Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five

Kurt Vonnegut has written something that has captured the imagination of generations. His novel is entitled â€Å"Slaughterhouse Five.† This novel has put into use what the literary world call as dark comedy, also known as black comedy. Dark comedy is basically a sub-genre of comedy that has satirical elements. This sub-genre typically tackles serious topics like death, war, rape, and the likes with wit and humor. I have selected three scenes of which Kurt Vonnegut displayed his talent in using dark comedy to hook his readers. The first scene that I’ve picked is that where the arguable protagonists Billy Pilgrim and the unlovable fat soldier Roland Weary were captured by enemy troops. Those enemy troops who had captured them were not regulars. They were merely using equipment collected from dead soldiers. When the novel was first read by the public, they could have just thought that this was fiction. Maybe they weren’t aware that this is a reality in war. Equipment from the dead is considered free rations since there will always be shortages in wars. What the author had done here is that with all the dark comedy packed into this novel, he had squeezed in bits of reality. The dark comedy there is that as readers we were caught off guard that we were already laughing at something that is brutally happening in reality. It could also be that the author is in favor of stripping the dead off their possessions since those things would only be beneficial to those who are still alive. The next dark scene that I’ve picked is where the Valencia, the overweight wife of the arguable protagonist Billy Pilgrim, died because of carbon monoxide poisoning. She was already on her way to see his husband. Then the unfortunate happened, or Kurt Vonnegut’s dark comedy made it happen, she died of carbon monoxide poisoning inside her car. The author had constructed the scene as if the death of Valencia didn’t invoke sad emotion at all. Again, I believe that the function of this is to show what is happening in reality. We don’t need statistics to prove that there are countless wives out there who are left by their unfaithful husbands. But then, this dark humor could also be targeted to those who have eating and weight issues. The author may have wanted to show that most overweight bring the problem upon themselves because just like Valencia, they can’t stop eating. This could be the author’s answer to why are there such a number of miserable people in this planet. It is because we cause our own problems. The last dark scene that I have chosen is when the prisoners of war were assigned to the dreadful task of digging up the graves for a lot of dead bodies after the town of Dresden was bombed. It was such an awful sight that one of those who were digging the graves threw up from the bad smell. He threw up so bad that he died. Again, there is no word that can perfectly describe the scene than dark comedy. The author had beautifully used the elements of dark humor, wit and irony. It is such an irony that the ‘dead’ is in a sense free from the toils of being alive and stuck in a war. That scene also shows that people can be pushed to do even the things that they won’t imagine themselves doing. Anyone will succumb when there is a gun pointed to you and your loved one’s. All in all, the author had used dark comedy as a hook that has kept his readers turning the pages. Dark comedy also evokes a certain weird combination of the effects of entertainment and disgust. Work Cited Vonnegut, K. Jr. Vonnegut, J. Slaughterhouse Five. NY: Tandem Classic Books. 1999.

