to one such example in one of the Bandura studies. Both vicarious reinforcement and identification may mean that aggression by goodies can be more of a problem with children than that of baddies. Criticism of aggressive acts either within the programme itself or by co-viewers tends to reduce imitation by children. Perceived Reality: Another variation of modeling which lacks an agreed label is imitation subject to the degree of perceived reality. Some studies (eg Feshbach 1976) have shown cartoon violence to have a less negative influence on childrens behavior than more realistic violence. Instigation/Arousal According to this variation on modeling, those who are already in a state of high emotional or physiological arousal (which may itself have been influenced by TV) are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior in response to watching a violent incident on TV than are others. Leonard Berkowitz found that if viewers of a violent film were made angry or frustrated before they watched it, they expressed more aggression than those who were not already angry or frustrated. We may also note that heavy viewers tend to be less emotionally aroused by violent TV itself than do light viewers (Gunter McAleer, 1990). Related to the influence of arousal, some commentators refer to reinforcement in a general sense, meaning that TV violence has relatively little independent influence on behavior, but tends to reinforce any aggressive attitudes and behavior which may already exist. Some also refer to this as pre observation reinforcement. The more general argument of reinforcement is that the more aggressive tendencies are reinforced in this way, the more likely it will be that they will produce aggressive behavior. Sensitization is a sort of reverse modeling, whereby viewers react so strongly to some extreme example of realistic violence that they are less likely to imitate it. Ethical considerations mean that its not much studied. Where viewing of violence is light sensitization may be more likely than desensitization. Catharsis (or symbolic catharsis): As we have seen, Seymour Feshbach (1955; Feshbach Singer, 1971) has argued (rather differently from all the varieties of modelling theory) that fantasy violence can have a cathartic effect on viewers, defusing latent aggression, and reducing the possibility of aggressive behaviour. People often report feeling better after watching a really scary film. Note that this theory, which suggests that aggressive behavior television may not have harmful effects, is often si ngled out for an attack, as in the case of the study already referred to by Feshbach and Singer. A serious objection, though, is that the content of TV programmes may be partly responsible for any pent-up aggression or anxieties in the first place! Certainly, theres no doub that TV characters enter into childrens dreams, and TV-inspired fantasies may not only inspire nightmares but may also perform a valuable role in developing defenses against the real or imagined vulnerability. Another version of catharsis theory is that watching violent programmes decreases levels of arousal, leaving viewers less prone to aggressive behavior. Longer Term Influence Disinhibition This related theory formerly advanced by Leonard Berkowitz suggests that people are naturally aggressive, but that they normally repress this aggression. Heavy viewing of violent TV weakens their inhibitions and leads them to feel that aggression is acceptable. Desensitization The notion of desensitization involves the argument that heavy viewing of violent TV over time conditions viewers gradually to accept violence as normal, dulling their sensitivity to aggressive behavior in everyday life. The conditions of ordinary TV viewing may encourage us to relax and enjoy violent images. Arousal declines as the viewing of violence becomes routinized. Drabman Thomas (1984) found that children of 8 to 10 shown a video of aggressive behavior took longer to intervene in apparently real-life violence between two younger children they were left in charge of than children who had not seen the video. However, such studies are still artificially lab-based and do not explore childrens own thoughts and feelings. The origin of such theories is again in the behaviouristic tradition of behavior modification. Observations suggesting densitization may, in fact, have been observing the development of childrens defenses against anxiety. TV viewing may influence not only behavior but also attitudes and beliefs Value Reinforcement: Whilst this doesnt have a technical label, this refers to the theory that TV programmes may reinforce certain values about the use of violence (rather than directly influencing behavior). Programmes where violence is used frequently to settle disputes reinforce the value that aggressive behavior is acceptable. Cultivation Theory: George Gerbner and his colleagues in the USA argue that the most significant effects of TV violence are ideological rather than behavioral. Gerbner sees TV as a modern opiate of the people, serving as a tranquilizer which legitimates the current social order. He has shown that there is a correlation between TV viewing and viewers estimations of the frequency of violence in the everyday world. Heavy viewers are more likely to mistrust other people and to experience fear and insecurity, and therefore to support stronger forms of policing and social control. However, Gerbner makes no allowance for the variety of individual interpretations or for the kind of programmes involved. It may be that more fearful people are drawn to watching more TV. And other social and personality factors may counter such cultivation.

Farming Transition Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Farming Transition - Article Example This is necessary and should be kept in mind because there are multi-agricultural families and structures developed whose roots are connecting to farming from the start and it is a family trade. The article points out to the fact that farming policies and the values of farmers do matter when it comes to making sustainable development in the area and reap benefits from the agricultural industry. The author sheds light on the fact that success in the agricultural field can be achieved through the proper understanding of the impact of cultures on farming. This is because every race has a different history and heritage which further has an impact on their objectives, visions and their accessibility to farmlands. This tends to have an impact on the way that every race manages the farms owned by them. The article describes that a wide diversity of farmers makes it more feasible to progress and gain economic benefits from the cultural farming legacies. Having a diverse farming structure doe s not necessarily mean that the business is bound to expand or grow in a profitable manner but can also cause a conflict in this agricultural dynamic change. It should also be noted that there is no gender equality when it comes to farming practices. Where in some cultures women are more involved than men in the trade, it might be the opposite in others. If a country needs to prosper, then the agricultural side of it should be dealt with on both federal and state levels. This ensures both sides of the party to benefit.

Natural Gas Plants Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Natural Gas Plants - Research Paper Example Natural gas is also known to be a necessity of this world. Gas in its pure form is of no particular use to the human beings but after being furnished in a Natural Gas Plant it can be used for several purposes. In some parts of the world it is used as a purpose of fuel and in some parts of the world it is used to light fire. Natural Gas Plants use different processes through which they can produce the sort of gas required by the individuals. It is seen that raw form of gas needs to pass through different stages to produce the productive gas. The processes respectively are known as Removal of Oil and Condensed particles, removal of water, separation of the gas liquids and lastly the removal of carbon dioxide and sulfur from the gas. Gas Plants use Low Temperature Separator, Liquid and Solid desiccant dehydrators, and Fractionators. This report would further revolve around Gas Processing Plants and would provide with further details about it. Natural Gas Plants use different devices to filter out the natural gas into productive forms. This report would revolve around the two main components of natural gas production which are Fractionators and Liquid and Solid Desiccant dehydrators. Both these components are used by almost all the gas plants to effectively produce the right form of gases. Fractionators use the different boiling points of hydrocarbons to their advantage whereas the dehydrators use different solutions which have the power to absorb and adsorb. The different processes in purifying gas would also be described in this report with emphasis on the two main components. This report would present with findings about the natural gas plants as a whole and not specifically about certain plants (Scott et al 1999) Gas in its pure form consists of many impurities which need to be filtered by the gas plants so that the gas can be used by the consumers.

Visual art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Visual art - Essay Example However, it is also evident that Spanish cinema has an increasingly international appeal with added creativity and dynamism than at any time in its history. Results released by the Spanish film board shows that Spanish films have grossed more than $143 million in 2013despite funding cuts that have been a result of austerity measures (Dennison 16). This is the best performance ever by the industry, which can be attributed, among other things, to the conscious attempts by the industry to appeal to a global audience base. Some of the best films I have watched in the last year include â€Å"The Impossible† that I believe is the best local Spanish film of all time, which earned an Oscar nomination. â€Å"I Want you† by Fernando Molina and â€Å"Tad, the Lost Explorer† were also local hits that gained international recognition in this period. These films also grossed $50 million, $15 million, and  million locally, while making double the amount globally, indicating a renaissance for the Spanish film industry (Dennison 34). This year has also begun brightly with â€Å"Mama† produced by Guillermo Toro and starring Jessica Chastain, which was also successful in the US, beginning its run in at the top of the box office. However, it is also important to note that these successful films began production over four years ago; mostly because of a decline in government, funding that was widely criticized in the Spanish media. The last year and half have been the most successful for the Spanish film industry according to the Spanish media, especially due to its simultaneous international and local appeal. For example, the four nominees at the GOYA awards this year for best picture, â€Å"Unit 7†, â€Å"The Artist and the Model†, â€Å"The Impossible†, and â€Å"Blancanieves†, were especially appealing to local audience as they tackled the theme of crisis, which has been emblematic of Spain in the last five years (Dennison 34). However, my interest in the Spanish

