100% Maritime Container Cargo Scanning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

100% Maritime Container Cargo Scanning - Essay Example Ports of entry were not left behind. Policies were formulated that ensured that any passenger or cargo that is getting into the American soil has to be thoroughly screened before release. To this end, congress introduced legislations that called for the screening of all cargo that is bound for American ports. Customs and Border Protection (hereby referred to as CBP) was mandated to introduce measures that will ensure that any shipment likely to conceal weapons will be screened before been loaded to a ship bound for any American port. Thus, the screening was to be done at the port of origin. This was enshrined in the American statutes on August 3rd, 2007. The then American president, George W. Bush, was the one that signed it. This paper is going to discuss the 100% Maritime Container Cargo Screening issue. Covered will be the background of this issue, the benefits of this procedure and mot importantly, the challenges that are facing this procedure. The writer will try to provide possible solutions to the challenges that will be identified. After the 9/11 debacle, a commission was set up by president Bush to look into the that attack and come up with recommendations that will ensure that such an attack never happens again in American soil. The commission came up with a raft of recommendations, as their terms of reference called for. These recommendations were signed into law by the head of state on August 3rd, 2007 (Mainbrace 1). The act of these recommendations came to be referred to as â€Å"Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act† (Mainbrace 1). It was also referred to as the â€Å"9/11 Commission Act† (Mainbrace 1). The act provided that 100% of cargo bound for American ports have to be scanned (Mainbrace 1). This was just one of the recommendations of the commission as far as American security is concerned. The deadline for full compliance with this law was stipulated to be July of 2012 (Mainbrace 1). Thus, it is expected that

Greeting Cards Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Greeting Cards - Research Paper Example Greeting cards has the potential to play a pivotal role in maintaining the goodwill of the business. The businesses use them to remind business partners of their presence. When businesses receive greeting cards on and off, they may also feel valued and important for the client. The feeling of importance may allow the business to take further interest in strengthening relationship ties with other clients. The application of greeting cards became modern just like other aspects of our lives. Nowadays, people are sending greeting cards through electronic means, but the people have lost the true taste of receiving them because human mind does not respond well towards online greeting cards in the same way. The human mind and personality internalizes stimulus in print more powerfully than electronic ones. The trend of building and forging social relations is also dying out in the modern era of the 21st century. The humans of modern times are very active on Facebook and they tend to enjoy their experience of socialization on the web. However, they are completely unaware of the fact that they might have thousands of friends on the internet. They do not have a shoulder to lean on in the times of sorrow. The modern friends remain part of one’s life during good times only, and they fly away on sighting the first sign of trouble. That is the difference between conventional friendship and modern one. In historical times, the buddy was even closer than one’s blood relatives (Fischer & Reuber, 2011). The present is witnessing breaking down of social relations that kept the community together. On the other hand, the online socialization sites are making billions by just getting people to place clicks so the humanity is dying out, and economic considerations have become very valuable during the process of selecting friends and partners. Human development and grooming occurred as a result of

