Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 23

Marketing - Essay Example In the past, the 4Ps (product, price, place and promotion) of marketing strategy were highly relevant mainly because of the three main reasons. They were lack of variety within the products, people were exposed to limited means of publicity and lastly promotional activities were more localised. The strategy therefore, was viable in the given restrained parameters and yielded results that satisfied both the customers and the retailers of the time (Shultz, 2001). Unilever had realized early that technological advancements have brought forth an explosion of information that is easily accessible to public through the internet and other media like television, radio, mobile phones etc. The internet has made it easy for the customers to become aware of the product details including its availability at competitive prices which has precipitated the need to develop a whole new perspective for a new marketing technique. One needs to be more open when Shultz say that it is the end-users who now control the markets rather than the marketers. Unilever understood the compulsions of the contemporary times and has adopted innovative and mix market strategy for its Axe products to meet the challenges from its rival companies in the global market. It is true that increased awareness among the customers has put more pressure on the marketers. Even though the customer base is increasing, it is becoming difficult not only to attract more customers but also to retain them. So, one need to add something ‘more’ on the existing products to make it more attractive without compromising much on the price. In fact, the more innovative the product and fancier the promotional techniques, the higher are its chances of capturing market space. Thereby, asserting that brands, advertising, and promotional techniques are very important tools of marketing. The Axe products have incorporated this marketing mantra in their strategy and maintained an edge over their

Logic of Statistical Significance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Logic of Statistical Significance - Essay Example Taking a sample of 1000 people, the nominal survey data collected is as shown: Suppose the null hypothesis is gender and preferences are independent. Then on evaluating the test statistics, getting a value of 16.2 using the degree of freedom of 2. Comparing this t-statistic with the critical value obtained from the chi- distribution table, suppose the significance level of 0.05 is chosen. Then it can be ascertained that the finding is significant as the t-statistic is higher than the critical value. This leads to the rejection of the null hypothesis and also the arrival of a conclusion that there exists a relationship between preferences and gender for that product. For the case of ordinal data survey, as in the example of a survey comparing the mean weights of male and female students. A statistical hypothesis test is used for making decisions on the data. The test result is calculated from the null hypothesis. The test sample is said to be statistically significant if its occurrence is unlikely to have been by chance alone. The statistically significant result that is given by probability p-value is less than the threshold of a significant level then it justifies the rejection of the null hypothesis. Once the variations have been attained, the Fischer value is calculated and is compared to the f critical value from the table at a given degree of confidence (Carlson, 1976). Another important concept to consideration is the use of one-tailed or two-tailed significance tests. (StatPac Inc, 2012) The hypothesis determines the selection of each. If the hypothesis gives directions, for example, men generally weigh more than women then the one-tailed significance test is employed. However, if the hypothesis gives no directions as in the example, there is no significant difference in performances between boys and girls, and then the two-tailed significance test is used. The two-test probability is exactly twice the one-test probability

Terahertz Spectroscopy Approach

Terahertz Spectroscopy Approach Summary of the Papers Terahertz spectroscopy senses and controls belongings of substance with electromagnetic arenas that are in range of frequencies between hundreds of gigahertz to several terahertz. In Quantum mechanics based systems for interacting particles, several applicable conditions have an energy transformation that matches with the energy in Terahertz photons. Hence, THz spectroscopy delivers a particularly influential method in determining and adjusting individual evolutions between different quantum states. By exploiting this, one advances new visions about quantum kinetics and in what way that can be exploited in emerging and developing new expertise that are enhanced up to the fundamental quantum level. The paper deals with the DIPEL pro commercial product to control the worm pesticides used in organic gardening and in various organic materials. The considerable attenuation from broadcast measurements advocated robust signal scattering based on the dimensions of particles which is in between 1 mm to 400 micro meters and are adjacent to the THz wavelengths in the range between 250 ÃŽ ¼m to 750 ÃŽ ¼m. Also various reflection measurements were coming out and a 917 GHz absorbance rate was experiential recorded. This whole process deals with Mie theory that a portion of concentration is go along with scattering. Therefore, concentration can be noticed by the reflectivity dimensions. To demonstrate this theory, spores were disconnected from the large DiPel coarse elements and their occurrence was again deep-rooted with microscopy. A diffusion scan of the taken out spore samples was then repetitive process. The absorption and scattering process is controlled and irregular shapes of the par ticles are controlled using terahertz spectroscopy approach 2nd Paper Terahertz spectroscopy approach is also used for the chemical analysis. Fingerprinting approaches need little preceding information about which microbes are of great attention and the hereditary fingerprinting approaches allow credentials of dominant members of the microorganism community to the overall members. Biomolecules and microbial spores have been established to have distinguishing marks in the absorption outlines. In recent times, terahertz spectroscopy has appeared as a promising method that empowers the label free, non- exchange, and nondestructive assessment on the organic and biological constituents. They have used the absorption of thymine and the paired bands of Bacillus sp. spores.   They have used penetrating frequency domain analysis of spectrometer arrangement for absorption of these studies. The advantage of this scheme is that it has a great dynamic range between 70 dB at 100 Hz and 40dB at 1THz. This allows the detection of unique signs of various materials, e ven in the manifestation of background concentrations such as happens in thin coatings of liquid water. They also used the approach for absorption of thymine monohydrate powder which is found in DNA samples using terahertz frequency spectroscopy. The decisions were maintained by scanning electron optical microscope imaging processes, which clearly established the sample comprised frequently spores and proves that the samples are having very few negative microorganisms or bacteria. In 3rd paper THz measurements of Bacillus thuringiensis which is popularly known as a soil bacteria and insect pathogen are introduced.   These microbes produce protein crystals which are poisonous to a diversity of insects but are not injurious to creatures. The analysis of THz signatures is done using microscopically processes and the attenuation factors are reduced. The robust water attenuation between the ranges 400 to 1200 GHz weakens the reflection effect. The establishment of the link among THz signatures and level of hydration of bacillus thuringiensis samples takes place. The measure of THz monograms associated with the hydration additional maintain that the basis of absorption is probable from the external protein coating of spores which is the leading part of the bacterium that is focus to dehydration and adjusts quickly due to the environmental adjustments. Paper 1: ZHANG, W., BROWN, E. R., VIVEROS, L., BURRIS, K. P. AND STEWART JR., C. N. Narrow terahertz attenuation signatures in Bacillus thuringiensis In-text: (Zhang et al.) Bibliography: Zhang, Weidong et al. Narrow Terahertz Attenuation Signatures In Bacillus Thuringiensis. Journal of Biophotonics 7.10 (2013): 818-824. Web. Paper 2: VIVEROS, L., ZHANG, W., BROWN, E. R. AND BYKHOVSKI, A. Bioinspired THz applications for chemical analysis and microorganism fingerprinting In-text: (Viveros et al.) Bibliography: Viveros, Leamon et al. Bioinspired Thz Applications For Chemical Analysis And Microorganism Fingerprinting. NAECON 2014 IEEE National Aerospace and Electronics Conference (2014): n. pag. Web. 17 Feb. 2017. paper 3: ZHANG, W., BROWN, E. R., VIVEROS, L., BURRIS, K. P. AND STEWART JR., C. N. Narrow terahertz attenuation signatures in Bacillus thuringiensis In-text: (Zhang et al.) Bibliography: Zhang, Weidong et al. Narrow Terahertz Attenuation Signatures In Bacillus Thuringiensis. Journal of Biophotonics 7.10 (2013): 818-824. Web. 17 Feb. 2017.

The Changing Faith :: essays research papers

?The Changing Faith? The story, ?Young Goodman Brown?, by Nathaniel Hawthorne was in fact a very mysterious and pleasurable story to read. The main character, Goodman Brown, is faced to deal with the true colors of the town?s people and his own family as the devil described and showed to him. He then comes very confused and unconfident in his faith. Because of the meeting with the devil, Goodman Brown faces a change of faith in his family, the town?s people, and himself. Goodman Brown was a good man. He is a very known in the village of Salem. His wife, Faith is a very compelling and loving woman. His faith of his lovely wife then changes after he finds her pink ribbon hanging on a branch of a tree. By Brown then states, ?Faith!...look up to heaven, and resist the wicked one? (pg 238), proves that his Faith too was wick Goodman Brown believes that all the people in the town are good people. Brown?s faith in them shows great confidence, but it all changes after his meeting with the devil. In the woods Brown states that, ?My father never went into the woods in such an errand? (pg 233), verifying that he was the only one in his family that took that journey. He also states that his family was, a race of honest men and good Christians since the days of the martyrs? (pg 233). When Goodman Brown tells the devil that his family was good people, the devil stated that, ?I helped your grandfather, the constable, when he lashed the Quaker woman?it was I that b rought your father a pitch-pine knot, kindled at my own hearth, to set fire to an Indian village? (pg 233). This led Goodman Brown into a state of confusion and his faith was challenged. ?Where there is good there is always evil? (RH). Later as they walk, Brown sees his catechism teacher, but the devil shows him her true colors. By the woman stating that, ?... my broomstick hath strangely disappeared, stolen, as I suspect, by that unhanged witch, Goody Cory. And that, too, when I was anointed with the juice of smallage, and cinquefoil, and wolf?s bane? (pg 234), verified that she was a wicked witch. The devil also told him about the town people. For instance, the deacons who got drunk off the communion wine. While in the woods, Brown overheard two men, which appeared to be the deacon and minister of the church, talking about the unclean crimes that they have involved in.