Macroeconomics written paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Macroeconomics written paper - Assignment Example Hence, indifference analysis takes into consideration the concept of indifference curves and budget line constraints (Dwivedi, 2010). In the situation above, Commuters consider that Bus journeys are an inferior good while Car journeys are a normal good. The two modes of transport employ economic aspects of transportation to differentiate the two aspects of travelling, which is car travel and Bus travel. Both modes of transportation have their own advantages and disadvantages. Bus travelling is cheaper and perhaps safer compared to car journeys whereas, car journeys are considered much faster, comfortable and convenient when compared top bus travels. Income is a budgetary constraint and a rise in income will affect consumer behavior according to consumer theory. The income effect as proposed by the consumer theory indicates that a rise in income makes a consumer to have more purchasing power of a product. Increasing income leads to a shift of the budget constraint line out parallel. The relative pricing of the two goods or services, which are, car and bus travel do not change meaning that the gradient of the budget line remains the same. The income has increased and this means that there is more resources to purchase the same products in more quantities. The new combinations of products that maximize utility can be identified; from this, the impact of income changes on the demand for a product can be analyzed (Friedman, 2007). In summary, economists decompose this effect of change in price on the quantity of the demand into an income and a substitution effect. The income effect theory proposes that due to increase in real income, which is closely related to a fall in prices or the real income associated with a rise in prices. On the other hand, the substitution effect proposes that due to change in the relative price of the product, cheaper products are substituted for more expensive goods. Two major economists have proposed the effect of price

An Investigation into the Factors that Impact on the Retention of Dissertation

An Investigation into the Factors that Impact on the Retention of Generation Y Workers in Nestle South Africa - Dissertation Example 89). Other terms have been used synonymously to pertain to the same group, such as â€Å"Millenials†, â€Å"Echo-Boomers†, or the â€Å"iGeneration†. These young individuals possess a set of common characteristics and expectations distinct from older generations who have preceded them. This generation can create considerable impact both as employees and consumers, meriting an investigation of the factors that influence their cognition, affect, and behaviours at work. The Nestle brand has continuously created an extensive range of products with superior quality, targeted towards consumers at a global scale. The multinational organisation, has been acknowledged internationally, owing to their research and development capabilities, geographic presence, and the premium that they place on their employees and their culture. Over 3,300 employees work for Nestle, 82% of whom are Black and 32% being females. Because of the organisation’s concern towards enhancing e mployee performance and well-being, Nestle has devised employee assistance programs that promote emotional and psychological support and financial stability, among others, towards maintaining employee wellness and effectively reducing employee turnover. Owing to the substantial influence of Generation Y employees on achieving the organisational bottomlines, the current research aims to ascertain the factors that influence their retention. ... Individuals who have grown up at different periods of time are likely to be characterized by a unique set of attitudes, values, beliefs, and expectations which exert a significant impact on their mindsets, behaviours, and their response to the culture of the workplace they belong to. As members of Generation Y enter employment, work forces have become more generationally diverse, being composed of four generations, spanning over 60 years- the Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y (Glass, 2007, p. 98). Generation Y, which represents the latest generation to join the workforce, can be considered as the â€Å"most technically literate, educated, and ethnically diverse generation in history† (Eisner, 2005, p. 6). Gen Yers value personal development, achievement, and continual learning. There are inherent challenges in teaching and learning Generation Y employees in the contemporary workforce (Jonas-Dwyer and Pospisil, 2004). Differences exist among these ge nerations particularly as regards their preferred work culture, and such leanings are reflected in their preferred values, work styles and management (Eisner, 2005). As argued by Westerman and Yamamura (2007, p. 150), a profound understanding of work environment preferences, work motivation, and other work-related outcomes, is essential at strategizing for effective recruitment, training, retention and rewarding of the young generation. The current study thus further examines the factors that contribute to the motivation and retention of Gen Y employees in the South African context, specifically in the Nestle organisation. 1.3 The Research Problem There has been no systematic

Ann Taylor Brand Analysis Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ann Taylor Brand Analysis - Term Paper Example The Ann Taylor brand was created in 1954 and today it has become a well established brand. According to Keller, Sternthal and Tybout, in case of established brands, managers must reassess their points of parity and points of difference from time to time. When customers think about Ann Taylor, they first consider the long term and the admirable market operations of the brand. In order to analyze the brand image of AT, a survey was conducted among 6 women professional from different age groups (between 30 and 39). From the survey responses, it is obvious that old brand image of Ann Taylor including poor fit, the traditional style, comes to customers’ mind when they think of AT despite the restructuring efforts of the company. All the five respondents said that they owned an Ann Taylor product. In addition, most of the participants said that they gave great emphasis on company’s reputation while choosing a clothing brand. The survey also indicated that poor quality and sty le are the main reasons why customers are reluctant to buy AT products. Misconceptions like ‘AT still follows a conventional business pattern’ also have adversely affected the brand’s reputation and thereby sales volume. Nowadays, AT deploys celebrities and initiates advertisement campaigns to change its brand image and associations so as to make consumers enlightened on particular product characteristics and quality. This advantage assists Ann Taylor to raise sales only on the strength of its brand image despite its product features. Although these brand-related or non-product related associations have to be emphasized, the company must make sure that such associations do not reduce the market demand of its products. In short, American women customers tend to choose Ann Taylor brand mainly because of the reputation the brand has in the US clothing market. Brand Elements Brand position, brand promise, brand personality, brand story, and brand associations are the important elements associated with a brand. Ann Taylor brand specifically works for addressing the clothing needs of middle class professional women. This brand equally serves the interests of every woman whether she is a trainee in a small firm or a top executive at a multinational corporation. High quality is the most important feature that the brand offers to its customers. The brand is well known for its repute across the New York market for more than a half century. The company’s long success history adds value to its brand credibility which in turn assists the brand to maintain customer loyalty. While analyzing the brand association, it seems that the Ann Taylor makes efficient use of its logos, packaging, and slogans. Ann Taylor’s Heidi Klum featured Holiday 2010 campaign attained great public attention and it assisted the company to change its brand image to some extent. However, Ann Taylor’s logo is not much recognized in the market and people do not e asily recognize AT products among other brands despite its long years’ service history. In short, these brand elements have reinforced the point of difference, which represents the outcomes of product differentiation. While analyzing

Strategic Management Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Strategic Management Analysis - Essay Example This kind of transformation has led to Better Place establishing a paradigm shift; whereby in the business model, sales are shifted from products to services. Mission and Vision The company’s mission is to reduce the social and environmental impacts in relying on petroleum by the transportation sector. The Better Place case highlights the automotive industry history in brief offers an overview of numerous automotive technologies such as hybrids and demonstrates consequences brought forth by its expansion (Romero, 2009: p.155-159). Industry Analysis The Better Place case highlights numerous aspects of the company, its shortcomings and advantages. It as well examines the rollout strategy of the company, which is an entrepreneurial that is trying to expand and grow globally at a quick pace. Its key challenges include a complex business model on the economy particularly on the wide upfront investments that are dispersed in various locations internationally, how infrastructure is c oordinated, how consumers can be convinced to switch to electric cars as well as ways of convincing automotive producers that EVs are a better option. Porter’s five Porter’s five looks at the five forces that act on Better Place Company and are the determinants of the company’s profitability. 1. Threats of new entrants This is a low threat in Better Place Company being in the automobile industry. ... 2. Bargaining power of buyers Buyers always bargain before buying cars, and so dealers gives out great deals to the buyers so as to move the industry. In this case, the buyers usually have a considerable bargaining power even if they purchase a single car at any given time which is a good factor that determines this force. 3. Threat of substitute products When buyers look at other products compared to those of Better Place, as well as competition, and are able to switch with ease, then the company can have a high threat of force. This is because the cost of switching can be high as one cannot sell a car for the sum paid for. In the differentiation of product, cars could be particularly similar in various ways but if choosing the amphibious cars, the threat of substitute products can be of low. 4. The bargaining power of suppliers This involves suppliers of electronics, parts, components and tires as well as the assembly workers. The auto unions are powerful in a tremendous way. On th e other hand, suppliers can be of small firms who often depend on carmakers and can have a single carmaker as a customer. Therefore, this force can be either low or high. 5. Competitive rivalry Better Place is a company that has a fierce competition in terms of price cut, product development and ad campaigns, which drives it to the profitability and innovation edge. This leads to low margins and a high pressure on rivals. However, if there is less pressure from rivals, the pressure on imports becomes high although there will be a difference in profitability because the business models will vary (Pickard, 2010.p.125). Sources and Capabilities SWOT Analysis of Better Place a. Strengths