How Organizations Ensure Job Satisfaction

How Organizations Ensure Job Satisfaction INTRODUCTION The world has been changing into the global village quite rapidly since the beginning of 21st century. Gone are the days of dark ages when employers could exploit their workers by receiving maximum output in exchange with no or awfully minimal rewards or incentives. In todays world, due to improved communication networks, one cannot keep others in dark about their rights and organizations have to fulfill their responsibilities according to the global standards. Similarly, the world of internet has enabled people to link themselves with others through websites. This new reality is working towards the objective of creating new sociological arrangements within the context ofÂÂ  culture, and same is the case with corporate culture. After realizing the force of competitiveness in global markets and between individual organizations, it has become really essential for any organization to make certain that it develops and keep holding a kind of personnel that is dedicated and faithful w ith the organization for an unlimited time. The workers or employees who are happy and satisfied with the work that they are assigned to do, or by the culture of the organization regarding relations with their employees ultimately feel motivated to continue their relationship with that organization as a faithful, devoted, committed and talented workforce. But many theorists feel that a great number of employees do not have this level of job satisfaction that they can be taken as motivated towards achieving the goals of the organization. Because of this unsatisfied nature of the employees, they keep seeking for alternate job resources where they may be able to experience a higher degree of job satisfaction. A high degree of job satisfaction shows high retention rate and low turnover rate. In other words, turn over rate can be taken as a measure of Job satisfaction level of the employees in any organization. The organizations that fail to retain their able and talented workforce and cannot make them loyal to the organizational g oals face problems in escalating their production level and profitability. Finck, Timmers and Mennes (1998) highlighted the problem that the business excellence can be achieved only when employees are excited by what they do, i.e. the employees should be satisfied with their work and job conditions in order to achieve high goals of an organization. Employee motivation and its link to job satisfaction of employees has been a matter of study for ages. Managers have to rely on their human resources to get things done and therefore need to know what factors would be most helpful for them in having a workforce that has a high level of job satisfaction. Making employees motivated is considered as a factor that has a power of making workers satisfied with their jobs. But this is an understood fact that one cannot directly motivate others; one can just create the conditions where people feel motivated themselves. Spector (2003) says that a number of factors can help in motivating people at work, some of which are tangible, such as money, and some of which are intangible, such as a sense of achievement. The accomplishment of any organization greatly depends on the contribution of its labor force. This is also said that such contributions are triggered by those features of peoples work environment that motivate them to devote more material and intellectual vigor into their work. In this way the organizations objectives are chased and accomplished. Motivation and job satisfaction are therefore regarded as key determinants of organizational success, both of which have an inter link between themselves. In order to have a highly productive and loyal workforce, organizations strive to take measures that would create a feeling of satisfaction and well being in their workers. But does it really matter, or is it only a common myth that the aspect of motivation does have an influence on the job satisfaction level of the employees. The aim of this study is to observe the relationship between motivation and job satisfaction of employees and to authenticate it through statistical measures. 1.2 Concepts of Employee Motivation and Job Satisfaction Definitions of employee motivation: The term motivation is derived from the Latin word movere, which means to move (Baron, Henley, McGibbon McCarthy, 2002). This means that motivation is a kind of energy that helps people in advancing towards the achievement of some certain goals. A great number of researchers over the years have been studying the concept of motivation and have been trying to extract the true definition of motivation but motivation can not be defined in explicit manner. Rather, motivation can be taken as a phenomenon or a concept instead of a simple remark. Campbell and Pritchard (1976) defined motivation as a label for the determinants of the choice to begin effort on a certain task, the choice to expend a certain amount of effort, and the choice to persist in expending effort over a period of time. Therefore, motivation is considered as an individuals behavior which is the result of some inter-related factors where some variables have to be taken as constants such as individuals skills, abilities and knowledge. There are a lot of perspectives about motivation; some of them are given below. Beck (1983) stated that four basic philosophies trigger a variety of angles about motivation on workplace. According to him, a man can be about his economic conditions, he wants to involve in more social activities and strong social relations, he wants to satisfy his need of self-actualization, or he may be a mixture of all the above mentioned needs. Theories that are about the rational economic man assume only the power of economic conditions on the overall behavior of a man. These theories assume that men are rational and they may make a right decision for their economic well being. The organizations that emphasize on the extrinsic rewards for their employees for example pay raise or fringe benefits actually follow this school of thought that man is rational about his economic conditions. Second kind of theories assume that the basic need of a man is only being social, these theories assume that man is mainly motivated by his social needs such as making friends and having good relationship with their colleagues. In this case, organizations want to make a more conducive and happy environment where their employees are satisfied with the people around them and where they can maintain good inter-relationship with the people t their workplace. Third perspective of motivation, according to theorists, is that a mans basic need is self actualization. It says that people can be motivated through intrinsic measures as they get pleasure in making good job and receiving compliments in response to a good job. That is, people derive satisfaction through their accomplishments. Organizations that believe in this approach may make a system where rewards are based on high performance. Lastly, the complex man approach argues that there is a much more complex system about motivation of people and this can be based on many factors such as emotions, motives, abilities and experiences. These factors may change their places on the scale from high to low or from low to high level from time to time. The changes in these levels are because of newly learnt behaviours of people as time passes. All of these above mentioned perspectives of motivation have triggered the researchers and theorists to present a number of different definitions about motivation. According to Schultz and Schultz (1998), motivation can be regarded as only the characteristics of people at workplace or personal characteristics of people that may explain the behaviour of people on their job. Some authors are of the view that intrinsic conditions are more powerful than the work related characteristics of a person. Spector (2003) regarded motivation as inner state of mind of a person that persuades him to involve in some particular kind of behaviours. Spector argued that motivation may be studied from two perspectives. One perspective, according to him is that motivation is the direction for behaviour to develop that people choose from a number of behaviours. The intensity of such behaviour can differ with the amount of effort that is required to be put in a task to accomplish. The second perspective is that an individual gets motivated by the desire to attain some particular goals. This motivation is derived from a persons individual needs and desires. Petri (1996) also stated that motivation can be taken as a force that acts on an individual to start and take initiative in showing some special behaviour. This theory explains that why it happens that some behaviour is mor e intense than others in particular situations, but not in others. The definition of motivation according to Gouws (1995) is that motivation originates from within an individuals own self, either consciously or unconsciously, to fulfill a given task with success because the person takes pleasure in fulfilling this particular job, rewards from others are not important for such kind of individuals who are motivated intrinsically. Beach (1980) regarded motivation as a readiness to use up energy to achieve a target or incentive. According to him, behaviours tend to be repeated when they are rewarded by others, but the behaviours that are not properly rewarded or are punished will tend to die with the passage of time. He, however, recognized that intrinsic motivation has a link with the job content and it comes in light when people are satisfied by performing some activity or just by involving in some kind of activity. Van Niekerk (1987) regarded motivation at workplace as created by the workplace environment and conditions that exert an influence on workers to perform some kind of activity by their own wish. According to him, workers want to reach some specific goals to have an inner satisfaction and to satisfy their own needs. Pinder (1998) gave his idea by keeping in mind the work place of organizations. He explained work motivation as a set of internal and external forces that help in initiating behaviours that are work related. According to the definition of Pinder (1980), work motivation has features that are invisible, and they are created from a persons inner self and that researchers therefore must rely on the theories that are already established in order to have some guidance in measuring work motivation. For the purpose of this particular study, employee motivation is taken as an instinctive force, that is maintained and shaped by a set of personal characteristics as well as workforce characteristics, that depend on the particular needs and motives of the workers. As it is already mentioned above, the concept of motivation is of very high importance with regard to the effectiveness of an organization, as many researches show that motivation creates a link between job satisfaction and job performance of the employees, and job performance is the determinant of profitability and success of the organization. So, in order to make their employees optimally motivated, it is necessary for an organization to focus on the factors in job content that result in employee motivation and job satisfaction. It is quite necessary for the managers and leaders to have a good knowledge about different motivational theories in order to have an effective management. Managers and leaders would need to choose the right theory to motivate a particular person in a particular situation and therefore have higher-performing and more satisfied employees. Here we are going to discuss different theories of motivation and a critical view of these theories. These motivation theories are categorized as: Need Theories of Motivation, Cognitive Theories of Motivation, and Reinforcement Theory of Motivation. THEORIES OF MOTIVATION Motivation can be regarded as a widely researched concept in the field of management and behaviour sciences. The concept of motivation is drawn on a broad spectrum as it is based on a variety of perspectives. But all of these perspectives have not been of same influence as they had once they were presented by theorists. One example of less influential perspectives is Maslows Hierarchy of Needs theory (Wicker Wiehe, 1999). But their contribution in this regard cannot be neglected and denied as the basis of motivation theories have originated from these perspectives. Motivation theories are generally categorized into three classes; these classes are named as, Need theories of motivation, cognitive theories of motivation, and reinforcement theories of motivation. (Baron et al., 2002). Needs Based Theories of Motivation Need theories of motivation are also named as content theories as they explain the substance of motivation (Hadebe, 2001). These theories propose that internal states of mind of individuals invigorate and express their behaviours. Maslows hierarchy of needs theory Abraham Maslows theory of hierarchy of needs is considered as most common theory in the field of motivation research (Van Niekerk, 1987). It as introduced by Abraham Maslow in 1943. The basic principle of the theory is that people get motivated by their urge to fulfill their needs, or shortcomings. These needs may be grouped in five categories. This theory also argues that all these needs come in hierarchical shape where lower order needs have to be satisfied first before going to the higher order needs (Gouws, 1995). Maslow (1968) emphasized that gratification of one basic need opens consciousness to domination by another. These needs are numbered below going from lower level to higher level needs. Physiological needs, Safety needs, Social needs, Egotistical needs, and Self-actualization needs Physiological needs are the basic needs of a man necessary for his survival, e.g. hunger or thirst. Safety needs do not only mean that a person wants physical safety and security of life. Rather it also means personal security such as a safe and secure job life without any tension. Social needs are referred to as a wish to have friends and family from which a person derives internal pleasure and love. Whereas egotistical needs are based on a persons desire to have a respectable and familiar personality in his society. Self-actualization need is the top most need in the hierarchy of needs as it stands for a persons motivation towards the full growth of his prospective personality, which is basically never totally achieved (Gouws, 1995). Existence-Relatedness-Growth (ERG) theory The theory presented by Alderfer is in fact an expansion of Abraham Maslows theory of hierarchy of needs. Alderfer presented the argument that human needs are not based on hierarchical level, rather they reside on a continuum (Spector, 2003). Alderfer reduced Maslows five needs into only three needs, which he termed as Existence, Relatedness and Growth hence termed as ERG theory. Existence is basically the need of a human being to survive physically from hunger and fear, Relatedness need is attached with the social needs of a man and Growth is basically the need of a person to grow personally and develop his or her personality. Alderfer put emphasis on the argument that as these needs occur on a continuum, all these needs can be experienced at a time. (Alderfer, 1969). Regardless of the fact that Maslows hierarchy of needs theory gathered very less support from empirical data, his theory had a positive effect on the policies of organizations as now managers policies could be more focused on the basic needs of employees. Also the highest level need in the hierarchy that is self-actualization need has been accepted by executives and managers who are now considering it as a compelling motivator (Schultz Schultz, 1998). Herzbergs two-factor theory Frederick Herzbergs Two-Factor theory is a well known theory in the study of motivation concept. Herzberg developed this theory in 1954 while he was studying the behaviours of the workers towards their jobs (Gouws, 1995). In fact, Herzberg wanted to study the behaviour of workers in order to judge their job satisfaction measures, but over the time this study got its reputation as motivation theory due to its motivational factors (Baron et al., 2002). Beach (1980) gave his opinion this theory represents aspects that are related to motivation at work place rather than general human motivation factors. The hygiene factors may be associated with lower order needs in the Maslows hierarchy of needs. These hygiene factors are placed on a continuum from the factors which cause dissatisfaction going towards the factors which cause no dissatisfaction. The point to be noted here is that the here no dissatisfaction does not mean satisfaction, as these factor involve such kind of circumstances that help in preventing dissatisfaction but they do not lead to job satisfaction. Some examples of these hygiene factors include the job status of employees, level of supervision, work conditions, pay and benefits and interpersonal relationships (Herzberg, 1966). Motivators are the factors that produce satisfaction in the employees and the absence of these factors would result in no satisfaction rather than dissatisfaction. The presence of these factors has a positive impact on the employee performance and job productivity. These factors may be associated with Maslows higher order needs in hierarchy but they are placed on a continuum from the factors which are highly motivated to the factors that are highly unmotivated. Job contents such as pleasure of performance, recognition level, opportunities of advancement and promotion are included in motivator factors (Herzberg, 1966). This theory has shown a great impact on the organizational psychology as now organizations are giving their employees a greater opportunity to plan and perform their own job descriptions (Baron et al., 2002). The two-factor theory has been very effective in the sense that now employees get the work that is pleasurable and meaningful for them (Spector, 2003). McGregors Theory X and Theory Y Theory X and Theory Y of Douglas McGregor (1960) correspond to an expansion of his thoughts on motivation to the course and organization of employees in the workplace. McGregors theory X postulates that people do not take interest in their work and try to get rid of making any effort to accomplish the task, so they have to be coerced and pressurized by some strict actions so that they perform up to the desired level. In his theory, the common man is believed to be a highly unmotivated person and lacks the sense of responsibility. He only strives to meet his lower order needs. They are selfish, and do not consider and care about organizational goals. In contrast of theory X, theory Y has a more modern approach to motivation. . it postulates that people seem to be highly motivated toward achievement of organizational goals, they are keen to discipline themselves, they are eager to take up responsibility, and are talented enough to create solutions for problems. McGregor then regarded T heory Y as a more truthful and rational description of human behaviour and attitudes, since it represents the incorporation of individual and organizational goals. However, McGregor acknowledged the fact that the theory does not propose a complete clarification for employee motivation (McGregor, 1960). McClellands learned needs theory McClellands theory is also referred as three needs theory. McClelland argues that the people who are achievement oriented strive to meet their three needs that are: the need for power (nPow), the need for affiliation (nAff), and the need for achievement (nAch). nPow denotes that people strive for a control over others, they want to influence others behaviour and be responsible for their behaviour. The nAff refers to the desire to create and uphold enjoyable relations with other around them. The nAch is the need to compete with others and to succeed in achieving goals et by the individuals themselves. According to McClelland these needs are not instinctive, but these are obtained through experience and learning (McClelland, 1987). Cognitive Theories: Cognitive theories present motivation as a process of cognition or inner thoughts, values and beliefs which are used by people when they want to make some choice regarding their behaviour at work (Schultz Schultz, 1998). Equity theory Equity theory was first introduced by Stacy Adams in 1965. Its basic principle is that individuals are motivated to attain a state of equity and fairness in their connections with other people, and with the organizations that they are working for (Adams, 1965). People make judgments or comparisons between their own and their companions or competitors inputs at workplace, e.g. their experience, qualifications, efforts and the outcomes that they receive as a result e.g. fringe benefits and pay, working conditions and status at job. Then they allocate weights to these effort and outcomes according to their significance and magnitude to themselves. The summed total of these efforts and outcomes creates an input/output ratio. This input/output ratio is the key factor in terms of motivation. A state of equity means that the output/input ratios of a person are equal to the ratio of others. If the inequity exists in this ratio, the person wants to change it by reducing one factor i.e. effort or enhancing the other one i.e. outcome. Apparent state of inequity by the person is consequently the foundation for motivation (Baron et al., 2002). This theory helped in providing the foundation to study the motivational repercussions of apparent injustice and biasness in the place of work. It also put down the basis for more fresh theories on justice (how job requirements and rewards are rewards are determined) (Cropanzano Folger, 1996). Goal-setting theory Edwin Locke proposed Goal-setting theory in 1968 (Beck, 1983). Spector (2003) portrayed this viewpoint on motivation as the theory that the internal intentions of people motivate their behaviours; it can be explained by the fact that that the behaviours are established by people needs to achieve a certain goal. Locke and Henne (1986) explained that behaviours are affected by goals in four ways. According to them, individuals are concerned with the behaviours that they believe would result in achievement of some particular goal; they assemble effort to reach the goal; they add up to the persons diligence which results in spending more time on the behaviours that are necessary to reach the preferred goal; they inspire the persons quest for successful policies for goal attainment. The prerequisites for goals before setting them are; they should be specific, challenging, attainable, need commitment, need regular feedback, and self-set by the individual. Only then individuals get motivated by the goals. Expectancy theory Vroom presented his expectancy theory in 1967 in which he argued that peoples behaviour is based on their expectations and beliefs about future events, which are extremely important and beneficial to them (Baron et al., 2002). Basically, the theory clarifies importance of rewards in establishing the behaviours of individuals. This theory is focused on internal cognitive conditions that go ahead towards motivation. It can be stated as, people are motivated to do some task only when they are sure that a certain task will lead to sme kind of rewards that are beneficial to them. The cognitive states given in expectancy theory are named as expectancy, valence and instrumentality (Spector, 2003). Expectancy means that the individual is expecting that he has the ability to perform the behaviour that is required to lead to a most wanted outcome, e.g. working hard to achieve a promotion in future. Valence stands for the value that is given to an outcome by the individual. An individual wants to know how attractive an outcome of a certain task would be for him. Instrumentality is the term used for a perceived probability of an individual that a certain behaviour will guide to the preferred outcome. Since its introduction, expectancy theory stands for a well known and important approach, but at the same time it has been disapproved on the basis that the assumption about individuals rational and calculating behaviour in their decision making process is not true in all senses. Another criticism for this theory is that fail to take into account the limited cognitive skills of individuals (Baron et al., 2002). Reinforcement Theories Reinforcement theories assume that the behaviour of people at workplace is mainly established by its apparent encouraging or harmful consequences (Baron et al., 2002). The reinforcement theories are based on the idea presented in Law of Effect. This idea was developed by Hull (1943). Hull presented his Drive theory in which he suggested that effort has a direct relationship with drive multiplied by habit. Where habit is a resultant of reinforcement of behaviour. The rewards for behaviour can be tangible, for example money and pay raise, or intangible, for example admiration of a certain behaviour (Spector, 2003). As a result, reinforcement theory has been taken as highly significant in setting up the ideas relating to rewards and monetary incentives as well as appreciation techniques. These reinforcement techniques have been practiced in many organizations now days (Schultz Schultz, 1998). Reinforcement theory is considered as out of track from other motivation theories as it does not take into account the basic factors or need for which a person wants rewards. It only takes into account the relationship between reinforcement and behaviours of employees at workplace. But its importance cannot be denied as the research on this topic has shown empirical evidence that rewards can be highly influential in the improvement of job performance (Spector, 2003). All these theories which are discussed above have added considerably towards different current viewpoints on motivation and appreciating the concept of motivation in the workplace. Undoubtedly, the theories of all the researchers and authors over the years have an impact on organizations ability to change their organizational psychology by taking effective and practical measures in order to meet the challenge of making their employees motivated and satisfied with their jobs to enhance productivity and profitability. JOB SATISFACTION The concept of job satisfaction attracts great attention by the researchers and theorists and also by the organizations these days. As its importance and popularity has been established in organizational productivity. Managers are now feeling more responsible about keeping their employees at a satisfied stage because their job satisfaction has a prime effect on the productivity of the organization (Arnold Feldman, 1986). Organizations are aware of the fact that having personnel that derive satisfaction from their work add massively towards organizational efficiency and definitive survival. Concept with such marvelous effect on organizational and personal life clearly justifies a matching amount of awareness. Definitions of Job Satisfaction Many definitions of the job satisfaction concept have been given over the time. Arnold and Feldman (1986, p.87) defined job satisfaction as the sum total of overall effect that people have towards their job. Therefore, high level of job satisfaction means that a person generally likes his work and appreciates to do so. He has a positive stance about it. McCormick and Ilgens (1980) regarded job satisfaction as a individuals approach towards his job. They added that a feeling is an exciting answer to the job, which may differ from positive to negative along a continuum. Beck (1983) further added that since a job has many unique angles, job satisfaction is essentially a summary of employee attitudes concerning all these. Theories on Job Satisfaction Beck (1983) said that theories involving the concept of job satisfaction have emotional, motivational and informational workings, as do other approaches about this concept. As we have discussed in detail these theories in the section about motivational theories, only a short summary of these theories is sufficient. Equity theory specifies that people generally want to receive what they consider a fair or equitable return for their efforts at work. Greater satisfaction is experienced if they perceive the return or reward they receive as equitable. Aim of the Study / Research Motivation As the topic of this study suggests, the basic aim of the study is concerned specifically to investigate the relationship between measures taken by the organization to motivate employees and their overall impact on the job satisfaction level of the employees. The organizations need to have a smooth line of production and business functions on a consistent basis in order to be able to perform up to the mark in accord with international standards. For this purpose they have to collect, manage and retain proficient, well trained and optimally productive personnel. The personnel of an organization play an important role in higher production and profit making but the condition is that they should be highly dedicated, devoted and faithful to the objectives of that organization. But the staff can have these characteristics only when they are satisfied with the work that they do and who are consequently motivated to continue their relationship with the organization. A systematic understanding of the nature and considerable causes of employee satisfaction and motivation, will facilitate employers in making the strategies to effect the required positive changes in motivation programs of their organization and ultimately to implement these programs to step forward towards optimal employee reliability and retention. Examples of such strategies may include selecting a number of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards to boost employee motivation and to get rid of certain of its human resource policies and practices that can slow down the process of employee motivation and their satisfaction level. A huge number of researches have been conducted on employee motivation, job satisfaction and their relationship with each other, as well as on a variety of combinations thereof. After having a thorough and deep examination of historical studies, the researcher of this study became able to produce a problem statement that is related to employee motivation and job satisfaction. In this regard, this study aims to add to the already existing knowledge about motivation and job satisfaction and the implications of these terms in organizational psychology. 1.4 Problem Statement Through a deep examination of historical studies, and after a thorough research on the existing literature, the researcher of this study came to know about a strong impact of motivation policies of the companies on the job satisfaction levels of their employees. There are also many studies that show the relationship of these two aspects with many other features in an organizational culture. According to Watson (1994) business in the contemporary era has realized that motivated and satisfied personnel will show an increased production level and deliver output powerfully even to the bottom line. Schofield (1998) conducted a convincing study in which he showed with certainty that the way people are managed has a powerful impact on both productivity and profitability levels of the organization. This study established the importance of job satisfaction, employee motivation and commitment, and corporate culture in organisational capability and limits. By keeping in mind the existing literature about these two variables that are motivation and j

