The Making of a Human Resources Department Essay - 1337 Words

Serving as a Human Resources Manager for a rapidly growing organization in Southern California often proves to be both challenging and rewarding. The organization I happily work for, New American Funding (NAF) is one of the nation’s leading mortgage bankers. Coming into this organization, I had spent time working in Human Resources Management roles, but in all fairness, nothing could have prepared me for the role with NAF. When I was interviewed for the role as human resources manager, I was lead to believe by a rather persuasive recruiter that there were nearly 200 employees and the company was looking to double in the next year or two. I was nervous to develop a role in a company that was already this large where I would be managing the†¦show more content†¦It has been over two years since those interviews. When I joined NAF they had 384 employees, I ran a report last week and we had 903 employees. I was alerted to the fact that the mortgage industry experienced cyclical changes, but I was informed our company didn’t experience change like most in the industry. I have learned so much being with NAF. In 2013 NAF experienced unsurmountable change, the company hired 699 people, unfortunately we also had a Reduction in Force due to the change in the market and mortgage rate increases. This created a huge difference in our call center division and we were forced to eliminate positions. In 2013 between hires, terminations, resignations and reduction in force position eliminations, the Human Resources Department had nearly 1200 employee transactions. Performance management was crucial to the vast changes that we experienced as a company. Opening new branches and ensuring that the recruiting efforts aligned with our company goals, vision and mission. 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The Probation Officer And Offender Role - 2796 Words

The Probation Officer and Offender role has been widely examined, specifically in regards to the effective management of risk (McNeill, 2009, NOMS 2010). Within this, it is recognised that the relationship between these individuals is paramount to the effective management of risk and offending behaviour. There have been numerous working practices introduced throughout the years within the Probation Service to identify effective working practices including the Effective Practice Principles and latterly, Skills for Effective Engagement, Development and Supervision known by the acronym SEEDS (Rex Hosking, 2013). Whilst these have greatly influenced the work being undertaken by Probation practitioners, the management of risk of†¦show more content†¦BP is unable to work as a result of injuries sustained to his left leg and hand through previous violent acts. Additional to this, BP is an alcohol dependent individual who has been in relapse for approximately 12 months. BP is subject to an Indeterminate Public Protection (IPP) life licence for the offence of Wounding with Intent. This offence occurred in 2005, at a time when his alcohol consumption as at its heaviest and was â€Å"sofa surfing† with associates he met as previous supported accommodation sourced through the Salvation Army. The circumstances of the offence were that BP and his associate had been drinking constantly throughout the day in the victim’s flat and that an argument broke out over the level of music being played by BP. Feeling aggrieved by this, BP asked the victim to step outside for a fight. As a result of BP feeling ignored by the victim through the nil response, BP took the knife that he was holding and lunged towards the victim stabbing him in the neck before dragging the knife downwards on the neck. Subsequently, BP tried to stab the victim in the chin before retreating and apologising. In reviewing BP’s antecedents he has 28 convictions for 48 sep arate offences. Pertinent to the index offence are those committed in 1980 for section 47 assault, breach of the peace numerous times between 1981 and 1995, possession of a bladed article in a public place in 1997 and a further section 47 assault in 1998.

Night World Spellbinder Chapter 17 Free Essays

They walked out to Eric’s jeep. The night air was very cold and there was no moon. Thea kept her hand on Eric’s back, ready to press if he hesitated. We will write a custom essay sample on Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 17 or any similar topic only for you Order Now But he never did. At the door of the jeep, Thea looked at Blaise. She was afraid to show any expression. Could Aradia see them? She wanted desperately to give Blaise a last hug. Aradia said, â€Å"Is there a window from the shop onto this street?† Thea looked at Blaise. Blaise said, â€Å"No.† â€Å"Then you can say good-bye. After this you’re going to have to pretend not to know each other.† Thea stared at her, then felt a wild choked giggle well up. â€Å"Now I know why you’re Maiden,† she said, in a bare whisper. â€Å"But-does anyone else realize?† â€Å"l don’t think so. Some may wonder, but I think they’ll keep their mouths shut. Say good-bye quick.† Thea hugged Blaise, couldn’t make herself let go. â€Å"Thank you. Oh, Eileithyia, Blaise, I’ll miss you.† â€Å"Now I’m the last of the Harman line,† Blaise said in a bad imitation of a smirking voice. â€Å"I’ll have a bedroom to myself,† she added in more believable tones. â€Å"And I’m going to get Sheena good.† â€Å"Who?† â€Å"That’s right, you didn’t hear. She was the one who turned us in. She’s one of Tobias’s little girlfriends, Circle Midnight. It seems he’s been spying on us. He told her enough that she understood we were doing forbidden spells, and she told Gran.† â€Å"It doesn’t matter now.† â€Å"Are you kidding? I’m getting sent to the Convent. I’m going to kill her.† The bells rang as Blaise tossed her head. Then she tightened her grip on Thea. â€Å"I don’t know why you want to be with a human,† she whispered. â€Å"But I hope you keep on wanting it now that you have it.† â€Å"Blaise, when you get back-please don’t hurt them anymore. They’re people. Really.† Blaise sighed noncommittally; Thea could feel it. But all she said, almost too softly for Thea to hear, was, â€Å"I’ll miss you-sister.† Then Thea could let go. When she was in the jeep, Aradia leaned into the open door. â€Å"Two things,† she said rapidly. â€Å"And they’re all the help I can give you. Mother Cybele mentioned Circle Daybreak. I’ve heard rumors that there axe witches somewhere who are starting it up again. Witches who want to forget the Burning Times, and who don’t hold to Night World law. I don’t know if it’s true. But if it is, maybe you can find it.† Thea’s breath was taken away. The possibility leaped inside her like some unimagined joy. â€Å"And the other thing,† Aradia said, with a rare smile-almost a brief grin. â€Å"Word is that some of your Redfern cousins have started going peculiar. I’ve even heard that they’re talking about finding human soulmates, just like you. You might try and contact them and see what the story is.† Thea’s breath came back, and with it, tears. â€Å"Oh, Aradia. Thank you.† â€Å"Good luck, Thea. And Eric. Both of you, wherever you go.† Eric, who had been sitting quietly behind the wheel, reached out to touch her hand lightly. â€Å"And you, too.† Thea could tell by his voice that he was puzzled and dazed, but he was trying not to show it. Then they drove away. Thea turned around to watch Blaise getting smaller and smaller. A little wind blew Blaise’s hair, and she looked like a dark and mysterious Aphrodite, a goddess who always did what you least expected. Eric drove fast until they were a good distance from the shop, then pulled to the curb on a tiny residential street. He looked at Thea and said cautiously, â€Å"Am I immune to this stuff? Because I’m not forgetting anything. Or is it going to kick in any minute now?† Thea kissed him. Then she began to laugh hysterically. â€Å"No. No.† â€Å"You mean we’re really safe? You’re going to keep your powers?† â€Å"Yes! Yes!† She had to keep telling him over and over to convince him. But finally he got it and his face changed. Was transformed by his lightning-bolt smile. He squeezed her and shook her and finally jumped out of the jeep and yelled â€Å"All right! Way to go, Blaise! All right! Yes!† â€Å"Eric!† He pounded the jeep. â€Å"Eric, get back in, you idiot! There might be Night People around.† Then, still laughing uncontrollably with love and gratitude and the relief of tension, she said, â€Å"Come in here.† And she held out her arms. He jumped back in. They fit together perfectly, his arms around her, his breath against her hair. â€Å"I’m so happy,† he said. â€Å"I love you, witch.† Thea was laughing and crying at once. â€Å"I love you, too.† He kissed her temple. She kissed his cheek. Then he kissed her mouth and stayed there for a long while. And Thea forgot about laughing, forgot that there was a world outside the two of them. And then they sat together in the darkness, resting against each other, just breathing. Safe. Connected. Thea was with someone who knew her, who saw what she saw. Her soulmate. And they were free to be with each other, without being hunted, without fear. She was filled with joy and tranquility. And with quiet sadness, too. It wasn’t as if this new beginning came free. She still was an exile, cut off from her family. Gran was lost to her. If she saw Blaise, it would have to be in secret. She’d given up a lot. Almost everything. But she didn’t regret it. Not with Eric warm and solid in her arms. Not with the Night World saved from civil war, and the threat to the humans here over. And what now? she wondered. Strangely, even though there was no clear answer, she didn’t feel afraid. She could visualize many futures, and they all seemed equally likely. Now they would go to Eric’s house, and Eric’s mother would be puzzled but generous, and Roz would be ferocious but delighted. And next week Thea would go back to school and transfer into honors zoology. She would get a scholarship to Davis and become a vet and use her powers to find out what was wrong with sick animals. Or she would find herself interested in wolves or elephants and would become a naturalist and visit faraway places to study them. Or she and Eric would adopt a puppy like Bud and write a book together to help people understand their dogs. Or she would find Circle Daybreak and meet witches who wanted to forget the Burning Times. And they would be the first to reintroduce humans to magic, and Rosamund would grow up fierce and proud, knowing all the legends of Hellewise. Or she would find her vampire cousins and see if the soulmate principle was really coming back. And their group would be like a magnet, attracting other young Night People with radical ideas, starting an underground revolution. Maybe a new generation of Redferns and Harmans were forming alliances with humans. Maybe it was time for hatred to stop. Maybe the old powers were waking and new times were coming. Maybe the world was about to change. Only one thing was sure. There were infinite possibilities. She held Eric and felt his breathing and was at peace with the night. [The End] How to cite Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 17, Essay examples