Identity Theft and Facebook Essay Example for Free

Identity Theft and Facebook Essay Bullying amp; Suicide 3F Social networking is the main source teenagers turn to when they want to bully other people. Harsh statements and name calling are what is said to make the victim feel lonesome and pathetic. Bullying can quickly turn into cutting yourself or even committing suicide. That’s what happened to Holly Grogan who was tormented in school who felt her last resort was to just make it all stop by killing herself. (McWilliams, Geraldine, 2009, para. 1) Cyberstalkers 5D Real-world stalkers are known to know their victims personally. The Huffington Post reports that victims said their cyberstalkers were either acquaintances or complete strangers with few or unclear motives for harassment. Only 4% reported being stalked by a former partner, compared with victims of face-to-face stalking, where around half are former partners. (April, 11, 2011, para. 5) Obsessed with Facebook 4C As of 2011, there are 500,000,000 active Facebook users, which is approximately 1 in every 13 people on Earth. 48% of 18-34 year olds check Facebook as soon as they wake up. A record-breaking 750 million photos were uploaded on the site on New Year’s weekend. 57% more people talk online rather than in real life. (Think Marketing and Communications, 2011, para. 4) Obesity 8H More and more children are becoming comfortable facing their computer every day. They don’t go outside to play and socialize with other kids face-to-face as much. Kids are getting addicted to computer online games, chats, and social networking. The result is less body activity, a reduction in quality of life, and serious health risks. Getting hooked to the computer tends to make a person lazy to move and socialize. It is best to prevent them early in their life with more time exercising and less computer time. (TechXplore Inc. , 2011, para. 2) Nigerian Scammers 7G Nigerian Scammers have always been a problem on the internet. Two years ago, they were impersonating people on Facebook and asking for money. Facebook does have a pretty secure security system, yet imposters are able to receive a person’s information with just the click of a button. 0% of the people scammed are fooled and end up getting their money stolen from who they thought was someone they knew and trusted. (AOL Inc. , January, 26, 2009, para. 1) Murder 6E Murder is one of the most common negative results when using cyberspace. For instance, 41-year-old Edward Richardson of Staffordshire, England, killed his 26-year-old wife, Sarah, for changing her relationship status on Facebook to â€Å"single. † This act enraged Edward which caused him to break down Sarah’s door and stabbed her to death. According to the government, hes been sentenced to life in prison. AOL Inc. , 2009, para. 2) Formspring 9I A relatively new website called â€Å"Formspring. me† is a common innovation of cyber-bullying. This online page allows teenagers to ask open-ended questions about themselves or friends, with the option to ask anonymously. Many comments are rude and sexual, which causes parents to radar what their child is doing. The majority of teenagers set up their account to Tumblr, another social network, and invite hundreds of friends to ask questions without identifying themselves. (Kary, Mary Kate, 2010, para. 1-2)

Helping Parents and Caregivers Fight Chilhood Obesity Essay Example for Free

Helping Parents and Caregivers Fight Chilhood Obesity Essay Helping Parents and Caregivers in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity Young children acquire their knowledge through direct instruction, modeling, and experiences within their environment (Lanigan, 2010, p. # 369). Children who are obese are known to have lower self-esteem, and a higher risk of becoming drinkers, smokers, and/or socially isolated as they mature. Health concerns such as Cardiovascular Disease; Gall Bladder problems; Hypertension; and Sleep Apnea have all been associated with childhood obesity (Robinson; Geier; Rizzolo; Sedrak, 2011). Teaching portion control, implementing a healthy balanced diet, and adding in daily physical activities can help parents and caregivers in the fight against childhood obesity. Portion control is something that has to be developed from within a person. By introducing and practicing the use of healthy eating habits early in life, parents and caregivers are increasing the opportunities for a child to learn behaviors that can help them to develop a healthy life style. This type of life style can in turn increase the child’s chances of reversing or even preventing obesity. Teaching children to recognize what it feels like in their bodies when they are hungry or what could be called their hunger signals, while encouraging them to eat their food more slowly, and persuading them to stop eating when they feel they have had enough, even though they may still have food left over, are all ways of promoting healthy eating habits in children. The practice and observation of these skills will benefit children in their journey to a healthy life. Creating a healthy balanced diet can be a challenge for families. The convenience of the fast food industry has increased the challenge for families. Most families have parents or caregivers who work long hours and have little down time, causing them to â€Å"grab† dinner verses preparing it as was once the norm. In a balanced diet, the recommendation of carbohydrates is 45% to 50% of the total daily calories, while fat intake is at 30% to 35% (Philippas; Lo, 2005). Focusing on the right fats and carbs are of extreme importance. Making choices with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthier poly- and  monounsaturated fats, verses saturated fats and refined carbohydrates like white bread, refined sugar, soft drinks, cakes and candies, can dramatically assist in the battle against childhood obesity. While portion control and a healthy balanced diet are essential in the fight against childhood obesity, the benefits of physical activity should not be ignored. Exercise is a key component in the treatment and prevention of obesity in children (Robinson; Geier; Rizzolo; Sedrak, 2011). Exercise will assist in weight loss as well as improve metabolic risk factors such as hypertension, and has been known to have led to the lowering of blood pressure, along with reducing in depression, anxiety, and improvement of self-esteem (Robinson; Geier; Rizzolo; Sedrak, 2011). The obesity epidemic is being blamed for the rise in serious diseases and disorders (Robinson; Geier; Rizzolo; Sedrak, 2011). With this information of the multiple health concerns that have been associated with childhood obesity, parents and caregivers must be armed with education and resources to fight against this disease. Teaching portion control, implementing a healthy balanced diet, and adding in daily physical activities can help parents and caregivers in the fight against the disease known as childhood obesity.