Financial Management Essay

Question 1-3 Suppose three honest individuals gave you their estimates of Stock X’s intrinsic value. One is your current roommate, the second is a professional security analyst with an excellent reputation on Wall Street, and the third is Company X’s CFO. If the three estimates differed, in which one would you have the most confidence? Why? Question 1-7 Should stockholder wealth maximization be thought of as a long-term or short-term goal? For example, if one action increases a firm’s stock price from a current level of $20 to $25 in 6 months and then to $30 in 5 years but another action keeps the stock at $20 for several years but then increases it to $40 in 5 years, which action would be better? Think of some specific corporate actions that have these general tendencies. Question 1-9 The president of Southern Semiconductor Corporation (SSC) made this statement in the company’s annual report: â€Å"SSC’s primary goal is to increase the value of our common stockholders’ equity.† Later in the report, the following announcements were made: a. The company contributed $1.5 million to the symphony orchestra in Birmingham, Alabama, its headquarters city. b. The company is spending $500 million to open a new plant and expand operations in China. No profits will be produced by the Chinese operation for 4 years, so earnings will be depressed during this period versus what they would have been had the decision been made not to expand in China. c. The company holds about half of its assets in the form in U.S. Treasury bonds, and it keeps these funds available for use in emergencies. In the future, though, SSC plans to shift its emergency funds from Treasury bonds to common stocks.

Being Brought from Africa to America

Deonca Pierce ENG 350 American Literature I 2 September 2011 Response paper 3: â€Å"On Being Brought from Africa to America† To the literary world, Phillis Wheatley is recognized as the first black American poet (Archiving Early America, 2011). At the young age of seven, Phillis Wheatley was stolen from her homeland of Africa and sold into slavery to John Wheatley becoming the personal slave servant to his wife, Susannah Wheatley. She was taught to read and write English as well as the study of Latin and English literature. Due to this advantage, she began to write poetry that encompassed her Christian faith, her abduction from Africa and learned histories. (Woodlief, A. ) One of her most notable poems is, â€Å"On Being Brought from Africa to America†. Within this poem, she utilizes words that can have the reader perplexed wondering if she was fully cognizant of the time and her status, a slave. In this poem she employs many words, there true meaning hidden within the text, which gives way to her knowledge and understanding of self and surroundings. It reads: ‘Twas mercy brought me from my pagan land, The use of this phrase can be interpreted as being taken from a land void of Christianity and being delivered into the Christian faith. Taught my benighted soul to understand That there’s a God, that there’s a Savior too: †¢The word benighted means to be in a state of moral or intellectual darkness. This represents her once lack of knowledge and faith before becoming a slav e. Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. Some view our sable race with scornful eye, â€Å"Their color is a diabolic dye. † †¢The color of sable is a very dark shade of black fur that is considered valuable and alluring. In contrast, she references to it being a diabolic dye impresses upon the negative thoughts and feelings of others toward her race and status. Remember Christians; Negros, black as Cain, May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train. (Phillis Wheatley, AEA) †¢The last two lines points to state that Christians are treating their fellow man Negros, Blacks in the same manner as Cain treated his brother (NKJV, 11), void of regard, love or acceptance. Furthermore, that as Christians all, black and white can come together as one, knowing the Savior. Phillis Wheatley understood her burden and her blessing. Giving glory to God as well as accepting her fate not being ashamed but rather thankful for the negative cause that turned into a positive effect for her. Works Cited â€Å"Genesis 4. † New King James Version. Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald B. Allen, H. Wayne House, eds. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1982 â€Å"Phillis Wheatley: Americas first Black Woman Poet. † Archiving Early America. 2 Sept. 2011 Sable. â€Å"Dictionary. com. † 2 Sept. 2011 Woodlief, A. â€Å"On Phillis Wheatley. † 2 Sept. 2011

How to Make an Edible Water Bottle

How to Make an Edible Water Bottle You dont need to wash any dishes if you put your water in an edible water bottle! This is an easy spherification recipe that involves making a gel coating around liquid water. Once you master this simple molecular gastronomy technique, you can apply it to other liquids. Edible Water Bottle Materials The key ingredient for this project is sodium alginate, a natural gelling powder derived from algae. The sodium alginate gels or polymerizes when reacted with calcium. Its a common alternative to gelatin, used in candies and other foods. We have suggested calcium lactate as the calcium source, but you could also use calcium gluconate or food-grade calcium chloride. These ingredients are readily available online. You can also find them in grocery stores that carry ingredients for molecular gastronomy. Materials and equipment: Water1 gram sodium alginate5 grams of calcium lactateLarge bowlSmaller bowlHand mixerSpoon with a rounded bottom (soup spoon or round measuring spoon works great) The size of the spoon determines the size of your water bottle. Use a large spoon for big water blobs. Use a tiny spoon if you want little caviar-sized bubbles. Make an Edible Water Bottle In a small bowl, add 1 gram of sodium alginate to 1 cup of water.Use the hand mixer to make sure the sodium alginate is combined with the water. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to remove any air bubbles. The mixture will turn from a white liquid to a clear mixture.In a large bowl, stir 5 grams of calcium lactate into 4 cups of water. Mix well to dissolve the calcium lactate.Use your rounded spoon to scoop up the sodium alginate solution.Gently drop the sodium alginate solution into the bowl containing the calcium lactate solution. It will immediately form a ball of water in the bowl. You can drop more spoonfuls of sodium alginate solution into the calcium lactate bath. Just be careful the water balls dont touch each other because they would stick together. Let the water balls sit in the calcium lactate solution for 3 minutes. You can gently stir around the calcium lactate solution if you like. (Note: the time determines the thickness of the polymer coating. Use less time for a thinner coating and more time for a thicker coating.) Use a slotted spoon to gently remove each water ball. Place each ball in a bowl of water to stop any further reaction. Now you can remove the edible water bottles and drink them. The inside of each ball is water. The bottle is edible too its an algae-based polymer. Using Flavors and Liquids Other Than Water As you might imagine, its possible to color and flavor both the edible coating and the liquid inside the bottle. Its okay to add food coloring to the liquid. You can use flavored beverages rather than water, but its best to avoid acidic drinks because they affect the polymerization reaction. There are special procedures for dealing with acidic beverages.

Free Essays on Symposium

SYMPOSIUM Throughout history Love has been a topic of conversation. As the topic to the Symposium Socrates and his intellectual partners discuss what Love is and twist it’s meaning in every possible way. Each attendee of the dinner is given an opportunity to express his feelings and ideas about Love. Love can be molded to fit many styles, shapes, and types. Of those who were attending the Symposium, the majority of the men were homosexual or like Socrates bi-sexual. In this era, men commonly befriended young boys and taught them about Love. In exchange for sharing their knowledge, the older men gained sexual satisfaction. This started a cycle, when the young boys grew old they passed their knowledge on. The young boys in which were taught showed their appreciation by performing sexual acts. Love occurred in several ways. Physical and emotional attractions were the two main sources of Love. Love based on a single physical feature is just as possible as love of a person’s entire body and physical beauty. As talked about in the class discussion, Love of a person can be based on the Love of a physical feature. An individual can fall in Love with another even if he or she is not attracted to the other person’s mind. Opposite personalities can fall in Love with each other and do not need to base their Love on compatibility. Others base their Love on an emotional connection. This type of Love is the type thought to be most accepted by society, especially by women. In the class discussion, the females seemed to accept Love based on emotion and not based on physical beauty. It is hard to believe that Love can be formed solely on physical attraction and not on a spiritual connection. Emotional Love differs from physical Love due to the reason that no matter how much the person being loved changes physically, he or she will still be accepted and loved. Emotionally based Love can change according to the personality change of the loved one.... Free Essays on Symposium Free Essays on Symposium SYMPOSIUM Throughout history Love has been a topic of conversation. As the topic to the Symposium Socrates and his intellectual partners discuss what Love is and twist it’s meaning in every possible way. Each attendee of the dinner is given an opportunity to express his feelings and ideas about Love. Love can be molded to fit many styles, shapes, and types. Of those who were attending the Symposium, the majority of the men were homosexual or like Socrates bi-sexual. In this era, men commonly befriended young boys and taught them about Love. In exchange for sharing their knowledge, the older men gained sexual satisfaction. This started a cycle, when the young boys grew old they passed their knowledge on. The young boys in which were taught showed their appreciation by performing sexual acts. Love occurred in several ways. Physical and emotional attractions were the two main sources of Love. Love based on a single physical feature is just as possible as love of a person’s entire body and physical beauty. As talked about in the class discussion, Love of a person can be based on the Love of a physical feature. An individual can fall in Love with another even if he or she is not attracted to the other person’s mind. Opposite personalities can fall in Love with each other and do not need to base their Love on compatibility. Others base their Love on an emotional connection. This type of Love is the type thought to be most accepted by society, especially by women. In the class discussion, the females seemed to accept Love based on emotion and not based on physical beauty. It is hard to believe that Love can be formed solely on physical attraction and not on a spiritual connection. Emotional Love differs from physical Love due to the reason that no matter how much the person being loved changes physically, he or she will still be accepted and loved. Emotionally based Love can change according to the personality change of the loved one....

Basic Hydraulic Systems

Basic Hydraulic Systems Every hydraulic system has a minimum number of basic components regardless of its design and function. The fundamental components of the hydraulic system include pump, reservoir, directional valve, check valve, pressure relieve valve, selector valve, actuator, and filter. An open center system has fluid flowing, with any pressure in the system when the actuating mechanisms are idle. The pump disperses the fluid from the reservoir through the selector valves and return to the reservoir. The open center system may engage a several subsystems, with a selector valve for every subsystem. The selector valve of the open center system is connected in series with each other. In this arrangement, the system pressure line will go through each selector valve. The fluid is allowed free passage through the selector valve and return to the reservoir until one of the selector valves is ready to operate a mechanism. When one of the selector valves is set to operate an actuating device, fluid is flowing from the pump through one of the working line to the actuator. When the selector valve is set in this position, the fluid flow to the reservoir is blocked. The system overcome the resistance by using the pressure build up in it and move the piston of the actuation cylinder, fluid from the opposite end of the actuator will returns to the selector valve and return to the reservoir. The operation of the system after actuation of the component will depends on the type of the selector valve that has been used. Many types of selector are used together with the open center system. One of the types is both manually engaged and manually disengaged. The valve is manually moved to an operating position. Then, the actuating mechanism reaches the end of the operating cycle, and the output of the pump continue until the pressure is relieves by the system relief valve. The relief valve dismount and allows the fl uid to return to the reservoir. The system pressure remains at the relief valve set pressure until the selector valve is returned manually to the neutral position. It reopens the open center flow and let the system pressure to drop to line resistance pressure.