Education Booklet on School Visit to Marae

Question: Discuss about theEducationfor Booklet on School Visit to Marae. Answer: Marae as a Critical Site of Learning Marea is a religious place in New Zealand. It is an important site to observe healthy community relationship. Mainly it is a place of the refugees. It is a place, where they gather to discuss various issues, celebrate community festivals, and to bid farewell to any dead person. The tribe living in Marae is called Maori. According to king (2016), these people hold the belief of living a life of their own within their own set of value systems. Maoritanga is guided by these concepts and it outlines their cultural identity. Gurley (2015) discussed, they believe in exercising their own language, oratory, social etiquette and values. They have re-established their values and philosophies. According to Jones (2016), Marae is a socially integrative place fostering identity, pride, and self-respect of the people. The tanga and hui are the two communities living in Marae. These people have survived the influence of western civilization. To understand various aspects of indigenous learning and educational system, Marae is a significant choice. One can gather knowledge about language, oratory, itinerary, various programs, and guidelines that they follow. Hepi (2015) discussed, during his childhood, oratory expert Selwyn Muru listened to many great orators. He watched those taking actions on lost land and confronting hardships of rural life. He was fascinated by what he observed in his older generations. To know about the tradition of oratory, it is important to visit Marae once. According to Rollo (2016), they expect a non-Maori people to understand these traditions and respect it to avoid any situation of embarrassment. One can say that visiting Marae is a cultural experience for the visitors. They get to know about the lives of Maoris closely. The selected school was Peria School. It is situated at 1430 Oruru Road of Peria in Marae. As discussed by Kelderman (2014), it is a rural school with 50 students along and 3 principals and 3 classroom teachers. They also have five administrative and support staff. According to Rewi (2013), it is found that the school is a well-constructed one with adequate facilities for the students. The teachers and the school authorities have ensured a high quality-learning environment for the students. Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard, a desktop or laptop for every child. Before talking about it in detail, first the journey to the Peria School will be discussed. Peria is a large Maori village. Surely, all the Maorian culture is observed there. Shilliam (2015) discussed that the school was amidst hill and beautiful plantations. It is found that every house was covered by the grove of peach trees. One can observe a Maori-built church and a burial place, a post office and a flourmill while going towards the school. It was an idyllic life. In the Peria School, one would observe the teacher teaching students aged from eight to 50 including male and females. According to Ward (2013), there was a large Whare Runanga or council hall at the central position of the school. Aikman (2015) discussed, the chiefs discuss issues on Maori Nation inside this council hall. Their speeches are celebrated with fire, action, humour, decorum and dignity. All these are special features of traditional Maori oratory. Every morning and evening religious prayers start with ringing of bell. Johnson (2015) mentioned that there were classroom blocks and a separate administration area inside the school. A shade house inside the ground produces tree seedlings for sale. Zealand (2014) discussed, after reaching the school and interacting with the teachers and authorities, it is found that those people took great pride on their school and the opportunities they provide for the native students. Even the parents are actively involved in their childs edu cation through the open door policy of the school. It made them to participate in the activities outside the classroom. Itinerary, Programs and Guidelines 9 am 9:30am 9:45 Meeting at the Peria school of Marae. After reaching the school, all guests should assemble at the school gate. Each group should have a spokesperson and a Kai or caller. This Caller is supposed to be female who should respond at the welcoming call. An elderly woman of Tangata Whenua welcomes the Manuhiri visitors. This call functions as permission for the visitors to enter the Marae. Through the call, she also declares the area of the Marae to remain until all the formalities are accomplished. King (2012) discussed, the words that they utter cover four main areas. These are as follows: Welcome all visitors Pay tribute to deceased relatives Acknowledge their tribal lineage if possible Address the function of the Hui As discussed by Aikman (2015), the visitors are supposed to listen to this call with great respect and then reciprocate with words. At the end of it, the elderly woman addresses the purpose of the visit. These rituals are followed by the visitors entry into the gathering place, where they all seat. The speakers group will also sing a song or Waiata. The duration of this phase is long. All the formalities end with the lifting of Tapu. The Tangata Whenua starts the programmes arranged for the Hui. It includes Hangi or a special type of meal. In addition of all these, one would found excellent discipline and order in them. All students march inside and outside of the school carrying their books at a word of command. Next, they do their breakfast at eight am in the morning and then live in school before the dinner. Johnson (2015) discussed that all students are neatly dressed. The school provides them with necessary books, which are preserved in the boxes. These children are trained to read and write in the native Maori language perfectly. It is seen that the teachers dictate the Maori language and they note down everything in detail with perfection. Roles of Men, Women, and Elders in Transmitting Tradition from Older to Newer Generations All the rituals and customs that the Maori people perform are transmitted from older generations to the new generations. According to Gurley (2015), both men and women play their parts in maintaining the traditional customs. It is already discussed that the women act as the main Callers. Most elderly women do this on behalf of the Maori people. The caller from the visitors group is also a woman. It is believed that these women having past the age of childbearing, posses the power to eliminate all negative influences of the visitors or the Tangata Whenua. However, they are not allowed sit in the front row at the gathering place because they believe it would affect their fertility. It is the men who sit there and deliver speeches. Even their wives are barred from sitting with these men. Women sit in third or fourth row. These people believe in protecting their women. It is believed that the speeches of the men negate all negative influences. The tradition of oratory is maintained with discipline. King (2012) discussed that the males delivering speeches mainly talk about their ancestors so that the newer generation and the visitors start respecting the Maori tradition. However, the women sitting in the other rows are given the responsibility to correct the speeches if there are any mistakes. It is the tradition to announce the mistakes as loudly as possible so that everyone gets to know about the teal facts and the speaker feels ashamed for his mistake. It is a message to the new generation. Women are considered as the keeper of the culture. However, some of the Maori tribe do not allow women to speak anything. Womens liberty to speak is a matter of concern in Maori. According to Shilliam (2015), in some instances, Prime Minister Helen Clarke faced problems speaking in the Marae. However, apart from some tribal communities, domination over women by men is not found in large sections. Women are given the central position i n Aotearoa language revitalization movement. According to Shilliam (2015), during 1970s and 1980s, the Maori women led the protest against land, language and sovereignty. Mitra Szaszy, Eva Rickard, and Whina Cooper nurtured this language revitalization movement. According to Gurley (2015), even women stood by the efforts by men in the Womens Welfare League, founded in 1951. Another instance of projecting women power in the Maori politics was observed in 1950s in the work of Dame Katerina Mataria. All the elderly people are respected in great esteem. In a wider family, they are supposed to play various roles. They are the only source of knowledge about the tradition and history of Maori people. Therefore, they perform all the customs and rituals in most of the times. They act as the guardian leading the generations. They also take the responsibility of nurturing children. Whenever the parents work on the fields and go outside for fighting, these elderly people look after their children. The elderly people are responsible for giving solutions to any problems. According to Rewi (2013), in Maori language they are called Kaumatua. One can observe many stories and legends featuring the role of kaumatua in their lives. The elderly women pass their knowledge of traditions and customs to the female member of the new generation. From the 1970s, the Kaumatua flats were built by the Marae to keep these elderly people an active part of Marae community. Shilliam (2015) discussed that the male members of the Marae community play the role of the leaders. They get involved in war and go to field for ploughing. All the Marae boys of newer generation learn the technique of war and ploughing from their fathers. The value system, discipline, and beliefs nurtured by the male members are transmitted to the newer generations. These male members are also experts in hunting. It is a fact that in rural areas, the main occupations of these Marae people are ploughing and hunting. To hold on with their tradition, it is mandatory to involve the new generations into the traditional system. As already discussed, the Male members of the community are given the responsibility of oratory. Apart from that, the male members perform the most famous traditional Hakka dance. One can also find it in the Rugby team of New Zealand. The male Rugby team has popularized this tribal dance form. The male members of the newer generation also adopt this traditional art from their male members. References Aikman, P. J. W. E. (2015). Within the Fourfold: Dwelling and Being on the Marae.Sites: A Journal of Social Anthropology Cultural Studies,12(2). Gurley, M. (2015). The Myth of Tahiti: Breaking Colonial Confines and Finding the Subaltern Voice Through a Revival of Traditional Art Forms. Hepi, T. (2015).History, gender and tradition in the M?ori nation: female leaders in Witi Ihimaera's The Matriarch, The Whale Rider and The Parihaka Woman: a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in English at Massey University, Manawat?, New Zealand(Doctoral dissertation, Massey University). Johnson, N. F. (2015). The Past is in the Present. InChildrens Images of Identity(pp. 89-101). SensePublishers. Jones, C. (2016).New Treaty, New Tradition: Reconciling New Zealand and Maori Law. UBC Press. Kelderman, M. (2014). Te Whare W?nanga o Hoani Waititi Marae. King, P., Hodgetts, D., Rua, M., Te Whetu, T. (2015). Older men gardening on the marae: Everyday practices for being Maori.AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples,11(1), 14. King, P., Young-Hauser, A., Li, W., Rua, M., Nikora, L. W. (2012). Exploring the nature of intimate relationships: A M?ori perspective.. Rewi, P. (2013).Whaikorero: The world of maori oratory. Auckland University Press. Rollo, T. M. (2016). Kapa Haka Transforms Lives Through Arts-Based Service Learning: Developing a Sense of Community Ownership in Service Learning Projects: A M?ori Perspective.Engaging First Peoples in Arts-Based Service Learning: Towards Respectful and Mutually Beneficial Educational Practices, 159-174. Shilliam, R. (2015).The black Pacific: Anti-colonial struggles and oceanic connections. Bloomsbury Publishing. Ward, A. (2013).Show of Justice: Racial Amalgamation in Nineteenth Century New Zealand. Auckland University Press. Zealand, S. N. (2014). Taku marae e: Connecting to ancestral marae 2013.

The Growing Threat Of Computer Crime Essays - Cybercrime

The Growing Threat Of Computer Crime Running head: THE GROWING THREAT OF COMPUTER CRIME The Growing Threat of Computer Crime Diana Ritter Baker College of Cadillac May 9, 2001 Abstract Computers have been used for most kinds of crime, including fraud, theft, larceny, embezzlement, burglary, sabotage, espionage, murder, and forgery, since the first cases were reported in 1958. One study of 1,500 computer crimes established that most of them were committed by trusted computer users within businesses; persons with the requisite skills, knowledge, access, and resources. With the arrival of personal computers to manipulate information and access computers by telephone, increasing numbers of crimes--electronic trespassing, copyrighted-information piracy, vandalism--have been committed by computer hobbyists, known as hackers, who display a high level of technical expertise. For many years, the term hacker defined someone who was a wizard with computers and programming. It was a challenge to all hackers, and an honor to be considered a hacker. But when a few hackers began to use their skills to break into private computer systems and steal money, or interfere with the syst em's operations, the word acquired its current negative meaning. With the growing use of computers and the increase in computer crimes, early detection, deterring computer crimes, and new laws regulating and punishing these computer crimes are necessary. Without it, chaos will be the end result. The Growing Threat of Computer Crime Do you think your companys computer systems are secure? Think again. Billions of dollars in losses have already been discovered due to computer crimes. Billions more have gone undetected. Trillions more will be stolen, most without detection, by the emerging master criminal of the twenty first century --The computer crime offender. Whats worse yet is that anyone with a computer can become a computer criminal. Crimes such as embezzlement, fraud and money laundering are not new. However, each of these crimes now has a new partner in crime-the computer. Crimes that have become unique due to the availability and widespread use of computers include: a. unauthorized use, access, modification, copying, and destruction of software or data; b. theft of money by altering computer records of theft of computer time; c. theft or destruction of hardware; d. use or conspiracy to use computer resources to commit a felony; e. intent to obtain information or tangible property, illegally through use of the computer. (Fraud Survey Results, 1993) Although incidents in this second category of crimes do present a serious problem, embezzlement is by far the major threat to small businesses. This is evident by the frequency of reports in the local media. Cash is the most vulnerable asset as it is the easiest for the perpetrator to convert to personal use. Firms most vulnerable to theft of money are firms that must rely on one individual to perform the duties of office manager and bookkeeper. Having more than one employee in the office provides an opportunity to effect certain internal controls, particularly separation of duties. Small business owners should review their insurance coverage for employee dishonesty. While there are no standards to determine precisely the amount of coverage necessary, the marginal cost of adding an extra $1,000 of coverage decreases as the coverage increases. A business owner should consult with an insurance agent and err on the side of caution, just to be safe. Although theft of money is a major subject when speaking of computer crime, there are also many other areas to be concerned about. Some of the computer crimes for the 21st century will include: Communication crimes (cellular theft and telephone fraud). Low-tech thieves in airports and bus terminals use binoculars to steal calling card access numbers. Thieves will park their vans along busy interstate highways and use specialized equipment to steal cellular telephone access codes from the air. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Business. Most banking today is done by electronic impulse. Therefore, access to business computers equals access to money (and lots of it). Convicted computer hacker, John Lee, a founder of the infamous Masters of Deception hacker group stated that he could change credit card records and bank balances, get free limousines, airplane tickets, and hotel rooms (without anyone being billed), change utility and rent rates, distribute computer software programs free to all over the internet, and easily obtain