The Postmodernism Of The White Noise English Literature Essay

The Postmodernism Of The White Noise English Literature Essay While the cultural and sociological landscape of White Noise is situated primarily in a postmodern world, the town of Blacksmith, the city that the Gladneys call home, seems to occupy a space between modernism and postmodernism. The intrusion of technology, a factor which is often attributed with the end of modernism and the beginning of postmodernism, in Blacksmith is described by Jack when he says Babette and I and our childrenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦live at the end of a quiet street in what was once a wooded area with deep ravines (4). Here, technology has transformed the physical and historical landscape of the town in such a way that makes the notion of progress, in regards to the progress of nature, a trope for society, impossible, a defining characteristic of postmodern existence. Old Man Treadwell is yet another example of the tension between modernity and postmodernity within Blacksmith. Treadwell, symbolic of the towns history, its modernity, has Babette read tabloids to him once a week. Within White Noise, tabloids represent the postmodern certainty of information and it is only through Babette, an interpreter of sorts, that Treadwell is allowed access to the new world and the new language of information. Understanding Blacksmiths transformation from a seemingly pastoral town to a modern city full of shopping malls, homes, and a host of other technological advancements is important in that it helps, in part, to understand how Jacks historical sense of self, possibly an extension of the town in which he has lived in for twenty-one years, is at odds with the new postmodern world. More so than any character within White Noise, Jack, much like Blacksmith, exists between the cultural divide of modernism and postmodernism. While he maintains an acute awareness of the eternal and the immutable (HARVEY #), the greater forces at work outside the sphere of existence, he is also overly infatuated with the object rather than the subject, that is to say, his sense of identity is the product of consumerist behaviors and goods. After Wilder, Jack and Babettes youngest, suddenly stops crying after a seven-hour long fit, Jack says It was as though hed just returned from a period of wandering in some remote and holy placeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦a place where things are said, sights are seenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦of the most sublime and difficult dimensions (79). Here Jack is acknowledging the existence of otherworldly, interpersonal realities, a strong indicator of his modern sentiments given that one fundamental characterization of modernism is the power it bestows on the individual to crea te, improve, or reshape his or her environment, a la Wallace Stevens. During the Airborne Toxic Event, Jack describes the sight of the chemical plume as an enormous dark mass that moved like some death ship in a Norse legend (127). Later, when speaking of Babette, he says When she shoveled snow, she wore a furry headbandà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦it made me think of the fifth century A.D. men standing around campfires speaking in subdued tone in their Turkic and Mongol dialects (171). In both instances, Jack, lending himself to the modernistic value of looking to the past to understand the present, seems to suggest that he is aware that life, and all of the images, situations and occurrences that comprise it, existed, in some fashion, before him, an idea that directly contradicts the shallow, superficial sense of time and place associated with postmodernism. However, this notion of Jack as strictly a modernist is complicated early in the novel by his addiction, in every sense of the word, to ob jects and goods. When Jack and Babette run into Murray at the supermarket, Jack immediately begins to list the contents of Murrays shopping cart. He mentions the generic food and drink, the nonbrand items, the white packaging and simple labeling (18). His fixation on the objects that Murray is buying is directly related to his own sense of identity, one that is enveloped in a matrix of material goods, and so he searches for clues relating to Murrays identity, Murrays character, not within Murray himself but from the objects associated with Murray. While Jack is aware of the utter shallowness which constitutes his identity, and subsequently everyone elses, saying I am the false character that follows [my] name around (17), he is unable to remove himself from the depths of consumerism. This obsession, in large part, is due to Jacks struggle and overwhelming desire to participate in the emerging postmodern world. Another characteristic of Jacks which highlights his modernist sensibilities is his understanding that certainty, or the notion of absolute knowingness, is subjective, and as such, should be questioned and critically examined whenever it is presented as entirely established. For example, when Babette is reading horoscopes aloud to the family, which, like tabloids, operate within the novel as mediums of absolute certainty, Jack thinks to himself I tried not to listen when she got to mine (18), implying that he does not worry himself with trivial information that has become so pivotal, so meaningful, in the new era of postmodernity. However, Jack and his subjective notion of certainty are constantly at odds with the emerging culture and society of the novel. Throughout White Noise the most emblematic illustration of Jacks struggle to maintain his opposition to the idea of total certainty while trying to become an active participant in the new postmodern world is through various interactions between Jack and his son, Heinrich. Heinrich, in both his youth and his vast array of knowledge, represent the first generation of the postmodern world. While the other children, like Heinrich, have grown up in a hermetically sealed environment comprised entirely of technological and mass-media influences, Heinrich is old enough to understand the postmodern world around him and as such he rebels against the notion of modernism. While, for instance, Jack and his family gather to watch the sunset, one that occurred before the Airborne Toxic Event (after which point the sunsets are described as being postmodern), Jack says Only Heinrich stayed awayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦he believed there was something ominous in the modern sunset (61). Jack is aware of the disco nnect between his son, a product of postmodern life, and himself, someone who still appreciates modern sunsets. While it may be read as an attempt by a father to connect with his son, Jacks numerous attempts at communication with Heinrich within the novel serves as a microcosm to Jacks attempt to communicate in the new cultural plane of postmodernism. In a conversation with Heinrich regarding the weather, the two banter back and forth about whether or not it is currently raining. After a series of sharp counters between the two, Jack taking the subjective position (look at the windshieldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Is that rain or isnt it), Heinrich taking the objective position, or the idea of a media controlled collective subjectivity (Im only telling you what [the radio] said), the two arrive at the root of Heinrichs postmodern ideology. Jack, obviously frustrated by his failed attempt to participate in Heinrichs world, tries to coax Heinrich into admitting that it is in fact raining by presen ting a situation in which a gun-toting man demands the truth to which Heinrich replies What truth does he want? (23). The preceding conversation centers around Heinrichs notion of language and relativity in regards to the notion of truth, or reality, in which the text seems to convey the notion that mass-media derives its power in the postmodern world by being acclimated to an individuals immediate desire for knowledge. Heinrich exudes information, Jack actively seeks it; the tension here exemplifying one of the largest barriers standing between Jack and Heinrich and, more importantly, between Jack and the new postmodern world. As Jack progresses within the novel it becomes increasingly evident that while he recognizes the allure of objectness and the materialized notion of identity, in other words, postmodernism, he seems unable to wholly participate in it. More so than any other character, Jack is sensitive to the friction between the worlds of modernism and post-modernism. While he grasps the motives of the postmodern man to exist within the collective social network, saying to become a crowd is to keep out death. To break off from the crowd is to risk death as an individual, to face dying alone (73), he also constantly questions the role of the new social ideology in regards to truth, knowledge, certainty, and simulation, notably observed in his interactions with SIMUVAC personnel where he questions the importance placed on simulations rather than subjective reality, or experienced reality. However, as momentum builds in his urges to break free from the understanding of postmodernism and exist within in it while maintaining his modernist awareness, his interactions with Vernon Dickey, his father-in-law, complicate his attempts to be a passive member of the object-centric, postmodern culture. From the idea that an individual has the power to create, improve, and reshape their environment to the importance of creative destruction, or the notion that in order to make something new, the old must be abandoned, destroyed, or disassembled, Vernon, in stark contrast to Jack, embodies modernism. Saying that he is shingling here, rustproofing there, his hands described by Jack as scarred, busted, notched and permanently seamed with grease and mud, his attention fixed on trying to spot something that needed replacing or repair (245), Vernon is very much in control of his environment; reshaping it, building it, creating it. Jack, however, views himself against Vernon as fundamentally useless, mentioning that it put Vernon at an advantage to talk about gaskets and washers, about grouting, about the things that built the world (245). Vernon, of course, recognizes the difference between himself and the postmodern world, asking Jack were people this stupid before television? (249). Whil e Jack, to some degree, shares this sentiment, his desire to participate in the postmodern separates himself from Vernon, from modernism. Of creative destruction, Vernon, again contradictory of Jack, is not afraid of death. In fact, Jack notices that Vernon takes on a sardonic pleasure in his own hacking and spasms, chronic coughs that, either from smoking or old age, or both, suggest a progression towards death, a progression towards something new: the afterlife. In these instances, Jack realizes that his previous notion of existing within postmodernity as a passive modernist is unattainable given the fact that in the face of modernism, Vernon, he does not recognize the image of himself that is reflected. This realization propels him towards his decision to be what Murray calls a killer rather than a dier, that is to say, someone who acts in the world instead of simply being acted upon; in other words, he refuses to be an object within the postmodern world who simply succumb, accep t, and absorb. Jack, while no longer the fragmented modernist he once was, maintains his ability to examine and scrutinize, thus deciding for himself that the path of surrender and inaction required in the postmodern world is unacceptable and so, in what will lead to the climatic encounter with Willie Mink, Babettes sexual liaison, he decides to become a subject, a killer, and heads to Iron City with the purpose of murdering Willie. Jacks encounter with Willie Mink, the physical embodiment of post-modernism itself, is an allegory which speaks to Jacks resolve to overcome, with respect to himself, the seemingly impenetrable and nonparticipatory nature of the postmodernist world. However, Jacks interaction with the insensible, lobotomized Willie ultimately undermines his meaningful resolve to defeat postmodernism due primarily to the fact that Willie proves to be too strong in his objectness. Adorned with Budweiser shorts, the first indication of his physical personification of post-modernism, Willie drones out TV phrases and indecipherable riddles, saying some of these sure-footed bighorns have been equipped with radio transmitters (306) and the pet under stress may need a prescription diet (307). Like the diers described by Murray, Willie simply disarms and absorbs Jacks attempts at communication and dispatchment. The postmodern aura, or the collective unity of information, materiality, technology and knowledge, proves too powerful to be measurable and overcome by Jacks common standard of logic, reason, and discernment. So overwhelming, in fact, was the realm of postmodernism which existed within both Willie Mink and the motel room itself that it began to consume Jack. He says things began to glowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the air was rich with extrasensory materialà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦[Willie] appeared to grow more vividà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦things in their actual stateà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦white noi se everywhere (309-310). Overwhelmed and frightened, Jack puts into action his meticulously overstated plan to kill Willie, the last-ditch effort to obtain the subjectness and authenticity that he felt would be realized by surmounting postmodernism. However, Willie, and the aura of postmodernity, again dispels Jacks attempts by literally absorbing the gunshot in his gut. Jack, overcome with disappointment and frustrated in the face of the inevitability of defeating Willie, then recognizes the fundamental impossibility of bridging the gap between subject and object, between modernism and postmodernism, between himself and the new world. Instantly, Jack, for the first time in the novel, sees the world as it truly is: The extra dimensions, the super perceptions, were reduced to visual clutter, a whirling miscellany, meaningless (313). Ultimately, Jack learns that the most important aspect of existence is being able to step back from the cultural frays of modernism and postmodernism, of subject and object, of reflection and criticism and certainty, in order to understand the rationality which gave rise to them in the first place. When one exists outside the realms of either movement, as Jack does at the end of White Noise, the beauty of being reveals itself in the mysteries of not knowing what comes next, what came before, or what forces drive our existence. Certainly there is awe, it is all awe, it transcends previous categories of awe, but we dont know whether we are watching in wonder or dread, we dont know what we are watching or what it means, we dont know whether it is permanent, a level of experience to which we will gradually adjust, into which our uncertainty will eventually be absorbed, or just some atmospheric weirdness, soon to pass. (324-25)