Can A Machine Know Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Can A Machine Know - Essay Example This misconception is a gross oversimplification of the seemingly limitless boundaries of the human mind. The potential of machines were thought to be able to eventually encompass â€Å"an inductive and creative mind, capable of taking initiative, to which human beings could confide all their problems and obtain instant solutions in return† (Ifrah, 1997: 1679). This misconception in the early days of the computer has carried over even to today. This discussion examines the functions of the computer brain along with the similarities and differences to the human brain in addition to the meaning of knowledge and the limitations of machines as compared to the human mind. Simply stated, computers are machines which effectively carry out algorithmic functions. The machine discerns formalized input through a sequence of fixed stages through a predetermined, straightforward set of rules of a standardized and exacting description. This allows computers to perform procedures in a precise number of steps. Mechanical computers, unlike the functions of the computer-like brain do not have the capability to determine right from wrong nor can they make judgments, have no feelings and cannot think on their own. It cannot be denied that some types of intelligence can be attributed to computers but this capacity is very limited when balanced against the boundless intricacies in a human’s brain. However, the computer is superior when considering its capability to process information at a higher speed. This has provided humans a useful tool for a myriad of endeavors. Nevertheless, computers cannot reason, imagine, invent, create, express thoughts, manage idea s, make judgments or possess the ability to adapt to differing situations and therefore cannot solve problems that are new to them. Unlike the human brain, computers aren’t conscious of their own being, have no concept of the world around them and cannot execute voluntary activities (Ifrah, 1997:

Discuss the female action heroine in 2-3 Hong Kong films. To what Essay

Discuss the female action heroine in 2-3 Hong Kong films. To what extent does she transgress conventional gender roles and to w - Essay Example Besides, the unique socio-cultural and political setting of Honk Kong deeply influences the foretold difference in gender roles. Thesis statement: The female action heroine in Hong Kong films transgresses conventional gender roles and does not simply conform to male fantasies (Special references to the star Brigitte Lin in the Hong Kong films: Swordsman II, Ashes of Time, Bride with White Hair). Prominence of women actors in Hong Kong action cinema The prominence of women actors in Hong Kong action cinema challenges the conventional mode of masculine power vested upon male actors. Kar, Bren and Ho (2004, p.109) state that ‘Historians of early Chinese cinema often regard Hong Kong as a cultural â€Å"branch† of the more sophisticated Shanghai’. An alternative version of masculinity can be seen among women actors in Hong Kong action cinema. Pang and Wong (2005, p. 137) state that ‘The ideological implications of masculinity can be radically re-examined by not simply looking at men exclusively but also mapping and recognizing the culture of a certain female type’. Within this perspective, masculinity is not fully vested upon male. Instead, masculinity is expressed through the search for one’s identity, especially by the female heroine. 1. Transvestite/Cross-dressing in Chinese (Hong Kong) films Transvestite/Cross-dressing in Chinese (Hong Kong) films creates sexual ambiguity and transforms gender identity from hero to heroine and vice versa. One can easily identify that cross-dressing in Chinese Operas deeply influenced the same process in films, especially the Hong Kong films. Vojkovic (2009, p. 43) states that ‘Here, we also have to consider the fact that Kung fu comedy as a genre makes much less of an appeal to authenticity, reminding us also that Kung fu comedy draws its origins from Beijing Opera’. Besides, cross-dressing indirectly challenges male primacy and patriarchy in the Chinese society. Generally, c ross-dressing helps the female heroine to hide her biological gender but the same will be exposed in front of the audience in the final unmasking scene. Garber (1997, p.45) makes clear that ‘Women who cross-dress must fall into two categories: the occasional, recreational cross-dresser who does not wish or try to pass and the transsexual’. Within the context of Chinese (Hong Kong) films, cross-dressing (assuming gender codes) lead to transvestism (transformation to opposite sex). In short, the Chinese (Hong Kong) films make use of cross-dressing as an innovative tool to challenge the hierarchy of power. 2. Transsexual/ Swordswomen in Chinese (Hong Kong) films The transsexual/ swordswomen in Chinese (Hong Kong) films are capable to demonstrate skill similar to their counterparts. But these transsexual/ swordswomen are not portrayed as independent warriors because they are attached to their male counterparts. Hunt (2003, pp.117-118) states that ‘But as Asian audienc es and critics were well aware, women warriors are nothing new in Chinese storytelling and have a much longer history than their western counterparts’. The unique socio-cultural and political setting within China, especially in Hong Kong unveils the feminine side of transsexual/ swordswomen. For instance, womenfolk in Chinese society uphold traditional

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Strategic Management - Essay Example Human capital development according to them entails such activities as hiring contingency workers and outsourcing of labor in non-core areas so as to focus the regular human capital to the most important areas (core competencies). This serves two purposes namely: Contingency workers and outsourcing can provide certain technical and professional skills at very reduced costs. However the authors also highlight the several shortcomings that come with outsourcing. These include: The authors conclude that outsourcing, as a strategy must be used with great care, failure to which less beneficial static flexibility may result. Another area outlined in the development of human capital is training and other forms of skill development. Better-trained employee are usually highly motivated as well as empowered to play an even more important role when it comes to innovativeness. The discussion is largely relevant today since the trends identified in their day continue to this day. This is not to say that the environment has not changed, Indeed it has and many organizations are now focusing on more strategic training which is basically acquiring knowledge, skills, and approaches needed to initially do a job or to perk up upon the performance of a particular task. Today’s management authorities are eager to measure the impacts of these strategies and to design programs of continually advancing this knowledge. Today’s executives clearly understand the relationship between results and the people in the organization. They more often than not seek to recruit the most talented, individuals developing and deploying them in the most crucial areas in the organization. Progress is analyzed and challenges constantly evaluated with the view of coming up with strategies that best match the core values of the organization. The subject of human capital management has

To whom should I listen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

To whom should I listen - Essay Example I have also picked up many traditions from all over the world and refused many because they do not go along with my religion or culture. For example, just like the Minnesota University student, Walter Hanson, the protagonist in the short story, The Undeclared Major, written by Will Weaver (2006), I have also learned to shake hands with people when we meet them, from the Euro-American tradition that I assimilated when I lived in England (p.364). In my native place, people embrace each other or just smile when we meet each other. I am experiencing the state of mind of Walter Hanson not only with respect to such simple things, but also by having a concern about how much my family and people will understand me as I continue to grow accepting new traditions from new cultures. Hence, when I am back in Saudi Arabia, I shift back to embracing people and smiling at them and never try to shake hands with them. At home, I try to behave as close as possible to how a Saudi youth of my age would b ehave so that I do not alienate my family members, friends and acquaintances. When I am back in America, I leave behind those culture-specific behavioral aspects and shift myself into a set of behaviors that is expected of me as an American Muslim. My family has a tradition of valuing education above all and it is this tradition that I also got into myself, and became crucial in my life choices. When I read Keizer (2006), writing that â€Å"I give thanks for my family, my church, the Supremes†, I also realize that it was my family and my religion that gave me confidence in becoming what I have become today (p.413). This reverence for family and religion has been a trait that I inherited from the culture and tradition that I was born into. When I think of old age, I always visualize myself as an old man living with my children and grandchildren as any other Saudi citizen would do. I also see myself as becoming more and more religious as I become older. This is so because in my native culture, the community (that is defined by family and religion) is important than the individual. For Keizer (2006), the conflict that he experienced regarding making a decision on what vocation to choose, was something that was to be answered by God himself (416). In such matters, I have grown to be a person, different from him to the core. I feel that regarding such worldly matters, I need to take up the responsibility of my own destiny. This approach, I have taught myself more from my host culture, that is, the Euro-American, individualistic culture. Keizer (2006) has said, â€Å"I wanted God, no one less, to make the decision for me. Believing that vocations were made in heaven, I wanted the matchmaker to speak from that height.† (p.416). In a similar situation, I would rather explore what interests me or what is my real passion. I will not want to bother God on such small choices of life. I feel that this is my Euro-American side. Also when Amy Tan (2006), in her novel, Two Kinds, discusses the element of obedience between a parent and an offspring, I feel empathy with the daughter in several aspects (p.370). Obedience to parents has been a tradition that I assimilated from my Muslim culture and also a tradition that I broke partially when I began to live as a student in England and later in America. As a child, I was not a rebel. I

Building team Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Building team - Essay Example ems begin to develop when the group or team members do not understand their own and others’ responsibilities, or develop unnecessary expectations from others. So, those work teams are more successful that implement a more formal structure within the groups, and ensure that formal procedures and policies are followed throughout the projects assigned, so that problems occurring due to misunderstandings can be deterred. Those workgroups are more effective which offer a collaborative platform to its members, so that a shared communicative environment is made possible where all members can interact with each other without hesitation (Bass, 2012). The members should be able to share their problems with each other and with the supervisors, so that they feel empowered and valued. This motivates them to make a collaborative effort toward the productivity. The leader makes a workgroup more effective when he creates a role-balance between the members (Chong, 2007). In short, those work t eams and work groups tend to be more effective for the businesses in the long run which are managed properly, in terms of communication, collaboration, and role-balance. Chong, E. (2007). Role balance and team development: A study of team role characteristics underlying high and low performing teams. Institute of Behavioral and Applied Management. Retrieved November 25, 2012, from