How to Get Better at Writing Five-Paragraph Essays

How to Get Better at Writing Five-Paragraph Essays Five-Paragraph Essay Writing for Standardized Tests Almost all standardized tests in schools and colleges include writing assignments. Although theres nothing extra difficult about writing, it may cause genuine feelings of fear and anxiety among those who arent strong with these types of assignments. If you learn how to write five-paragraph essays properly, you will be ready to tackle writing assignments without fear. Why five-paragraph essays? Because they are usually a part of college standardized tests that you will need to face. For these tests, students are required to write five-paragraph essay from 500 to 800 words. Structure of the essay includes an introductory paragraph, three paragraphs in the body of paper and one paragraph for conclusion thats why its called a five-paragraph essay. Introductory Paragraph In the first paragraph, you give the direction to your essay and you also have a chance to engage your readers and get them interested in reading your work. Here are some tips to write a great introduction paragraph: Describe the main idea of your essay in one sentence. Develop a thesis statement. In case your writing prompt was the question then the thesis statement could be the answer to this question. Mention three points that will give evidential support to your thesis statement. List them in order of importance. Introductory paragraph is ready! Supporting Paragraphs The following three paragraphs should support your thesis statement with solid evidence including facts, quotes, details, experts opinions, statistics and other relevant data. Now use each paragraph to prove and explain arguments that you have mentioned in the introductory part. Heres how exactly you should do it: Compose a topic sentence summarizing your point this would be the first sentence of your paragraph. Write your argument, which proves that topic sentence is true. Give evidence (quotes, facts, examples etc.) to reinforce your argument. This would be your first body paragraph. Repeat the same procedure for remaining two paragraphs and your supporting paragraphs are ready. Conclusion Paragraph The fifth paragraph of your essay should be dedicated to summarizing your work. You should prove your thesis statement once again using the evidence that you have provided in supporting paragraphs. You shouldnt just copy-paste phrases from your essay, but make a new, bold restatement of your thesis which would give your readers a final impression about your work. When writing a five-paragraph essay for a standardized test it would be very useful to review it before time is up. Reread it carefully one or two times to see if there are any grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. Apply corrections if you find errors and also make sure that your essay isnt weak in terms of logic and structure. Now you know how to write five-paragraph essays and writing for standardized tests shouldnt cause you any more anxiety.

Decisions in Paradise, Part III Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Decisions in Paradise, Part III - Essay Example As the Business School in Kava can surely cover ARS Corp’s CSR and also has the Kava’s market is optimal for a Business School with good number of target customers, it can surely go ahead with its plan. In addition, there is good support from the Kava Government as well as its people for the establishment of the Business School because it fulfills their key necessity in relation to education. Although, these favorable points can push the ARS Corp to initiate the establishment, starting with the flow of needed funds from its headquarters, there are some key factors which need to be analyzed. These key factors could impact the establishment process, and so to positively and beneficially manage those impacts, apt resources has to be considered and implemented. Even then, there could be ethical issues, which need to be managed aptly for the success of the Business School. Factors affecting decision implementation and the proposed solution The factors that may affect ARS Cor p’s decision to go for a business school can be seen in both its internal environment and also its external environment. Both these factors could impact or even negatively affect the decision of ARS Corp to go for a Business School. When one focuses on the external environment, the main factor is the continuing problems with natural disasters in Kava. Kava is located precariously in the Pacific Ocean and is facing most of the natural disasters known to man. That is, Pacific Ocean countries or islands will always face heightened natural disasters because of its problematic geographical location, with major tectonic plates passing through and with many hurricanes and tornadoes arising and passing through that region. Island nations in the Pacific Ocean experience natural disasters associated with typhoons, and because of their proximity to the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire" – (the term refers to the Pacific region where high numbers of earthquakes as well as volcanic eru ptions occur). (Przyborski and Platnick, 2008). On the same lines, in Kava, many natural and even man-made disasters happen quite often and that includes Tornadoes, Floods, Earthquakes, Volcanic eruptions, Fires, etc. These natural disasters could very well destroy ARS Corp’s Business School if it crosses the location of the school, or if the epicenter of impact is near to the school. â€Å"That’s why the mess all around here. Some disaster hit this place. Right?† (Case Scenario). Although, ARS Corp could try building its Business School, incorporating various inbuilt protections, based on structural techniques and other technologies, skeptics still point out it cannot be foolproof. If this skepticism spreads to ARS Corp hierarchy both in the Kava as well as in the headquarters, then there will be big question mark over the project. Resources and actions required The decision to build the Business School can be carried forward with confidence as there are quite few resources to counter the natural disasters. One of the first steps to counter natural disasters is finding a somewhat safe or even strategic location inside Kava, where there will be minimum impact of natural disasters. Although, Kava is fully exposed to natural disasters, there may be some locations, even deep inside the Island, where the impact of the natural disasters could be toned down. The first duty of ARS Corp is to search and corner in on such a location, even while taking into

Planet of Slums Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Planet of Slums - Essay Example The purpose of the report is to provide detailed analysis on reflection of the author on global slums and its ecological, economic, political and social consequences of urban poverty and the roots of slums in the post-modern time. The ambitious book of Mike Davies portrays a massive humanity exiled from the official economy of world and warehoused in shantytowns.The author discovers the future of an explosively unbalanced and radically incapable urban world. The rise of informal urban proletariat is also argued by Mike Davis. The author provides a global discussion about different aspects of slums. He also discuss about the diversity and necessity of housing across diverse lives of people. A number of different property arrangement and tenure in slums are also discussed in the book. The key objective of the book is to provide knowledge to readers about the transformation and growth of slums across the world. The major upheavals industrialization and imperialism are echoed by the contemporary third world urban poor. The core of the book resembled the painful moments due to industrialization in terms of conditions of living. The main argument presented by author is about negative aspects and roots of global slums. At start, the rising mega slums are being neglected by Davis from core program of political considerations. But, it can be realized from latter part of the book that author tries to provide vivid description of the cause of urban poverty on global scale. The author is looking in case of historical context and global scale rather than existing conditions and local governments (Davis 38). The influential book of Mike Davis is on the enormous growth of settlements all over the world. The overall purpose of the book is to provide a statement to the people that they are a planet of slums.The values of Davis is to provide statistical data and effective detailed analyzed work which can help readers to

Global Logistics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Global Logistics - Assignment Example Now the main reason behind this feasibility study is that an optimum route and port has to be selected for the transport and shipment of goods from factory and port to the warehouse at Jabel Ali. Also the transportation cost has to be kept in mind so that it doesn’t put load on the cost of the product. The transportation vehicles, their cost and size has to be aligned with the size of the lot produced and the cost incurred in transporting goods to the port in the longer run. This measure will be calculated by comparing lot size, minimum expenditure and time that will be incurred in transportation of material as time is the most critical factor in many cases. Also there are various type of options available during logistics and shipments of goods and various costs incurred with these. The main reason for mentioning this is that the new Factories have been established in territories which are new for the company and the company is not familiar with working of transportation, shi pment and labor costs of these regions. For this survey of these regions has to be done so that a tentative cost structure could be drafted. On formulation of this cost structure further measures will be taken to select an optimum line up or partners so the process of collection of goods from the manufacturing site to its transportation to port through logistic partners and then shipment to the distribution through freight forwarding partners is cost effective and has optimum time line. PROCEDURES (selection of Partners) : Next a suitable selection of trustful Freight forwarders will be done who shall transport the goods from India and Brazil. Now the selection shall involve various steps which shall be quite critical in finding the most suitable freight forwarder. First phase shall include pooling of such forwarders who have a reputable name in the industry and are capable enough to ship the given amount of container each week so that no delay is faced and no risk of inventory stoc k out is faced at the warehouse in Jabel Ali. Now this phase shall give us an opportunity to gather contact with forwarders which shall be useful in future and we’ll have a thorough idea of the market rates. In the next phase the forwarders will be requested to submit their bids for contract. These bids will be thoroughly checked and the one best suited to company’s policy shall be short listed. The criteria for short listing will not be only limited to the best rates given to us but actually the freight forwarding companies who have more inclination to make us their clients rather than just try to get this order. Third phase shall require short listing of the companies and terms will be dealt with them to form long term strategic alliance which shall be mutually beneficial for our company and the forwarding partner. Final phase will be to decide the most trustworthy and beneficial company to partner with. After final agreements and terms are settled the chosen forward er is given contract of forwarding the containers and in return the company promises us the best service. SELECTION OF PORT The selection of port shall be quite critical as it’ll decide the time required to ship container from source to destination i.e. from India and Sao Paolo to Jabel Ali. The main reason behind this step being the most critical is that even if every process i.e. production, logistics etc are following proper schedule but the port selected is a little far away than it’

Shopping in Malls in India

Shopping in Malls in India INTRODUCTION: The concept of shopping in malls in India is undergoing a dramatic change. A few years back, people just used to visit a lot of stores for their needs, but off late every shopping mall seems to be overflowing with people of different ages- from children to adults. With globalization at its peak and paving a way for the international brands, people now feel that they can get anything that they want in these shopping malls be it electronic goods, apparel and consumer durables. For the past few years researchers have been working to establish a relationship between shopping in malls and the income level of people. The reason for conducting such a research is to find out which sections of the society (lower middle class or higher middle class) do a lot of shopping in the malls. But yet, not many people will be comfortable in sharing their income details as it is personal. This is the area which tests the researchers, as to how they will be able to establish a positive relationship between the two. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE OF STUDY: This study will be conducted with the aim to develop a relationship between shopping in malls and the income level of people. The study primarily focuses on the consumers buying behavior in a mall. It helps us to understand the mindset of the consumers, by which we can develop more products according to their needs. For this study the Spencers Plaza mall will be chosen. Primary data, which is the feedback received directly from the consumers, will be collected and represented in statistical form. The outcome so obtained will be analyzed and possible conclusions will be drawn. Recently, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of shopping malls in Chennai. The reason for the sudden upheaval of so many shopping malls can be related to globalization taking its pace. The growth factors for the shopping malls are the conscious citizens who prefer a sophisticated environment to shop and also with so many international brands making its presence in India, it has created the need to establish a place which has everything within one roof. The concept of shopping malls in India is largely gaining popularity as it attracts customers by way of excellent ambience, style and elegance, having the potential to make one shop and enjoy the experience as well. Spencers Plaza, Big Bazzar, Ampa skywalk, City Centre are the big players today. Adding to the list are the upcoming Chennai Central, Ramee Mall etc. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY: To conduct an in depth study on consumer buying behavior in a shopping mall To identify the relation between the income pattern and shopping in the mall among the selected samples. To know what the average consumer prefers to buy today from the samples selected. To gain information regarding consumers monthly income, general buying preferences, visiting preferences and the expectations of a mall among the selected samples. To establish a correlation between consumers income level and shopping in malls. HYPOTHESIS: Null Hypothesis: Ho: Shopping in the mall and consumer income is not related. Alternate Hypothesis: Ha: Shopping and consumer income is related METHODOLOGY: SAMPLING DESIGN AND TOOLS: The study will be conducted among people visiting Spencers Plaza mall. The type of sampling used for the study will be Stratified Sampling, as there will be a difference among the people pertaining to age, occupation and income level. Data will be collected by way of Primary and Secondary data. Primary data will be collected by way of a questionnaire, and a field survey of a sample will be conducted in some of the busiest areas in Chennai such as T. Nagar, Adyar, Nungambakkam and Alwarpet. Consumers will be directly approached and presented with a questionnaire which will be designed to gain information on their monthly income, general buying preferences, visiting preferences and expectations of a mall. Secondary source of data will be collected by way of magazines, internet news articles, journals and other sites. The type of the research carried out will be an exploratory research, as it gives first hand information, which is primary data and often more reliable than secondary data . The data collected from samples will be tabulated, analyzed and interpreted for results. DATA ANALYSIS: The collected data will be analyzed statistically. The ‘Chi- Square test or the ‘Goodness of fit test will be used to test the null hypothesis. The Chi Square test will be of help in determining the difference between the observed and the expected values. A ‘Correlation analysis will be done to test the relationship between shopping in malls and consumers income level. For simplifying the analysis of the collected data, the data will be tabulated and presented graphically for easier understanding as well. POSSIBLE OUTCOMES: A clear understanding of consumer dimensions and mindset Customer loyalty programs to be emphasized upon as it is a significant factors A clear picture of the indicators which creates a drive to purchase in the consumers can be understood. The relationship between shopping in malls and income level, if any, will be established LIMITATIONS OF STUDY: While working on this project I will have to face some difficulties while collecting data. The samples will be collected only from one shopping mall, and hence preference of mall cannot be generalized. People may not be interested and comfortable in providing family income details. They may consider it to be personal to disclose such details. It may be difficult to get all the respondents to answer in the sample, as they may not be willing to spend time to answer the questionnaire. Time constraint will also be one of the limitations of the study as verification of all the responses collected from consumers will not be possible.