The Harmful Effects Of Body Piercing Essay -- Body Piercing

A great number of teenagers and young adults have a body piercing. These can range anywhere from your belly button to your tongue. There are many effects it can have on you socially, or physically. This essay will describe the social aspects of body piercing, this includes first impressions, types of friends, and job prospects. First impressions are important to many people. To some individuals body piercing may seem frightening or intimidating. The person with the piercing may be treated differently in a store. They might be watched more carefully to prevent shoplifting just because of this piercing. Some sales clerks might do this because they got the impression the customer was dangerous or suspicious. These presumptions come along with other physical traits such as race or dress. Soci...

Frankenstein Socratic Seminar Reflection

Frankenstein and Pride & Prejudice Socratic Seminar Reflection This Socratic Seminar made me agree much more with Socrates’ beliefs: that extended discussion and continual questioning facilitate the most meaningful learning experiences. It helped me understand the novel much more than I had before because I got to hear about the book from the perspective of others and how they interpreted the story and discussed what they thought were the positive and negative aspects of Frankenstein.I discovered that many others interpreted some meanings of the novel in the same way that I did. Overall, the seminar went very well in both groups, but there were some negative aspects in both seminars. In the Pride & Prejudice seminar, none of the members proposed any questions in response to an already given question (a rebuttal question). This was not the case in the Frankenstein group, which is good.However, although we did ask rebuttal questions, our group failed to use quotes for support an d our discussion was more of a modern conversation between people with a lot of agreeing and disagreeing, but no evidence for backup. I believe that there was only one person who used quotations and cited them to backup his/her point, who was Matt Kane (I hope you didn’t want us to specify names; at least it’s not a bad comment). The Pride and Prejudice group did fulfill the use of quotations, which evened out the differences between the seminars.There were also many great points brought up in our discussion of Frankenstein, which almost everybody agreed with such as how we appointed Victor Frankenstein as the monster of the novel and not the physical monster that he has created. I would not have thought about many of the things with deeper meanings that were discussed in the seminar by myself. Not only was the seminar itself what helped me to further understand the story, but also the pre-seminar tasks (question responses and formation).Each question coincidentally as ked me something that I had thought about at least one time during the reading, and the required quotations helped remind me of when and where I had encountered the question while reading it. The post-seminar paper (this thing) is helping me because it makes me remember what we talked about during the seminar and how it was effective to understanding the story. Being reminded of how effective the seminar actually was, will make me believe more in the beliefs of Socrates, as well as want to do more seminars for different novels in the future.