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Strategic Management - Essay Example Human capital development according to them entails such activities as hiring contingency workers and outsourcing of labor in non-core areas so as to focus the regular human capital to the most important areas (core competencies). This serves two purposes namely: Contingency workers and outsourcing can provide certain technical and professional skills at very reduced costs. However the authors also highlight the several shortcomings that come with outsourcing. These include: The authors conclude that outsourcing, as a strategy must be used with great care, failure to which less beneficial static flexibility may result. Another area outlined in the development of human capital is training and other forms of skill development. Better-trained employee are usually highly motivated as well as empowered to play an even more important role when it comes to innovativeness. The discussion is largely relevant today since the trends identified in their day continue to this day. This is not to say that the environment has not changed, Indeed it has and many organizations are now focusing on more strategic training which is basically acquiring knowledge, skills, and approaches needed to initially do a job or to perk up upon the performance of a particular task. Today’s management authorities are eager to measure the impacts of these strategies and to design programs of continually advancing this knowledge. Today’s executives clearly understand the relationship between results and the people in the organization. They more often than not seek to recruit the most talented, individuals developing and deploying them in the most crucial areas in the organization. Progress is analyzed and challenges constantly evaluated with the view of coming up with strategies that best match the core values of the organization. The subject of human capital management has

Building team Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Building team - Essay Example ems begin to develop when the group or team members do not understand their own and others’ responsibilities, or develop unnecessary expectations from others. So, those work teams are more successful that implement a more formal structure within the groups, and ensure that formal procedures and policies are followed throughout the projects assigned, so that problems occurring due to misunderstandings can be deterred. Those workgroups are more effective which offer a collaborative platform to its members, so that a shared communicative environment is made possible where all members can interact with each other without hesitation (Bass, 2012). The members should be able to share their problems with each other and with the supervisors, so that they feel empowered and valued. This motivates them to make a collaborative effort toward the productivity. The leader makes a workgroup more effective when he creates a role-balance between the members (Chong, 2007). In short, those work t eams and work groups tend to be more effective for the businesses in the long run which are managed properly, in terms of communication, collaboration, and role-balance. Chong, E. (2007). Role balance and team development: A study of team role characteristics underlying high and low performing teams. Institute of Behavioral and Applied Management. Retrieved November 25, 2012, from

Commonwealth of Nations Essay Example for Free

Commonwealth of Nations Essay Inside Jewish Synagogue The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active[1] synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations,[2] located in Kochi, Kerala, in South India. It was built in 1568 by the Malabar Yehudan people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin. Paradesi is a word used in several Indian languages, and the literal meaning of the term is foreigners, applied to the synagogue because it was historically used by White Jews, a mixture of Jews from Cranganore, the Middle East, and European exiles. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue. The synagogue is located in the quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town,[2] and is the only one of the seven synagogues in the area still in use. The complex has fourbuildings. It was built adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace temple on the land gifted to the Malabari Yehuden community by the Raja of Kochi, Rama Varma[disambiguation needed]. The Mattancherry Palace temple and the Mattancherry synagogue share a common wall. History The Malabari Jews formed a prosperous trading community of Kerala, and they controlled a major portion of world wide spice trade. In 1568, the Jews of Kerala constructed the Paradesi Synagogue adjacent to Mattancherry Palace, Cochin, now part of the Indian city of Ernakulam, on land given to them by the Raja of Kochi. The original synagogue was built in the 4th  century in Kodungallur (Cranganore) when the Jews had a mercantile role in the South Indian region along the Malabar coast now called Kerala. It was later moved to Kochi from Kodungallur. The first synagogue of the Malabari Jews in Cochin was destroyed in the Portuguese persecution of the Malabari Jews and Nasrani people of Kerala in the 16th century. The second synagogue, built under the protection of the Raja of Cochin along with Dutch patronage, is the present synagogue. It is called Paradesi synagogue because it was built with Dutch patronage at a time when Kochi was under Dutch occupation, thus the name paradesi synagogue or foreign synagogue. In 1968, the synagogue celebrated its 400th anniversary in a ceremony attended by Indira Gandhi, the Indian Prime Minister. Social composition and traditions The Paradesi Synagogue had three classes of members. * White Jews were full members. The White Jews, or Paradesi Jews, were the recent descendants of Sephardim from Holland and Spain. * Black Jews were allowed to worship but were not admitted to full membership. These Cochin Jews were the original Jewish settlers of Cochin. * Meshuchrarim, a group of freed slaves who had no communal rights and no synagogue of their own sat on the floor or on the steps outside. However, in the first half of the 20th century,Abraham Barak Salem, a meshuchrar, successfully campaigned against this discrimination. As is normal for Orthodox Jewish synagogues, the Paradesi Synagogue has separate seating sections for men and women. The Paradesi Synagogue is the only functioning synagogue in Kochi today with a minyan (though this minyan must be formed with Jews from outside Kochi, as the number who still reside there is not sufficient). In conformity with the Hindu, Nasrani and Islamic traditions of Kerala, the worshippers are required to enter the Paradesi Synagogue barefoot.[3] Other facets which are unique to the Cochin Jewish community, and which are results of Hindu influence, include special colors of clothing for each festival, circumcision ceremonies at public worship, and distribution of grapes soaked myrtle leaves on certain festivals. In addition, the Cochin Jews currently have no rabbis, as the community is led by elders. The synagogue is also open to visitors; the ticket-seller, Yaheh Hallegua, is the last female Paradesi Jew of child-bearing age. Objects of antiquity The Paradesi Synagogue has the Scrolls of the Law, several gold crowns received as gifts, many Belgian glass chandeliers, and a brass-railed pulpit. It houses the copper plates of privileges given to Joseph Rabban, the earliest known Cochin Jew, dating from the 10th century, written in Tamil on the two plates, by the ruler of the Malabar Coast. The floor of the synagogue is composed of hundreds of Chinese, 18th century, hand-painted porcelain tiles, all of which are unique. There is also an oriental rug, a gift from Haile Selassie, the last Ethiopian Emperor.[5] The most visible part of the synagogue is the 18th century clock tower, which, along with other parts of the complex,which underwent repair work under the direction of World Monuments Fund, between 1998 and 1999.[6] Hebrew inscription at the Mattancherry synagogue A tablet from the earlier synagogue in Kochangadi in Kochi (built in 1344) is placed on the outer wall of the Paradesi synagogue. The inscription states that the structure was built in 5105 (in the Hebrew Calendar) as an abode for the spirit of God Description The temple was built in first millennium during the time of Kamarupa. Allahabad rock inscriptions of Samudragupta mentioned about it. Temple was destroyed during the middle of second millennium and revised temple structure was constructed in 1565 by Chilarai of the Koch dynastyin the style of medieval temples.[2] The current structure has a beehive-like shikhara with delightful sculptured panels and images of Ganeshaand other Hindu gods and goddesses on the outside .[3] The temple consists of three major chambers. The western chamber is large and  rectangular and is not used by the general pilgrims for worship. The middle chamber is a square, with a small idol of the Goddess, a later addition. The walls of this chamber contain sculpted images of Naranarayana, related inscriptions and other gods.[4] The middle chamber leads to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in the form of a cave, which consists of no image but a natural underground spring that flows through a yoni-shaped cleft in the bedrock. During the Ambuvaci festival each summer,the menstruation of the Goddess Kamakhya is celebrated. During this time, the water in the main shrine runs red with iron oxide resembling menstrual fluid. It is likely that this is an ancient Khasi sacrificial site, and worshiping here still includes sacrifices. Devotees come every morning with goats to offer to Shakti.[5] The Kalika Purana, an ancient work in Sanskrit describes Kamakhya as the yielder of all desires, the young bride of Shiva, and the giver of salvation.Shakti is known as Kamakhya. Kamakhya Temple in Himachal Pradesh. The Kamakhya temple in the forest region of Polian Purohitan in Una District of Himachal State is situated at about 600 mt above sea level. The Pindi,was brought over by the Rajpurohits of Brahaminical Aryan descent of the sage Vatsayan some 800 years ago after the invasion of the Shans in 1200C, with the destruction of the first tantric ritual site. The worshippers escaped in mass migration from the Garo-Khasi hillregion of Assam, via the Tibet Himalaya silk route to Kashmir .While some left for the north west frontiers, a few families of the Brahamin Vatsayan Rajpurohits sanctified the tantric Kamakhyakuldevi in the wilderness of an isolated forest hill in Polian Purohitan. Sculptures carved on the temple The first tantric Kamakhya Temple was destroyed during the Mongol invasion in the Nilachal hills in the 12 BC, so was the fate of the second tantric temple destroyed in the Muslim attacks, probably by the Hindu convert Muslim  warrior Kala Pahad. The Brahaminical legend of the Shakti in the later period led to the worship of the tantric goddess as Hindu Shakti goddess. The worship of all female deity in Assam symbolizes the fusion of faiths and practices of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam.[6] The different names associated with the goddess are names of local Aryan and non-Aryan goddesses.[7] The Yogini Tantra mentions that the religion of the Yogini Pitha is ofKirata origin.[8] According to Banikanta Kakati, there existed a tradition among the priests established by Naranarayana that the Garos, a matrilineal people, offered worship at the earlier Kamakhya site by sacrificing pigs.[9] The goddess is worshiped according to both the Vamachara (Left-Hand Path) as well as theDakshinachara (Right-Hand Path) modes of worship.[10] Offerings to the goddess are usually flowers, but might include animal sacrifices. In general female animals are exempt from sacrifice, a rule that is relaxed during mass sacrifices.[11] Legends A complete view of the temple Vatsayana,a Vedic Sage in Varanasi during the later first Century was approached by the King in the Himalayan region (now Nepal) to find a solution to convert the tribals and their rituals of human sacrifice to a more socially accepted worship. The Sage suggested the worship of a tantric goddess Tara that spread towards the eastern Himalayan belt till the Garo Hills where the tribals worshipped a fertility yoni goddess Kameke. It was much later in the later Brahaminical period Kalika Purana that most tantric goddess were related to the legend of Shakti and began to be erroneously worshipped as a devi by the Hindus. According to the Kalika Purana, Kamakhya Temple denotes the spot where Sati used to retire in secret to satisfy her amour with Shiva, and it was also the place where her yoni fell after Shiva danced with the corpse of Sati.[12] This is not corroborated in the Devi Bhagavata, which lists 108 places associated with Satis body, though Kamakhya finds a mention in a supplementary list.[13] The Yogini Tantra, a latter work, ignores the origin of Kamakhya given inKalika Purana and associates Kamakhya with the goddess Kali and  emphasizes the creative symbolism of the yoni. Kamakhya during Ahom era According to a legend the Koch Bihar royal family was banned by Devi herself from offering puja at the temple. In fear of this curse, to this day no descendants of that family dares to even look upward towards the Kamakhya hill while passing by. Without the support of the Koch royal family the temple faced lot of hardship. By the end of 1658, the Ahoms under king Jayadhvaj Singha had conquered the Lower Assam and their interests in the temple grew. In the decades that followed the Ahom kings, all who were either devout Shaivite or Shaktacontinued to support the temple by rebuilding and renovating it. Rudra Singha (reign 1696 to 1714) was a devout Hindu and as he grew older he decided to formally embrace the religion and become an orthodox Hindu by being initiated or taking sharan of a Guru, who would teach him the mantras and become his spiritual guide. But, he could not bear the thought of humbling himself in front a Brahmin who is his subject. He therefore sent envoys to Bengal and summoned Krishnaram Bhattacharyya, a famous mahant of Shaktasect who lived in Malipota, near Santipur in Nadia district. The mahant was unwilling to come, but consented on being promised to be given the care of the Kamakhya temple to him. Though the king did not take sharan, he satisfied the mahant by ordering his sons and the Brahmins in his entourage to accept him as their spiritual guru. When Rudra Singha died, his eldest son Siba Singha (reign 1714 to 1744), who became the king, gave the management of the Kamakhya temple and along with it large areas of land (Debottar land) to Mahant Krishnaram Bhattacharyya. The Mahant and his successors came to be known as Parbatiya Gosains, as they resided on top of the Nilachal hill. Many Kamakhya priests and modern Saktas of Assam are either disciples or descendants of the Parbatiya Gosains, or of the Nati and Na Gosains.