Chicago’s Cabrini-Green Housing Project Essay -- Poverty Ghetto Chicag

Chicago’s Cabrini-Green public housing project is notorious in the United States for being the most impoverished and crime-ridden public housing development ever established. Originally established as inexpensive housing in the 1940’s, it soon became a vast complex of unsightly concrete low and high-rise apartment structures. Originally touted as a giant step forward in the development of public housing, it quickly changed from a racially and economically diverse housing complex to a predominantly black, extremely poor ghetto. As it was left to rot, so to speak, Cabrini-Green harbored drug dealers, gangs and prostitution. It continued its downward spiral of despair until the mid 1990’s when the Federal Government assumed control the Chicago Housing Authority, the organization responsible for this abomination. Cabrini-Green has slowly been recovering from its dismal state of affairs recently, with developers building mixed-income and subsidized housing. The Chica go Housing Authority has also been demolishing the monolithic concrete high-rise slums, replacing them with public housing aimed at not repeating the mistakes of the past. Fortunately, a new era of public housing has dawned from the mistakes that were made, and the lessons that were learned from the things that went on for half a century in Cabrini-Green. In 1942, a public housing development went up on Chicago’s near north side to house veterans returning from World War II. They were known as the Francis Cabrini Homes, and â€Å"were built in an area that had undergone massive slum clearance†. They consisted of fifty-five two and three story redbrick buildings arranged as row houses, resembling army barracks. The Francis Cabrini Homes housed 600 racially diverse families un... ...live in. A lesson has been learned, and it should not be forgotten. Works Cited Chicago Housing Authority. Plan for Transformation, Year 3, Moving to Work, Annual Plan FY2002. 16 Oct. 2001. â€Å"Chicago’s Public Housing Projects.† University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire. 15 Aug. 2000. Krieger, Shoshana. The CHA and the American Dream. Columbia University, New York. 19 Nov. 2002. Phillips, E. Barbara. City Lights: Urban-Suburban Life in the Global Society. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996. Reuters. â€Å"Chicago’s Cabrini-Green public housing project to be reborn.† CNN.com. 15 Aug. 2000. Roder, David, and Spielman, Fran. â€Å"Condo, town houses planned near Cabrini-Green.† Chicago Sun Times. 30 May 2002.

Othello: Literary Essay on Iago Essay

Humans are born with a natural capacity for good and evil. As an individual develops, he or she is taught to distinguish between the two in order to strengthen a sense of right and wrong. Through Shakespeare’s play, ‘Othello’ (Heinemann Advanced Shakespeare, 2000) we are introduced to a meticulously devious character, Iago. Ironically affiliated with the military, a substandard moral compass, channels his unreasonable code of conduct. Well educated on human behaviour, his lack of ethics enables his character to exploit this skill set to deceive those around him, ultimately disguising his true character. Between self-perception, opposing character perceptions and audience perception, Iago portrays a brilliantly, manipulative villain whose two dimensional nature is concealed beneath sheets of false sympathy, integrity and empathy. Beyond all else, Iago considers himself a man of true wit and distinction. In Act I, he furiously declares, â€Å"I know my price† (p. 3). By this statement, he admits to Rodrigo, that upon oversight for the position of first lieutenant, his dedicated service and efforts have been in vain. Having served at the front lines of the war, Iago adamantly deems that his echelon of experience proves him a more deserving candidate, than young Cassio. More so, an over confidence in his abilities, lead to the belief that he is of a superior authority, â€Å"I am worth no worse a place† (ibid). Continuing his argument of non promotion, Iago sees it unbearable, even shameful that he has been regarded with such insignificance. A man of his status and self imposed importance should not be degraded to such a pitiable standard. In having lost out on the appointment, Iago’s pride and dignity have been considerably impaired. Once a devoted soldier under Othello’s command, Iago believed it was his rightful place to gain promotion to lieutenant. When these expectations were not met, it brought out the worst in Iago and the decision was interpreted as a personal offence to his proficiency. Although having already, risen to adequate ranks, Iago could not fathom the injustice. His superior and extensive knowledge had been undermined. In comparison to the present era, this form of ‘injustice’ is experienced frequently in professions where favoured parties lose out on coveted positions to seemingly less experienced oppositions. Victims feel at loss and that their competence has been jeopardised. Due to varying circumstances, these conceited opinions cannot be voiced as it translates into bad character and conduct. Consequently, Iago set out on a conquest for supremacy. Uncannily, abiding by modern day author, Robert Greene’s, â€Å"[Law] 3: Conceal your intentions†, of â€Å"The 48 Laws of Power’ (1998), detailing observational aspects profitable in a rise to command. Within the community of Cyprus, Iago gave no obvious reason for opposing characters to suspect his cunning. In this respect, he was constantly referred to as â€Å"Honest Iago† (p. 41). Specifically, Othello, affectionately used the term, â€Å"Honest Iago, My Desdemona must I leave to thee. I prithee let thy wife attend to her† (ibid). Not only does Othello impart trust with ease, but he mistakes Iago as a dear friend. One who would never think to bring harm to Desdemona or he. This misplacement of faith encourages Iago in his surreptitious endeavours. On several more occasions we witness other characters mistakenly confer with and about Iago’s sincere nature. Following a grave night for Cassio, he bids a farewell of, â€Å"Good night, honest Iago† (p. 99) unaware of Iago’s key role in his ruin. Desdemona continues the chain of mistrust when she speaks, â€Å"O, that’s an honest fellow† (p. 113) of Iago’s phony grievances of Ca ssio’s unfortunate predicament. An individual’s nature can be concealed in various forms within the company he keeps, â€Å"Law 12: Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victims† (Greene, 1998). Iago, around such company manipulates and deceives his companions that he is faithful. Having grasped an understanding of human behavior, this wisdom is disposed through cruelty and brutality. In persuading the Cyprus population of his sincerity, unknown to the other characters, Iago fuels his perception of his superiority. Such is his wit that for a much of the play, his deceit goes undetected. When it appears that a character may unknowingly expose Iago’s ulterior motives, he buries the potential realisation beneath artificial concern. Among the audience, the consensus is that Iago is purely composed of arrogance, jealousy and hostility. Triumphant in his succession to provide false evidence of Cassio’s incompetence, Iago announces, â€Å"And what’s he then that says I play the villain, When this advice is free I give and honest†(Shakespeare, p. 99). Arrogance radiates from his gloating manner, of having provided Cassio with ingenious and true advice. Jealousy held as incentive to which Iago brought about the demotion and discredit of Cassio. Moreover, this envy fuelled his ploy in planting a seed of convincing doubt to which Othello was wrongly mislead that his wife, Desdemona, was unfaithful. Not only in determining the detriment of the Moor’s marriage, Iago displayed hostility through his own relationship with Emilia, â€Å"To have a foolish wife† (p. 133), consistent with yet another law, â€Å"Law 20: Do not commit to anyone†, (Greene, 1998). Only to the audience is Iago’s evil nature revealed for a significant portion of the play. We are exposed to his ulterior motives, lies and ultimate betrayal, â€Å"I follow him to serve my turn upon him† (Shakespeare, p. 5). Unlike any other character in the play, Iago is not fazed by the level of destruction he causes, neither to whom. In subsequent scenes, viewers witness the steady yet gradual downfall of the Moor. Unsuspecting, characters, indirectly aid Iago’s cause, particularly his ignorant, praise seeking wife, Emilia, which furthermore increases his arrogance of his unmatched brilliance. To the audience each move Iago makes is calculated methodically and only adds to the current chaos of the present scene. Iago possesses an astute two dimensional disposition. His objective throughout the play is to ensure the Moor’s eventual ruin. He becomes the bane of Othello’s existence, through conniving, unforgivable means, only recognized by the audience if not himself. Born of a natural capacity for good and evil, it is evident that Iago acquires no good, a concept hidden from other characters within the play. In relation to the present, Iago demonstrates the extremity to which an individual will go in order to sabotage the happiness and prosperity of an enemy. Persecutors hold a high opinion of themselves, as Iago displayed. Yet, by all means this strategy to pursue such an attack is achieved through clandestine, surreptitious modes. Iago can distinguish between right and wrong but still, he opts for the latter. As Nobel Prize laureate, William Golding, once said, â€Å"We need more humanity, more care, more love. There are those who expect a political system to produce that; and others who expect the love to produce the system.† (Nobel Lecture, Dec 7, 1983). Humanity is defenceless against the erroneous nature of individuals like Iago. Repeatedly throughout ‘Othello’ (Shakespeare, 2000), his master scheme endures unnoticed. As children, we are prompted to ‘recognise virtue and vice’ (Zak. J. P. The Moral Molecule, 2011) to instil a sense of ethicality, nonetheless, alongside such vindictive figures like Iago, the ‘system’ (Nobel Lecture, 1983), political or military, regresses on any potential advancement, stunting ‘humanity, more care, more love’ (ibid). Humanity is susceptible to evil, regardless encouragement otherwise. As long as rouges exist, an eternal battle will ensue between good and bad, unmistakably demonstrated through I ago’s performance. Bibliography Novel References Gray, C. (Series 2000). Othello. Heinemann Advanced Shakespeare. London: Briddles Ltd. Website References Golding, G. W. (Dec 7, 1983). Nobel Lecture. Retrieved Aug 27, 2013, from http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1983/golding-lecture.html Keltner, D. (2007-08). The Power Paradox. Retrieved Aug 28, 2013 from http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/power_paradox Unknown Author. (No date). The 48 Laws of Power. Retrieved Aug 28, 2013 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_48_Laws_of_Power Zak, J. P. (Feb 10, 2011). The Moral Molecule: Are Humans Good or Evil?. Retrieved Aug 28, 2013 from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-moral-molecule/201102/are-humans-good-or-evil