Event Management Dissertation

An Application of the Events Management Concept in the Marketing Success of Clubs and BarsThis proposal presents a research initiative that aims to explore the events management concept and how this applies to the marketing success of clubs and bars. This paper focuses on the bar and club â€Å"scene† in London. This paper also enumerates the factors leading to the identified issue thereby leading to a statement as supported by aims and objectives of the project; these are as follows:To develop a framework of evaluation on the applicability of events management concepts as integral elements to the marketing success of bars and clubs.To create a workable research framework as based on the assessment of actual movements and developments in the dynamics of bar and club business in the city, especially as to how the application of events management concepts make a difference to the business of the bars and clubs. This includes both primary and secondary research.To identify the fa ctors leading to entertainment establishment success in the context of the marketing mix, with an emphasis on the promotional dimension.To create a foundation to this research a preliminary review of related literature is conducted.The identified literature examined topics on events management, promotional marketing, and background research on nightlife in the context of bars and clubs. This proposal therefore approaches the research from a practical perpective due to the amount of theory and concept applicability that will be tested to a specific nightclub. This initiative will partner with a specific bar/s or club/s that are willing to have their business examined when applying a specific set of events management concepts.Because of this, the main concern of this study is the amount of cooperation these bar/s or club/s will give, in addition to the stated limitations of this project whcih will be discussed in the next sections of this paper. This proposal therefore outlines the me thodology that will be undertaken. The approach to the methodology mixes qualitative factors through interviews and the comparison of gathered data from the participating establishments, and quantitative approaches as based on surveying bar and club customers in which they determine which applied event management concept works for them best.The recommended research framework of the institution is also outlined through the resources and programme. Last but not the least, this proposal also presents a contingency plan should the research encounters critical obstacles that may jeopardize its process and development. Introduction This proposal presents an outline on the intended methodlogy that will be utilised for the proposed research initiative evaluating the application of events management in the bar and club scene. The targeted area of evaluation are the selected bars and clubs in the London area.This proposal contains a preliminary review of literature which further gives light t o the background of this research topic. The relevant issues to be addressed are identified thereby contributing greatly to the framework of this proposal. Problem Background and Definition In order to establish the important fundamentals of the problem of this research, it is important to look at the background of events management, especially as to the concepts that surround this practice and strategy. In definition, Silvers discussed project management as,â€Å"[†¦ ] the process by which an event is planned, prepared, and produced. As with any other form of management, it encompasses the assessment, definition, acquisition, allocation, direction, control, and analysis of time, finances, people, products, services, and other resources to achieve objectives. An event manager’s job is to oversee and arrange every aspect of an event, including researching, planning, organizing, implementing, controlling, and evaluating an event’s design, activities, and production .†Based on these genres and the definition of events management, it can be gathered that although the concept is to manage a happening, function or an affair, there is still the strong aspect of marketing involved. This is because it can be observed that these events aim to gather people with special purposes, and with this, these events already identify a particular market segment. The identification and the formation of a market segment is critical in any marketing activity.These market segments thereby make marketing initiatives more focused and targeted on a specific group. As Michman explains, these segments create a lifestyle group which also gives way to their demogaphics, communication and values; these information are therefore important when it comes to formulating marketing strategies for the intended market (3). Concepts on event management thereby utilises a combination of many factors. Although events are strongly related to marketing, there are also of course th e other elements that need to be implemented.Silvers presented these through the identification of the different knowledge domains in which the author divided as follows: administration, operations, marketing and risk management. These domains include a list of many activities, the following of which are just a partial list of the tasks involved in managing events:Site surveying.Client services.Budgeting.Management of cashflow.Logistics.Scheduling.Security.Site and theme designed.Location/site management.Goldblatt also mentioned the following important aspects of event management:Administration – the administration aspect deals with the management and leadership that runs the event. This may include the involvement of an events company that takes over through the many stages of events planning and management. The administration deals with many factors including the design of the event, the financial planning, control and strategy, and the quality aspects of the event as seen in the deliverables and the performances of the staff and human resources employed specifically for that event.Coordination – coordination is another important aspect in event management, this is the aspect in which s The coordination activities include the formulation of the production schedule, the selection and the strategy for catering, choosing the best suppliers and vendors for services in audio, video lighting, sound and effects, and the providers of music and entertainment such as performers and artists.Marketing – a successfully marketed event can give way to a successful affair.The events management concept strongly utilises marketing as a weapon that makes the event possible and at the same time, to profit from the events. Many events market their affairs to corporate sponsors who provide the funding and the resources to make the event possible; in return, the event markets these sponsors through the promotional platform. The event profits from the event its elf in addition to those which can be also used to pay off some balances in the fees.Hence, there is the significant exchange of marketing aspects in event management because it makes use of the promotional platform as a means to bring forth entertainment, information, and the other objectives of the event.Legal, Ethical and Risk Management – events are still subject to many requirements and considerations especially in the legal, ethical and risk management aspects. Event managers need to secure the necessary permits and licenses needed for the affair. Contracts are also drawn especially if it involves lucrative partnerships with service providers.Ethical implications of the transactions and the potentoial effects of the event also need to be considered. Last but not the least, risk management is an important practice that organisations are also implementing. Risk management serves as an important element in order to prevent the possibilities of risks, and should any risk ta kes place, the management is ready with a contingency plan (Culp). One important note about events management is that it is also reflective of the project management practices; in fact, events are projects in itself because of its very nature.In the context of project management, projects are defined through the following characteristics (Webster & Knutson, 2-3):Projects are unique undertakings.Projects are composed of independent activities.Projects create a quality deliverable.Projects involve multiple resources .Projects are not synonymous with the products of the project.Projects are driven by the Triple Constraint: time, resources, technical performance (quality).Based on these characteristics of project management, it can be gathered that an event is also a project.What distinguishes an event from other projects is that it has a very strong marketing element because it involves many actors, from the provider of the product or service and the prospective clients. Events assembl es people therefore there is a collective sense of objective. Because of this attendance, events therefore have a strong promotional element (Soares). When it comes to bars and clubs, it is important that these establishments market themselves effectively in order to maintain their businesses.These establishments rely on customer count as a source of profits especially as they sell products like food and drinks, and services such as dancing and other entertainment-based gatherings. It is therefore important that these bars and clubs ensure they have a strong patronage and customer flow in order to assure that their businesses remain competitive. In observing the bar and club â€Å"scene†, there is much competition especially in a city like London. In looking at resources for these events such as TimeOut, there is always a list of bars and clubs with their respective â€Å"events†.These events may include a theme night, a special guest DJ or performer, a concert, and ot her gimmicks. It can be also observed that these events are strongly driven by sponsorships such as partnerships with relevant products and services like alcoholic drinks, fashion labels, and other lifestyle related products and brands. In this regard, when it comes to the application of events management concept in bars and clubs, it is evident that these have had some successes. This therefore elicits close inspection as to how these concepts are applied and which concepts are successful.It should be noted that due to the strong marketing element in these initiatives, these bars and clubs are also subject to what is known a product life cycle — a cycle in which a product or service may start to plateau and decline. Hence, this reflects as to why bars and clubs may have their â€Å"time†; some bars and clubs that were famous a few years ago may have already shut down or are losing customers because new concepts get introduced in the market. It can be also observed tha t certain event themes also went through their peak and lost their lusters; examples are the raves, the cream parties, and the bubble parties, among others.Hence, this shows that although generally, events management concepts work in the context of bars and clubs, they don't work all the time and are not necessarily sustainable. This thereby shows the strong association between a project and an event — something that is unique that has beginning and an end. This research therefore aims to explore the events management concept at greater depths by means of looking at the actual applications and the industry practices.As certain events tend to become â€Å"old†, the turnover of new events concepts need to be examined, especially in a market with changing preferences and values. In addition to the aspect of events concepts, the management aspect is also examined by this paper. This is especially important as the market is volatile, and the entertainment and leisure sector s tend to get easily affected by economic and market challenges. This paper examines how events actually take place and how certain strategies may need to be formulated in order to respond to challenges in resources.This therefore bring up the issues on cost management and how bars and clubs intend to profit from their events. This may then bring up certain events management concepts and applications from other event genres as applied in affairs that take place in bars and clubs. The events management industry in the UK is a million-pound industry considering the number of events held in the country, from conferences to major concerts. The industry also involves many sectors including those from the hospitality, entertainment and leisure services.This research therefore localises an exploration of events management in a specific context, and identifies the important factors that can affect the relevant businesses and establishments in this sector. Aims and Objectives In order to hav e a substantial insight on events management concepts in the context of bars and clubs establishments, this research therefore aims to achieve and implement the following:To develop a framework of evaluation on the applicability of events management concepts as integral elements to the marketing success of bars and clubs.To establish how events management applications are integral to the success of the bars and clubs sectors.To create a workable research framework as based on the assessment of actual movements and developments in the dynamics of bar and club business in the city, especially as to how the application of events management concepts make a difference to the business of the bars and clubs. This includes both primary and secondary research.To identify the factors leading to entertainment establishment success in the context of the marketing mix, with an emphasis on the promotional dimension.Based on the sourced literature, it appears that there are a few studies with rega rds to events management, especially as to how these affects bars and clubs. Because of the close nature of events with projects, and due to the function of events as marketing tools especially in this specific context of the study, much of the reviewed literature touches on the marketing aspect, the project and event management resources, and some literature touching on bars, clubs, nightlife and other entertainment establishments.Review of Literature Definitions of Events ManagementEvents management can be said to have emerged from the increasing commercialisation of popular celebrations, from big affairs such as concerts to small and private gatherings. Bowdin, et al. explained that in certain historical aspects, the increasing importance of events were noted because of the benefits they bring as enumerated through its purpose and objectives. An example noted by the authors were the emergence of the industry as encouraged by political and religious reasons; this happened in the U nited Kingdom where exhibitions became a popular event that it needed to be sustained.The approach to the sustainability of events, especially as this would lead to the formation of an industry, would then become integral to the management requirements of this practice. Across the world, the management of events would become a more formal approach in organizing festivals and other festivities. Bowdin, et al. therefore presented the following definition of events as follows (14): â€Å"[†¦] anything which happens; result; any incidence or occurrence esp (sic) a memorable one; contingency or possibility of occurrence; an item in a programme (of sports, etc.); a type of horseriding competition, often held over three days (three-day event) consisting of three sections ie dressage, cross country riding and show jumping; fortune or fate (obs); an organized activity at a particular venue, eg. for sales promotion or fundraising. † Based on these definitions, the events that fall under event management are applicable in all aspects. Basically, the last definitiion, â€Å"an organized activity at a particular venue, eg. for sales promotion or fundraising† (14) can be said to already encompass what an event is.However, it should be also noted that the fundamentals of events management also refers to the uniqueness of the event, hence, it is memorable. At the same time, an event may have many sub-events such as â€Å"items†. Last but not the least, as based on the cited definition, an event also includes contingency or possibility of occurrence. This therefore brings up the aspect of events management in which case it is not just about ensuring that the event takes place, but also the management formalises the event in a sense that it is defined by a specific strategy.As previously mentioned, an event in the events management context becomes a project; in this case, the aspects of project management is applied. It is initially important to define what a project is, and according to Bowdin, et al, (267), an event as a project â€Å"produces an asset [†¦] the asset is the ultimate deliverable of the project. The management is the planning, the organizing, leading, and controlling of the project†. Hence, based on these, Bowdin, et al. presented the definition of event management in the following (267):â€Å"The project management of events concentrates on the management process to create the event, not just what happens at the event [†¦] (it) is called the ‘overlay' as it integrates all the tasks of management. Event management is made up of a number of management areas including planning, leading, marketing, design, control and budgeting, risk management, logistics, staging and evaluation. Each of these areas continuously affect each other over the event life cycle†.Shone and Parry, furthermore, mentioned that in order for an event to be managed in a similar context, the event has to be â€Å"sp ecial†; based on this, the authors presented the following pointing out the definitions of events that are managed:Leisure events (leisure, sport recreation).Personal events (weddings, birthdays, anniversaries).Organisational events (commercial, political, charitable, sales).Cultural (ceremonial, sacred, heritage, art, folklore).The Events Management Concept and Practice Event management is therefore a discipline and a practice.There are many concepts and aspects of event management that needs to be considered especially among those who specialise in certain components of the practice. One of the common perceptions of event management is its dimension as a coordinating activities. Silvers (28) mentioned that in event coordination, the coordinators visualise, organise and synchronise the different elements of an event. In addition, in event coordination, the coordinator also identifies the purpose, scope and the program of the event by means of identifying its intent, extent, a nd content.Another important point raised by Silvers (28) is that, in agreement with the past discussions on the nature of event management as similar or related to project management, the author also further mentioned the processes involved both in the coordination and the management of events. These aspects, for instance, is through the discussion on the Project Scope (28-29):Identifying the needs and requirements of the event including the definition of its purpose and the expected outcomes.The description of the product as spelled out by the type of event.Product analysis or the identification of the components of the product.The feasibility of the product as based on the analysis of the resources.From these, the event becomes more definite through the design of a Work Breakdown Structure and Activity Schedule (29). Another important approach in event management can be considered in the perceptions of the customers, competition and the sponsors. Silvers discussed the aspect of t he consumers and the competition. According to the author, the customers make up the â€Å"marketing realm† of the event (30).Hence, it is important to identify a target segment because this helps in the design of the event, from its scope to its marketing to its implementation. Silvers also discussed the competition; for cases such as bars and clubs, any weekend night poses a great amount of competition for any establishment holding an event that night.As the author stressed, it is significant that the bar or club is aware what kind of other events that will take place in another establishment. It is therefore in the strategy of the club or bar owner, along with its hired events specialist, to determine how to best approach competition.