Sudan and the USA: A comparison

Sudan and the USA: A comparison Sudan and the USA All countries in the world are unique in one way or another. When most people think of Sudan â€Å"the place of my birth†, they think of the south/north war and the recent genocide claims in Darfur. What many people do not realize is that not all of the countries in Africa are diverse as Sudan. While it does not compare to the USA, THERE ARE FEW DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES SUDAN AND THE USA from my point of view. In fact, this paper will focus on Sudan and the USA in view of their economy, education, and family. The first difference between Sudan and the USA can be traced through their economy. As an example, the USA is a stable, modern nation with a strong economy. The USA has a capitalist mixed economy, which is fueled by abundant natural resources, a well-developed infrastructure, and high productivity. One the other hand, Sudans economy is not good. The aftereffects of the 21-year civil war and very limited infrastructure, however, present obstacles to stronger growth and a broader distribution of income. Sudans primary resource is agricultural, but oil production and export have taken on greater importance since 2000. Although the country is trying to diversify its cash crops, cotton, and gum Arabic remain its major agricultural exports. Sudans foreign debt is exceeding $21 billion, more than the countrys entire annual gross domestic product. Sudans inadequate and declining infrastructure inhibits economic growth. As you can see, there are stark differences between the economies of Suda n and the USA. Another difference between Sudan and the USA is their education systems. To illustrate, in Sudan, the education system is not that good. There are many people who dont have any possibility of going to school due to limited opportunities or lack of money. Schools are clustered in the vicinity of Khartoum (capital city) and to a lesser extent in other urban areas, although the population is mainly rural. This concentration was found at all levels but was most marked for those in situations beyond the four-year primary schools. The north suffered from shortages of teachers and buildings, but education in the south is even more inadequate. On the other hand, in the USA, American public education is operated by state and local governments. Children are required in most states to attend school from the age of six or seven until they turn eighteen; states allow students to leave school at sixteen or seventeen. Small percentages of children are homeschooled. The United States has many compet itive private and public institutions of higher education, as well as local community colleges with open admission policies. Education is often regarded as the key to opportunity, including financial security. Americans take a practical approach to learning, so what one learns outside the classroom through internships, extracurricular activities is often considered as important as what is learned in the classroom. Therefore, lifelong learning is highly valued, which results in many adult and continuing education programs. Americans have many choices in school. They decide their major field of study, perhaps with or without their parents influence, and students even get to select some of their courses. USA and Sudan also share some similarities. Indeed, both gained independence from Great Britain. Sudan declared its independence on January 1, 1956, whereas, USA declared independence from Britain in 1776. Other similarity is how both countries view family and family life. In Sudan, the extended family provided social services. Traditionally, the family was responsible for the old, the sick, and the mentally ill, although many of these responsibilities had been eroded by urbanization. In many cases, however, the burden of these social services normally falls upon the women. Conversely, in the USA, people value their family and the way they live. The main purpose of the American family is to bring about the happiness of each individual family member. The traditional family values include love and respect for parents, as well as for all members of the family. Regardless of nationality, race and religion, we as people must learn to care for one another, appreciate and respect our differences. As we move on to the next century, we are closer than before. Globalization will continue to be a challenge in the new world, and most influential force in determining the future course of our planet. Reference Central Intelligence Agency The World Factbook. (NOV 28, 2009). CIA The World Factbook Publications. Retrieved Nov 28, 2009 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

A Dolls House Essay -- A Dolls House Essays

A Doll House Essay Ibsen said that his mission in life was to â€Å"Inspire individuals to freedom and independence† which was shown throughout the play A Doll House. Since he wrote modern theatre, the characters were real and audiences could relate to them. He particularly questioned the role of men and women during his time. Ibsen used A Doll House to motivate women so they would seek more power and freedom in their relationships. Audiences could then look up to characters such as Nora and Mrs Linde whom were independent, some what ahead of their times. Ibsen’s purpose was to not only to enlighten women of their unfair status but also to make the men understand women are much smarter than what they think. His goal was to change these attitudes of all humans so equality could be reached. By 1878-79, when A Doll House was written, women’s rights had become a burning issue. People such as John Stuart Mill who wrote The Subjection of Women (1869) were one of the first to raise these issues and could be seen as an early feminist. They raised question as to whether the female role was fair. Before then, women were very submissive and had little opportunities. They were unable to have a job and were expected to do household duties and take care of the children. Men were the dominant ones but the women knew no different. For the few who could see this inequality, they were seen as ‘unfeminine’ as they were thinking for themselves, which is something only a man would do. Ibsen would be on their sides and tried to express that it was all right, through his characters. Nora plays upon her innocence and helplessness at the beginning to achieve things, being the typical stereotype of women in this time. â€Å"Oh, please,... ... stand up for themselves. They were unlike the stereotype in which women were made into and took responsibility for their actions. The play would make people think and discuss these roles of men and women and even question the values of society. Ibsen hoped he would make women realise they deserve a choice as to whether they want to marry and to be equal with men. Bibliography Mills, John Stuart 1860, The Subjection of Women, Prometheus Books, New York â€Å"Ibsen- woman’s rights† 2005 http://www.unesco.org/webworld/mdm/2001/fr/ibsen/form.html, 24/04/05 â€Å"A Doll House- Ibsen† 2005 http://www.novelguide.com/ADoll'sHouse/themeanalysis.html 24/04/05 â€Å"Woman’s right and roles† 2005 http://www.unesco.no/kommunikasjon/hukommelse/ibsen.html. 24/04/05 â€Å"Woman’s Liberation, Ibsen† 2005 http://www.international-relations.com/cm3-2/Feminismweb. html 24/04/05

Death of a Salesman :: essays research papers

Death of a Salesman   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The American dream is, in part, responsible for a great deal of crime and violence because people feel that the country owes them not only a living but a good living.† Said David Abrahansen. This is true and appropriate in the case of Willy Loman, and his son Biff Loman. Both are eager to obtain their American dream, even though both have completely different views of what that dream should be. The play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller shows the typical lives of typical Americans in the 1940’s. Miller’s choice of a salesman to be the main character in this play was not a coincidence, since it represents the typical middle-class working American, some of which have no technical skills what so ever. Miller’s play gives us insides on the daily lives of many Americans, this through the eyes of Willy and Biff Loman, he also shows what kind of personalities, what dreams they have, and their different points of view of what the Ameri can dream means.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Willy Loman is a sixty-one years old who has been taken off salary, put on straight commission and eventually fired from the Wagner Company because he is no longer effective. In the story he is portrait as a tragic figure that’s largely to blame for his own downfall. He puts his wife Linda into the position where she is totally dependent on him. Because Willy has an incorrigible inability to tell the truth, even to himself, and an unreasonable mode of thinking, he justifies his death by saying that his sacrifice will save his sons, particularly Biff; he believes that the insurance money they collect will be a tangible remembrance of him. Willy’s dream was to become like Dave Singleman, who was a very popular salesman, liked by his clients and, able to do business by just making a phone call. Because he was so well liked, when Singleman died, customers from all over his region came to his funeral. Willy dared to believe that his funeral would be similar to Singleman's. Throughout his life, Willy believed that if one were attractive and well liked, everything would be perfect. The doors would automatically open for such a man, and he was sure to be successful. Willy’s American dream was to become rich and famous through his sales, a dream that consumed his life, making him live in an imaginary world where he would often talk to himself.