Food Additives Essays - Food And Drug Administration, Food Additives

Food Additives Essays - Food And Drug Administration, Food Additives Food Additives Food Additives Food additives have been used for thousands of years. In prehistoric times, salt was probably used to preserve meat and fish. Our ancestors also found that large amounts of sugar helped preserve fruit and that cucumbers could be preserved in a vinegar solution. The ancient Egyptians used sulfites to stop bacterial growth and fermentation in wine. They also used extracts from beetles for food coloring. Vegetable dyes from juniper fruits or beech-root juice were popular colorings in the Middle Ages, although wary kings began to employ garglers to test their mealsperhaps for additives that did not originate in the kitchen (Editors of Prevention Magazine 1993). Today, salt, sugar, and corn syrup are by far the most widely used additives. The role of food additives has become more prominent in recent years, due in part to the increased production of prepared, processed, and convenience foods. At the same time, consumers, scientists, and others have raised questions about the necessity and safety of these substances. Although limited amounts of food additives are necessary to guarantee adequate food supplies for a growing population, their use is strictly controlled by laws that assure consumers that foods are safe to eat and accurately labeled (FDA/IFIC 1998). Many people tend to think of any additive added to foods as a complex chemical compound but that ideology is quite wrong. A food additive is a substance or mixture of substances, other than basic foodstuffs, present in food as a result of any aspect of production, processing, storage, or packaging (Winter 1984). Salt, baking soda, vanilla, and yeast are all food additives and are commonly used in processed foods today. By law, the label must identify the food product in a language the consumer can understand. It must indicate the manufacturer, the packer, or distributor, and declare the quantity of contents either in net weight or volume, and the ingredients must be declared on the label in order of predominance (Winter 1984). The useful functions of food additives are often taken for granted, but their purpose is as varied as the foods in which they are used. Additives prevent salad dressings from separating, salt from becoming lumpy, and packaged goods from spoiling on the grocery shelf. They keep cured meat products safe to eat and give margarine its yellow color. The addition of vitamins and minerals to milk, flour, cereals, and breads was a key factor in the disappearance of diseases such as goiter, rickets, pellagra, and beriberi in the United States over the last fifty years. Since most people today are concentrated in big cities and their suburbs, additives help keep the nutritional and aesthetic quality of food from degrading while en route to markets. Additives also improve the nutritional value of certain foods and can make them more appealing by improving their taste, texture, consistency, or color (FDA/IFIC 1998). Some additives could be eliminated if we were willing to grow our own food, harvest and grind it, spend many hours cooking and canning, or accept increased risks of food spoilage. Most people have come to rely on the many technological, aesthetic, and convenience benefits that additives provide in food (FDA/IFIC 1998). We want pretty foods because consumers have been subjected to the beautiful pictures of foods in popular magazines and on television. Food purveyors are only responding to the changes in society (Winter 1984). Additives are used in foods for five main reasons. (1) To provide leavening or control acidity/alkalinity. (2) To enhance flavor or impart desired color. (3) To maintain product consistency. (4) To maintain palatability and wholesomeness. (5) To improve or maintain nutritional value (FDA/IFIC 1998). Many substances added to food may seem odd when seen listed on the ingredient label, but these chemicals that sound so intimidating are actually quite familiar. It is helpful to remember that all food is simply made of Carbon, Hydrogen and other chemical elements like Oxygen and Nitrogen. Dr. Melvin A. Benarde feels that the public is being widely misinformed about the chemical additives in processed foods. He points out that without these chemical additives, many of the convenience foods we use would not be available (Benarde 1971). Under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the term food additive is defined as any

Pragmatics Gives Context to Language

Pragmatics Gives Context to Language Pragmatics is a branch of linguistics concerned with the use of language in social  contexts  and the ways people produce and comprehend meanings through language. The term pragmatics was coined in the 1930s by psychologist and philosopher Charles Morris. Pragmatics was developed as a subfield of linguistics in the 1970s. Background Pragmatics has its roots in philosophy, sociology, and anthropology. Morris drew on his background when he laid out his theory of pragmatics in his book Signs, Language and Behavior, explaining that the linguistic term deals with the origins, uses, and effects of signs within the total behavior of the interpreters of signs. In terms of pragmatics, signs refers not to physical signs but to the subtle movements, gestures, tone of voice, and body language that often accompany speech. Sociology- the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society- and anthropology played large roles in the development of pragmatics. Morris based his theory on his earlier work editing the writings and lectures of George Herbert Mead, an American philosopher, sociologist, and psychologist, in the book Mind, Self, and Society: From the Standpoint of a Social Behaviorist, writes John Shook in  Pragmatism Cybrary, an online pragmatism encyclopedia. Mead, whose work also drew heavily on anthropology- the study of human societies and cultures and their development- explained how communication involves much more than just the words people use: It involves the all-important social signs people make when they communicate. Pragmatics vs. Semantics Morris explained that pragmatics is different from  semantics, which  concerns the relations between signs and the objects they signify. Semantics refers to the specific meaning of language; pragmatics involves all the social cues that accompany language. Pragmatics focuses not on  what  people say but  how  they say it and how others interpret their  utterances  in social contexts, says Geoffrey Finch in Linguistic Terms and Concepts. Utterances are literally the units of sound you make when you talk, but the signs that accompany those utterances give the sounds their true meaning. Pragmatics in Action The  American Speech-Language-Hearing Association  (ASHA) gives two examples of how pragmatics influences language and its interpretation. In the first, ASHA notes: You invited your friend over for dinner. Your child sees your friend reach for some cookies and says, Better not take those, or youll get even bigger. You cant believe your child could be so rude. In a literal sense, the daughter is simply saying that eating cookies can make you gain weight. But due to the social context, the mother interprets that sentence to mean that her daughter is calling her friend fat. The first sentence in this explanation refers to the semantics- the literal meaning of the sentence. The second and third refer  to the pragmatics, the actual meaning of the words as interpreted by a listener based on social context. In another example, ASHA notes: You talk with a neighbor about his new car. He has trouble staying on topic and starts talking about his favorite TV show. He doesnt look at you when you talk and doesnt laugh at your jokes. He keeps talking, even when you look at your watch and say, Wow. Its getting late. You finally leave, thinking about how hard it is to talk with him. In this scenario, the speaker is just talking about a new car and his favorite TV show. But the listener interprets the signs the speaker is using- not looking at the listener and not laughing at his jokes- as the speaker being unaware of the listeners views (let alone his presence) and monopolizing his time. Youve likely been in this kind of situation before, where the speaker is talking about perfectly reasonable, simple subjects but is unaware of your presence and your need to escape. While the speaker sees the talk as a simple sharing of information (the semantics), you see it as a rude monopolization of your time (the pragmatics). Pragmatics has proved helpful in working with children with  autism.  Beverly Vicker, a speech and language pathologist writing on the  Autism Support Network  website, notes that many children with autism find it difficult to pick up on what she and other autism theorists describe as social pragmatics, which refers to: ...the ability to effectively use and adjust communication messages for a variety of purposes with an array of communication partners within diverse circumstances. When educators, speech pathologists, and other interventionists teach these explicit communication skills, or  social pragmatics, to children with autism spectrum disorder, the results are often profound and can have a big  impact in improving their conversational interaction skills. Importance of Pragmatics Pragmatics is the meaning minus semantics, says  Frank Brisard in his essay Introduction: Meaning and Use in Grammar, published in Grammar, Meaning and Pragmatics. Semantics, as noted, refers to the literal meaning of a spoken utterance. Grammar, Brisard says, involves the rules defining how the language is put together. Pragmatics takes  context  into account to complement the contributions that semantics and grammar make to meaning, he says. David Lodge, writing in the Paradise News, says that pragmatics gives humans a fuller, deeper, and generally more reasonable account of human language behavior. Without pragmatics, there is often  no understanding of what language actually means, or what a person truly means when she is speaking. The context- the social signs, body language, and tone of voice (the pragmatics)- is what makes utterances clear or unclear to the speaker and her listeners.

Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 6

Finance - Essay Example People, processes and systems need to be flexible to respond to conflicts and changes in the environment. It is in this regard that this essay is written to present pertinent changes in organizational processes or systems brought about by investment to adjust to the requirements of efficiency in assuring compliance to attendance protocols of a health care organization. In a specific health care organization, attendance is being monitored by a system of logging in and out utilizing time cards that allow you to punch in and out and are needed as a basis for salary payments. In addition, an access card is used to enter buildings. The problem is many personnel are punching other employees out when they already left hours earlier. Personnel are punching other colleagues in when they never came to work. This is an on going issue and there really is no way to detect it. This system is prone to loopholes and dishonesty because as peers develop teambuilding, employees belonging in the same department or team are susceptible to connivance in relation to attendance and payment requirements. As called for in this situation, change is necessary to achieve a new and higher level of performance and efficiency – as well as to lessen the tedious system of effecting the needed monitoring schemes. Technological advancement made improvements in the system of logging in and out to ensure accurate attendance of employees. This system is called biometrics. According to SearchSecurity.com (2008), â€Å"biometrics is the science and technology of measuring and analyzing biological data. In information technology, biometrics refers to technologies that measure and analyze human body characteristics, such as fingerprints, eye retinas and irises, voice patterns, facial patterns and hand measurements, for authentication purposes.† These have several applications including time attendance, access control, identification

Reformed Epistemology Insulates Religious Faith from Scientific Essay - 1

Reformed Epistemology Insulates Religious Faith from Scientific Scrutiny - Essay Example Religion also attempts to answer life’s existential questions in comforting, understandable ways. But does this all mean that religion is so mysterious in its nature that it must never be questioned, and that its doctrines take precedence over the laws by which we choose to be governed? This is the territory Leiter explores in his paper - at least, he explores it to the extent that religion brushes up against secular laws. It is an interesting point of view. We all know people whose religious affiliations have exempted them, from time to time, from duties or obligations that, had they not claimed a particular religious affiliation, they would have been expected to fulfill. And we, for the most part, in the name of freedom of religion, tolerate these exemptions. But why? Why are religious individuals accorded this toleration? And if we cannot answer this question, should we continue, in fact, to tolerate their exemptions, even in the face of no reasonable evidence? Any person who has taken an American history class or studied for his or her citizenship exam is well-acquainted with the Amendment concerning freedom of religion – but perhaps it is now time to re-evaluate the concept. Leiter would have us believe that the re-evaluation is long overdue. He even go es so far as to delineate a difference between toleration and respect. This paper will explore his logic, analyze some of his examples and draw a conclusion as to whether or not he has successfully made his case with regard to tolerating religion.