The Mouse and His Child :: American Literature

The Mouse and His Child, by Russell Hoban, is a melancholy fable about a wind-up pair of tin mice that explore various themes such as hope and perseverance. However, the prevailing lesson taken from this book can be found in the way that Hoban employs his cast of wind-up toys to advocate the importance of the family unit. The story begins with the family together, but it is divided and they go out in separate directions. The father mouse and his child have different views on what to do after the break up of the family. The father's goal of self-winding is a wish for independence, while his child only wishes to bring the family back together. In fact, when the child tells Frog, "I want to find the elephant, I want her to be my mama, and I want the seal to be my sister..." (35), the father is flabbergasted since he was not aware of his child's desire. However, since they are bound together with the father mouse pushing the child along, the father's dream of self-winding/independence takes priority. Hoban cleverly uses the dialogue of the father mouse to show that the family broke up because of differences between the father and mother. In reply to his child's desire to go look for the elephant/mama and the seal/sister, the father says, "I cannot imagine myself being cozy with that elephant." (46) Yet the father humors his child and goes in the direction that they believe may lead them to the seal/sister and elephant/mama saying, "Finding the elephant would be as pointless as looking for her, but since I cannot convince you of that, ... we shall (at least) see something of the world" (47). While the elephant/mama had grown accustom to her royal lifestyle at the dollhouse in the store, she began to be snooty to her family. In replying to why she had been at the store so long she stated, "I'm part of the establishment...and this is my house." (5). It is not until she has been separated from her possessions and the family that she realizes how well off she was when the family was together. When she sees the father and child cutting the tree, she is "completely overwhelmed" (127). Until then she had only thought of herself. She realizes the error of their split as "a world of love and pain was printed on her vision" (128).

The Real Tragedy of Shakespeares Macbeth :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Tragedy of   Macbeth In a tragedy the main character rises to greatness, then continues to fall down a shame spiral which leads to their down fall. An example of a tragedy is Macbeth. Macbeth is driven up the hill of greatness a rise, then his untamed ambition leads him to death. The process of a tragedy is slow to let the audience become comfortable with the power and happiness of the main character. Then all of the sudden signs appear that the end is coming and the main character heads toward downfall.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the beggining of the play a battle goes on between King Duncan of Scotland and Macdonwald of Norway. Macbeth fought bravely on Scotland's side and even killed Macdonwald himself. King Duncan hears of Macbeth's brave and noble qualities and crowns him the new Thane of Cawdor. The king states that the old Thane should not device, "... Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death, And with his former title greet Macbeth." (1.2.63-65) Macbeth is hostile to except the rank because earlier three witches prophesied that Macbeth would become Thane of Cawdor even though there was one at that time. Since Macbeth was crowned Thane of Cawdor, Banquo and Macbeth think that the three withches adre able to correctly tell them their fate.   Macbeth now having higher-ranking authority begins to have his ambition act up on him and crave more power. Lady Macbeth organizes King Duncans murder, which increases Macbeth's ambition and enables Macbeth to rise up to the ultimate height. The murder is carried out but not as planned and Macbeth is driven to kill the king himself. Macbeth states after everyone found the dead king," Loyal and neutral, in a moment? no man. The expedition of my violent love..." (2.3.111-112) This was the only done to destroy and thoughts that may have targeted Macbeth that he could have killed the king.   The greediness for power and the witches prophesies have made Macbeth a very disturbed man. Believing in everthing that the witches say, Macbeth hires three murders to kill both Banquo and his son. By having them killed no one shall be in line to take the crown away from Macbeth. Macbeth then hears that Macduff is pondering on ways to seek revenge so Macbeth plans for death of Macduff's family. Macbeth went for his family hoping to hurt him on the inside to show Macduff not to mess with Macbeth.

The Sweat Lodge :: essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The sweat lodge is a key healing and spiritual practice of most, if not all, Native American cultures. A variant of the sweat lodge is seen in those cultures from the artic to South America. It can be seen as a form of water therapy as it uses extreme heat and water to produce its effects. Specifically I will explain my personal journey and experience as a participant of a Mohawk sweat lodge. Each tribe has its own unique way of performing the sweat even if they all share the same base upon which to personalise it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Mohawk sweat lodge that I attended on Thanksgiving last October is an experience I will not soon forget. It was an interesting blend of people coming together to share in a sacred experience for the spiritual healing of a friend. My friend is Mohawk and he gathered his five closest friends to join him; all of us Caucasians, the shaman/medicine man, the shaman’s wife (a medicine woman in here own right), the fire keeper and the woman in Hudson who graciously allowed us to use her land for this occasion. Names have purposely been omitted for the sake of anonymity as the type of sweat was one of personal healing and not a general sweat.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The figures in the sweat are the shaman who directs and explains the procedure of the sweat and conducts it. The next figure is the fire keeper who tends the fire on which the stones for the sweat are heated and transfers them with the help of a pitchfork which he hands to the person closest to the entrance of the lodge as he does not enter the lodge. The final figure is the person being healed, in this case my friend.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As this sweat was a personal healing we all had to be intimately involved in the preparations, we did not have to build the lodge only cover it with skins and tarps. The frame of the lodge had been built for a previous sweat. Before we could cover the lodge we had to lay down cedar on the floor of the lodge in an intricate manner based on the traditional beliefs of the Mohawk. This task is normally done by the women and those men who are attuned with their feminine energy, as such I was asked to join in this task. Laying down the cedar branches that have been cut into small pieces was a very calming exercise; it also provided me with a chance to learn about some herbal lore from the other women.

Television Programme

ogrmI am someone who doesn't watch TV at all. But there is one show that I just can't afford to miss ‘the fresh prince of bel air'. This show got me hooked the first time I watched it, my brother was watching TV and I was there in the living room reading a book. I like reading a lot. I did not realize when I stopped reading and started watching the show instead. The fresh prince of bel air is an American comedy sitcom, with a big star will smith.It was originally aired in 1990s. So the main character is obviously will smith. He is the fresh prince from west Philadelphia sent by his mother to California to live with his aunty, uncle and cousins. The story is about how his life is changed and how he changes their life. This is a show from 90s but I am watching the reruns now. Can't believe I missed out on a show like this. I really think the 90s show were more entertaining than the shows we have today.I don't like reality shows because I think they are not real at all and its all scripted. I like comedy and so I like this show and the only thing I watch on TV at the moment. The best thing I like about this show is that its very well written. It sends a good message by the use of comedy. The show makes you think, makes you cry and makes you laugh a lot. what makes it even better is the acting by all the actors especially will smith and Alfonso Ribeiro. All characters are very likeable and well developed.My dilemma is I can't choose between will and Carlton, (Alfonso Ribeiro) both are equally as good. So I would say they are both my favourite characters as their humour and sarcasm is awesome. The chemistry between the two is amazing. I like how will is always cracking jokes about Carlton's height and Carlton makes fun of will's low intellect. The best thing about Carlton is the funny dance he does, nobody can do it better, it really makes me laugh a lot. Another character that I really like is Hillary ( Karyn parsons).She is as dumb as a donkey, which is what makes her really funny. She has a very bubbly personality, and is shown to be very shallow all she cares about is her appearance. Uncle Phill, aunty Vivian and Ashley are the least humorous out of them all but still are really good at their character. This is the only show that I love watching and know that I will not get tired of watching it. This is the best show ever according to me great fun and laughs for the whole family.