Ronald Reagan Life Span

Introduction On Feb. 6, 1911 a child named Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in a small town, Tampico, Illinois. His parents are the late Nelle Wilson and John (â€Å"Jack†) Reagan. Ronald grew up with one brother by the name of Neil (â€Å"Moon†) Reagan. The Reagans moved quite a few times throughout Ronald’s childhood before settling down in Dixon Illinois. Although Reagan Majored in Sociology and Economics, his love was in entertainment. In 1936 he accepted a position with the radio station WHO in Des Moines, Iowa as a sports caster. Only a year later, Reagan went on to Hollywood in Los Angeles, California to establish his acting career. His acting career lasted 25 years. Reagan became known for his political abilities in 1964 when he preformed a television speech that supported Senator Barry Goldwater’s campaign for presidency. Although Goldwater lost, the speech was moving none the less. After the speech was delivered, a group of Republicans in California approached Reagan and convinced him to run in the 1966 election for the seat of governor of California. Reagan beat out Democrat Edmund G. Brown, his opponent, by nearly a million votes. In the Race for presidency in 1980 Regan’s opponent was Jimmy Carter. Carter’s nervous mannerisms were no match for Regan’s charm and public appeal. Carter's 41% of votes was dwarfed by Reagan’s 51%. Reagan became known as â€Å"the great communicator. † Reagan became the 40th President of the United States of America. Reagan spoke out publicly against federal regulatory agencies, expensive social programs, and government bureaucracy. He was a public speaker and advocate of the middle class. However, he also thought the government had too much control and influence over businesses. Psychological Influences His father was an Irish-American. His father was a shoe salesman by trade. Reagan’s mother was Scotts-Irish. Reagan didn’t care much for his name Ronald so he went by â€Å"Dutch†, a nickname that very well could have come from his father saying he looked like a fat Dutch boy. Reagan’s mother was a huge advocate for the needy. She also supported efforts for prohibition. She thought that alcohol was a moral decay of the family fabric. This was more than likely because Reagan’s father was an alcoholic. Be that as it may, Nelle always supported Jack and never chastised him for what she classified as his â€Å"sickness†. Reagan seemed to have such an empathetic mother. She seems to be so supportive of his father as well as the rest of the family. Even though she had personal ideological disagreements with the way that Jack was living his life, Nelle had compassion and stood by Jack with emotion; showing a good moral environment for her children. Support Structure Systems Reagan was antisocial as a child and didn’t have many friends. The Reagan’s were a tightly knit unit. However, Reagan did write in his memoirs an entry along the lines of Dixon being a small town in which everyone had a sense of community for one another. It was a place where people helped others in need. This is very important because this could allude to an opinion of Reagan’s genuine concern for others. Reagan, at the age of 11, became very devout in religion. He aspired to become a Disciple of Christ and became baptized by a Disciple of Christ. Throughout his life, Reagan constantly remained vigilant in his religious endeavors. He believed in God and he believed in brotherhood. Through these two powerful belief structures, Reagan received support from within that he needed to pursue endeavors throughout his life. Neither of Reagan’s parents possessed a formal education. For this reason they were very concerned that their children did well in school. Despite Nelle and Jack’s efforts, Reagan’s interest wasn’t as much on education, as it was on sports. However, this gave him a substantial structure through his teammates on his football team. Although his educational goals gave him an early start for college and eventually for his major in economics and sociology, he also gained an important support foundation from making friends and becoming social in sports. Nelle and Jack were advocates of equal opportunity and encouraged cultural growth. On many occasions they invited Ronald’s multicultural friends into their home for social gatherings. Personality Theories Some people argue that Reagan was an Introvert merely because he was an actor previous to his career as a politician. An introvert is someone who is concerned primarily with one's own thoughts and feelings rather than with the external environment (dictionary. com). Most people become actors because they are shy and sensitive people. They are often insecure people who find difficulties expressing themselves. Some people would argue that Reagan had script writers that aided his abilities to be so charismatic. Some Introverted People resort to acting because being onstage is an out for them and a way for them to be extroverted when they can find no other means to do so. On the contrary, many people claim that Reagan was an extrovert due to his jocularity and ability to communicate very well. Extroversion is the tendency to be sociable, active, and willing to take risks (Kowalski & Western, 2005). Reagan displayed the ability to charm a crowd seemingly with no effort. Reagan was forthcoming, energetic, and open like most extroverted individuals. Extroverts tend to want to be continuously moving. Extroverts thrive on different activities, be it either physical or mental. Extroverts likewise gain their energy from their surroundings. An extrovert’s environment stimulates them greatly such as Reagan seemed to be from his. Best Match/Conclusion In 1921 a Swiss Psychoanalyst, Dr. Jung, coined the terms introvert and extrovert. He believed that people are born with these two innate attitudes. He believed that everyone possesses these two attitudes but favors one more so than the other. According to Dr. Jung’s research an introvert focuses on their feelings, emotions, and Ideas as an extrovert focuses on heavy doses of social stimulation. A research study was conducted at Berkeley and the results found online at berkeley. edu revealed that Reagan could be ranked as a disparate conservative. Other disparate conservatives that were ranked in the study with Reagan were Hitler and Mussolini. The Study believes that theses three individuals express the same traits. The traits that were observed were fear, aggression, dogmatism, intolerance of ambiguity, uncertainty, avoidance, need for cognitive closure and terror management. Many psychoanalysts associate a close relativity between extroversion with conservatives. According to Dr. Salvatore Didato, Ph. D. , Reagan is an extrovert (St. Petersburg Evening Independent 1985). By looking at Reagan’s jocular approach to his speeches and his constant drive for attention as well as combining this with the research findings of the Berkeley study, I agree. I believe that Reagan thrived on the support and attention of the public to satisfy his feelings of self fulfillment. References Introvert. Retrieved from http://dictionary. reference. om/browse/introversion on November 2, 2009. Extrovert. Retrieved from EBOOK COLLECTION: Kowalski, R. & Western, D. (2005). Psychology (4th ed. ). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. On November 2, 2009. Berkely. edu research study. Retreieved online November 2, 2009. http://berkeley. edu/news/media/releases/2003/07/22_politics. shtml Dr. Salvatore Didato, Ph. D. ,†Most of us are a mix of introvert and extrovert† St. Petersburg E vening Independent Saturday March 9, 1985 retrieved from http://news. google. com/newspapers? nid=950&dat=19850311&id=Ou4LAAAAIBAJ&sjid=X1kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7075,2599676 on Nov 02, 2009.

Incentive Plans

Companies’ presidents, CEOs, and managers for decades have used incentives to attract, reward, and retain employees. Dessler (2011) recognizes that most employees receive salary or hourly wage as well as other incentives (Dessler, 2011). Dessler (2011) reports a variety of incentive plans ranging from piecework plans to the earning at risk pay plans (Dessler, 2011). While there are many incentive plans that can be discussed, this paper will only highlight the advantages and disadvantages of merit pay as an incentive and profit sharing plans.Merit Pay  Dessler (2011) defines merit pay as a salary increase awarded based on performance and becomes part of the employees’ base pay salary (Dessler, 2011). Dessler (2011) asserts that merit pay has advocates who argues that rewards tied to performance can motivate performance and detractors claim that merit pay undermine teamwork and misconception of pay as a whole (Dessler, 2011). As Dessler (2011) defines merit pay with adv ocates and detractors other authors such as Longenecker and Goff (1992) uses the term performance appraisal instead of merit pay.Longenecker and Goff (1992) states that merit pay or performance appraisal is believed to be effective by managers and subordinates because it help clarify employee input about his or her job (Longenecker and Goff, 1992). At the same time, both managers and subordinates viewed merit plans as ineffective for linking pay to performance, ineffective for improving motivation and performance as well as ineffective for managers and subordinates working relationship (Longenecker and Goff, 1992).While Longenecker and Goff (1992) referred to merit pay more as performance appraisal others such as Hayes (1999) questions incentive programs altogether. In the article ‘Pros & Cons of Pay for Performance’ the author claims that no one really knows if incentive programs truly work (Hays, 1999). This article further asserts that incentive programs such as this plan create competitiveness that is not necessarily best for a company (Hays, 1999). This article proposes that rewards control behavior through seduction, that it ruins relationships, create competitiveness, that it reduces risk taking, creativity, and  innovation (Hays, 1999).Profit Sharing Plans Profit sharing plans are incentive plans where employees receive a share of a company’s annual profits (Dessler, 2011). Dessler (2011) asserts that there is ample evidence that profit sharing plans boost productivity, but the effects on profits is insignificant once one factor in costs (Dessler, 2011). In fact, the article ‘Profit-Sharing Plans Work’ the author proposes that cash profits are the best way to let employees know that they are important to the company and profit sharing is a tool that could turn the country around (Profit-Sharing Plans Work, 1988).Further, the article emphasizes how workers worry less about management receiving massive profits at the ex pense of the employees’ earnings and for management it provides a financial cushion that limits losses in economic downturns (Profit-Sharing Plans Work, 1988). All the while, this article argues that profit sharing plans where proceeds go into retirement funds instead of employees’ pockets fail to motivate and improve performance (Profit-Sharing Plans Work, 1988).In any case, this article suggests that company morale can be damaged when upper management or salaried employees are the only participants in the profit sharing plans of the company (Profit-Sharing Plans Work, 1988). Yet, Flesher (1993) article describes the profit sharing plans as the type of contribution plans that enables employees to share in accumulated profits of the company, and it is divided among the participants on a pro rata basis based on the participants and the total income of all participants in the plans (Flesher, 1993).Such plans offer the advantages of immediate tax deductions for corporatio n and no immediate tax payable by the employee (Flesher, 1993). Nevertheless, Hays (1999) questions the use of incentive programs for improving performance and asks the question: why do so many companies claim that incentive programs administered effectively or improve company performance? Hays (1999) reports in his article that personal recognition can be more motivational than money, clearly the times have changed because it is this author’s opinion that people are first motivated by monetary reward, then material reward, and then personal recognition.Conclusion Dessler (2011) describes individual incentive programs as performance based pay and team based incentives as performance pay for the team, as variable pay pays a group for its productivity (Dessler, 2011). Dessler (2011) continued by describing the various types of incentive pay plans ranging from the piecework plan to the earning at risk pay plans (Dessler, 2011). After analyzing some of the authors’ article and this author concluded that incentives are not just for the employees but for the employers as well.Pay incentives such as the merit pay plans and the profit sharing plans can be used as tools in an effective manner to increase productivity for a company, but as for motivational purposed for the employees, this could be in some ways for some employees a positive thing and for other employees a negative thing.Also, when asked the question 🙠 do profit sharing plans improve performance?), people like Hays (1999) seem to think that personal recognition can be more motivational than money. While people like Flesher (1993) seem to think that merit pay and profit sharing offers advantages of immediate tax deductions for corporation and no immediate tax payable by the employee (Flesher, 1993). Last, incentive pay has been and will always continue to be used in corporate America as a tool to attract, reward, and retain employees.