Cold Comfort Farm and Sons and Lovers Representation of Family Life

The representation of family life in Cold Comfort Farm and Sons and Lovers Family life in Cold Comfort Farm ia portrayed negatively mostly throughout the novel. It’s one of the main themes in the novel and can be seen through Flora and the presentation of the ‘Starkadders’ (Flora’s distant relatives). Flora is not close to her family and says ‘If i find out i have any third cousins living at Cold Comfort called Seth, or Reuben, I shall not go’. This shows that she’s already stereotyping her own family, showing that she knows nothing about them. Stella Gibbons seems to challenge the conventional family life by overthrowing normal restrictions like roles and social status that would be placed upon women in society, like Flora. Flora is a very independant women in the novel and doesn’t rely on men so she can live her life. Whereas Mrs Morel is totally dependant on her sons, Paul and William. Sons and Lovers was the third novel published by D. H. Lawrence. The novel recounts the coming of age of Paul Morel, the second son of Gertrude Morel and her hard-drinking, working-class husband, Walter Morel, who made his living as a miner. As Mrs Morel tries to find meaning in her life and emotional fulfilment through her bond with Paul, Paul seeks to break free of his mother through developing relationships with other women. In my chosen chapter for Cold Comfort Farm (chapter 2) Flora proceeds with her plan, despite Mary's disapproval. Mary goes out to look at a brassiere to possibly add to her massive collection. Meanwhile, Flora writes to a bachelor uncle in Scotland, an aunt in Worthing, a cousin in South Kensington, and distant relatives who live on a farm in Howling, Sussex, known as Cold Comfort Farm. She takes time in stylize each letter to the relatives' personalities, but as she knows nothing of the ones in Sussex, she keeps that one very straightforward. Three days later, Flora receives replies from all the relatives and looks at them with Mary. They all welcome her except there are issues that Flora can't abide, such as having to share a room with a cousin or parrot. The letter from the relatives in Sussex is, however, intriguing. Flora's Aunt Judith Starkadder seems different to all the others and would have more ‘messes to clean’. She decides to leave for Sussex the next morning. In my chosen extract for Sons and lovers (chapter 1, pages 26-27, from ‘Good gracious’ to ‘Its a lie, It’s a lie’) Mr Morel has come home drunk once again and Mrs Morel has had enough of his ‘childish’ and selfish behaviour. She confronts him in the kitchen where she is making him and the children food, he starts to raise his voice and become verbaly aggressive. This is the first time in the novel where we see the true side of Mr Morel. Throughout chapter two in Cold Comfort Farm the text is written in third-person, however, the focus is on Flora as she is narrating and also seems to give her own viewpoints despite the third-person structure. Gibbons portrays Flora as a strong, independant women and we can see this by her narrative structure â€Å"well my mind is made up, so there is no purpose in arguing†, said Flora’. This contrasts Sons and Lovers because Mrs Morel is far from independant, unlike Flora, who likes to ‘exploit’ her rights. Sons and Lovers is told mostly from a third-person point of view, as the narrator has access to the thoughts of the characters and moves back and forth in time while telling the story. In the extract Mr and Mrs Morel are arguing, bouncing back and forth off eachother, but Mr Morel is clearly the dominant person due to D. H. Lawrences’ use of language and imagery. ‘He dropped his two hands heavily on the table’ and ‘nasty little bitch! ’ makes Mrs Morel feel insignificant. At the start of chapter two in Cold Comfort Farm Flora presents family life as false and cold as she plans to write to her relatives, changing her style of writing to suit each individual personality. Before proceeding to write to her relatives she reveals her ‘dislike’ for her ‘fellow beings’. The tone achieved by using this self-centered attitued and blunt declaritives shows that she is determined to get what she wants. In the Sons and Lovers extract there are a lot of exclamitory sentences like ‘Good gracious, she cried, coming home in this drunken mess! and ‘Say you’re NOT drunk! ’. these quotes show true emotion and they also show that Mrs Morel has had enough of Mr Morels actions. In time, Mr Morels actions hurt his wife and his children untill they ‘despise’ him. These are not normal feelings a son should have towards their father. Different lexical sets have been used to show Floras true distance from her relati ves. ‘messy’, ‘revolting’, ‘grief’ all give a sence of a disease, stagnant life that no one would want to join, but Flora wants to for the ‘expirience’ of it all. Gives a feeling that family is bad, and must be stopped. She is using her relatives hospitality to get good writing material for when she’s ‘fifty-three’. Flora is disgusted at the thought of communicating with her ‘fellow-beings’ although this compound noun is not directly referring to her family members, it seems that Flora regards them in such an impersonal way. This impersonal tone is reinforced by saying ‘these people’ and ‘revolting’ making it clear that she doesn’t want to communicate with her relatives, again showing how independant she is. The Sons and Lovers extract has a lexical set of destressed and hurtful words. ‘cried’, ‘nasty little bitch’, ‘thrust’, ‘shut your face’. These set of words create a feeling of hatrid. Mrs Morel says ‘you don’t get as dunk as a lord on nothing’. Even in an argument where Mr Morel is clearly in the wrong, she still compares him to something great. ‘His hat over his eyes’, its almost as if he’s hiding the real him, he doesn’t want to be like this but the alcohol in his body is overpowering him, almost like the dominance of Flora in Cold Comfort Farm.

Case analysis of NO GO Railroad Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Analysis of NO GO Railroad - Case Study Example t hand, the cause of these problems include excess man power, resistance to change, HR policy is inappropriate, and guarantee-generated extra expenses (Brown, 2010). In order to respond to these problems, Dave Keller, the new communications is assigned the work of overhauling the structural configuration of the organization and to create an organizational development strategy. However, based on the traditional archaic procedures of resolving issues and the psycho-social effects of favoritism, gender insensitivity, and lack of communication at the place of work among employees and management, employees are more likely to present resistance to change. The areas of resistance include support system where employees are wary that the support they used to get from management would subside or vanish. Employees will resist the alternative of downsizing the labor force as this would mean laying off of some employees. Additionally, a change in organization policy may influence change resistance as some employees may experience side effects of the change – e.g. possible career stagnation. Lastly, due to workplace politics, employee groups are likely to influence change resistance based on historical events associated with the proposed changes (Brown, 2010). In order to resolve the identified challenges, the organization has the options of developing performance appraisal programs and management, human resource forecasting and planning, proper analysis of responsibilities, and the creation of training and development

Journal e Week 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Journal e Week 2 - Assignment Example The ultimate goal of health care should be equalizing everyones chances in getting medical attention. In advanced nursing practice justice and beneficence is when a nurse delays to attend to a patient because at that time the nurse is attending to a very ill child who requires instant medical attention. There are scenarios where nurses encounter legal and ethical dilemmas. However, the nurse must be ready to make the correct decision regardless of how unpopular they are. The moral dilemmas can be solved through education. There are ethical laws that regulate the ethics in nursing, for instance the Nurse Practice Act. A nurse can serve a jail term if found guilty for violating the standards of the nursing profession (Guido, 1996). In teaching nursing students about the ethical and legal issues in nursing case studies are very important and effective. Nevertheless, each case that a nurse will encounter in her career will be unique just as the patients but the principles behind the legal issues remain the same. In this manner, the nurse will be able to apply the ethical and legal aspects of nursing in her career (Fry, Veatch & Taylor,

Designing and developing a disaster management plan Essay

Designing and developing a disaster management plan - Essay Example The focus in the recent years has been shifted from the restoration of services at the earliest possible time to continuity of the business operations without loss of time. The utility industries are in a very piquant situation in view of various statutory compliances involved in the business operations apart from protection of employees, losses on account of disruption of the services, damages to the properties and machineries and civil and criminal liabilities arising out of such situations. It is pertinent to note that ‘accidents in the transportation field have had significant impacts on expenditure to reduce risks and increase safety, in some cases quite independently of the technical and economic arguments for investment but merely because public perception demands that particular ghosts be laid.’ (Perrow, 1984). A good disaster management plan envisages establishment of security policies and implementation of procedures in practice. Physical Security of the executives is of paramount importance, because avoiding breakdown in the decision making machinery is very crucial. Identification, analysis and evaluation of the facilities which are prone to disasters based on the available data may be the starting point. Understanding of peoples perception of and relationships with disaster should reflect in the personnel policy. No orders can be issued and effectively acted upon if there is inadequacy in this respect, because, these are the factors which govern their choices and actions. Honesty and integrity of an employee is very important in dealing with emergencies. Success of all management plans hinges on the company’s policy with regard to recruitment, background investigation, orientation provided and the continuous performance appraisal in relation to the employees. Security of data especially for a company in insurance sector is very important. Secret and confidential data should have very

Bancfirst Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Hospitality Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Hospitality Management - Case Study Example Moreover, it will discover the UK consumer trends, present the variety of backgrounds of investors and give a future outlook along with a forecast which has been urbanized to illustrate the industry and the factors moving its growth and future. In conclusion, it will comment on short-term and long-term investment as well as recommending an outcome for the investor. A Thistle Euston hotel, according to the EU, is defined as 'a communal accommodation enterprise, typified as being prearranged in rooms exceeding a countrywide specified minimum and as providing ordinary services, counting room service'. Usually, the UK definition is made according to the investment of a license to sell liquor. (Lawson, 1998) According to the newest beginning figures from the Hotel Thistle Euston Survey by Deloitte, the UK hotel industry has established to be the strongest entertainer in Europe in the first six months of 2004, by means of revenue per obtainable room (revPAR) rising 11 percent against the similar period in 2003, resulting from a balanced mix of rising occupancies and standard room rates. London, which is the most important performer in the UK, knowledgeable a 6% augment in standard room rate year on year (ACAS 2002). Budget Hotel is on the entire purpose-built, identified lodging unit by a smallest of 50 rooms and standard low prices. Personage units are frequently identified as lodges, inns or - less usually now - motels. Bed and Breakfast is a private house; several rooms of which are set aside for overnight guests whose paid lodging comprise breakfast. (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language) The competitive environment There is always tough competition amongst the key players inside the UK Hotel Industry: From the Smith Travel Research where the grand insist for the Residence Inn was at 30% and the supply was merely at 8%. The Marriott PLC has urbanized a new group called "Residence Inn" to adapt this great market insist. UK center market hotel brand, Thistle, is initiation a luxury worldwide sister - Guoman, which is set to spread internationally. In order to grow the brand Thistle intends to upgrade some existing properties in the UK and launch an "ambitious acquisition strategy" abroad. Whitbread has made the decision to decrease their experience to (and eventually exit from) the full-service hotels division where they are the UK operators of the Marriott brand, due to the low returns from this franchised commerce. The company also obtain Premier Lodge from Spirit Group for pound; 505 million, and combining Travel Inn and Premier Lodge and marketing them to the UK consumer under on brand (Ackers, P.