Natural Sciences Annotated Bibliography in CSE Format

Challenge C, Editor. 2009. The archaeology of rock-art. Cambridge (I-J): Cambridge university Press. 373 p. Dry. Christopher Chippendale Is an archaeologist from the United Kingdom. He currently holds the honored position of Reader In Archaeology at the university of Cambridge, UK. He Is world renown and highly respected In the fields of anthropology and archaeology for his Orlando works and studies on stone hinge, rock formations and rock art.The primary Intent of this title Is to Inform the deader on various forms of artistic expression our ancestral cultures left behind for us. This title establishes uncontested observations and methodologies for research and documentation of rock archaeology. This Is relevant to my theme for two primary reasons. Firstly, it provides a general timeline that establishes the first known discoveries of culture in the Neolithic period. Second, this title also provides well documented examples of cultural development throughout the Neolithic period tha t will support my topic.The entry that this title most related to is The History of Music by Morley, 201 3. Both authors use widely accepted methods for their research and dating methods, therefore no competitive views really exist between them. The primary difference is that this text deals with rock art and Morley focuses on musical instruments. Feminine G, Editor. 2001. Archaeology at the millennium. New York (NY): Springer Science. 494 p. Dry. Gary Feminine is an archaeologist from the united States.He is currently the Curator of Micronesian and Central American Anthropology for Chicago&s Field Museum of Natural History. Dry. Feminine is known for his work in the development of an archaeology survey, as well as his research in he Cacao Valley in southern Mexico. Dry. Feminine asserts that the purpose of this title is not to redefine accepted theories and facts in anthropology and archaeology, but to consolidate them all into a single reference source. This is a compilation of an thropological data and theories as it stood during the new millennium.This text will assist me in providing relevant archaeological findings and anthropological theories on the topic of the foundation of Neolithic cultural leisure. This text Is similar to Dry Hanks and Dry Lending 2009 title, Social complexity In prehistoric Eurasia. The primary difference is the scope of Dry. Feldman Is much broader In the exploration of a wide variety of topics, while Dry Hanks and Landlord provide a more detailed look at relevant finds In and around the Eurasian steppe. Brochette M. 2012. Multinational emergence of mobile pastoralist and monologue Institutional complexity across Eurasia.Current Anthropology. 53(1 1: 2-38 p. Dry. Michael Brochette Is one of the leading researchers In the world for bronze age central and eastern Eurasia. HIS focus is often towards the pastoral and migratory cultures and how they spread new technologies and customs. The famed silk road of the old world runs right ac ross the Eurasian steppe and is attributed by Dry. Affricate as a major conduit between the mixing of eastern and western cultures. I will show correlation between the density spread of new cultural identifications through the pastoral and nomadic tribes.I will differentiate the locations of early stationary agriculture from the pastoral communities so I can focus on the cultural development of each subject appropriately. Hanks and Lending echo many of the same notions on spreading culture through pastoralist. They also tend to focus on the fertile crescent and Persia more than Dry. Affricate. Additionally he is more focused on the pastoral immunities contributions to the domestication of crops and animals as oppose to the culture as a whole. Hanks B and Lending K. 2009.Social complexity in prehistoric Eurasia. Cambridge (I-J): Cambridge University Press. 412 p. Dry Hanks and Dry. Lending are Professors at the University of Pittsburgh, PA. Dry Lending is very well known for her expe rtise in ancient and eastern art across the Eurasian steppe. Dry. Hanks has a broader view of the societies themselves and how they developed into complex societies. This title will explore both the art and societies of ancient times in Eurasia. The claims here are in support of the correlation between art and the development of complex societies.This adds significant value to my topic as it attempts to define the catalyst for cultural development. I will also be able to align the theories postulated by Doctors Chippendale and Morley. Their titles also claim a clear correlation with cultural leisure and social domestication. The obvious difference between the three books is that Dry. Chippendale focuses on rock art, Dry. Morley on music and this title provides a broader overview. Morley l. 2013. The prehistory of music: human evolution, archaeology, and the origins of musicality. Oxford (I-J): Oxford University Press. 464 p.Dry. Lain Morley is a lecturer in paleontology's for the Un iversity of Oxford. He also tutors and lectures on the topics of the evolution of human cognition, human evolution, archaeology, anthropology, and cognitive and evolutionary anthropology. His primary focus for his research is the origins of human cognition and culture. This title attempts to show correlations between music and language in regards to our human ancestors. His belief is that language and music would have basically come into existence either at he same time or for the same reasons during different times.This claim supports my theory that a paradigm shift occurred when humans settled, permitting more leisure, and I believe the development of artistic and cultural identities. This entry also goes into great detail for the opposing arguments surrounding some controversial flutes. Dry. Chippendale focuses in a similar way on a different side of cultural development by exploring rock art. Dry. Chippendale has a more data focused reference and Dry. Morley is a mix of data and well establish references that support his hypothesis.

Lidar

Using  LiDAR Data  At  Vermont  Electric  Power  Co. Prepared  By: Jarrod  Harper Phone:  (802)  770? 6223 Email:  [email  protected] com What  is  LiDAR? Light Detection and Ranging †¢ The  dictionary  title:  Ã‚  a  measuring  system  that  detects  and   locates  objects  on  the  same  principle  as  radar  but  uses  light   from  a  laser †¢ A  method  for  quickly  and  accurately  collecting  ground   information  from  an  aerial  platform  using  a  laser  and  ground   control. †¢ In  the  technical  definition  of  the  word,  LiDAR is  a  survey  but  it   cannot  be  used  for  a  legal  boundary  survey. How  is  LiDAR Data  Collected?What  Data  is  Collected  During  a  Flight? â€Å"Everything † †¢ Foliage †¢ Bare  Earth †¢ Transmission  Lines  and  Towers â₠¬ ¢ Railway  Beds †¢ Roadways †¢ Vehicles †¢ Buildings †¢ etc. Optional †¢ Photography †¢ Weather  Conditions What  Were  the  Deliverables  to  VELCO? †¢ DTM  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Digital  Terrain  Model †¢ Orthorectified Imagery †¢ AutoCAD  Drawings †¢Contours †¢Streams †¢Roads †¢Buildings †¢Utility  Lines  and  Poles †¢Edge  of  Trees †¢ PLS? CADD  Terrain  Model PLS? CADD  (Power  Line  Systems  ? Computer  Aided  Design  and  Drafting): overhead  power  line  design  software What  Has  VELCO  Created  With  the  Data? New  Transmission  Line  Designs †¢ Permitting  Drawings †¢ EPSC  (Erosion  Prevention  and Soil  Containment)  Plans †¢ Aesthetic  Mitigation  Plans †¢ Tree  Planting †¢ etc. Issues  Encountered  With  the  Data? †¢ Mobilization †¢ Ground  Control †¢ F oliage †¢ Units  Conversion LiDAR Data  Collected  in  October  2006 Cost  for  LiDAR? †¢ Aerial  Laser  Ground  Profile  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ DTM:  Ã‚  $743. 75  /mile †¢ Digital  Imagery  and  Orthophotography – $743. 75  /mile †¢ AutoCAD  Mapping  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ $637. 50  /mile †¢ PLS? CADD  Format  Files  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ $185. 00  /mile †¢ Cost  Per  Mile:  Ã‚  $2,310. 00 †¢ Miles  Surveyed:  Ã‚  52. 5 †¢ Total  Project  Cost:  Ã‚  $121,275. 00