Compare the parliamentary and presidential forms of government. What Essay

Compare the parliamentary and presidential forms of government. What are the strengths and weakness of each - Essay Example The Prime Minister (who is the chief executive) may be elected to the legislature in the same way that all other members are elected" (Governing Systems and Executive-Legislative Relations n.d.). Power in Parliamentary systems is concentrated in the Parliamentary leaders. It follows that pressure groups, to promote their interests, must influence the leaders, and this they can do effectively only by putting pressure on them directly or by acting through agencies that can, above all the parties and civil servants. Parliament, of course, also has some influence with its leaders, hence it is not entirely useless for British pressure groups to try to influence Prime Ministers (Mettenhiem 27). But compared to the pressures exerted through parties and civil servants their parliamentary activities are secondary. For instance, the need to focus pressure on the bureaucrats is reinforced by the activities of British government. First, the vast scope and technical character of decision-making r equired by welfare-state policies has led to the devolution of more and more decision-making authority to the bureaucracy, so that there is in Britain a vast amount of executive legislation (Ben-Zion Kaminsky 221). Equally important, the decision-making powers delegated to the Departments are likely to be of special concern to interest groups (Lijphart 129). General policy, of course, is still predominantly made by the Government, but technical details, especially the sort needing fairly frequent revisions (e.g., how much money is to be paid to doctors; what prices to guarantee to the farmers; on what basis to grant or withhold licenses to build, import, issue securities or acquire raw materials), are taken care of by the Departments, and such details are likely to be of as great concern to interest groups as policy in its broad sense (Mettenhiem 29). In contrast to Parliamentary systems, where the P.M is a party leader, the President is chosen by a separate election. "The President then appoints his or her cabinet of ministers (or "secretaries" in US parlance). Ministers/Secretaries usually are not simultaneously members of the legislature, although their appointment may require the advice and consent of the legislative branch" (Governing Systems and Executive-Legislative Relations n.d.). In this view, the constitutional separation of the executive and the legislature is the main culprit in the now excessive fractionizing of governmental power. Following Lijphart (1992): "the notion of the supremacy of parliament as a whole over its parts is a distinctive characteristic of parliamentary systems" (37). The main differences between the Parliamentary and Presidential forms of government are found in separation of power (Lijphart 16). In general, the Presidential form stipulates separation of power between different branches while the Parliamentary form means a fusion of power. In both forms, corporatism is characterized by high concentrations of government power as well as private power (Ben-Zion Kaminsky 221). Pluralism, on the other hand, is based on low concentrations of government and private power. A state-directed system is characterized by high concentration of government power, and low concentration of private power. And, finally, high concentratio

The Psychology Of Writing Essay Example for Free

The Psychology Of Writing Essay In September 2004, I embarked upon a career opportunity that – I believed – was beyond my reach and capabilities.   It was for the well-being of my family that I accepted the challenge.   Almost immediately after starting the work, I was assigned a task that I truly believed I would fail at: it was the task of completing a technical solution that outlined the design installations of one of the countrys most secure facilities. I was required to not only learn the technical specifications of hundreds of communication devices, but also to describe that function in a manner in which any person from off the street, with or without a technical background, could pick up the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and completely maneuver the Network Operation Center (NOC), even though I myself had come from an Information Technology (IT) background.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A lot of my knowledge was gained through careful observation, question asking, and note taking.   I worried each and every day about the consequences which would arise if I were unable to deliver.   As one may assume, numerous meetings were conducted by the customers, expressing precisely the type of systems necessary to provide them with advanced applications and maximum flexibility for the capabilities of integration of tomorrows technologies.   I learned a lot just by listening and recording staff meetings which were unclassified, so that I could take what I had learned and research the type of equipment needed to meet the customers requirements. I would then ask questions of more skilled individuals.   For instance, â€Å"How would you do this?†.   Or, â€Å"How would you do that?†Ã‚   I also asked many a â€Å"Why?†Ã‚   Since I was, in reality, lacking the proper academic background to execute these tasks, I used what I was good at: research and problem-solving.   I began to put my facts down on paper, utilizing the manufacturers technical notes, the data received by more skilled persons, and information I had found using a tool that every household now uses, Google, to derive a Technical Solution and Installation Plan that received much praise and even a promotion!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I apologize if this sounds like a happy ending story, because its not.   The research, and rewrite upon rewrite, and multiple revisions of even these   Looking back, I wonder if the methods I employed would have been different if I had completed my education.   But in the modern world in which we live, technology had given modern man many methods by which to learn and perform tasks once thought to be completely unavailable to people like myself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I remember the day I first arrived in Colorado Springs.   I only had a short visit scheduled, so I had to make the most of the trip.   My flight landed just before midday on a Friday.   I believe it was August, as the weather was pleasantly cool and sunny.   Because I was sat in a window seat, I was able to get a good look at the city upon approach.   From above the city, still in the air, what you first notice is what I like to refer to as â€Å"cookie cutter communities†.   The scenery of the different neighborhoods looks as though God Himself once pressed a cookie cutter into the ground.    Due to the altitude of â€Å"The Springs†, as the locals call it, the air-craft inadvertently provided a touristic view of the city.   One could not miss the world-famous Pikes Peak.   If you recall your American Folk Song, â€Å"America†, then you know â€Å"Purple Mountains Majesty†.   Well, Pikes Peak is what the song is all about, and I must admit that it is breathtakingly topped with snow-crested peaks even in July!   As the plane continued its descent, â€Å"The Garden of the Gods† came into view, the large rocks seeming like giant clay boulders somehow naturally arranged in balance – as if by God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Colorado Springs is not very large.   The main road, IH-25 (or, as the locals call it, the â€Å"I†) is the only way in and out when traveling by car, and during the wetter months I have seen it closed from Trinidad (70 miles to the south) to Denver (70 miles to the north).   The area is more for outdoorsy people, who enjoy skiing, fishing, hunting, and the same such.   However, if your interest is in military history, you wont be let down.   The Springs is home to three military bases, as well as the Air Force Academy, and also â€Å"NORAD†.   Most people who are new to the area, or just visiting, find it much more rewarding simply driving to see it.    For instance, taking the â€Å"I† to 24W up into the mountains, you climb up to Manitou, a Norman Rockwell-type of picturesque town nestled into the scenery.   This is one of my favorite places to go.   Its old-time square consists of brick- and wood-fronted shops which melt into the scene like a painting.   As you continue to travel west on 24, Pikes Peak Highway is just a few minutes ahead.   Believe it or not, Santa is said to have a summer home here.   To promote good behavior, parents are often heard exclaiming, â€Å"Santa can see you†!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   At the beginning of my career, I decided that I wanted to do things that were not so common.   The ambition to undertake such a mission was driven by the attitude that there is nothing like changing the world.   To lay the foundation, I entered the military and successfully completed boot camp.   Thereafter, I was sent to Ft. Benning, Georgia to begin â€Å"Jump School†.   This is where you are sent to learn to become a paratrooper, the first step to sky-diving or, as it is otherwise referred to in the Military, â€Å"High Altitude Low-Out HALO†. The regimented course is approximately four weeks and consists of enduring hours of physical training, ground tower, and jump weeks.   The curriculum involves various tasks which teach you the correct way to land, how to maneuver the chute while airborne, and much more.   Each recruit is required to complete five jumps before he or she graduates and is allowed to pin on their jump wings.   This event in particular was one of the key steps that propelled my career, as it in turn took me to Israel – one of my favorite places in the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Israel appeared like Mohammed in the desert.   Herzliya, located on the central coastal strip, is a breath-taking city on the Mediterranean Sea.   It does not take too long after arrival to begin to understand the way of life there – cameras are mounted everywhere, police presence is widespread, there are heavily-armed IDF forces on each and every corner, and Apache patrols go along the coastline every 15 minutes.   However, taken through the eyes of the locals, the city is alive with the old and new worlds living in harmony.   During my time there, I was able to visit Tel Aviv, Eilat, and Jerusalem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most alluring was the beauty of being surrounded by water.   This permitted me to do a good amount of scuba-diving and fishing.   Although Im no expert, the waters of the Middle East are by far, to me, the most enjoyable on that side of the world.   The crystal-clear seas are closely regulated by the government, which prohibits commercial fishing within two miles of the shore and only allows freight shipments and related traffic on one side of the peninsula in order to avoid spills that would contaminate the surrounding outlets.    Looking back on these memories, it was not uncommon for all the mates to chip in and rent a boat to take out for a day of fishing and diving.   Open-sea fishing may feel the same in all warm waters, but the difference with the Middle East is the ability to see 80 – 100 feet into the depths and watch the fish as they toy with your bait; not to mention that there is an upfront view of the unfamiliar predators of the Mediterranean!   Having used mostly shrimp for bait, we caught a few different species and deep-fried them as soon as we returned to dry land.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The advantages of taking an online course are pretty straight-forward: not having to deal with traffic or parking, the ability to study from home or wherever an internet connection is located   But, for me, the disadvantages are more abundant.   For instance, in subjects that I am poor at (like this course), one is unable to link up with the instructor for assistance in acquiring a better understanding of what is being asked of you.   Another disadvantage is not getting to know any classmates.   There has always been an advantage in face-to-face study groups.   I have found that sometimes you are able to get a better feel for a subject when working with your peers.   For me, an online courses major benefit is convenience.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Online studies have revolutionized the education system, taking study to wherever the student is, but for those of us that have a long absence from school, online classes may not be the best choice.   I find it very difficult on so many levels, not to mention very stressful, and seek only a passing grade, instead of the usable knowledge of the class.   In conclusion, as you may have already gleaned from my essay, I find that the drawbacks outweigh the advantages.   However, in pursuit of academic recognition, one does what one has to, in order to ameliorate ones life and that of ones family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Institutes of higher education have transcended their traditional image as local and regional points of interest for audiences across national, international, and global arenas.   This extended outreach poses a direct correlation in which the business of education has become an integrated asset in the business of doing business.    The introduction of global business ventures (such as Wal-Mart, Ikea, and Starbucks) have reinvented the traditionally local marketplaces and introduced super market places.   One case in point is the â€Å"Super Wal-Mart† stores which cater to every need, from groceries to a department store with a pharmacy, vision center, portrait studio and hair salon.   How exactly does this all tie into the business of education?   I will address two significant elements: technology and management.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These colossal superstores are upheld, literally and figuratively, by an infrastructure of communication networks.   These networks include information systems that facilitate everything from inventory to purchasing.   The ability to maintain these networks requires specialized, and in most cases, certified persons.   The individuals, whether in-house or contracted, hold qualified certifications specific to such areas as computer science, networking, and database engineering.   With the extent to which technology is driving the business of globalization, the business of education is directly impacted as students seek to arm themselves with the credentials necessary to secure a job within the overwhelming support service industry. An industry so competitive that, in order for the key players to secure the worthwhile contracts, recruitment of the most qualified is a must.   These individuals are à ©lite students out of college and universities, or experienced professionals.   Once employed, they must remain current with certifications as technologies grow and expand.   This is why they engage in continuing education.   Likewise, a clients infrastructure may grow and expand, thus calling for the support service to educate personnel accordingly.   The realm of any business, big or small, is always changing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Management, the second element, runs rampant amidst the entire scheme of it all.   In order for businesses to be successful, much less remain on par, knowledgeable supervisors, managers, and directors are required.   For these individuals, like their support service counterparts, to ensure progress and efficiency, their skills need to be constantly nourished.   This capability has an impact on al business models, as employers must take into consideration incentive programs, such as â€Å"tuition reimbursement†, should they wish to sustain the attention of highly-skilled employees.    As students become workers, this benefit is a key point of interest during the job search.   Employees who are not viewed as influential and are looking to advance skills may not be able to readily fund the costs of educational endeavors on their own.   Should their duties and responsibilities be impacted by technological advancements, not being able to fully comprehend and take to the new changes can run the risk of losing their jobs.   In turn, companies are faced with a dilemma in stream-lining the guidelines for qualification of educational reimbursement, while educational institutions are faced with the means of offering tuition assistance in order to attract students.   Thus the pursuit of high learning has become a highly evolved business, dependent on the very same support service personnel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Like the superstores, schools are revamping their own infrastructure of communication networks and entering the business of globalization via online and virtual classrooms, courtesy of the most rampant network to date – the Internet.   In essence, the effect of education absorbed by a business creates a boomerang effect, reciprocating the prospects for institutions across the entire academic spectrum.