Cashier vs. Sales Assoicate

Sale associates have task that have to be done, such as zoning, putting freight away and helping customer find products. I can connect to this because Im a sales associate in the crafts and fabrics department. It takes a lot of determination to get the tasks done in the time we are schedule for. By zoning we are making our department look good and to make sure we have the products in stock. This is why we get freight to put away so we never run out of items that the customers want to buy. It also helps the associate know where items are so then when a customer asks for help; the associate knows where the product is located. Another difference between a cashier and a sales associate is the location. A sales associate is assigned to a department. As for me being a part of a crafts and fabrics associates Im located in the back of the store next to electronics and pet supplies. There are different locations for departments that sale associates attended to do their duties. Associates cant stand in one spot a time because there either helping Begg2 a customer or making there department look better. Time, time, time. Time is key in a sales associate’s job. They have to be on time because the associate that came in before them either is leavening soon or need you to cover the area while they go on lunch or break. Sale associates are assigning a lunch time, but they have freedom for taking their breaks. You take your break two hours after the associate signs in for the day and two hours before they leave they can take another break, depending on how many hour you work. This is where sale associates differ from cashiers. The front end of the store gets the money. These are your typical cashiers. Checking out customers items. Cashiers scan products, bag the products, and take the money. As a cashier you need to know how to do this while also communicating with the customer. It sounds like a boarding job. This is one difference of why sale associates are different. A cashier has one location and thats in the front of the store. They may have different registers, but there stuck in one spot all day. Cashiers dont get to walk around like a sales associate. Sales associates get assigned lunches and freedom to choose their own break times. However, cashiers dont get that privilege. Cashiers have to be told to take a break or a lunch. They have to wait until it slows down with the traffic of customers checking out and then an assist manger tells the cashier that they can go on break or lunch. Cashiers have very different schedules then a sales associate. For instances you are a cashier and you can only work mornings, but not nights then you only get mornings. For sale associates you put the hours you are free and then you’re scheduled to work whatever hours you’re free in the days of the week. This is unfair to sales associates, however, more hours means more money. This is why cashiers get paid less money than associates. Cashiers will always be differing in different situation then sale associates. Begg3 Sale associate and cashiers work together to make the store move smoothly. Without each other the store would be a mess. When a customer comes in and looks for stuff they need, but dont know the items are located in the store the customer may ask where the item is located and then the sale associate and either explain where the item is or show the customer what aisle the item is located. The customer is done shopping and then they proceed to the cashier. The cashier then cashes you out and the customer is on their way out the door. See how the sale associate and the cashier make it easier for the customer and the store to move smoothly. Another similarity with the two sub cultures are that we both have the same code we have to follow in case of and emergency. For example brown is a shooting situation, white is an accident in the building, and red is for fire and so on and so forth. The similarities for a cashier and a sales associate help the store do the job its needs to do which is to serve the customers , be respectful to one another and to work safely at all times. Wal-Mart stores are a big culture and there are many sub- cultures inside of Wal-Mart. Being a sale associate and a cashier are a few of the sub cultures in Walmart. These two groups may be different, but theyre very much alike. At end of the day, sale associates and cashiers always work together to make the store move smoothly.

The Song at the Scaffold by Gertrude von Le Fort Essay

The Song at the Scaffold by Gertrude von Le Fort - Essay Example She has a most uncharacteristic nature which is totally unsuited to her social standing, being fearfully timid and frail. She chooses Carmel of Compiegne as her saviour from the fears and terrors of life. At the sanctuary the character of Sister Marie of the Incarnation is introduced as one which embodies confidence yet humility and faith in the church, but feels that Blanche is unsuited to the rigorous lifestyle of the Carmel. The unfolding events of the French Revolution, bring a drastic change in Blanche’s circumstances from glory and comfort to distress, taking away the one sanctuary she trusted most; the Carmel at Compiegne. The author presents her uniqueness to us as she willingly steps out and joins the sisters who are being led to the guillotine, showing a superb transformation from fear and horror to unimaginable courage. This transformation is the epitome of her faith and belief in God bringing her to a point where the darkness of her fears Surname2 is encompassed an d destroyed by the one and only ultimate source of light ; her love of God. Sister Marie who has a strong, wilful and quite an eloquent personality, has all the makings of a heroine, manages to flee from the executioners for greater service to the Lord and mankind. She realizes that bravery and piety do not necessary come from great acts of heroism. Weak and insignificant beings are chosen by God to become vessels of the working of the Divine. Surname3 The novella has a very interesting character in the form of Blanche de La Force. She was the daughter of Marquis de La Force. Her birth in the nobility did not in any manner reflect in her demeanour. She had a frail disposition and lived in a constant state of fear, which according to her father, was the result of the circumstances at the time of her birth. She would surely have been beautiful considering the lineage she belonged to, had not fear overcome all other senses. She always wore a pinched expression on her face, reflecting i nner turmoil. The other interesting character of the story was that of Sister Marie of the Incarnation. She was the opposite of Blanche in appearance. She was stout and strong. Her demeanour reflected her state of confidence and strong belief in God. She showed a stoutness which bordered on overconfidence. Blanche and Sister Marie had the love of God as the most marked similarity in their personalities. Apart from that, Blanche had a timid and nervous personality. She showed signs of an extreme insecurity complex from a very early age, when she would reconfirm from her nanny that the stairs would not slip from under her feet, or when she would tremble at the sight of a new servant as if she had seen a ghost. As she grew up and sensed the ridicule aimed at her from all quarters, these insecurities only added to her agonizing fear of all things known as well as unknown. Such a disposition had a profound effect on the girl’s personality putting her apart from others of her age g roup. The reason might have been the demise of her mother at childbirth, who might have in other circumstances soothed and calmed her by giving her a confidence which the Jacobean father could not and did not. Sister Marie ,on the other hand showed a self-assurance which seemed to stem from her strong Surname4 faith. She had absolute belief in her own

1) Unit of work for listening and speaking skills for ESL primary Essay

1) Unit of work for listening and speaking skills for ESL primary Enlish classroom. 2) An stating the rationale, theoretical principles, reflection for th - Essay Example Not all aspects of the text chat and face-to-face environments are similar. In text chat, it is possible for several participants to participate simultaneously. This unit is designed for the pupils of primary level around the age of 10 years. This unit contains some dialogues, narratives and some interesting and absorbing exercises for enhancing listening and speaking capabilities of pupils. The topic of unit is quite interesting. The unit revolves round the unlucky Friday 13th. It focuses on the superstitious aspect of western culture. The topic of unit not teaches language skills but it also introduces non-native pupils to the culture of the western society. The unit theme is quite absorbing and motivating. Pupils would automatically try to speak about the unfortunate incidents took place in the life Emily on that unlucky Friday. A lesson plan is a comprehensive and predetermined schedule of every activity of teacher in classroom for achieving optimal results. A lesson plan can be of many forms and types. It usually depends on time span, style of educator and type of subject to be taught. But the basic and main objective of any type of lesson plan is to provide teacher a pre-planned line of action for presenting materials and interacting with learners. The lesson plan should not be merely a action plan but it should provide a useful link between objectives of curriculum and material to be taught. Motivate students by telling them about the poor Emily who faced lot of hardships on unlucky Friday. Tell the students background of Friday 13th that is considered unlucky. Tell them how much hardships she faced on that particular day but how boldly she faced them. Encourage students to be bold if such situation may arise in their daily routine. It will create intimacy with the character. Tell the students the how important is listening for correct speaking. Tell them

Write an academic report that is clear,concise & cohesive on the topic Essay

Write an academic report that is clear,concise & cohesive on the topic of THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE - Essay Example In most instances, language is defined as verbal behavior, including body movements and gestures (Campbell & Green, 2006). Language is an integral constituent of the human activity playing a central part in the experiences and events of daily life of humans. This essay explains the meaning of language, importance of language in communication, the importance of language in civilization and the importance of language to culture. Oral language is a skill acquired naturally by small children. However, early childhood development cannot be overstressed, but it is a platform, which enables children to read and write. Assigning a meaning to sentences and words involves interpretation, which is mainly influenced by an individual’s attitudes, topic knowledge and experiences. Therefore, during communication individuals arrive at different meanings during a conversation. The principal means of communication in any society is spoken language although written communication also plays a vital role (Fellowes & Oakley, 2010).Language can be expressed orally through a generation of speech, which facilitates speech through an employment of signs systematically. It is a complex physical process, which involves the use of the vocal tract in controlling and shaping moving air in various ways in order to produce sounds. A speech comprises of fluency, voice and articulation. Language is extremely an important way used by human beings to interact. Language is used to express the needs of individuals and ask others questions. Language is modified in every situation, for instance, the tone used to address children at home is different from the tone used in business meetings. In order to communicate effectively, individuals send a message comprising actions, words and gestures. Therefore, communication is two-way since the recipient is as important as the sender is (Gee & Hayes, 2011). Through language,