Tissue Donations

There are thousands of burn victims awaiting donations of human tissue to help meet critical needs in reconstructive surgery. My current case #49 regards the selling of human tissue donations. It’s a complicated situation where a few medical centers have acquired a partnership with a biotechnological company called Ardias Corporation. Ardias wants to create a tissue bank to help facilitate researchers with disease-specific tissue that will provide a link to accurate genetic sequence with diseases such as cancer. Ardias plans to supply a standard plan and, prior to surgery, patients will be asked if they would like to donate tissue samples. Surgeons will not be notified of consents and the patients will be securely protected of all information. Hospitals will sell the tissue to Ardias then in turn, Ardias will sell the patient information to biomedical researchers. The selling of human tissue is an ethical practice because it can facilitate better diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases. Human tissue plays an important role in medicine. They are used to help diagnose illness and to treat conditions. For example, a specific tissue such as bone marrow is transplanted into patients suffering from leukemia. In addition, companies such as â€Å"livestrong  Ã¢â‚¬  and the â€Å"Susan G.  Komen Foundation† do support the selling of human tissue. They generally state that it makes it possible for better drug development to help cancer patients. â€Å"Since we will all die someday, thinking about how we want our remains to be handled is something we should consider† (Comparini, 2003). Curing diseases is vital for anyone who has one. In the article I read it talks about the difference it has made and how you can go about the whole process of donating your tissue. This gives thousands of people the opportunity to heal or have some type of reconstructive surgery to improve their appearance and give them life again. Medicine has come along way and more people are living longer. In essence donating tissue can do the exact same thing. Another fascinating thing about donating tissue is that it contributes to the Human Genome Project (HGP). â€Å"HGP is the international, collaborative research program whose goal was the complete mapping and understanding of all the genes of human beings† (An overview of the human genome project, 2010). This gives us an idea or where our ancestry immigrated from and possibly what other nationalities we could be related to. They have two sources of how they receive their human tissue. One is through a surgical procedure and the other is through postmortem patients. HGP is a â€Å"transformative textbook of medicine, with insights that will give health care providers immense new powers to treat, prevent and cure disease. â€Å"(An overview of the human genome project, 2010) Surprisingly you wouldn’t expect that human tissue would play a big role in the program. One of the most interesting things about the DNA mapping of human beings is the fact that we are all unique individuals, yet we are so much alike. Human beings turn out to be over 99. 99% the same. An overview of the human genome project, 2010). All the millions of genes that make up the genetic code of each person on earth the things that make us different are less than 1% of 1% of the genes. (An overview of the human genome project, 2010). It is interesting to see what DNA can tell us. HGP is good because of the information it provides for us an entire human species. This project has direct impact on individuals with genetic causes of mental retardation and specific diseases. With it, scientists can study genes that control the way we develop or cause disease. In essence the selling of human tissue is an innovative way to produce medicine and treatments. It’s a profitable corporation where everyone is happy even the donor knowing they made an effort to help another person with a chance at life. Like I mentioned earlier there are people awaiting and praying they receive human tissues to reconstruct third degree burns that may cover up seventy to ninety percent o there entire body. This is definitely an ethical practice and should be taken more into consideration because it helps out tremendously. References http://journalism.berkeley.edu/projects/transplants/about.html http://www.genome.gov/12011238

Mr. Jones Healthcare Needs and Support for His Family Research Paper

Mr. Jones Healthcare Needs and Support for His Family - Research Paper Example Mr. Jones is in the dependent client role stage of illness. In this stage, the patient or client is dependent on healthcare professionals for medical services. The client also relies on the professionals for the relief of the symptoms or injuries (Lippincott & Wilkins, 2013). In the dependent client role, the patient receives and accepts sympathy, care and protection from the stresses and demands of life (Gulanick, 2013). Most importantly, a patient in this stage depends on healthcare professionals while in a healthcare institution. In addition, the patient accepts to adjust to the disruptions of daily schedules. Mr. Jones is in the dependent client role because he was admitted to the hospital, and he has stayed in the hospital for 4 days. The injuries he sustained in the accident and his age make him dependent on healthcare professionals. He sustained head injuries, shoulder dislocation and a fractured right femur. He also has chronic hypertension. According to Clark, Smith and Tayl or (2010) it requires close monitoring by healthcare professionals. He also recognizes that he cannot attend to his daily schedules because of his injuries and illness. Though he is the dominant figure in his family and business, Mr. Jones cannot move around or participate in decision making. Based on Mr. Jones previous behavior and cultural background, I do not believe that he will be cooperative. In his family, Mr. Jones is a dominant figure. He makes all the decisions concerning the family and his business.

Alcohol Education Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Alcohol Education - Research Proposal Example It will detail how the goal can be measured, the role nurses could play and the aspects that support increasing the educational awareness. Using evidence based research, it will also indicate whether the aspects have been researched before and the outcomes obtained. The paper will also discuss the stakeholders engaged so as to get support for the project, highlight the specific arguments that could be used and the strategies that could be employed. The paper will further make references to change theory, systems theory and organizational theory while outlining the steps to operationalize the project. The outline will indicate specific timelines, needed resources, communication plan and the estimated budget. It will then describe the outcomes that require measurement along the way and those at the end of the project, highlighting their significance and how they would be used to adapt new strategies along the way. Finally, it will be concluded by a description of what the expected outc omes would be. To effectively increase educational awareness of the effects of alcohol among the college age population, there is a need to equip those who will play the role of creating the awareness (WHO, 2012). They include parents, youth workers, teachers, community and religious workers. Through program initiatives, adults can be guided on youth behavioral training, family skills, brief therapy and support. Another critical group is made up of those who sell and serve alcohol, which can be trained on implementing measures to reduce harmful consumption of alcohol by the young people. Peers also bear a significant influence on the young people’s drinking habits and patterns, and specific approaches can be designed to mould their relationship to discourage alcohol consumption (Houghton & Roche, 2001). The way the youth make decisions regarding consumption of alcohol is also greatly influenced by the drinking culture that prevails in their community. The community can be use d to develop the youth’s social and personal skills in a manner which lets them take responsible choices while teaching them not to position themselves or others in the way of harm. Within the colleges, the administrators must educate students on personal and academic effects of excessive alcohol consumption. They should empower their students to be responsible of the decisions they make regarding alcohol and the campus environment. It is upon the college administration to impact upon the students, especially the new ones, the concept of an alcohol-free environment (Midford & McBride, 2001). This can be achieved by showing them that most of their peers already in college do not indulge in alcohol abuse but instead chose safe and healthy decisions. This is a particularly significant step because majority of new students have the tendency to simply fit in the norms they found existing in their new environment. If they are led to incorrectly believe that all students on campus g et drunk regularly, they will most likely pick on the habit and develop it. The students can be assisted to organize and participate in events designed by peer education groups to enhance respect for college policies, state laws and personal responsibility in terms of alcohol consumption. Such events present the youth with opportunities to display healthy ways of life free from use of alcohol illegally and its abuse. If such events are regular

A rhetorical analysis of the New York Times Essay

A rhetorical analysis of the New York Times - Essay Example This can be analysed to mean that although there are plans in minds of many people, there lacks mechanisms or ways of executing them. According to Nathan, it is only through autonomy, that this can be realised. The second comment is from, Rebecca. She is also pleased with Cain’s article. Rebecca is also worried that in her school, there has been efforts to restructure several buildings, but unfortunately, she only hears of open plan, which according to her, makes her very nervous (Cain, Para. 4). The way she puts across her statements, it is evident that ethos is strong in her case. She even argues that after reading the article, she forwarded it to her head of school and the committee dealing with the restructuring plan. This indicates that she found some ethical appeals, and in this case, from a reliable source and expert testimony, bout how collaboration lacks creativity. Maria, the third commenter, on the other hand, argues that group work inhibit her creativity. She further argues that when she is alone she is free to focus task at hand (Cain, Para. 5). Her arguments can be argued to be in logos because she gives accounts of her own experience. She points out that dealing with groups; she cannot be able to make firm decisions since she has to be rational with the observations of other persons in the group. Cain poses a rhetoric argument that pulls various mixed reactions from readers. Much of this is seen when every commenter tries to justify the issue of lack of creativity and implantation phase of collaborations. Comments or the top three comments use different techniques to catch the attention of the readers that follows them. For example, Maria goes on to point out how disappointed she was because even if there were plans in her school to restructure some buildings, they are only mere talks, which she terms as â€Å"open plans†, but without implementation or