Down: Personal Life and Time Essay

In college it is easy to stray away from the main purpose, which is having a higher education. College years are supposed to include fun but not too much fun. There are many ideals to consider when trying achieving success in school. They way students manage their time and consume energy has an effect on the outcome of their success. Relaxation also plays a significant role in the turn out of school. The way I schedule my time will benefit me in the long run. I must set a schedule that gives me my daily routine and the time it has to be done. Even recording the time it takes to do it will help. Giving myself free time will allow me to still maintain my grades. For example, if an emergency were to occur, I would have time to fix the issues and still return to my studies. Another contribution is having ways to conserve energy. Sleeping for the right amount of time always seems to help me stay refreshed and rejuvenated. Sleeping allow you to be more alert in class and make better grades in class. The right foods will nourish my body and allow healthy benefits as sleep. I also try to find time to exercise at the YMCA for at least an hour. If I do not go to the YMCA I try to walk in my down time. Exercising will put the body in shape and keep my blood pumping, which is always healthy for the heart. Exercising moves the muscles so that I do not become weak overtime. If I do not use them I will lose them. The people that students surround themselves with will either help them or deteriorate their outcome in school. Throughout life they will encounter those who are there for a reason. It is their job to determine what that reason is. If they put themselves with people who only do bad things and have no set goals, you are bound to be like them. Of course no good would become of that. If they only hang around those who do good deeds and set an example of what an ideal student is, then you are likely to do so as they do. Students must find ways to relax and have a stress free college life. The other ideas that I mentioned earlier could assist with this like time management and energy level. How can someone have a stress free life? Well, in my opinion, I do not believe it is all the way possible to absolutely no stress whatsoever but there are ways to reduce it. These ways include staying out of drama. I try to make friends and always understand others point of view. By doing this, it lowers the chances of disagreements and fosters a better campus life. If grades and classes are what are stressing me out, then I enhance my study habits or find creative ways to know the material I am struggling with. If students have great ways to improve their chances in college then they will always help a little more than before. It will let them have the opportunity to say not only did they graduate but they did it with the least amount of struggle possible. College life may be simplified having a time plan in which things should be done, reserving energy and making sure one is stress free. These tactics will make a student a better person who has general success.

Foundation Course Evaluation Essay Example

Foundation Course Evaluation Essay Example Foundation Course Evaluation Essay Foundation Course Evaluation Essay Name: Lecturer: Course: Date: : Foundation Course Evaluation When joining this program most of the students have just but a vague idea of what entails the entire program. What I am proud of regarding my academic performance is that our paths have now been laid out clearly for us. The professors have enables us to understand the practical relevance of this course. This means that the course provides important information for the students well in time to deliberate on whether to continue with this career or to quit. I am now proud that I have chosen an excellent career that will greatly assist me in accomplishing my goals and purpose in life. I believe that this institution is one of the best colleges in Canada and by this merit, has the best program in bettering my education. I also consider the school quite capable in aiding me in its programs due to its method of handing out course outlines and other material thus helping me plan my semester in advance. In this way, the students can do additional research and at times acquaint themselves with some of the topics before they are mentioned in class. This will even give the lecturers an even easier time in explaining the contents in the topics. This I believe will work a lot in improving not only mine, but the academic performance of all the students. In particular, the lecture that mostly sticks into my mind the one on foundation in Community and Child Studies 1-CCSF-101 by professor Sama Bassidj. I enjoy taking the lectures. I guess it is mainly because during the class, we are educated on crucial life’s lessons. The lecturer enables one to achieve self-realization by being aware what one’s strengths, values, weaknesses and talents. By becoming aware of this, the students can now know what to change in their life and what to concentrate on in order to literary make the best of their lives. This is primarily why we refer to the class as the, â€Å"life class†. In the end, the lecture develops confidence in the students both psychologically and philosophically. One of the most difficult subjects is psychology taught by Professor Sherry-Ann Mohammed-Gibbes. However, it neither because the subject is not well nor is it that the institution is under equipped. The reason that I find this subject difficult and frustrating is that I do not have any prior knowledge or experience on the subject since I have never learnt it before. However, the lecturer has been doing an impressive job in carefully going though the contents and the concepts. I now consider myself confident on psychology and can perform exemplary well on the subject. If my friends in the program were to speak in one hundred percent honesty, I believe that they would advice that if one is not interest in fieldwork and especially working with kids, this is then not the program for that individual. This is because most of them now understand that in order to succeed in the career, passion plays a very significant role and could end up determining whether one will graduate with distinction or an average score. Another advice is that lectures are not to be relied upon since the lecturers tends to provide only a skeleton of what the student is supposed to learn. This means that one needs additional material and constantly visiting the library to fill the skeleton provided by the lecturers with the necessary meat. This is a requisite of any institution that is worth its salt. Spoon-feeding the student with information will only impart them with theoretical knowledge leaving out the necessary practical knowledge. What I would advice my friends is that the program is very essential as it provides the student with the relevant skills and knowledge to successfully pursue a diploma of choice in the community and child services department in the crown college. The program also goes to the limits of imparting the learner with relevant skills and knowledge that if unsuccessful to pursue the diploma at the Crown College, one may still be able to find a job as a social worker and still work competently. The professors have greatly supported my journey in the foundation program through various capacities. One is that as an international student, my English is not very good. However, the English lecturer, Wendy Chan, has assisted me efficiently and effectively in improving my diction and pronunciations in the English language. Her exemplary skills have further facilitated my learning in all the other subjects and I can now manage to express myself freely and comprehensively in the examination papers. In addition, the class on foundation in Community and Child Studies has further enabled me for identify my values and character and the same can be translated to the society at large. This is very important as one is able to understand his weaknesses and strengths in order to competitively be aware of what one can comfortable excel at. The video tools provided by Professor Cindy Brandon have also facilitated a lot in making learning of Student Success and Interpersonal Skills a great experience. Although the subject is considered as one of the competitive ones, the video tools highly facilitate learning and make them a great experience. The additional supports that could be provided by the professors include the use of video tools like the one of Professor Cindy Brandon. The incorporation of these tools in all the other subjects would help a lot in enabling the students to understand the concepts. There are those students who capture images easily as opposed to words. The use of the video tools would mean that these students are not left at a loss.

Effects on Obesity essays

Effects on Obesity essays In America today many people are suffering from obesity. Obesity is defined as enormous amount of weight caused by excessive accumulations of fat. Researchers of American Medical Association found that 56 percent of American adults are overweight and that 20 percent are obese. Obesity have great effects on human being such as their: medical condition, physical abilities, and mental effects. Medical condition is one of the main effects to people who are obese. For example Type 2 diabetes is a main disease that effects people who are obese. Study shows 73 percent out of all obese people have Type 2 diabetes. Next common disease that attacks people who are obese is cancer. For female they have high risk in breast cancer. Women who gain nearly 45 pounds or more after 18 are likely to develop breast cancer after menopause. Also people who are obese usually have high blood pressure that will lead them to shortage in life. At the end these diseases will kill people who are obese if it ¡Ã‚ ¯s untreated. Second, obesity will effect physical abilities. People who are suffering from obesity may not be able to do things that normal weight people can do. Playing sports or do any activities that involves fast movement of any kind is main physical ability that obese people can ¡Ã‚ ¯t do. They may not even have power to walk sometimes because of mass amount of weight pressuring down on their weak ankles which gives them enormous pain that will stop them from walking. They may not also have power to jump up and down. It ¡Ã‚ ¯s hard for over weight people to jump up and down with their heavy weight. Finally, mental effects have played many negative roles in obesity. People who suffers from obesity goes through depression due to their over weight appearance. Most people who are obese have hard time fitting into groups because of their differences. Since the are obese they may not...