Sterling Financial Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sterling Financial Study - Essay Example Bill Border's managerial experience has gotten off to a rocky start. Having only three months previous work as an area manager for Sterling was not really enough experience to the thrust in a position without time for adjustment, and with his closest help, Mary Gross-district manager, being 100 kilometers away. Bill has also come into the position at a time when a depressed economy was limiting productivity. Bill is focused on employee performance than job satisfaction, but given the circumstances of the economy's effect, and not researching previous performance levels, he cannot formulate an accurate perception of the work environment. Bill's lack of networking time, communication, and misconceptions on employee performance, led to the firing of a potentially valuable employee, and has led to other, larger problems such as higher anxiety, lack of positive motivating forces, and even less communication than before. The most pressing problem in Bill's situation is the lack of communication on his part. When Bill Border arrived to the position, he held an introductory meeting and individual reviews to discuss employee goals and the firm's expectations. Although the meeting and reviews were good ideas as ways to get acquainted with the staff, Bill's method failed because it was too generalized. Bill offered the employees the opportunity to discuss concerns with him, but he never did anything to address and resolve the issues presented. Harper (2006) stated, "Managers often believe that lack of employee ability and motivation are reaons for declining performance but other factors directly within the manager's influence may, in fact, be the real reaon for the decline (pag. 68). A lack of knowledge regarding his subordinates gave Bill a false perception about the real issues, and effected his decision making skills. Aside from effective communication, it is important for managers to have an accurate perception of the issues at hand. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (n.d.) defined perception as, "A capacity for comprehension" (perception, n. pag.). Bill lacked this because he did not consider any external forces that were affecting worker productivity, believing they were just not motivated enough. Bill did not see the bigger picture of how the economy was stunting business, or any external problems that were affecting his subordinates. This distorted perception led Bill a decision that would hinder his progress as a manager further when he dismissed Keith Taylor, a 23-year-old management trainee. Keith had been with the Sterling Financial Company for 18 months and was considered by peers to be a well-liked, intelligent employee that gave satisfactory performance. Bill was concerned with Keith's increased absenteeism, but never considered the external factors affecting Keith's attendance. Bill did not communicate these concerns directly to Keith, but made a general and vague reference to the attendance issue during a meeting. Although Keith deserved a reprimand for his act of no call/no show, termination of his employment was unnecessary. When Bill tacked on the announcement of Keith's departure to the end of an office meeting without giving explanation, job stress skyrocketed with employees. His lack of effectively communicating the reasons

Architecture history exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Architecture history exam - Essay Example One of the reasons for these differences was religion, in which the Athenians had pagan religions that were not prohibitive on gender relations. Therefore, architects were not held to religious standards during construction and saw exposure of men and women nude even in their private quarters as a sign of civilization, unlike Islamic cities in which architects had to adhere to strict religious requirements on gender segregation and privacy. In Islamic cities, the creation of turf for men and women was one of the most important elements during design and construction. Rather than these turfs establishing distinctive regions of physicality; however, they were meant to insulate the genders by increasing line-of-sight distance (Abu-Lughod 162). This necessitated the height of nearby buildings and window placement in such a way that protected the visual privacy of neighbors. This was meant to prevent men from seeing women in their privacy, although it did not prevent women from seeing men in their privacy. The architecture of Islamic cities in this way was different to that in Athens. For example, the Parthenon in Athens contained various open floors that contained many offices in which both genders could attend, as well as a spacious hall designed for transactions with the public without any form of overt gender segregation. While there was some segregation, this was only physical in nature and not visual. In addition, the use of columns, rather than solid walls ensured that both genders could see one another in their privacy (Tournikiotis 43). In addition, the agora that was located at the top of the hill was mainly made of terracing that allowed citizens to sit and watch presentations but did not limit the line-of-sight in any way, being visible from all part of the city. Away from public spaces, the dwelling areas in Islamic cities were also segregated into private and public space. This was meant to ensure that men could move around the residential area without interfering with women’s activities and movements. For example, most houses had wings for men on the first floor that accessed the garden and balconies on the ground floor and these wings contained the sleeping quarters for the house-head and sitting rooms (Abu-Lughod 163). However, the women were housed on the 2nd and 3rd floors for receiving guests and living quarters. In Athens, women were also confined to the interior parts of the house. However, when it came to a space like the Parthenon, the democratic spaces were created to be viewed from all parts of the city, while the agora was designed in a way that exposed voting individuals to everyone. The main difference between these spaces in Athens and Islamic cities was that men were allowed to walk naked in Athens, although, just as in Islamic cities, women were expected to be clothed with dignity (Tournikiotis 33). Walking naked for Athenian men in their houses, which were exposed, was meant to be a way of affirming thei r masculinity and showing them, as good lovers. Another obvious sign of sexual segregation in Islamic cities was the public bath sign that indicates the day ladies’ are meant to take a bath. Other signs show subtler governance of space and time. In addition, women from poor families who could not afford top duplicate space were protected from

Website analysis Essay Example for Free

Website analysis Essay Blockbuster Inc. started to embark on online rental service in the Unites States last August 2004 (Press Release). This is in counteraction of Netflix’s leading online movie rental service. The company’s website is popularly called Blockbuster Online and is somehow independent with on-ground stores. Visiting the website, observations can be formulated regarding the effectiveness and creativity of the website to online customers. The welcome page of Blockbuster Online is simple but effective. It is simple in a sense that no pop-ups can be found; there are no visual animations or advertising videos; no sounds and background music to entice the customers. Nevertheless, it is quite effective for the very reason that it uses the familial connection occurring with its customers. This can be evident through the use of a family picture in front of a television, assumed to be watching movies. It gives the customers a sense of home and belongingness. On another visit of the website, the featured picture is a woman lying down on a sofa in front of the television. These also give an idea that although movie viewing is comfortable in a family setting, it can also be done alone and still enjoy the activity. In both pictures, the people involve are holding remote controls. This very small detail gives an impression that each are about to watch a movie although if one looks at the pictures alone, the television is not visible. Furthermore, the movie guides and popcorn on the table in the pictures give a new dimension to movie home viewing. The said details represent the idea that satisfying movie viewing is not only possible in the big screens but also possible in the home. One would even be made to conclude that it would be a lot feasible and safe to watch movies in the home rather than in theatres. The color scheme of the website, with its blue, light blue, yellow and white major colors, is also very appropriate for the services it offers. The colors used give an impression of brightness and lightness of the website. It gives a serene and calming touch to anyone who visits the website. In the simplicity of the welcome page of the website, the customers may also be persuaded to think that the services it offers are practical and cheap. It makes them feel that fees are inexpensive and affordable. On the other hand, the welcome page can be seen as a very uncreative effort in designing. As one lingers longer on the page, it can be noticed that the website looks like an ordinary advertisement box in a newspaper page. This is unfavorable since it will decrease the customers’ interest in exploring more of the website. Although the welcome page is uncomplicated, it contains many promotional materials like the company’s offer for a free trial. It also presents free shipping and a step-by-step menu to help customers who are new to the website. The three easy steps to enjoy the rental service include select movies, receive by mail and return by mail or in-store exchange (Blockbuster Online). The various different links from the welcome page to the other pages of the website makes up for the simplicity of the welcome page. Complex links can be found in the different parts and corners of the welcome page. Links to a variety of web pages regarding the company are located at the bottom of the welcome page. This is very uneasy for the customers since it is in very small font sizes that it becomes unnoticeable. This part of the website includes the terms and conditions policy of the company. Nonetheless, the rent and buy movie links on the page are easy to follow. One particular detail that has caught attention is the link opening default settings of the website. In the links related to rental services and other customer-related topics such as movie categories and new movie releases, the links open on the current page. On the other hand, if the link leads to the company’s information or financial and business issues such as investing and the company profile, the link opens on a new window. This is very interesting since it implicitly draws the line between customer-related issues and internal issues of the company. Further on, the different links to the secondary websites are too many and are hard to track which may lead to the customer getting lost in the whole website. This may also be the effect of the website’s moderate organization of the links. Nevertheless, upon familiarity of the website links, customers can get used to the incomprehensible first impression organization of the website. The sign-up page of the website is simply designed too. A step-by-step process of the whole transaction of the rental service is included in a graphical and a worded method. It looks like a comic strip which accounts for its easy-to-comprehend characteristic. The big sign-up button is also interesting enough due to its large size and appealing color and font type. These properties of the page may convince the customer to sign up for a membership plan. Features of the rental service are also in the web page in brief making it a summary of the whole service that the company provides. The rent movies page is quite colorful and interesting especially for movie fanatics. It includes different categories and featured movies. In all of these categories, the movies featured all have small movie posters with the relative size of a DVD front cover. It gives a very unique influence on the customer since the customer can somehow see a glimpse of the movie. The rental page also provides a link on the procedure on how to rent via the internet. Like the rental page, the buyers’ page is also filled with the DVD front cover posters of on-sale movies. The structure also consists of different movie categories wherein the customer can choose from. However, in the buyers’ page, the movies in feature incorporate a button which adds the movie to the list of movies the customer wants to buy. Together with this element is the price of the movie. The payment terms can be done through credit card and other online wiring financial services such as PayPal. This is very secure for online clients, thus contributing with the website’s ease of operation characteristic. Another amazing element of the website is its trailers and video clips page. In this part, the customer can take a glance of the movies and also watch the trailer of the movie. It is very appropriate and efficient since most customers would first want to see clips of the movie before they rent or buy it. This amazing feature adds up to the website’s effectiveness. Some of the web pages in the site require information upload from the customers and members. Such web pages include the store locator and the contact page (Blockbuster Online). In the store locator page, the client is asked to type in the address and then a button is clicked to reveal stores near the vicinity. This is very useful for online customers who wanted to avail of in-store exchanges that the company offers. Although the feature is very simple, it has its own link page to set it apart from the rest of the website. On the contact page, the client can contact the company on certain issues such as membership and DVD issues. However, the system used is not that of a presentation method but rather an e-mail type. In this method, instead of giving the company’s contact numbers, headquarters address and email-address, the company asks the customer to input the category issue, the client’s information and contact details as well as the messages or questions concerning the company’s services. It is much like an e-mail web page where one can submit the mail directly to the company. The system that the company uses is very reliable and easy to manage for their part since they can somehow sort the mails that they receive. This method also prevents prank callers and mailers from dumping junk on the company’s telephone lines and mailbox. Nevertheless, the negative part for this process is that the customers may feel reluctant to communicate with the company since the company requires personal information from the client which can be jeopardized unintentionally.