The Employee Reaction Toward Organizational Change Commerce Essay

The Employee Reaction Toward Organizational Change Commerce Essay A force drive change is always exists since the Industrial Revolution changed the nature of work. Whether to improve efficiency or create better working environment and productivity has been the base in many organizations. Managers and consultants are continually looking for ways to improve it. Employee dissatisfaction and conflict have also become important farces that push the need for change. At the same time, societal and political forces, such as the fall of communism, increased competition, privatization, and deregulation have an important role. The response of employees to change is hard to be predicted as well, as many factors may have an effect on this. The research investigates the effect of organizational culture to the perception of employee for organizational changes; where organizational culture is characterized by Hofstede cultural dimensions. One of the biggest obstacles to the success of any planned change is employee resistance. Resistance affects a change program. People generally resist change because of its negative consequences. Every person reacts to change differently. The leader of the organization needs to identify the different responses of the employees and be able to deal with their issues and concerns. The most important response that the leader must be prepared for is resistance. Employees may perceive change as endangering their livelihoods and their workplace social arrangements, or their status in the organization. Others know that their specialized skills will be rendered less valuable after a major change. The research tries to find the relation between organizational culture where employees used to work, and the organizational changes. Hofstede dimensions is used to characterized the organizational culture to and relate kind of organizational culture with employees attitude to change. Research Objectives The research has objective of finding the relation between organizational culture and response to organizational change; the research, will determine which one of Hofstede cultural dimensions has larger weight affecting the employees reaction for change, as well as how organizational culture can affect response to change. Research Hypotheses The Research is based on two hypotheses; each of them is related together. First, considers the organizational culture and its characterization with Hofstede cultural dimensions; while the second relates organizational culture with organizational change. The two hypotheses are: H1: Organizational culture is characterized Hofstede cultural dimensions. H2: employees response to change is related with organizational culture. Conceptual Framework Many models and theories have been developed trying to look at organizational change; each is looking the process from different point of view. The modern models for organizational change are:(Kezar, 2001),(Cameron , Green, 2004) Evolutionary Teleological Life Cycle Dialectical Social Cognition Cultural Bullock and Batten, planned change; Kotter, eight steps; Beckhard and Harris, change formula; Nadler and Tushman, congruence model; William Bridges, managing the transition; Carnall, change management model; Senge, systemic model; Stacey and Shaw, complex responsive processes; Some of these approaches are discussed later; while the research is based on relating these approaches, with Hofstede cultural dimensions:(Harris, Moran , Moran, Judith, 2004) 1. Power distance 2. Uncertainty avoidance 3. Individualism 4. Masculinity Research has the roadmap as illustrated in Figure 1 . Organizational culture Organizational Change Process Hofstede cultural dimensions Characterization of organizational culture Drivers of organizational change Employee reaction Figure 1 Research road map The above figure illustrates how research theoretical framework is constructed, based on this and beginning with the concept of organizational change, forces behind organizational change is searched , its types, and theories explaining organizational changes, as well as employees response to that change. On the other hand, Hofstede cultural dimensions are studies to formulate the hypothesis linking these two concepts together. A survey is then investigates the validity of these hypothesis, in the same time if valid it will results in weight of each dimension on the response of change. Research structure The research is constructed from five chapters; first chapter introduces a research problem statement; research objectives and conceptual framework; the second chapter introduces a literature review about the organizational change, Hofstede cultural dimensions, and employees response to change, the operational definitions are stated with the most suitable form research point of view. Chapter three discussed the research methodology, method, and sampling; data collection plan and data analysis is stated as well. Findings of the research are presented in chapter four, as well as the analysis of the data. Finally, chapter five is the conclusion ad recommendations. Chapter 2 Literature Review Introduction In this chapter, a review of literature is introduced; the review includes references of books and scientific publications in recent years. As well, definitions of keywords are introduced, based on operational definitions of terms used in the research. What is Organizational change? Organizational change can be defined as the difference in form, quality, or state over time in an organizational entity.(de Ven, Andrew, 2004) where Culture is defined as a set of meanings and values shared by a group of people.(Alvesson, 2002), so relating the organizational change to organizational culture we can define organizational culture as a specific collection of values and norms that are shared by people and groups in an organization and that control the way they interact with each other and with stakeholders outside the organization. ; the research will define the point under consideration of resistance to change as a Negative emotional, cognitive, and intentional responses to change (de Ven, Andrew, 2004) where magnitude of change is the magnitude of change represents a continuum ranging from fine-tuning changes, such as employee training, to radical organizational changes, such as reengineering and mergers. Changes (Pasmore, Woodman, 2007). Organizational change models Modeling the process of change is an important issue; this modeling can facilitate the process of monitoring change, assessing the results (for both Macro and micro levels); models also can explain the reason behind changes happen, its driving forces, and its consequences. The following sections discusses the early theories addressed the organizational change, followed by discussing the modern theories. Categories of Theories and Models of Organizational Change Evolutionary model The model assumes that the change process is dependent on circumstances, situational variables, and the environment faced by each organization. Social systems as diversified, interdependent, complex systems evolve over time naturally. However, evolution is deterministic, and people have only a minor impact on the nature and direction of the change process. The model focus on the inability of organizations to plan for and respond to change, and their tendency to manage change as it occurs. The emphasis is on a slow process, rather than discrete events or activities. Change happens because the environment demands change for survival. The assumptions in these theories range from managers having no ability to influence adaptability to managers having significant ability to be proactive, anticipating changes in the environment. As seen ; The theory ignores important environmental variables, and ignores the complexity of organizational life (Kezar, 2001) by focusing on a few factors within the external and internal environment, such as resources and size of organization. Environmental disturbance and constraints are overemphasized. Teleological model The model assumes that organizations are purposeful and adaptive. Change occurs because leaders, change agents, and others see the necessity of change. The process for change is rational and linear, as in evolutionary models, but individual managers are much more instrumental to the process. Internal organizational features or decisions, rather than the external environment, motivate change. Key aspects of the change process include planning, assessment, incentives and rewards, stakeholder analysis and engagement, leadership, scanning, strategy, restructuring, and reengineering. At the center of the process is the leader, who aligns goals, sets expectations, models, communicates, engages, and rewards. Strategic choices and human creativity are highlighted. Goal formation, implementation, evaluation, and modification based on experience are an ongoing process. New additions to the repertoire of management tools include collaborative culture definition, large group engagement processes, and individual in-depth interventions. The outcome of the change process is similar to that in evolutionary models: new structures or organizing principles.(Kezar, 2001) Based on above , it can be concluded that , the model analyzes the change process strategy as based on technological terms like reengineering, planning, assessment, restructuring; which is more realistic than other psychological terms like motivation. It also assumes that the process of change is controllable by managers and stockholders. The emphasis on the role of people and individual attitudes to the change process was introduced, especially in research on resistance to change. The ability to, at times, forecast or identifies the need for change was an important contribution, helping organizations to survive and prosper in what otherwise would have been difficult times. The main criticisms relate to the overly rational and linear process of change described within the model. Researchers of second-order change demonstrate a chaotic process and find management models to be lacking needed information on the importance of culture and social cognition.(Kezar, 2001) Dialectical model The model assumes that organizations pass through long periods of evolutionary change and short periods of revolutionary change, when there is an impasse between the two perspectives. An organizations polar opposite belief systems eventually clash resulting in radical change. Conflict is seen as an inherent attribute of human interaction. The outcome of change is a modified organizational ideology or identity. Predominant change processes are bargaining, consciousness-raising, persuasion, influence and power, and social movements. Leaders are the key within any social movement and are a central part of these models .collective action is usually the primary focus. Progress and rationality are not necessarily part of this theory of change; dialectical conflict does not necessarily produce a better organization.(Kezar, 2001) It is seen that, this model provided explanation for regressive change and highlighted irrationality.(Kezar, 2001) The model does not take the effect of the environment upon the change processes. Cultural model Most models of change describe organizations as rational places with norms and rules. The major contribution of cultural models to the change literatures their emphasis on irrationality (also emphasized in dialectical models), the spirit, or unconscious, and the fluidity and complexity of organizations. The model assumes that change occurs naturally as a response to alterations in the human environment; cultures are always changing. Cultural and dialectical models often overlap with the image of social movements as an analogy for cultural and political change. The change process tends to be long-term and slow. Change within an organization entails alteration of values, beliefs, myths, and rituals. There is an emphasis on the symbolic nature of organizations, rather than the structural, human, or cognitive aspects emphasized within earlier theories. History and traditions are important to understand, as they represent the collection of change processes over time.(Kezar, 2001) Change can be planned or unplanned, can be regressive or progressive, and can contain intended or unintended outcomes and actions. Change tends to be nonlinear, irrational, non-predictable, ongoing, and dynamic. Some cultural models focus on the leaders ability to translate the change to individuals throughout the organizations through the use of symbolic actions, language as the key to creating change. If there is an external motivator, it tends to be legitimacy, which is the primary motivator within the cultural model, rather than profit or productivity, which exemplify the teleological and environmental models. It is obvious that the model simplifies the culture as it can be easily handled or understood; but this actually not the case; other complex models to handle culture effect on change is introduces but not easy to apply. Organizational change theories and models (Cameron , Green, 2004) Lewin, three-step model: organism, machine Kurt Lewin developed his ideas about organizational change from the perspective of the organism metaphor. His model of organizational change is well known and much quoted by managers. Lewin is responsible for introducing force field analysis, which examines the driving and resisting forces in any change situation. The underlying principle is that driving forces must outweigh resisting forces in any situation if change is to happen. it assumes that ; if the desire of a manager is to speed up the executive reporting process, then either the driving forces need to be augmented or the resisting forces decreased; or even better, both of these must happen. Lewin proposed that organizational changes have three steps. The first step involves unfreezing the current state of interactions. This means defining the current state, surfacing the driving, resisting forces, and picturing a desired end-state. The second step is about moving to a new state through participation and involvement. The third step focuses on refreezing and stabilizing the new state of affairs by setting policy, rewarding success, and establishing new standards. Figure 2 Lewins three-step model Source: Lewin (1951) Lewins model is good, and can be considered as a fundamental base for further study or theory The model is seen as plan of actions, which can be used to make the change, rather than a model of change Model. It also ignores the assumption of the organism metaphor that groups of people will change only if there is a felt need to do so. (Mills, Dye and Mills, 2009) The change process can then turn into an un-well studied plan that does not tackle resistance and fails to harness the energy of the key players. The effect of culture also is ignored in this model. Bullock and Batten, planned change: machine Bullock and Battens (1985) phases of planned change draw on the disciplines of project management; there are many similar steps to changing your organization models. This particular approach implies the use of the machine metaphor of organizations. The model assumes