Dress Code in High Schools in United State Are you with or against Essay

Dress Code in High Schools in United State Are you with or against - Essay Example Administrations of high schools hold the responsibility of ensuring that their schools remain safe and orderly. With the Education Commission of States, ECS (2014) citing statistics from the National School Board Association estimating the number of guns snaked into American public schools at 135,000, the implementation of dress codes would play a critical role in identifying such persons and thus promote a safe school environment. Raby (2012) documents dress codes that require students to expose their belt lines as significant in deterring the concealing of guns under clothing. Furthermore, it is easier for intruders to be identified in a school that has a dress code (Wilder & Key, 2007). This plays a critical role in identifying any persons who come to school with ill intent. Schools that have implemented dress codes have recorded a decrease in fights and violence. Dress codes improve students’ academic performance. This is because, as documented by Gentile and Imberman (2010), having a standard way of dressing helps students concentrate on their academics. It saves a lot of time spent dressing, especially for adolescent students, thus saving time for studies and sleep, both of which promote academic achievement. Thus, dress codes help schools achieve their academic objectives. Thirdly, schools with dress codes have been noted to promote positive educational environments. Such positive educational environments have been promoted by requiring students to wear uniforms. Wilder and Key (2007) support this argument by giving an account of President Clinton’s 1996 State of the Union address which endorsed the idea of uniforms in schools following findings that school uniforms instilled student discipline, decreased theft and increased resistance to peer pressure. Sharing in the same sentiments, Raby (2012) observes that dress codes in schools reduce teasing among students. This promotes harmony in the school, fostering an appropriate environment

SIM335 Managing Projects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

SIM335 Managing Projects - Essay Example Any concurrent activities, which activity follows which? The network diagram will look as below and boxes represent the following aspects: If activity A has duration of 4 days, earliest start time would be day 0 (zero) and the earliest finish would be day 4. The earliest start for activity B would be day 4 and the earliest finish would be day 9 as a result of adding. Earliest finish of activity A (4) + duration of activity B (5) = 9 early finish for activity B In general, earliest finish of previous activity+ duration of current activity= earliest finish of the current activity. (Early finish for earlier tasks becomes the early the start for next activity). For a case like activity G that has several preceding activities, we take the value, which has the largest earlier finish value (F 13). The latest start and latest finish are determined by working backwards through the project. Latest start for activity Q = earliest finish of activity Q because it is the last activity. In general: Latest start= latest finish– duration The latest start used as the latest finish for the previous activity. For instance, the latest start for activity Q is 93–5= 88 and this is used as the value for latest finish for activity P. for activities like I & J we use the latest start for activity K. for activity H we take the least value for latest start in this case is 34 (latest start for activity I). ... calculated by: Early finish– early start– duration=Total float For instance, to calculate total float between activities G &H =34–13–(13+8) =0 Critical path is the least amount of time that can be taken to complete the project. This means that there is no float, no free time and a delay in the critical path can lead to a delay in project completion. It can be determined by adding the duration of each activity in the sequence where there is no float. In our case, the critical path is from activity A to Q in the sequence: A(4)+F(9)+G(13)+H(8)+I(7)+K(8)+L(13)+M(9)+N(4)+O(4)+P(9)+Q(5) =93. It is very important as it helps in time scheduling of consecutive activities in a project. Events that occur here are known as milestone (Harold, 2009). If the activity begins on Monday January 16th, the project needs a total of 122 days to finish with a five-day working period then we find out how many weeks we be will need. If one week has a total of 5 working days then t he project will take 122?5=24 weeks and four days, then the project will end on Thursday 5th July 2012. In case activity B is delayed by two days, there would be no effect on the total project duration because it has a float of four days. This is however not the case for activities P and O, delaying activity P by two days or activity O by a day will affect the total duration of the project because there is no float for the two activities (Harold, 2009). Limitations of network diagrams The time estimates depend on personal bias, there is no specific formula for determining the duration of the activities and speculation is used. This may affect the whole project just in case any activity is delayed or takes a longer duration to finish. As seen from above, activities without float if delayed for any reason can

Research paper( Violent Games Are Contaminating Childrens Paper

( Violent Games Are Contaminating Childrens Personalities) - Research Paper Example The games are designed in a manner that instills realism to the games and the moment one plays them it gives a natural feeling (Shaffer & Kipp, 2010). Initially, the games were developed for mere entertainment purpose but over time the objective has shifted to include other aspects that are unfavorable to young children who are mostly addicted to these games. For instance, the video game Grand Theft Auto vice city is a mission-based video game that incorporated wrong vices such as violence, crime and prostitution. This indeed is wrong as the games instill wrong traits to the people who play them. But despite the negative vices that comes along the games they also have positive impacts on the gamers as they help them develop a high degree of judgment & problem solving as the games provides them with dilemma situations where critical decision have to be made and which have great impacts on the overall progress of the game (Gunter, 1998; Child Development Institute, 2003). According to psychology, the personalities of human beings tend to vary and thus different people will possess different personality traits depending on certain factors that have influenced the growth of that particular person (Gentile, 2003). Research conducted by Pennsylvania State University indicated that children who play video games are prone to be more hostile if they are less conscientious, less agreeable and easily angered (Shaffer & Kipp, 2010). This group of children is said to be the one that is negatively affected by playing video games. However despite impacting negatively on the said children violent games which are mainly mission based offer the players an opportunity to learn new skills especially rational and critical thinking skills that aid in solving complex problems (Anderson, Gentile & Buckley, 2007). That notwithstanding, video games in general have always been associated with addiction as children and teenagers are perceived to be

Government Inefficiency and Policy Implications of Economic Research Essay

Government Inefficiency and Policy Implications of Economic Research - Essay Example Sections 861(b) and 862(b) state generally how to determine taxable income for a taxpayer with income sources within or without the United States after such source has been determined. Regulation 1.861-8 provides more information on allocating state and local taxes to U.S. - and foreign-source income (Kozub 2010, p.1). In return, we could see the effects of taxes in our country thru, for example, roads for better accessory of goods coming from farm to local markets and for better transportation; public schools to ensure the education of our children and our children’s children; and public funds to support and aid the citizens in terms of calamities and unforeseen disasters. Well, these are good aspects of tax in our society in which it ensures a good future for us and for the next generation. What seem to be erroneous so to speak now are the urge of the government and the abuse in the use of tax. We all know that the government highly depends upon its citizen’s support to make its substructure work. In the article made by Crane (2010, p.1), she criticized and questions the imposition of tax to the extent that everything that people do, the government will levy tax. It is also shown in her article the question on blurred distinction between income tax and property tax wherein the so-called right to jus fruendi or the right to use the fruit of the property is assumed to be just a constitutional right that is vested upon the citizens because of the unclear dissimilarity of the property and income tax. She made use of the farm, being a property as an example wherein â€Å"If the value of an asset that one assessor claimed had arisen in any one year, perhaps when the crops were first harvested, could be taxed again in another year (simply because that first year's base was used again as the measure of the tax), and then again when the value was transformed into a security, and then again when that security was transformed into cash, what was the diffe rence between a property tax and an income tax?† (1). Issues and Problems on taxes What I want to raise here as an issue would be the redundancy of the taxes that are being imposed on the citizens. The government is now being misunderstood because instead of him intervening in the affairs of the people, it is now the people intervening in the affairs of the government and making profit out of it. Thus, people discover the government not as a privileged position to serve the people, but rather, as a situation and a place of income, using the money of its citizens. As a result, heavy taxes are levied and other forms of it are implemented to gain more income, having in mind that the people could not resist it because it is mandated by the law. Moreover, the espousal of income taxes did not inevitably flow from economic forces, but rather was conditioned by social and political power and complex historical processes (Mehrotra 2010, p.1). History will show us that these kind of tax is a by-product of the excessive expenditure of the government in wars that they are engaged to or the destruction incurred are in large scale. They put the burden to the people to restore the economic power of the state, therefore, making the government to be financially strong again in the international arena because state and the government can hardly be distinguished nor separated. The government dictates what the people should do in