US Presidential Assassinations and Assassination Attempts

US Presidential Assassinations and Assassination Attempts In the history of the U.S. presidency, four presidents have actually been assassinated. Another six were the subject of assassination attempts. Following is a description of each assassination and attempt that has occurred since the founding of the nation. Assassinated in Office Abraham Lincoln - Lincoln was shot in the head while watching a play on April 14, 1865. His assassin, John Wilkes Booth escaped and was later shot and killed.  Conspirators who helped plan Lincolns assassination were found guilty and hung. Lincoln died on April 15, 1865. James Garfield - Charles J. Guiteau, a mentally disturbed government office seeker, shot Garfield on July 2, 1881. The president did not die until September 19th of blood poisoning. This was related more to the manner in which the physicians attended to the president than to the wounds themselves. Guiteau was convicted of murder and hanged on June 30, 1882. William McKinley - McKinley was shot two times by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while the president was visiting the Pan-American Exhibit in Buffalo, New York on September 6, 1901. He died on September 14, 1901. Czolgosz stated that he shot McKinley because he was an enemy of working people. He was convicted of the murder and electrocuted on October 29, 1901. John F. Kennedy - On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy was mortally wounded while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. His apparent assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, was killed by Jack Ruby before standing trial. The Warren Commission was called to investigate Kennedys death and found that Oswald had acted alone to kill Kennedy. Many argued, however, that there was more than one gunman, a theory upheld by a 1979 House Committee investigation. The FBI and a 1982 study disagreed. Speculation continues to this day. Assassination Attempts Andrew Jackson - On January 30, 1835, Andrew Jackson was attending a funeral for Congressman Warren Davis. Richard Lawrence attempted to shoot him with two different derringers, each of which misfired. Jackson was incensed and attacked Lawrence with his walking stick. Lawrence was tried for the attempted assassination but was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He spent the rest of his life in an insane asylum. Theodore Roosevelt - An assassination attempt was actually not made on Roosevelts life while he was in the office of president. Instead, it occurred after he had left office and decided to run for another term against William Howard Taft. While campaigning on October 14, 1912, he was shot in the chest by John Schrank, a mentally disturbed New York saloon keeper. Luckily, Roosevelt had a speech and his spectacle case in his pocket that slowed down the .38 caliber bullet. The bullet was never removed but allowed to heal over. Roosevelt continued with his speech before seeing a doctor. Franklin Roosevelt - After giving a speech in Miami on February 15, 1933, Giuseppe Zangara shot six shots into the crowd. None hit Roosevelt though the Mayor of Chicago, Anton Cermak, was shot in the stomach. Zangara blamed wealthy capitalists for his plights and those of other working people. He was convicted of attempted murder and then after Cermaks death due to the shooting he was retried for murder. He was executed by electric chair in March, 1933. Harry Truman - On November 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationals attempted to kill President Truman to bring attention to the case for Puerto Rican independence. The President and his family were staying at the Blair House across from the White House and the two attempted assassins, Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola, tried to shoot their way into the house. Torresola killed one and wounded another policeman while Collazo wounded one policeman. Torresola died in the gunfight. Collazo was arrested and sentenced to death which Truman commuted to life in prison. President Jimmy  Carter freed Collazo from prison in 1979. Gerald Ford - Ford escaped two assassination attempts, both by women. First on September 5, 1975, Lynette Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, pointed a gun at him but did not fire. She was convicted of attempting to assassinate the president and sentenced to life in prison. The second attempt on Fords life occurred on September 22, 1975 when Sara Jane Moore fired one shot that was deflected by a bystander. Moore was trying to prove herself to some radical friends with the assassination of the president. She was convicted of attempted assassination and sentenced to life in prison. Ronald Reagan - On March 30, 1981, Reagan was shot in the lung by John Hinckley, Jr. Hinckley hoped that by assassinating the president, he would earn enough notoriety to impress Jodie Foster. He also shot Press Secretary James Brady along with an officer and a security agent. He was arrested but found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was sentenced to life in a mental institution.

Sexuality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sexuality - Essay Example This does not mean that the Americans agree on which kind of sex education would be the best. Fifteen percent of the Americans believe that schools should only teach abstinence but not the use of condoms and other contraception. Forty-six percent believe that a better approach would be â€Å"abstinence-plus†. On the other hand, thirty-six percent believe abstinence is not the most important factor and sex education should focus on how to teach adolescents how to make responsible decisions concerning sex (Sex Education in America, 2004). Evangelical or born-again Christians differ in opinions in reference to this topic. Twelve percent said sex education should not be taught in schools while four percent were non-evangelicals. Forty nine percent of evangelicals and twenty-one percent non-evangelical think that government should fund abstinence-only programs instead of funding more comprehensive sex education (Sex Education in America, 2004). Bleakly, Hennessy &Fishbein (2006) examined the USA public ´s opinion on sex education in schools to find out their preferences aligned with those of policymakers and research scientists. They used a cross-sectional survey from July 2005 through January 2006. The researchers randomly selected a nationally representative sample of 1096 USA adults from 18 to 83 years. They used 3 different types of sex education in schools: Abstinence only, comprehensive sex education, and condom instruction. According to their findings, approximately eighty-two percent of the respondents support the programs that teach students abstinence and other methods to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) while 68.5% supported how to properly use condoms. The lowest percentage was obtained for the abstinence-only sex education with 36% supporting it and the highest level of opposition (approximately 50% across the 3 program options. Self-identified conservative, liberal, and moderate respondents supported the

IT industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

IT industry - Essay Example This not only benefits the environment on whole but also decreases operational expenses resulting in higher profits for the organizations. In addition, by redesigning equipments and replacing green information technology enables organizations improve its operational efficiency on numerous stages and levels. Furthermore, as policy making agencies are passing environmental and energy related regulations and policies, companies by adopting green information technology (IT) can be well-prepared for upcoming policies and guidelines. There are several options available for the organizations to improve their energy efficiency. Companies can choose from the various available options depending on the budget they have. The least costly program is energy monitoring program which enables them to gather data and monitor their usage of energy. This program helps organizations develop their own energy management plan that assist them save energy. One of the least expensive energy monitoring program s includes demand response program which acts as a communicator between the person providing the energy and the person consuming the energy. These effective programs provide organizations a potential profit stream at the times of energy demands, due to its energy reduction facility. Majority demand response programs (DRP) offer after sale services, meters and monitoring services free of cost. This allows organizations to successfully reduce and manage extensive usage of energy. However, there are few program providers who charge penalty bill in case the organizations are unable to meet the required goal of load shed. With the passage of time IT equipments are getting more and more automated and require less space to operate. Hence in order to automate their operations, large companies can invest in such equipments that entail less space to set their footprints. Such changes can do well to companies that are looking forward to a fast return on investment (ROI) for the company. Unlike the traditional methods of operation, automated equipments can provide significant benefits in terms of space and reduced heat loss as these equipments enable companies to confined refrigerated or cooling area. Moreover it can also help in less wastage of material and proficient packaging of such equipments. Other major benefits the companies will avail after switching to automation are improved and efficient production with in the same or lower cost. This means the company will be able to produce more as compared to its pre-automation period. (Rebecca Tucker, 2011) Automated IT equipments have helped in improvising efficiency and sustainability in companies that are finding ways for taking an initiative to make improvements in reduced energy consumption which was not possible in their pre-automation period. This paper will discuss the benefits of Green information technology (IT) and how it is beneficial for both the organization and the society. Moreover, one common problem i.e. its high installation and maintenance cost faced by the majority will also be discussed in detail. As we all know for all kinds of operations businesses are dependent on some or the other kind of information or communication technology. Information technol

Macroeconomic Objectives and Problems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Macroeconomic Objectives and Problems - Essay Example During this period it was clear that UK has been relying on ever-increasing levels of debt from booth private and public sectors. Macroeconomic situation during from this period has been characterized with instability in economic growth as well as high inflation rates, which have caused a reduction in real incomes (HM Treasury, 2012). Due to increased inflation rates, UK’s macroeconomic situation has exhibited weakening recovery of the economy. Inflation as identified is attributed to the 40% rise in the oil prices. In addition, there has been increasing instability and uncertainty resulting from euro area crisis, which has so far resulted into reduced confidence amongst households and firms (HM Treasury, 2012). Consequently, this has continued to worsen the macroeconomic situation within the UK. Even though there have been serious adverse effects of the 2008-2009 financial crisis, UK’s economy grew by approximately 0.8% in 2011 (HM Treasury, 2012). With manufacturing o utput growing by 2.0%, the overall GDP unfortunately fell by approximately 0.2% in 2011 thereby indicating instability in the macroeconomic growth (HM Treasury, 2012). ... (pp. 8-15) what is the concept of "fiscal sustainability" and why is it important in the budget strategy? (pp. 7-9) how effective are current policies likely to be? (pp. 18-21) In order to attain the four main objectives of macroeconomic, full employment, stable economic growth, favorable balance of payments, as well as stability in general prices, the UK government develop various strategies. Some of the current macroeconomic strategies developed include (HM Treasury, 2012): Strategies for making public finances attain a sustainable position in addition to developing fiscal targets for the government. This strategy is to ensure that other than stability within the public finances, UK’s economy will have fiscal policies that are credible enough to provide or caution against low long-term interest rates. Activating monetary policies within the economy in order to meet inflation targets whiles also enhancing availability of credit to various individuals and business entities tha t amy wish to privately engage in investment. Carrying out reforms within the financial sector. Such reforms are aimed at building resilience of the financial system whilst ensuring that there is reduced risk to the taxpayers within the economy. Strategically reforming tax in order to make the economy a competitive place that attracts business entities. With such attraction, UK will have more business entities creating more employment opportunities in a bid to attaining full employment macroeconomic objective. Rebalancing and strengthening UK’s economy for future purposes thorough The Plab for Growth. This will include a more lucrative package for investment meant to not only boost economic growth but employment status of the nation. 3. What were the main fiscal measures