Applicable Laws on Bill of Lading Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Applicable Laws on Bill of Lading - Dissertation Example This writer proposes to examine the current status of the liability of the carrier pursuant to the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992, including relevant laws which may affect its application and for this purpose, the draft Table of Contents is reproduced: Chapter I. Introduction Scope Statement of the Problem Chapter II. Review of Literatures Applicable Lawson Bill of Lading The Bill of Lading Act 1855 Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971 and 1992 Relevant United Nations Conventions Case Laws Chapter III. Impact of Other Lawson UK’s Carriage of Goods by Sea Act Sales of Goods Act 1893 and 1979 E-Commerce Law Chapter IV. Historical Background Evolution of the Bill of Lading Infirmities of the Bill of Lading Act 1855 Relevance of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992 on E-commerce and Sales of Goods Chapter V. ... Judicial, Arbitration, and other Remedial Processes Court Jurisdiction Forum Selection Choice of Law Conflict of Laws Arbitration Chapter VII. Conclusion II. The central issue for resolution is—may a carrier’s liability be expanded or limited considering that the contract of carriage is characterized as a contract of adhesion as the shipper has no other recourse but to accede to the terms and conditions contained in the contract? This dissertation aims to determine whether a waiver executed by a shipper shall absolve a carrier from liability. Stated differently, if the shipper executes a waiver, any violation which accrues thereafter is likewise deemed waived. If not, what remedies are available to the consignee or transferee, if any? It shall likewise be determined if the aggrieved party may be able to recover the actual cost of damage or loss incurred from the carrier. This dissertation will answer if the bill of lading automatically confers an absolute right to the h older, endorsee or consignee over the goods covered by the contract including the right to dispose of, sell or transfer and more importantly, the right to sue and indemnity in case of damage or loss. It equally aspires to resolve which courts shall have jurisdiction over disputes arising from the possession, title or right over the consigned goods and parenthetically, may it be subject to arbitration proceedings? It is aimed to ascertain whether arbitration is a justifiable alternative to judicial adjudication.  

Prince Tan of Yen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Prince Tan of Yen - Essay Example Although it was quite difficult to figure out the way he could manage to fight such a strong King, he worked relentlessly and sought the advice of the wise men of Yen in the way that he could manage this task. After a long period of planning, the revenge plan failed and Tan had to remain in this state of shame. In reality, revenge is not the end of shame, but a beginning of shame itself. When the revenge plan of Tan failed, he was left more disgraced that he had ever been.  The Prince of Tan, after his release, felt very disgraced after his release after a long period of the hostage. The way the Prince managed to get out captivity seems to be more of a miracle than a win. When he requested to be released, the king expressed the hopelessness of such an instance by telling Tan to turn the Crow heads to turn white and the horses to grow horns (Ma and Lau 43). Surprising the Prince managed and the king had to let him go. The question that arises here is as to whether the Prince should appreciate his release or get into more problems by launching revenge. He hastily organizes a revenge attack against Chin, for which Chu Wu warns against the danger of confronting the strong king without considering the consequences. Tien Kuang, one of his advisor, also termed the issue a matter of grave for the state that needed long thinking (45). Although the two are willing to help in the planning process, they still fear the consequences of the matter. When Chu Wu and Tien Kuang go to kill the king, they end up being fooled and lose the battle (45-49). At the end, this mission becomes a disgrace for both Yen and Fan Yu Chi, another character that was obsessed with revenge for his family.  A keen observation of the story of the Prince of Yen shows that revenge is a source of disgrace rather than a source of exaltation. Although the Prince of Yen had shamelessly suffered from the torture from the King of Chin, it would have been better if he did not plan the revenge attack.

Termination Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Termination Report - Essay Example Since this was a termination session, the most important part of informed consent was asking them if they agree and are comfortable with the termination. They stated that they felt much better and have noted great improvement in their relationship, thus, had no objection to the termination. I initiated the termination process having noted that the couple had made a lot of progress in their therapy. It was clear that both parties had gained enough insight to deal with conflicts and any future issues that may occur in their relationship. The termination session was smooth having discussed it with them earlier in the counseling process. The couple did not resist the session, and this means that they were also satisfied with the progress. However, I noticed some negative facial and body expressions, which could have come from the thought of ending a close relationship that we had built. I felt the same way too because I had bonded well with the couple, and because of their enthusiasm to share, I found it easy to talk and relate with them. Nevertheless, I felt happy because, at this point, the goals of the therapy had been achieved. At the beginning of the termination process, I handed the couple pieces of paper each and asked them to write down any concerns of anger and anxiety regarding the end of the counseling process. They noted that they noted they were satisfied, but were a bit anxious on how they were going to maintain the progress that they have achieved in their relationship since the start of counseling. This kind of reaction is normal in most counseling exercises, and it does not raise any alarm so long as the clients are not angry at the counselor for terminating the process. Hence, it was a mature decision to terminate the process since I did not witness any negative reactions against the decision. In addition, I also asked each of them to narrate what has been most beneficial to them that they will take a way from the process. Though they both gave a

Fatty acid Essay Example for Free

Fatty acid Essay The First Solid Chocolate became an available in The United States in 18th century. The First Chocolate bar appeared around 1910. In 1998 we consumed 3. 3 billion pounds of chocolate or more than 12 pounds per persons (Leslie Chelsy, 2002). Since chocolate was valued for it stimulating effect, it became standard issue for the U. S. armed farces during word war II. Today, giving fine chocolates as an expression of love is a long standing tradition. What would Valentine ? s Day be without chocolate? Also, some study suggests that some chocolate may be good for the heart. It is true that chocolate is rich in saturated fatty acids, villains when it comes to raising cholesterol and attach our coronary arteries. The main component of cocoa butter is a fatty acid known as stearic acid, which is rapidly converted in the liver to oleic acid, a monounsaturated that neither raises or Lowers Serum cholesterol. For example, one study found that healthy young men on a 26 days diet in which a 37 percent of calories come from cocoa butter had no increase in their serum cholesterol and their cholesterol levels were no higher than if they had been on a diet in which the fat came from olive oil. Recent research suggests that chocolate may even protect arteries from disease cocoa powder has been found to contain flavonoids, a type of phytochemical that is also present in red wine, green tea, peanuts, cranberries, strawberries, apples and many other fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, the lower the probability that artery-clogging cells will develop. Nutritionist has discovered that flavonoids are known to function as antioxidants in blood stream. The greater the level of antioxidants, the lower the probability that artery-clogging cells will develop. For example, a 1. 5 0nce piece of chocolate contains approximately the same amount of flavonoids as 5 ounces of red wine, another product whit antioxidants. Chocolate high in flavonoids may improve cardiovascular health. Some research has indicated that chocolate may work similar to aspirin to help keep platelets in blood from sticking together or clothing. This improves blood flow and can reduce the risk of heart attack and strokes. It is not true that chocolate may cause acne or pimples. A lot of people believe that chocolate is the main cause for acne. However, there is not evidence that chocolate cause acne or pimples. On the other hand, some chocolates contain palm oil or coconut oil, two saturated fat that raise cholesterol levels. And do no one should expect to lose weight one a chocolate diet nutritionists are concluding that there is little harm in eating two or three chocolate bars a week. Finally, chocolate is a lover gift in everywhere. I As think a red wine, enjoying chocolate container a flavonoids that can function as antioxidants. Also, dark chocolate can prevent heart attack and strokes.