that change can be defined and moved towards in a planned way. A project management approach simplifies the change process by isolating one part of the organizational machinery in order to make necessary changes, for example developing leadership skills in middle management, or reorganizing the sales team to give more engine power to key sales accounts. this approach implies that the organizational change is a technical problem that can be solved with a definable technical solution. The approach also simplify the process of change , but it can not handle complex situation for organizational change , i.e. when organization has complex situation of changing where change drivers and forces are unknown Kotter, eight-steps: machine, political, organism Kotters (1995) proposed eight steps to make change in organization; his model is derived from analysis of his consulting practice with 100 different organizations going through change. His research highlighted eight key lessons, and he converted these into a useful eight-step model. The eight steps are: Establish a sense of urgency, felt-need for change. Form a powerful guiding group. Assembling a powerful group of people who can work well together. Create a vision. Building a vision to guide the change effort together with strategies for achieving this. Communicate the vision. Kotter emphasizes the need to communicate at least 10 times the amount you expect to have to communicate. The vision and accompanying strategies and new behaviors need to be communicated in a variety of different ways. Empower others to act on the vision. This step includes getting rid of obstacles to change such as unhelpful structures or systems. Allow people to experiment. Plan for and create short-term wins. Look for and advertise short-term visible improvements. Plan these in and reward people publicly for improvements. Consolidate improvements and produce still more change. Promote and reward those able to promote and work towards the vision. Energize the process of change with new projects, resources. Institutionalize new approaches. Ensure that everyone understands that the new behaviors lead to corporate success. This eight-step model gives more defined and detailed procedure for change process; the steps are clear and well defined; but it may take more time to implement and, maybe, it would be difficult to follow strictly. The approach did not refer to the situation of inability of achieving one-step; and how it can be handled. Beckhard and Harris, change formula: organism Beckhard and Harris (1987) developed a formula of change that defines some parameters to take into consideration Figure 3. Figure 3 Source: (Cameron , Green, 2004) Factors A, B, and D must outweigh the perceived costs X for the change to occur. If any person or group whose commitment needed is not sufficiently dissatisfied with the present state of affairs A, eager to achieve the proposed end state B and convinced of the feasibility of the change D, then the cost X of changing is too high, and that person will resist the change. Resistance is normal and to be expected in any change effort. Resistance to change takes many forms; change managers need to analyze the type of resistance in order to work with it, reduce it, and secure the need for commitment from the resistant party. The formula is sometimes written (A x B x D) > X. This adds something useful to the original formula. The multiplication implies that if any one factor is zero or near zero, the product will also be zero or near zero and the resistance to change will not be overcome. This means that if the vision is not clear, or dissatisfaction with the current state is not felt, or the plan is obscure, the likelihood of change is severely reduced. These factors (A, B, D) do not compensate for each other if one is low. All factors need to have weight. This formula is simple but in the same time useful. It illustrates the factors affecting change process; if each party in the process applies in this formula, it will help determining the weak points, and help enhance the performance in each phase of change. On the other hand; the formula gives each factor the same weight, and did not correlate any of these factors together; which may be in accurate. Stacey and Shaw, complex responsive processes There is yet another school of thought represented by people such as Ralph Stacey (2001) and Patricia Shaw (2002). These writers use the metaphor of flux and transformation to view organizations. The implications of this mode of thinking for those interested in managing and enabling change are significant: Change, or a new order of things, will emerge naturally from clean communication, conflict, and tension (not too much). As a manager, you are not outside of the system, controlling it, or planning to alter it, you are part of the whole environment. In Patricia Shaws book Changing Conversations in Organizations, rather than address the traditional questions of How do we manage change? she addresses the question, How do we participate in the ways things change over time? This writing deals bravely with the paradox that our interaction, no matter how considered or passionate, is always evolving in ways that we cannot control or predict in the longer term, no matter how sophisticated our planning tools. As a first look, the model seems to be passive one; it discards the ability of making change goes as we want; also, it assumes that change is an ongoing process by itself, we have no control upon it; all we have to do is to watch and participate in it with a limited role. This can be translated to practical as follow: Managers have to decide what business the organization is in, and stretch peoples thinking on how to adapt to this. Ensure that there is a high level of connectivity between different parts of the organization, encouraging feedback, optimizing information flow, enabling learning. Focus peoples attention on important differences between current and desired performance, between different styles of work and between past and present outcomes. Characterization of organizational culture On the other hand Hofstede cultural dimensions will be used to characterize the organizational culture and can be defined as psychological dimensions, or value constructs, which can be used to describe a specific culture (Harris, Moran , Moran, Judith, 2004). where Hofstede has defined 4 dimensions to define culture ,first is the Power distance is The extent to which a society accepts that power in institutions and organizations is distributed unequally.(Harris, Moran , Moran, Judith, 2004), second dimension is uncertainty avoidance, is the extent to which a society feels threatened by uncertain or ambiguous situations. (Harris, Moran , Moran, Judith, 2004), third dimension is Individualism, which is loosely knit social framework in a society in which people are supposed to take care of themselves and of their immediate families only.(Harris, Moran , Moran, Judith, 2004); and Collectivism, which is the opposite, occurs when there is a tight social framework in which people distinguis h between in-groups and out-groups; they expect their in-group (relatives, clan, organizations) to look after them, and in exchange for that owe absolute loyalty to it .finally; masculinity is The extent to which the dominant values in society are assertiveness, money, and material things, not caring for others, quality of life, and people. (Harris, Moran , Moran, Judith, 2004) Hofstede cultural dimensions The pioneering work on cultural measurement could be credited to Hofstede (1980). In the earlier stage, Hofstede identified four dimensions of culture and highlights the most important culture differences in a multinational organization. The four dimensions are individualism versus collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity and femininity. These four dimensions were initially detected through the comparison of the value among the employees and managers working in 53 national subsidiaries of the IBM Corporation. Dr. Geert Hofstede, believes that culture counts and has identified four dimensions of national culture:(Harris, Moran , Moran, Judith, 2004) 1. Power distance: indicates the extent to which a society accepts that power in institutions and organizations is distributed unequally. 2. Uncertainty avoidance: indicates the extent to which a society feels threatened by uncertain or ambiguous situations. 3. Individualism: refers to a loosely knit social framework in a society in which people are supposed to take care of themselves and of their immediate families only. Collectivism, the opposite, occurs when there is a tight social framework in which people distinguish between in-groups and out-groups; they expect their in-group (relatives, clan, organizations) to look after them, and in exchange for that owe absolute loyalty to it. 4. Masculinity: with its opposite pole, femininity, expresses the extent to which the dominant values in society are assertiveness, money and material things, not caring for others, quality of life, and people. Criticism of Hofstedes cultural dimensions Hofstedes work on culture is the most widely cited in most of studies. His observations and analysis provide scholars with a highly valuable insight into the dynamics of cross-cultural relationships. However, his work does not escape criticism. In this section, most of criticized points will be listed and discussed.(Jones , 2007) Relevancy Many researchers allude a survey is not an appropriate instrument for accurately determining and measuring cultural disparity. This is especially apparent when the variable being measured is a value which culturally sensitive and subjective. Hofstede addresses this criticism saying that surveys are one method, but not the only method that was used. During the time of its delivery, there was very little work on culture, and at this time many businesses were just entering the international arena and were experiencing difficulties; they were crying out for credible advice. Hofstedes work met and exceeded this demand for guidance. This actually is very convincing for researcher to base their research on Hofstedes work. Cultural Homogeneity This criticism is perhaps the most popular. Hofstedes study assumes the domestic population is a homogenous whole. However, most nations are groups of ethnic units. Analysis is therefore constrained by the character of the individual being assessed; the outcomes have a possibility of arbitrariness. On the other hand, Hofstede tends to ignore the importance of community, and the variations of the community influences. This critic is somewhat true; but if we will speak about the majority of groups within one culture; as well as the probability of being the individual have the common features of his culture, I do believe that is worth to pursue Hofstedes work. National Divisions Nations are not the proper units of analysis, as cultures are not necessarily bounded by borders. Recent research (Jones , 2007) has found that culture is in fact fragmented across group and national lines. Hofstede points out however that national identity is the only means we have of identifying and measuring cultural differences. This is true, as we can agree that national identity is not the only mean to measure cultural differences; but it is one of them, hence the model still valid , may be less accurate but reliable. One Company Approach A study fixated on only one company cannot possibly provide information on the entire cultural system of a country. Hofstede said he was not making an absolute measure, he was merely gauging differences between cultures, and this style of cross-sectional analysis was appropriate. However, this international organization is worldwide spread, and is considered as a typical example of cultural diversity, so it worth to be considered. Out-dated Some researchers have claimed that the study is too old to be of any modern value, particularly with todays rapidly changing global environments, internationalization, and convergence. Hofstede countered saying that the cross-cultural outcomes were based on centuries of indoctrination, recent replications (Jones , 2007), (Nakata, 2009) have supported the fact that culture will not change overnight. Conclusion about Hofstedes cultural dimensions It is obvious that more research is needed to evaluate culture in terms of contemporary standards. However, Hofstedes work has controversy surroundings; the work is still quite high, as it remains the most valuable work on culture. Based on the theoretical and practical value of Hofstedes work, research hypothesis refers to its effect on employs reaction toward organizational changes; and this will be investigated. Resistance to change Resistance to change has been an important area of inquiry. In fact, the importance placed on this issue might lead one to believe that resistance is inevitable when change is being implemented. Newer research (Mills, Dye and Mills, 2009) indicates that this is not always so. On the contrary, some people embrace change and become bored and uninterested if change is not imminent. Some researchers (Wei , 2003) argue that the younger generations of workers are more used to a constant rate of change, are more adept at change, and actually expect to be moving forward constantly. Despite this, resistance to change can and does occur just not all the time by everybody. Given that, resistance to change can be a very real problem for those leading change. Patrick Connor and Linda Lake argue that; (Mills, Dye and Mills, 2009) people tend to resist change or alterations of the status quo. This resistance is broader than simple opposition to a particular change; more widespread than a particular groups or individuals refusal to accept a specific change. There is simply the wish in most people to maintain the consistency and comfort that the status quo holds. This generalized resistance to change stems from a variety of sources. Although their theory of resistance is one of the many that seem to indicate all people will resist change all of the time, their framework is still quite helpful. It creates a framework for understanding why resistance may be happening, when it happens. Employees response to change There are three general forms of responses to system changes: (de Ven, Andrew, 2004) Negative feedback loops. These system responses attempt to attenuate or eliminate the impact of the change on the system. Positive feedback loops. These system responses magnify the impact of the change on the system. This can be in the form of switching (before, during, or after the event) to alternative structures or functions, increased disorder beyond what is directly produced by the change event itself and, if the increased disorder is extreme enough, either creative innovation or collapse. No response. The system may give no apparent response to a given event: This may occur because either the group failed to note the event, or assumed it would not alter the groups fitness landscape, or, Some feature of the groups history, its self-regulatory processes, and/or its routines prevented or impeded response. Alternatively, an apparent no response may be an artifact of the observation process.