To what extent are there differences between the Tories and New Labour Essay

To what extent are there differences between the Tories and New Labour Discuss - Essay Example They believed in divine right and in traditional hereditary system. They also were also strong supporters of the Anglican Church being against the Catholics which served to bring the reign of King James II to an end since he pushed the country to Catholism. They also were against scientific advances claiming that they pushed people away from the church. They were not in support of change The New Labor or Labor Party came into formation in 1900 by a group of working people who felt that the Tory Government ignored them and thus was born under the name Labor Representation Committee. However it did not take root until the 1920s and 1930 they occupied most of the seats in the government. It served to improve the lives of the minority on the principles of equality within the society. They were supporters of change and believed that the country’s resources belonged to everyone. The party pledged to deal with issues like poverty, unemployment, diseases and ignorance in the country. Labor Party put their focus on economic and social factors with the advocating of social liberation achieved by the legalization of social vices like divorce and separation, homosexuality and the stopping of capital punishments. With 1the name change to New Labor, the party was taken over by a new leader, Tony Blair, the youngest leader the party had ever had. He was elected Labor Prime Minister for three terms.2 One of the differences between the two parties is the capitalism verses socialism. The Conservatives Party had more of capitalist ideologies while the Labor Party had the communist one. Communists relied on the market to allocate capital to different socially owned enterprises where we see Tony Blair actually relying on the business men to be in charge of the economic policies. The Conservative Party on the other had relied on markets to determine investments, production and distribution decisions. Leaders like Margaret Thatcher who were conservative in

English Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

English - Article Example The author is strongly against the state and other forces censoring the entertainment industry. He cites The Ed Sullivan Show as having been one of the greatest shows to suffer under the US suppressive policies in the 1960s. The author concludes by stating that the US democratic policies are always conflicting with freedom of artistic expression citing the barring of music composers and performers from performing as an example. Although Dylan made himself a name by his song ‘Talking’, he never realized his ambition of airing it in The Ed Sullivan Show. Though plans were underway for the particular single, Dylan never received an invitation. Thereafter, the organizers urged him to change his remove the song from the playlist, stating that it had some defamatory elements. Dylan blatantly objected to this kind of censorship, a decision that cost him all the concerts. Despite the fact that several radio and TV stations banned a popular single by the Rolling Stones, it finally gained unprecedented popularity in 1967. The Rolling Stones decides to work beyond the barrier of Censorship to launch their single "Lets Spend the Night Together" on The Ed Sullivan Show. This relentless attitude enhanced their status as artistic icons. Owing to the fact that in 1967, few groups had singles like the Doors, the Doors were undoubtedly more famous than any other group at the time. Their first hiccup started when their maiden performance at Monterey backfired followed by a series of concert cancellation by either the police or the promoters. The concerned parties cited gross misconduct and ‘indecent’ content as responsible for massive censorship of their music. Although the three examples were not the only reported cases on censorship on the US entertainment industry, the TV broadcast they received made them more pronounced. Particularly justifies is the Rock and Roll Style that most conservatives considered offensive and against the acceptable norms.

Cocaine effects on a newborn Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cocaine effects on a newborn - Essay Example Another risk is â€Å"placental abruption†, a premature separation of the placenta from the uterus wall which may cause excessive bleeding and death risk to both the mother and baby (â€Å"Cocaine Addiction and Pregnancy: Effects on Newborns†). Cocaine effect on newborns is serious. The pregnant woman’s use of cocaine can decrease the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus. Cocaine-exposed babies have low birth weight, low Apgar score, shorter length and smaller head circumference than unexposed babies. These consequences can be a sign of future developmental delays and abnormalities. Babies from mothers using cocaine have greater possibility of being born prematurely. These babies experience breathing difficulties which may cause stroke even before birth or immediately after birth. Stroke can lead to the development of lifetime brain and developmental disorders (â€Å"Cocaine and Pregnancy†). newborns are often irritable, hyperactive, sleepless and have a low frustration tolerance, muscular stiffness, visual disturbances, low feeding and sucking abilities and sensory incapacities. There have been reported cases of loose bowels, vomiting, and seizure occurrences. A number of these problems may last for 2 to 2  ½ months after birth (â€Å"Cocaine and Pregnancy†). Cocaine-exposed newborns may go into deep sleep for longer than usual (Gorski). Pregnant mothers who uses cocaine for an extended duration may deliver babies that have birth defects and abnormalities in the face, brain, heart, eyes, limbs and muscles. Some babies may be born with intestinal, genitals and urinary problems (â€Å"Cocaine and Pregnancy†). When cocaine enters the placenta, it disturbs the circulation inside the fetus’ body. Cocaine stays in the body of the developing fetus for an extended duration. That is why evidences of cocaine can be found in the urine and hair

English Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

English - Article Example The author is strongly against the state and other forces censoring the entertainment industry. He cites The Ed Sullivan Show as having been one of the greatest shows to suffer under the US suppressive policies in the 1960s. The author concludes by stating that the US democratic policies are always conflicting with freedom of artistic expression citing the barring of music composers and performers from performing as an example. Although Dylan made himself a name by his song ‘Talking’, he never realized his ambition of airing it in The Ed Sullivan Show. Though plans were underway for the particular single, Dylan never received an invitation. Thereafter, the organizers urged him to change his remove the song from the playlist, stating that it had some defamatory elements. Dylan blatantly objected to this kind of censorship, a decision that cost him all the concerts. Despite the fact that several radio and TV stations banned a popular single by the Rolling Stones, it finally gained unprecedented popularity in 1967. The Rolling Stones decides to work beyond the barrier of Censorship to launch their single "Lets Spend the Night Together" on The Ed Sullivan Show. This relentless attitude enhanced their status as artistic icons. Owing to the fact that in 1967, few groups had singles like the Doors, the Doors were undoubtedly more famous than any other group at the time. Their first hiccup started when their maiden performance at Monterey backfired followed by a series of concert cancellation by either the police or the promoters. The concerned parties cited gross misconduct and ‘indecent’ content as responsible for massive censorship of their music. Although the three examples were not the only reported cases on censorship on the US entertainment industry, the TV broadcast they received made them more pronounced. Particularly justifies is the Rock and Roll Style that most conservatives considered offensive and against the acceptable norms.

Management Challenges and Concerns Report Essay Example for Free

Management Challenges and Concerns Report Essay The purpose of the Management Challenges and Concerns Report is to indicate the responsibilities of management and how to meet or exceed company goals. This report includes details of management challenges within a company. In addition, this report specifies possible causes and solutions to internal issues at work. This report shall prove how strategic planning, goals, productivity, and evaluating issues play a significant role in solving issues in human resource management entities. Some of the responsibilities of human resource management consist of providing employees with information on the company’s vision, goal, HIPPA privacy rights, and mission statement. In addition, employees receive information on safety rules, insurance benefits, compensation, employee relations, training, and orientation classes. These responsibilities are significant and require patience along with strong leaders. Human Resource Managers has to acquire a bachelor’s or master’s degree in management, management classes, and pass test. Also human resource management requires the following characteristics: positive, consistent, prompt, role model, team player, and strong leaders. Performance Management consist of appraisal system, driving appraisal process, evaluating employee performance, and performance counseling (Brewster Soderstrom, 1994). Internal issues pertaining to employees consist of productivity, abiding by company rules, safety, passing training classes, and positive work ethics. Human Resource Management has rules and regulations in the company handbook to ensure consistency at work. These rules and regulations set the pace for a productive and professional workplace environment for employees and management. Internal issues may arise; however it is human resource management responsibility to solve any issues before any escalate. Employee Relations play an important role in solving internal issues by evaluation and resolution. Employee Relations consist of the following duties: grievance handling, discipline management, managing absenteeism, managing attrition, and employee termination (Brewster Larsen, 2000). Strategic planning is vital because it provides a forecast for the company to follow in efforts to exceed goals and gain a competitive advantage. Goals and productivity shall be reasonable and achievable by following rules and the company mission statement. Management shall evaluate and solve internal issues with good decision-making and by the company handbook accordingly. In conclusion, this report specifies the responsibilities of human resource management in thorough details. The elements of solving internal issues consist of following strategic plans, goals, rules, and mission statement. As a result, the company shall gain a professional workplace environment, productivity, and competitive advantage. This report proves that following strategic plans and enforcing company guidelines are the foundation to positive work ethics and suceess. Reference Brewster, C., Larsen, H. H. (2000). Human Resource Management in Europe: The Role of the Line. Human Resource Management in Northern Europe: Trends, Dilemmas and Strategy, Oxford, Blackwells . Brewster, C., Soderstrom, M. (1994). Human Resource and Line Management. Policy and Practice in European Resource Management, London, Rourledge .