The Ethics And Social Responsibility Business Essay

The Ethics And Social Responsibility Business Essay The report considers a range of organizational issues, researching key aspects of management within the organization. The organizations management structure and process are analyses and evaluate in relation to current theory. The following sources were consulted: Website. Hand written. Oral queries. The notes provided by the tutor. Some verbal information from its employees. Acknowledgements: I am very thankful to Mrs. Tanu Reet Virk to give me the opportunity and her valuable time in regards to the completion of the business communication project assigned by my tutor. Without their immense knowledge and expertise it would not have been possible. Thanks to our tutors for supporting and providing us with all the help and knowledge towards the completion of the project. 1.3 Executive Summary The following aspects of the Nandos management were investigated and analyzed, and these conclusions were drawn: Types of organisation: I will be discussing about Nandos cafà © Organisation structure: I will be discussing about the different level of authority Environmental structure: I will be discussing on the internal and external factors that affect the organisation Planning and control system, processes and strategies: I will be discussing about how the organisation plans and controls in order to achieve the goal Team structure and dynamics: I will be discussing about how the organisation deals with conflicts and motivates the employees Leadership: I will be discussing about how the organisation makes decisions and how they deal with issues. 2.1 Type and size of organization 2.1(a) Findings: Nandos in originally open in1987.Nandos is a South African casual dining restaurant group originating from the Mozambican-Portuguese community with a Portuguese/Mozambiquan theme. Nandos operates in thirty countries on five continents. As it is a worldwide food chain, it is more popular in Birkenhead. The owner opened branches; inside the Westfield mall to make it convenient for the customers. It also includes a drive-thru and an internal playground. Its main activity to give quick service to their customers and provide them fresh Chicken and French fries, ice cream, milk shakes etc. It also gives donations for childrens health it also arrange much kind of programs for childrens entertainment. 16 full time and 4 part time workers are working here. 2.1( b) analysis I have found out that Nandos cafà © is a highly customer based fast food restaurant. It only provides grill chicken and make their own sauces which makes it unique from other restaurants .Customers are mainly allured to the sauces of Nandos. Since the restaurant size is small so this kind of structure is completely suitable for it. (2.2) Organisation Structure General Manager: Responsible of general manager is to controls lower management, maintain inventory supply, inspect daily cash balancing and transaction activities confirm local health codes. General Manager Restaurant Manager Assistant Managers Shift manager (Staff Training ) Crew Members Assistant Manager: -Assistant Manager gives assistant to Restaurant manager Control customer service. Shift Manager staff training manager: Shift Manager should have the ability to use a wide range of equipment for the preparation and cooking of food so they can provide proper training to staff and help them in any matter. They try to runs monthly production operations during shift .He can give good customer service and also have ability to handle cash matters etc. Crew Members: Good customer service is a fundamental duty of Crew Members. (2.2) b: Analysis This organization is running very well because everyone is well trained from managers to workers. After every 6 months managers provides their crew trainings and shows them videos for customers service and other stuff to increase their knowledge and interest about organization. Manager arranges monthly meetings for instance health and safety, all the workers sit together and give suggestions for the betterment of the organization. In the light of these suggestions, management makes future plans. The duties of each level are clear and they know what their responsibilities are. But the decision making could be slow because they have to get approval from each level. Management got more salary than the labor so this organisation requires more money than the flat structure. It is a formal organisation where everything is planned out and co ordinate. (2.3) Environmental Factors (2.3) External Factors: Government: Government is playing a crucial role by imposing some limitations in relation to hygiene and health of public. Environmental laws, tax policy and change in labor law also have great influence on the organization. Technology: Personal computers, wireless devices and the internet have Nandos plugged into mainstream technology and to communicate with other branches of Nandos technology plays important role. It is using latest technology to preserve and prepare food. Information technology makes it possible to provide the customers healthy food and quicker services. Competitors: KFC is the main competitors. They did lot of advertisement like Nandos to sell their products. They also offer some specials to catch the attention of the customers. These tactics sometimes affects the economy of Nandos. Especially for Birkenhead branch they have competitors everywhere in the mall for instance Burger King, KFC and there are Subway, 2 Indian restaurants, Pizza hut outside the mall. (2.3) b Analysis: Government imposes some restrictions on it to ensure the health and safety of people that affect the economy of the organization. Latest technology has been introduced in the market day by day. By buying new technology, it can attract more customers. Competitors use lot of tactics to sell their products which may result in the loss of its customers for example T.V. and online advertisements, but it is the achievement of this organization that it has a strong hold on its competitors by providing best customers service and fresh food always. (2.3)Internal Factors (2.3) Findings: Training: Training is a key element to improve the skills of the employees. Customer service, checkout, health and safety, hygienic, etc are couple examples of training provide in this organization which can effect the future of employees who wants to work in food industry. Nandos spends a fair amount for the training of the employees. As skilled workers are more demanding in the modern world, this provides the base for bright future. Thats why people from all walk prefer to work at Nandos to get the ingredient for success in future. Safety: This organization is responsible for the health and safety of their employees as well as their customers. It is insisted to their employees that they must be follow rule of hygiene. Gloves and caps are must for crew members during working hours while closing the store clean everything properly change oil time to time and check expire stock or near to expire stock etc. Its aim is to provide their customers high quality food and clean environment .Nandos is performing very well at this context. Culture: The culture of the organization is to follow the law and fulfill their social responsibility. From top management to workers, every one well aware of their duties. All of them look ready for the well being of their colleagues and even the customers. By addressing employees higher needs by providing training they make employees feel important and valuable. Their aim is to keep the environment neat and clean and provide healthy food to customers. Staffing: Nandos believe in the training of the workers. Thats why people from all over the world prefer to work here. You can find every employee well trained in its area. The decisions, Nandos has made about staffing has thrilling effects on the quality of work. It is going to on the way to achieve their goals. Ethics and Social Responsibility: Ethics means deciding what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is bad in business transaction. It is very important aspect of an organization to know about its employees how they behave. Nandos has already set up a code of ethics which provide the workers from the first day of their job by provide training to them. The organization keeps the faith on social responsibility. It expected the workers to respect each other and help their colleagues if they are in trouble. Nandos gives donations to the community for its betterment. Nandos help churches and schools by giving them money. It spent a fair amount for the re-settlement of Christchurch. Planning and Control (2.4) Findings: General Manager is responsible for strategic planning and allocation of tasks to the employees. He examined whether the plan is implemented accurately. One of the most important parts of an organization is planning and controls the system. It is impossible to achieve the goals of an organization without planning. Finances: The Finances of the organisation are controlled by David Niven (CEO). Here they decide, how much money, they have to spend in which area. They make decisions that how much stack they should be need and how many staff members they should be hire. It also makes plan that how much and where it is going to spend money for the next year. Financial standards of the organization determine by the results of last year. Its main functions are to decide that what kind food they should be made and distribute to the customers, how communication should be develop within the employees. Some other functions include storage of products, laws and evaluation of processes. Information Management: Every organisation has some secrets which is control by this department. The information is about the finance, competitors, suppliers, employees and the future planning of the organisation etc. The information put into record only by this department. Human Resources: Human resources refers how to uses of human skill in a business. The human resource manager is someone who employees, trains and assesses employees. It is the management role dedicated to acquire, train, evaluate and compensate employees. In Nandos this is done by mainly young generation because they have more power and thrill. It has some full time workers and some part time workers who are on duty at peak time. Every employee is well trained here and ready to cooperate with others. (Kalidaas) (2.4) b Analysis: Finance: As it is getting more profit from two years, the owner is thinking to establish a play zone for children inside the Nandos. At peak time, it has face some trouble to dealt with the customers because the reception area a bit small for that. It is expanding its premises very soon so it will be become convenient for the customers even at the peak time. Operations: Nandos is providing clean environment and healthy food to their customers. It also gives them good customer services. It is also using most appropriate way of preserving and preparing food. Decisions are made by top management but after getting suggestions the all employees. Information Management: Information management working very good in this organization. My interviewee told me that he never heard any secret information during his five year job experience. Human Resources: Top management to crew members everyone is well trained here. Although some conflicts happened among workers, these are solved very quickly by the management. (2.5) Team Structures and Dynamics (2.5a) Findings: In any organization, company, work place community groups and sports all use teams to accomplish goals. The dynamics of teams determine if these goals will be met in an efficient manner. Team Formation: Teams are formed here according to vertical dimension. Top management, middle management and crew members work together like a team. But exchange of information and suggestion will continue among top to lower management on monthly basis. Activity: As no formal team is exist here and same level employees considers as a team. Everyone is responsible for his job at the same time they keep their social responsibility. Performance: Performance is the key to success. As every individual has different kind of abilities so they are doing their job according to their abilities. You can find that one is slow, one is fast one is interested and someone is not. These things have great influence on performance of the workers. Employees get promotion here on behalf of their interest and good performance. Evaluation: Manager walks around to watch the performance of the workers by watching cameras, by taking assessments they use to get up-to-date information about employees performance. 2.5(b) Analysis: Working with team can actually boost everyones interest on their work place. Working in a team has value in many ways .You can share your ideas with others and accept others point of views. The same thing is happen in Nandos. The process of learning becomes quicker and faster .These are the reasons, you can rarely find a worker here at the same level of his job more than two years. If some problem occur at work place and a team try to solve it. There are more chances that problem will solve very soon. As a team you have more time to go deep to the issue and you can find out a better solution. (2.6) Leadership (2.6) Findings: In Nandos restaurant the opportunity of a leader is lead by Mrs. Tanu Reet Virk (Store manager). The manager observes the day to day activities of workers and tells them where they are doing something wrong. In case of good performance, he appreciates them. Motivation of the workers working in the store is done by the Store manager itself she appreciates the work of the employees give feed backs to the owner Mr. Raman Kalidas and then he describes the rewards to the employees. The rewards mainly include incentives and employer of the month. Store manger also have a positive approach towards their customers, they provide a 10% off to the people working at the Highbury Mall and a 40% off to the employees of Nandos. It doesnt mean he simply gives the orders to his workers but he calls for monthly meeting and appreciate the suggestion of their workers. Nandos has introduced five level of leadership. There are five manager in the organization and every Manager is a leader in his area. General Manager delegate tasks to other managers. Assistant manager give assistant to general manager .Restaurant manager delegate tasks to crew members. But the best leader is one who develop a pleasant environment within the organization Motivation: Employees are motivated here in many ways. The first thing is that employees got train to do their job. They dont feel rush during working hours. They are also motivated because they think; they will get enough training here for their future success. One way of motivation is that manager walks around during work time and appreciates the performance of the workers. If he observes that someone is doing very well, he offers him free meal in break time. At the end of the month, he also announces the employee of the month. Delegation: No organization can ignore the importance of delegation of tasks. It enables the managers to do their job on time. The workers get motivated do their job more effectively. It has developed the work power of the employees and has made it possible for the leader to achieve their targets. (Kalidaas)