Social Problems: Causes and Solutions

Social Problems: Causes and Solutions Introduction Sociology seeks to discover, describe and explain the order which characterises the social life of man (Inkeles, 1964 cited in McNeil and Townley, p.21).Various attempts have been made to define social problems; however there is no adequate definition of social problems. Birenbaum and Sagarin defined social problems as, ‘’ A social problems exists when the collective society is rent by, at the very least a public recognition that there is a sector of society, represented by its practices, which threatens or prevents others or themselves from establishing or maintaining their claims to membership’’ (Birenbaum and Sagarin, p.16). Rubington and Weinberg, offers their own definition of social problem as, ‘’an alleged situation that is incompatible with the values of a significant number of people who agree that action is needed to alter the situation’’ (Rubington and Weinberg, 1989 p.4). The definition of any problem as a social probl em, means that it is a problem that requires that affects society as a whole and needs society to come together to deal with the problem (May, et al eds 2001 p.17) Social problems are approached from a constructive perspective and a realist perspective. Saragu develops a social constructive approach to the intersection of social divisions and policy, Bucchi on the other hand develops an introduction to the post structuralist critique of problem and policy centred approach (May, et al eds (2001 p.13). Constructive perspective of social problems looks at social problems three main aspects; namely the society constructs as a problem, the contested character of social construction and the changing character of social construction (May, et al eds 2001 p.8) A realist perspective looks at social problems as real problems that exist and which everyone agrees to their existence and requires explanation. The constructive perspective on the other hand, looks at social problems as a constructio n of society. The question they ask is who says there is a social problem what sort of social problem, do they say it is (May, et al eds (2001). The main issue between the different perspectives of social problem is whether social problems are factual and objective for sociologists to investigate and explain. This essay will look at social problems and the difficulty of solving them. I will start by looking at common factors relating to social problems. Common factors relating to social problems All social problems are prone to a number of different definitions and interpretations. The journalist looks at a social problem from a perspective different from that of a sociologist or a philosopher. The journalist may report a problem in a certain manner, there by actually exaggerating the real problem and causing further alarm in the society. Sociologist will interpret a social problem from a different perspective. Different explanations of social problems are another common factor relating to all social problems. People usually do have different explanation why social problems occur. Society is always looking for whom to blame for a social problem. They always attribute the cause of a problem to the individual, family or the government. How a problem is presented, is another common factor relating to social problems. The press do play a role in this regard. Journalists are interested in sensational news which they feel will interest the public. Issues are termed social problems, when they are brought to the knowledge of the public and they become part of the public discourse Professional intervention is another fact common to social policies. Professionals in our society are quick to label people, that they believe do not conform to ‘standard normal behaviour’, they more often than not marginalise such people and segregate them, (e.g.) special schools, special needs. The victims view point is another factor that is common in all social problems. There is a world of difference between the way a victim sees himself and the way society views him. Society stereotypes certain people. We all have our prejudices, knowingly or unknowingly. The way the society views homeless people is different from the way homeless people view themselves. Finally, how to find the solution to social problems is an element that is common to all social problems. There is no generally accepted way, social problems can be solved. Some solutions can be very complex, while others appear straight forward. Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) was introduced as a straight forward solution to deal with anti social behaviour. However, many young people now regard ASBO as a badge of honour (The Guardian, Monday November 6 2006). To tackle the issue of juvenile crimes and ethnic groups will require complex situations. Causes of Social Problems Generally speaking a perspective means a way of looking at things. I will now briefly look at the causes of social problems from different perspectives. I will first look at the individual perspective. Some commentators argue that criminals were abnormally conditioned by biological and environmental factors (Rubington and Weinberg, 1989 p.33). Others however argue that causes of social problems are due mainly to the society/ environment and not due to the physiological make up of individuals. However, certain actions of individuals or groups are so glaring that they causes of social problems are directly attributed to them. Another reason why social problems occur is due to peer group or family pressure. Disagreement between individuals or groups in a society can also lead to social problems. This is called the interaction perspective. Fall out between different cultures and religion in a society is a reason why social problems occur. People are usually influenced by their culture and religion. Some people are very fanatic in their views and believe and see some one of a different faith or race as different from them. This can to a lot of social problems. Social structures are the very basic foundation of any society, and it is a major reason why social problems occur. Some individuals or group might feel excluded from the social, economic or political structures of society. The social structures of society might be designed in such a way that they shut off or marginalise certain segments of their society, usually minority groups. Added to this is that government interferences and policies, might cause social problems, as they may favour certain segments of the society while excluding others. Examples of Social Problems Poverty Poverty has so many definitions. Poverty is powerlessness. It has so many faces and it is changing from place to place and across time (World health Organization, 2001). Absolute poverty is disenabling. It means that one can not afford the basic human requirement. By this, I mean that it robs one of many things in life, including his dignity and pride. Relative deprivation means that one is not keeping up with the standards in a given city. Poverty is one of the major reasons why people are excluded from the political, social and economic structures of society (Maxwell and Kenway, 2001). Poverty is usually constructed by a distinction between normal people, and those that are poor. The constructive perspective of poverty does not deny the existence of poverty, but that only some people at some time and in some place will be labelled as being in poverty May, et al eds 2001 p.7) A realist perspective will look at poverty as objectively describable and will attempt to offer an explanati on. Juvenile delinquency Juvenile delinquency is a complex, serious problem. The cause of this problem includes peer pressure and the failure of our social structures, among others. However it is not a new phenomenon. In 1880, the penologist Enoch Wines, wrote, ‘’ Delinquent children, the criminals of the next generation, must be prevented from pursuing their criminal carers; they are born to it, brought up to it. They must be saved’’ (Wines, 1880, p.132 cited in McNeil and Townley, p.21-27). We can not overstate, the fact that Juvenile delinquency is a huge social problem today. The government have tried to deal with it, with legislation, cumulating in the crime and disorder Act 1998, Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO) and parenting orders. However, the media seem to be giving a lot of attention to delinquent youths and portraying them as monsters and race and gender issues have not adequately been looked in to. There is also a difference of opinions on how the problem can be sol ved. The realist perspective will acknowledge the existence of the problem, while a constructive perspective, will view it as a construction of society. Ethnicity and Social problems Ethnicity generally refers to a group’s attachment to a particular area and sharing a peculiar way of life. Racism is when a group of people are treated differently because of their colour. There have been ethnic and racial problems in our society. The media have played a part in upping ethnic tension in the UK. Race riots have flared in some parts of the UK. There have also been reported increases in race attacks. Our institutions, particularly the police and the media have been branded institutionally racist. People from ethnic minority are more likely to be stopped and searched by the police and they are more likely to be socially, economically and politically excluded, more than white people. They are also more likely to be projected as social problems. The cause of ethnic tension is usually an unfounded fear that diversity is a threat to the dominant group in society. The realist perspective will acknowledge the existence of this problem and will seek an explanation for i t. The constructive perspective will view the issue as a construction by society. Single parents Single parents are a social phenomenon now regarded as a social problem because they are believed to have an impact on our values. They tend to impact directly on society, socially, economically, and ideologically. Single parents become a problem, when they cost the state a lot. A good number of single parents depend on state benefits. Fathers are usually absent, and do not contribute towards the upkeep of the children. The social cost of absent fathers can not be overlooked (Dennis and Erdos, 1993). The government have put in place legislation namely the 1989 Children’s Act and the 1991 Child Support Act to deal with the problem. Conclusion Social problems are hard to solve. They seem to be ingrained in the complex web of unwanted state intervention, reckless forms of individual behaviour and economic factors. Social problems have no commonly accepted forms of definition, but they all have common factors that relate to them. In the problems that I listed above, they are all seen from different perspectives and given different explanations. It depends on who is viewing the problem. The media and the government also contribute to making social problems hard to solve. Some social problems might be downplayed and others blown out of proportion. Some times the intervention of the government and experts may worsen a problem as they tend to look at the problem form their own point of view, without taking the point of view of individual or groups suffering the problems directly in to consideration. Individuals can also make social problems difficult to solve. They may mislead the government by providing incorrect data. Economic factors do play a part. The government might not see some social problems as a top priority for them to solve and thus will not earmark enough funds to tackle the problem. Sometimes, the government may not have the political will to solve certain social problems. Some social problems are interwoven in to our social, political and economic structure, that to solve them, we will need to dismantle our entire structure. Finally, there is no generally accepted way to solve social problems. Some solutions appear easy, while others appear complex, but you can not be certain, that the proffered solution will solve the problem. Bibliography Bilton et al eds (2002) Introduction to Sociology, Fourth Edition, Macmillan, London Dennis, N and Erdos, N (1993) Families without fatherhood, Institute for the study of civil society, London Downes, D Rock, P (1995) Understanding Deviance, Oxford University Press, New-York Fulcher, J Scot, J (2006) Sociology, Third Edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford Levin, J, Innis, K, Carroll, W Bourne, R (2000) Social Problems, causes, consequences, Interventions, Second Edition, Oxford University Press, new-York Maxwell, S and Kenway, P (2001) The Challenge of Ending rural poverty, Oxford University Press, Oxford May, et al eds (2001) Understanding Social problems, Blackwell Publishers, McNeill, P Townley, C (1986) Fundamentals of Sociology, Second Edition, Hutchinson, London Raab, E Selznick (1964), Major Social Problems, Paterson and Company, Evanston, Illinois Rubington, E Weinberg, (1989) The Study of Social Problems, Fourth Edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford Rubington, E and Weinberg, M (1989) The Study of Social Problems, Oxford University Press, New-York Spector, M Kitsuse, J (2000) Constructing Social Problems, Transaction, New-Jersey Pop Art Movement: A Summary Pop Art Movement: A Summary Pop Art: A Reactionary Realism by American art critic Donald Kuspit underscores his view that to the extent that Pop-art was was a realistic movement, it ridiculed expressionism and was politically reactionary due to the fact that it approved? Of art on the status quo? By embracing? And celebrating Images of American mass media and popular culture. (Walker 2009) In attempt to bring art back into American daily life, the Pop-art movement depicted elements of popular culture by using common everyday objects, chiefly advertising and product packaging, television and comic strips. The images are portrayed with a blend of humour, criticism and irony. Through this, the movement ascertained the position of art into everyday and contemporary life. It assisted in decreasing the gap between high art and low art and abolished the distinction between fine art and commercial art methods. The Pop-art movement rebuffed the abstract style because of its cultured? And aristocratic nature. (World Wide Art Resources 2009) It was during the 1980s that there was a renewal of interest in the Pop-art of the well known Andy Warhol and contemporaries, this resurgence of interest was known as neo-Pop. Adapted from its forefathers, contemporary Pop-art consists of a reworked form; a revival of identifiable celebrities and objects from popular culture with icons and symbols of the current times. (Art History Archive n.d.) Contemporary Pop-art lends from the past, maintaining the critical evaluation of Western culture, relationships, values and interactions. It frequently satirises celebrities and candidly embraces ideas that are challenging and controversial. Although the bombardment upon society of Popular culture and advertising has become significantly greater since the Pop-art movement began, I believe that the critiques of Pop-art are not appropriate to the original nor the contemporary Pop-art scene. Pop-artists artists have continually been engaged in a crucial dialogue with mass culture. They are noted for exploiting these increasingly despised images of mass culture in order to facilitate the critical examination of the effects of consumerism on human thought, emotion and creativity and challenging our assumptions about the purpose and identity of art in a world inundated with media images and messages (University of Virginia 2006), as the following examples by contemporary artists will demonstrate. (expand on this?) Jeff Koons is perhaps the most renowned Pop-artist of the current day. He addresses societys fixation with Pop culture and counteracts the division between appearance and reality, surface and depth, and art and commodity (reword more?)Koons forms his art pieces on consumer products and manipulates everyday objects in order to overemphasise mass-produced cultural objects while uncovering the nuances of marketing. In difference to his 1960s forbearers, Koons desire is to remark on societies psychological investment in consumerism and how these consumer products are fabricated to allure. (Art Knowledge News n.d.) Jeff Koons first exhibition was titled Equilibrium, which was displayed in 1985. One of the defining features of this decade was the forceful growth of consumerism. For this exhibition he produced a series of works displaying consumer items in glass cases. In Three Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (Fig 1), three basketballs were suspended in a glass case, surrounded by authentic Nike posters displaying basketball players in positions of power. The posters in the work represent sport as a means to achieve fame and fortune for young working-class Americans. The posters almost exclusive use of black athletes not just as stars, but in roles associated with elevated power and respect is a comment on the traditional social system that in reality refutes this power or respect to a large majority of African-Americans. According to Koons, the suspended basketballs also suggest death and fame, the ultimate states of existence. (Tate Collection n.d.) Koons Made in Heaven (Fig 2) series is a collection of overtly sexually explicit photographs and sculptures featuring the artist in moments of sexual passion and intimacy with his then pornstar wife Cicciolina. The exuberant images were first displayed during the 1990 Venice Biennale, among more conventional forms of expression. The series produced both shock and excitement among audiences, and stirred much controversy in the art world with a scandalous subject matter that pushed the limits of twentieth century censorship. Although pornography has been a widely acknowledged aspect of society, it deemed controversial because it is a form of Popular culture that was and still remains taboo in polite company. Koons is notorious for testing the boundaries of acceptable taste; his intention in Made in Heaven was to critically examine love, romance and sexual desire, involving the viewer by making them a contributor to the artwork, as most pornography necessitates an outside viewer to be c lassified as such. (Christies 2009)The Made in Heaven series was also in part a response to The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden, by the fifteenth century painter Massacio. Koons remarks, In The Expulsion, theres all this guilt and shame that were on Adam and Eves faces, and I wanted to make a body of work that was about guilt and shame and the importance of removing that, so that people could have transcendence over guilt and shame in their own history. (Nance 2010) Made for part of his Banality series, is Michael Jackson and Bubbles (1988) (Fig 3), a six feet long ceramic gilded white and gold statue depicting mega Pop-star Michael Jackson with his pet monkey Bubbles, immortalised as cultic and sacred personalities in an idealised state. Its initially blatantly kitsch appearance gives way to reveal its hyper-realistic approach to evoke the fragility of modern days most eminent star. The situation illustrated in the piece deals with societys idolisation and the ever more bizarre media narrative of Michael Jacksons life. Koons states, It really wasnt so much about Michael Jackson. It was about celebrity status, and about hopes, ideals, hierarchies that are placed on structures which take human form. (Nance 2010) Michael Jackson is the archetype of the glamorous, eccentric tragic and ambivalent and Koons encourages numerous interpretive possibilities. (Astrup Fearnly Museum n.d.) An additional example of a contemporary Pop-artist is American sculptor, Daniel Edwards. His sculptures deal with celebrity and Pop culture in a manner that frequently rouses controversy. The release of his works are usually paired with a press release. (Capla Kesting Fine Art n.d.) While frequently denigrated for his use of celebrity, Edwards artwork are also acknowledged as prophetic and consistent in their capacity for humanising social issues that the media and public have difficulty addressing. Autopsy of Paris Hilton (2007) (Fig 4) was produced as a confrontational and graphic interactive display to communicate to the young the dangers of drink driving. The sculpture is life-sized and depicts Paris Hilton sprawled on a bench with her legs splayed. In one hand she clutches her mobile phone whilst in the other is a glass of wine, in this sculpture she has supposedly died as a result of her drink driving, in which in reality she has been convicted of on numerous occasions. The public are encouraged to remove her innards through a cavity in her abdomen, giving a coroners perspective. Contained within this cavity is also her uterus containing twin dead foetuses, which Edwards says is to bring attention to the teen pregnancy crisis. The sculpture is an attempt to de-glamorise the life of a diva and partier which Hilton is renowned for.(Rayme 2007) The sculpture perhaps also alludes to the cult which is celebrities and their every occurrence and the media and publics unquenchable hunger to get as close as possibly to their idols. Daniel Edwards Monument to Pro-Life: The Birth of Sean Preston (2006) (Fig 5), portrays celebrity Britney Spears in a position of natural birth, whereas in fact she gave birth to her son via c-section and was heavily drugged. The piece created much political debate. According to Edwards it promotes pro-life. At its reveal he called his piece an image of birth and mentioned that it was a new take on the pro-life perspective. He states that pro-lifers generally endorse bloody images of abortion and his aim is to generate debate about a topic that is as he states greater than either pro-life and pro-choice advocates. (Rayme 2007) Japanese artist Masumasa Morimura is a well-known example of appropriating worldwide recognised images taken from mass media and popular culture In my view, there can be no generalisation about the quality, meaning and social significance of works of art, given the discrepancies of aesthetic responses and interpretations. Furthermore, Donald Kuspits view expressed in his article suffers owing to the fact that he assumes that artists should be critics of society rather than witnesses or simply narrators of it. Kuspit is an example of a critic who universalises his personal opinion of Pop-art and delivers his judgement whilst ignoring other responses to Pop. (Walker 2009) Pop art was and still remains one of the most popular styles of art, it was successful in communicating to the general public in a mode in which few art movements did or have since done. (Encyclopedia of World Art n.d.) The reality that Pop-art is effective in generating such a broad range of responses is a tribute to its at first seemingly ambiguous character, a testament that it is more complex and diverse than some critics have accepted, and an indication that it is not as trivial and straightforward as some commentators believe. (Walker 2009)