Assessing food globalisation effects in taiwan

Assessing food globalisation effects in taiwan With the fast development of the society and economy, there is no doubt that globalization is coming increasingly popular than ever before since 1980s, whether in international economy or international political affairs, and it will be more popular in the future (Aydin, 2010). Now all kinds of the information can be transformed in a short second with a large amount. Therefore, as a result of globalization, all over the world are linked together and they depend on each other (Skoufiasa, 2010). With the globalization, the world has been developing much faster as well. In this essay, it is to have a short description of the background and the fundamental theories of globalization, after that, a case study, Taiwan Banana industry, will be placed out to analysis the effects of the globalization to the banana industry. Before analyzing the specific effects, there will be a brief introduction of Taiwan Banana industry, including nature, culture and the government role in the banana market, and then the reasons to choose Taiwan Banana industry as a case study will be demonstrated as well. With the globalization, competition in the banana industry is of quite sharp, thus comparison with the Philippine would be taken. Soon afterwards, the strategies for improving the Taiwan Banana industry competition will be further illustrated. Finally, a conclusion will be drawn. Description of the theory of globalization Since the 1980s, globalization has been becoming an increasingly new phenomenon in the world, the basic characteristics of our times. However, there is no uniform definition of globalization. From the material form, globalization refers to the cross-border flows of goods and capital, through a transnational and local internationalization and globalization these stages of development (Fratzscher, 2007). Cross-border flows of goods and capital is the first form of globalization. In this process, by a corresponding regional, it arouse international economic management organizations and economic entities, and culture, lifestyle, values, ideologies and other spiritual forces of transnational exchange, collision, conflict and integration (Braslavsky, 2003). Overall, globalization is a core of economic globalization, including the countries and peoples of various regions in the political, cultural, technological, military, security, ideology, lifestyle, values, multi-layered, multi-area int erconnected, the impact of multiple constraints of the concept. Globalization can be summarized as technology, economy, politics, law, management, organizational, cultural, ideological, interpersonal communication, the globalization of international relations in ten areas. And globalization has many advantages and disadvantages. First, globalization allows worldwide capital, technology, products, and markets, resources to be relocated effectively and rationally(Anwar, 2007). Globalization not only prompts in effective international cooperation, but also intensifies the competition among countries. From a country perspective, local companies will exceed their resources and limited domestic market, the global search for the optimal allocation of resources and effective use. Second, globalization provides good opportunities and challenges for developing countries (Manzey, 2009). First, it helps developing countries to use foreign capital and foreign investment. Second, it promotes structural optimization of the exports of developing countries. As the capital inflows, direct investment activities of transnational corporations and domestic industrial restructuring have improved the structure of developing country exports. Third, it forces developed countries to deal with the problems faced by developing countries. Developed countries increasingly recognize that economic globalization, their economic stability and development depend on developing countries (Gomory, 2009). Third, with the globalization, it provides peoples of the world for a good opportunity to select goods and services (Ge, 2009). With the market globalization, international trade logistics will become the main form of peoples of the world according to their own preferences and consumption needs, to choose their products (Farazmand, 2005). Fourth, globalization will promote culture development. Economic globalization will not only affect the global economic structure and order, but also it brings different cultures to varying degrees (Arndt, 2009; Polivka, 2001). Fifth, globalization will promote trade and investment liberalization (Grieben, 2009). Trade and investment liberalization are the products of economic globalization and it is a powerful driving force of globalization. Trade and investment liberalization are accelerating the development of advanced process of economic globalization. Investment liberalization, has become the mainstream of development, in not only developed countries, but a growing number of developing countries actively take investment liberalization measures. On the one hand, a large number of foreign investment, on the other hand actively engaging in overseas investment, so that the world direct investment increased rapidly, investment activities worldwide, the global regulatory framework and rules of investment have begun to form. Sixth, globalization accelerates the process of technology transfer and industrial structure adjustment (Rugman, 2005). Globalization has brought great development of the international division of labor, industry, the big transfer and capital, technology and other production factors of large flows, which make up the domestic capital for developing countries, technology and other elements of the gap. On the contrary, globalization has its negative effects. First, globalization has exacerbated the imbalance in the world economy, so that the wealth gap (Gindlinga, 2010). Globalization has not only brought the impact on the national economy of developing countries, but it also affects the basis of unequal relations. Second, globalization has strengthened the instability of the world economy (Czinkota, 2005). Globalization ties with the world economy more closely, thus, each countrys economic stability will depend not only on their domestic factors, but also, largely, by the tremendous international impact. As international trade continues to expand, other countries, particularly major trading partners economic situation, such as inflation, the financial crisis, and it will affects their own (Knight, 1998). Third, the current global economic rules of operation are not quite reasonable, developed countries benefit more (Zhu, 2004). With the development of economic globalization, the objective needs to be regulated with the rules, constraints, the behavior of participants, while the rule-making is a strength-based. Fouth, globalization can also lead to the destruction of the ecological environment in developing countries (Aggarwal, 2006). For example, the increasing spread of desertification, land erosion, the extinction of plant and animal species, marine and river Road pollution. A brief introduction of Taiwan nature, culture Taiwan is located on the southeast coast of the continental shelf, located between longitude 119 °1803 and 124  °3430à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ³, latitude 20 °4525 to 25 °5630à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ³. It has a sea area of 36,000 square kilometers, including Taiwan Island (an area of 35,801 square kilometers), the Penghu Islands, Green Island, Diaoyu Island, Orchid Island, Lantau Peng Gui, Chiwei. The province is also is divided in 7 cities and 16 counties. Taiwan faces the Pacific, the Northeast neighborhood Ryukyu Islands, about 600 km apart; the southern boundary is the Bashi Channel, and the Philippines, about 300 km apart; west boundary is the Taiwan Strait, Fujian, narrowest point to 130 kilometers. Taiwan, the center channel briefly the Western Pacific, is the Pacific regions major transport hub at sea links. In addition, it is an important part of China. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan). Taiwan has a population of 21.86 million, including Kinmen, Matsupopulation growth rate is about 7.31%. Population is mainly concentrated in the western plains, the eastern population of only 4% of the total population. The average population density is 568.83 people per square kilometer. Political, economic and cultural center and largest city of Taipeis population density has reached 1 million per square kilometer. The Han nationality accounts for about 98% of the total Taiwan residents, minority 2%, about 38 million people. According to the language and customs of different ethnic minorities of Taiwan into the Ami, Atayal, Paiwan, Bunun, Puyuma, Rukai, Cao, Yami and the other 9 Saisiyat family, separation across the province. And now it has a mixture culture including traditional Chinese culture,Japanese culture, traditional Confucianist beliefs, and increasingly Western values (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan) . The island of Taiwan is mountainous, mountains and hills occupy more than two-thirds of the total area. Taiwans mountains and the islands northeast southwest direction parallel to the vertical Woyu east central island location, the island formed over the eastern mountains, hilly central and western plains of topographical features. Taiwan has warm climate in winter, hot in summer, rainfall, typhoons and heavy rain over the summer and fall. Tropic of Cancer passing through the central island, north to subtropical climate, the south has a tropical climate, the average temperature (except mountains) is 22 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™, annual precipitation over 2000 mm. Abundant rainfall creates favorable conditions islands rivers, crops and fruits, particular Taiwan banana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan). The reason for selecting banana industry Banana is one of Taiwans major economic fruits for export-oriented, and now banana is still the largest export of Taiwan fruit. Compared with other crops, bananas, due to higher yield, extensive management, labor saving, still has a comparative advantage. In short, the banana production in Taiwan for several years shows the phenomenon of growth, decline and stability. So the expansion of Taiwans banana industry has also emerged, and the steady state of contraction. It also has a long history of exporting to other countries. Taking Japan for example, it has been decades of exporting banana to Japan since 1963. Taiwans banana industry developed during the period of Japanese occupation, and Taiwan bananas monopolized the Japanese market until banana importation was liberalized in 1963 (Yoshiyuki, 2006). Taiwan has very good light and heat conditions with the largest banana development, the highest yield, and it is one of the regions with best quality. In addition, Taiwan banana is of go od quality and convenient transportation, because is the Pacific regions major transport hub. So Taiwan banana is chosen as a case study in this essay. The effects of transnational corporations on banana market With the development of economy, the five large transnational corporations monopolize the whole banana market now. It is undeniable that transnational corporations are an important driving force of economic globalization. Multinationals global business strategy is an important foundation to speed up the process of economic globalization (Matowe, 2002). The competitiveness of enterprises is the industrial competitiveness as well as an important manifestation of national competitiveness. TNC is the main force of the modern enterprise, and is an important part of the worlds overall national strength and competitiveness of countries. Multinational firms international investment accelerates the process of economic globalization. International investment is the international economic and technological cooperation (Cerny,1994). With the accelerated development of the world economy, multinational corporations have become the main carrier of international investment. Multinational internation al investment is showed in the global expansion of finance capital, monopolizing in the world market. Therefore, the five large transnational corporations have great impact on the global banana market and the main producing countries, Taiwan included, although banana is an exporting industry with a long history. For example, transnational corporation will affect government policy (Roberts, 2005). On the other hand, to large multinational companies, they have the finance strength to repel their rivals out of the market. Because of the market operation in many countries at the same time, they would use lower prices exclude local competitors. With incomplete information, they often have local aggressive behavior to establish their credibility, or potential competition to the world market for the issuing of false signals, to reduce the overall competition (Globalization and global change research 2004, p. 280). In all, they benefit more for themselves. Whats more, Philippine now is beco ming the fourth largest exporter that it might put great affect on the Taiwan banana. If the situation continues, the large transnational corporation will operate in Taiwan, thus the Taiwan banana industries should find a way out. The strategy to compete with Philippine In recent years, many problems appear in the banana industry. First, the quality of banana changes because of the bad weather like typhoon, many banana trees are destroyed by typhoon, but the remaining trees are also seriously hurt. In addition, diseases are wide spreaded as well, so that the quality is reduced. According to the news, because of the low quality of banana, Japan almost refuses a large number of the bananas every year. On the other hand, the big rival-Philippine, is developing fast in the recent years. Now the Philippine is the world fourth largest banana country. Whats more, Philippine has low price bananas and now it holds almost seven tenths of the Japan banana market. Therefore, it is a real rival to Taiwan banana industry. However, since the Taiwan has become a member of WTO, changes will take place to compete with the low price Philippine banana if effective measures are taken. First and for the most, the quality of the Taiwan bananas should be improved. In order to reduce the disease attack, new and anti-disease species would be cultivated. Then putting more emphasis on the producing technology, producing technology is of important in banana producing, such as keeping fresh. Now people pay more attention to health food than ever before that Green food is every popular. Therefore, if after years of hard working, Taiwan banana is much healthier than other counties, it will have a larger market again. However, so as to realize the goal, much money should input to research. Government departments should be targeted to organize the implementation of major research projects! These projects should be borne by research institutions and integrated production enterprises. Second, improve the banana farmers positive. As a result of the bad performance of Taiwan banana exporting market, the farmers positives been seriously hurt. Therefore, in order to improve the banana farmers positive, the government should stabilize banana prices, and then improve the banana prices step by step and more privilege would be enacted to give more profits to the banana farmers. Third, the government should have a clear understanding of its responsibility in the modem society, especially as a member of WTO. In personal, compared with Taiwan nature and culture characters, the role of government is of much more importance. Further more, governments a particular policy will promote, draw back, or stabilize the banana market, especially after Taiwan entered into WTO. With globalization, the governments main responsibilities are following. First, the government plays a critical role in the development of economy (Moshirian, 2008). Government should use the various legal, economic and other macro-control means to maintain the economic order and the sustainable and healthy economic development. In this aspect, the focus of government economic policy is to create the state-efficient market environment, especially a good investment environment to attract capital, technology and professionals to improve the countrys competitiveness. As the global economy and national development strategies important changes take place under the new situation, governments, especially governments of developing countries should transform its role in enhancing economic competitiveness imperative way. On the one hand, trade and investment liberalization require developing countries to adopt effective policies to ensure fair competition; on the other hand, cross-border movem ent substantially eliminates barriers for developing countries to use global resources to develop its economy. More and more governments realize that creating and maintaining an efficient market is more important than industrial policy. The government plays the role in basically allocation of resources to improve the efficiency of resource allocation, enhancing its economic competitiveness. Government can not intervene the market excessively to avoid distortion and damage the market mechanism. Second, the government also plays a great role in governing the society. In the era of economic globalization, with the internationalization of social life, domestic content and manner of administration will inevitably encounter problems of internationalization (Aguayo-Tà ©lleza, 2010). Such as the emergence of transnational corporations, the increasing number of international organizations and transnational institutions, enhancing mobility, all that requires government to develop administrat ion function, as immigration authorities, foreign tax administration, international liaison and cooperation agencies, etc., to deal with economic globalization. Conclusion Since 1980, globalization, which means the cross-border flows of goods and capital, through a transnational and local internationalization and globalization these stages of development, has been quite popular, and contain many advantages as following. Globalization allows many resources, including world capital, technology, products, etc., to be relocated effectively. However, the developing countries are faced both good opportunities and challenges before globalization, mainly because it can both help the developing counties to develop structural optimization of the exports and handle with the problems brought by the globalization. To the consumers, they have more opportunities to select goods and services and it promotes culture communication. In addition, globalization still brings trade and investment liberalization as well. On the other hand, many problems appear with globalization. Globalization has exacerbated the imbalance in the world economy and the gap between the wealth a nd poor. It also has strengthened the instability of the world economy. To developed countries, through the globalization, they benefit more than the developing countries and they might destroy ecological environment in developing countries. Taiwan, which has good nature and culture characters, is fit for grow banana. Now it is the largest export of Taiwan fruit. In addition, Taiwan also has a long history of exporting banana with high yield that why the Taiwan banana is chose as a case study in this essay. However, Taiwan banana also face challenges, such as the quality declining, the growing competitor like Philippine. However, since the Taiwan has become a member of WTO, the situation will change if effective measures are taken. First, the banana quality should be improved. New anti-disease species with good quality banana should be cultivated. Second, the government should encourage the banana farmers positive through effective measures, such as improving the banana price and more privileges. With the globalization, the government plays a key role and the government should have a clear understanding of its responsibility in the modem society, especially as a member of WTO. The government plays a critical role in the development of economy and the government should create and maintain sustainable and healthy economic development. Government is of importance in governing the society. Creating and maintaining an efficient market is more important than industrial policy to the government. In all, with the efforts of all the Taiwan people and Taiwan government, Taiwan will have a bright and sustainable banana market.

Religion and Economics in Robinson Crusoe and Protestant Ethic and the

Religion and Economics in Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe and Max Weber's Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the most recognized and influential theories in sociology appears in Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, which links the development of capitalism to social and cultural factors, primarily religion, instead of economic factors alone. In his theory Weber concludes that the Protestant Ethic greatly influenced the development of capitalism in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. According to Gordon Marshall, Weber argues that the two most important factors of Protestantism contributing to capitalism were "diligence in worldly callings or vocations" and the notion of predestination (71). If indeed these religious factors did influence the rise of capitalism, it would make perfect sense that other cultural elements, such as literature, would reflect both Protestant and capitalist ideology. This essay shows that in fact such Protestant notions as calling and predestination, which were present in the religion of the time, interact with capitalist ideas in Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, who was himself a devout Protestant that used his writings to influence both the religious and economic views of his readers (Earle 31). If Weber's argument is tenable, then Robinson Crusoe may serve to represent in fiction the Protestant Ethic in early eighteenth century society and its developing spirit of capitalism. An especially interesting question that arises from this analysis is how a social structure that is traditionally considered a-moral, unfair, and materialistic (i.e., economics) can be justified by a structure that is considered moral, just, and spiritual (i.e., rel... ...ork: Scribner's, 1954. Earle, Peter. The World of Defoe. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1976. Forell, George W. The Protestant Faith. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1960. Marshall, Gordon. In Search of the Spirit of Capitalism: An Essay on Max Weber's Protestant Ethic Thesis. New York: Columbia UP, 1982. Pauck, Wilhelm. The Heritage of Reformation. New York: Oxford UP, 1950. Reshef, Yonatan. "Max Weber: The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism." n. pag. Online. Internet. 5 October 1999. Available: http://courses.bus.ualberta.ca/orga417/weber.htm Tawney, R. H. Religion and the Rise of Capitalism: A Historical Study. London: Hazell, Watson, and Viney, 1926. Weber, Max. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Online. 10 October 1999. Available: http://www.spc.uchicago.edu/ssrl/PRELIMS/Theory/weber.html#weber2.   

Compare & Contrast The Rocking Horse Winner and The Destructors :: comparison compare contrast essays

Compare & Contrast  The Rocking Horse Winner and  The Destructors In D.H. Lawerence's short story, â€Å"The Rocking Horse Winner†, and Grahm Greene's â€Å"The Destructors, there are many truths to consider.   Although these two stories are considerably different, the message is the same.   Whether in a life-like story, such as â€Å"The Destructors†, or a fantacy, like â€Å"The Rocking Horse Winner†, the seeds of materialism are planted and nourished in lives of the characters.   The aspects of materialism in these two stories develop desired conclusions by its characters.   In order to understand the similar message of Greene short story â€Å"The Destructors† and Lawerence's â€Å"The Rocking Horse Winner†, one must scrutinize the various aspects of each story.   When comparing the themes of each story, surprising similarities arise.   First, both are developed around the lives of children.   In â€Å"The Destructors† a group of boys called the Wormsley Gang have the same view of the world around them.   They have grown up together and share stories about the bombs that destroyed their town.   They also challenge each other to accomplish various tasks.  Ã‚   The house that the boys ultimately destroy represents the greediness of Mr. Thomas, an architect who owns the tattered home.   The Wormsley Gang called him ‘Old Misery’.   In the Rocking Horse Winner†, the story’s plot is thickend by a a young boys obsessive desire to â€Å"become lucky†.   This young boy, Paul, believes that his house is continually whispering, â€Å"†¦there must be more money†¦there must be more money†.   Paul is able to relate the self-proclaimed dissatificatoin of his mothers life with the odd mood of his house.   Paul knows that although his mother appears to have everything together on the outside, she does not love him on the inside.   Paul believes that he can please his mother if he is able to find a way to give her more money.   In both stories, the houses were very symbolic.   When comparing the emotions and feelings of â€Å"The Destuctors† and â€Å"The Rocking Horse Winner†, one will discover how their characteristics affect the plot. In â€Å"The Destructors†, Trevor, who is the more natural leader of the Wormsley Gang, discovers his own anger upon visiting the home of Mr. Thomas.   Trevor then fuels the already burning curiosities of the gang, by challenging them to do something about it.   In â€Å"The Rocking Horse Winner†, Paul’s mother is also angry.   She feels the life she desperately desires, is not being supported with her husbands income.

Mother love

A family that consist of a mother, father and a child. From the moment an expectant mom have a positive pregnancy test, her heart Is overwhelmed with Joy and excitement. That a she is carrying a life In her womb. A life that she have to keep for nine months. That finally she can call her self a mother. That after nine months she will finally carry a child In her own arms.In the span of nine months, every doctors appointment Is excellent. To know If the baby Is doing well. Each milestone Is memorable. From the first time of hearing your baby's voice for the first time thru ultrasound. A heartbeat that pounds so fast. Then sooner you will feel the first movements of the child In your womb. A feeling that someone Is poking your womb from wealth. Sooner, movements are more recognizable that make this stage of pregnancy more exciting.At that stage, the baby an recognize sounds and voices that you can now talk to the baby in you womb. As months pass by, you won't even recognize how time pa ss by. While waiting for the final month and day that you will finally give birth to your child. Everybody is excited from buying clothes for the child and choosing names from simple to complicated ones. And until the final day, the birth of a child gives Joy not only to the mother who carried it for nine months but with the rest of the family.

History of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Essay

The occurrence of doctrinal formulation of the Christian faith did not happen all at once. In one point or another, one doctrine will be the focuse while sometimes, another one will be spotted which means that all doctrines have the same or equal attention given by the chirstian. In this case, it is understood that the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit like other doctrines have no special attentions but also took chance in being noticed. During the early years of the century, this doctrine failed to attract attention specially the formal definition of the dogma. There are proofs that it has given importance, however, these importance are not the same as that of the formal teachings. During the early existence of churches, the Holy Spirit was acknowledge and witnessed through baptismal formula and in the Apostles’ Creed. Also, when we use the threefold name, the father, the son and the Holy Spirit, we show that there is a practice and that the presence of the Holy Spirit is indeed acknowledged. But then, when it comes to literature, the Holy Spirit is not prominent enough and given little importance. Montanism brought the subject into life and gave prominence to the Holy Spirit. This movement appeared in Phrygia by Priscilla and Maximilla. They announced the coming of anew period wherein there will be new revelations from God and called the whole period Paraclete and themselves as the prophers. The high morality being emphasized in this movement attracted others to join hence, the two preached about the nearness of death and the end of the world. This movement is more of an orthodox one and in contrast of Gnosticism. However, because of several issues, the movement was rejected and the doctrine of the Holy Spirit remained undeveloped and with no formulation. It was Monarchianism which taught more about the fact that the Son was the expression of the father. Because of this, the Church was forced to know the relationship between the Spirit and the Son, as well as to the father. There it was revealed that God reveals himself in different forms which are three roles that he plays as God. It was Sabellanism which made a major error in interpreting the trinity and the Holy Spirit. Aside from this error is the Arian controversy which is an anti-Trinitarian and does not agree with the Trinitarian views. The controversy in Nicea had to be brought into the Council of Constantinople. However, in this place another controversy came out which even made a great misunderstanding of the Doctrine. The people who were already confused started to disbelief the Doctrine and the Holy Spirit and one Bishop from Constantinople claimed that the Spirit is indeed a creature made subordinate to the Son. The orthodox on this movement preaches that the Holy Spirit is Divine and then the Son is not Divine of Vice Versa. The creed was studied by the Council and pointed out that the creed made use of a term that will avoid another term â€Å"of the substance†. Hence this discovery did counter what the above movement had mentioned about the divinity of the Trinity. However, despite of the fact that the questions regarding the Deity were all cleared and understood by many, there are still questions about the importance and the mystery of the Spirit and its relation to the Son and the Father. In the west part, this one was the question raised by the people and two terms were used to describe the relationship between the Son to the Father and the Spirit. Generation was used to describe the relation between the father and the son while Procession was used between the Son and the Father. In this period, three things were settled concerning the Holy Spirit and the Doctrine. Before Reformation, the attention of the church was focused into the Spirit alone but during the Reformation, the attention of the people and the church was focused on the works of the Holy Spirit. It was emphasized the Holy Spirit’s work has something to do with regenerating man. Several creeds and documents which grew out through reformation just like other periods, there are oppositions and exceptions. The church history saw the formulation of the orthodox doctrine of the Holy Spirit first followed by the definition of the Holy Spirit and its relations to the father and the son through the councils and it was developed during Reformation. It was not an easy way because in ever discovery comes another opposition but in the end, the mystery of the Holy Spirit became known to the people. However, in this life, maybe it is how one sees the power of the Holy Spirit that makes its application and understanding worthwhile. References Ryrie, Charles C. â€Å"The Holy Spirit†

Current and Non-Current Assets Essay

Current assets are items on a balance sheet. According to Investorwords, current assets equal â€Å"†¦the sum of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventory, marketable securities, prepaid expenses, and other assets that could be converted to cash in less than one year,† (2008). If a company goes bankrupt, current assets are easily liquidated. Additionally, current assets are a source of funds for most companies. The importance of current assets to businesses is that these assets fund daily operations and expenses. Not only are current assets expected to be turned into cash, they many be sold, or consumed within a year. By contrast, non-current assets are not â€Å"†¦easily convertible to cash or not expected to become cash within the next year,† (Investorwords, 2008). Examples of non-current assets include fixed assets, leasehold improvements, andintangible assets, (Investorwords, 2008). The differences between current and non-current assets include time and form. Current assets are intended for use within one year, while non-current assets are not. If a company owns land and a building as the center of its business, that company is not going to convert the land and building,  non-current assets, to cash within a year. The company keeps both the land and building for longer time-periods. Another example of the difference between the two types of assets is equipment, or machinery. The company uses the equipment for its daily operations, and will not be done with the equipment within a year. The equipment is a non-current asset. Equipment and machinery belonging to a company depreciates over time. This is another characteristic of many non-current assets. Current assets do not depreciate within a year. Dividing assets and liabilities into current and non-current allows for the calculation of working capital. This is the amount of current assets minus current liabilities. Working capital is the relatively liquid part of the company’s financial position. The Order of Liquidity Assets are listed on the balance sheet in order of liquidity. Current assets come first. This order begins with cash and cash equivalents, including temporary investments maturing within 90 days, but excluding cash restricted for purposes other than meeting current obligations. Next in the order are short-term investments. Debt security investments are classified as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity securities. Investments in equity securities are classified as either trading or available-for-sale securities. Trading and available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, while held-to-maturity securities are reported at amortized cost, (NACUBO, 2005). The order of liquidity on the balance sheet continues with receivables, which discloses the amounts of expected uncollectibles, nontrade receivables, and accounts pledged or discounted. Inventories are the next part of current assets, in which a company discloses the basis of valuation, pricing method, and completion stage of manufactured inventories. Last in the order of current assets are prepaid expenses, although expenses prepaid past the current operating cycle are reported as deferred charges in the â€Å"other asset† section of the balance sheet, (NACUBO, 2008). The order of liquidity on the balance sheet moves toward non-current assets. Long-term investments are the next item on the balance sheet. These include investments in securities, tangible fixed assets not currently used in operations, special funds, and investments in affiliated companies or nonconsolidated subsidiaries. Long-term investments are those that management intends holding for an extended period. Property, plant, and equipment are non-current assets next listed on the balance sheet in order of liquidity. Most of these assets are depreciable or consumable. The basis of valuation, any liens against the property, and accumulated depreciation or depletion is disclosed. Usually, a detailed classification of property, plant, and equipment is disclosed in a supplementary schedule, not the face of the balance sheet, (NACUBO, 2008). Intangible assets are next in the order of liquidity. Intangible assets are resources without physical substance providing economic rights and advantages. Limited-life intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives and reported net of the accumulated amortization. Indefinite-life intangible assets are not amortized; instead, they are assessed periodically for impairment. Some intangible assets expenditures are not capitalized, but expensed as incurred, (NACUBO, 2008). Last in the order of liquidity are â€Å"other assets†. This is a special classification for unusual items that cannot be included in one of the other asset categories. Examples include deferred charges, non-current receivables, and advances to subsidiaries. The classification of assets depends on the nature and the use of the item. Reference Business Accounting. (2003). Retrieved April 13, 2008 from URL http://home.millsaps.edu/ Investorwords. (2008). Retrieved April 12, 2008 from URL http://www.investorwords.com NACUBO. (2008). Balance sheet classification. Retrieved April 13, 2008 from URL http://www.nacubo.org