grendelbeo Epic of Beowulf Essay - The Monstrous Grendel :: Epic Beowulf essays

The Monstrous Grendel  of Beowulf   It is true that Grendel is monstrous. He is not only a deadly enemy to Hrothgar and Herot, but to the Geats in general. Grendel seems to take his only pleasure from assaulting Herot and destroying the warriors inside. He is a bane to all those that live under Hrothgar's rule. They hate him. He is called the â€Å"enemy of mankind† (29) and rightly so. However, because of Grendel’s actions, they cannot see the other part of Grendel that makes him do the evil he does. Grendel, like the Angels before and the Geats soon after, is symbolic of displaced races/peoples and not simply a mindless monster. When Adam and Eve had children, they had two boys. Their names were Cain and Able. When Cain killed Able, God â€Å"banished him far from mankind† (29). From Cain came trolls, elves, monsters, and giants. Grendel is a descendant of Cain, so he shares Cain’s banishment. Cain may have been the first displaced person after Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden. G rendel shares his ancestor’s sentence. He is displaced not only from whatever land or wealth he would have if he were â€Å"human† but he is also displaced form God. It is this displacement that causes Grendel to destroy. Since he cannot â€Å"approach the throne† (28) like other people, he chooses to try to destroy the throne, because he has â€Å"no love for him (God)† (28). This is the main reason Grendel is symbolic of displaced peoples. After all, he is a direct descendent of the very first displaced people, Adam and Eve. However, unlike Adam and Eve, Grendel is doomed to an eternity of banishment from God’s light because of Cain’s sin against his brother. That is why Grendel kills, because he cannot be in the light, because he is at war with God. Grendel is not only banished from God’s light, but from the light in general. Throughout the text, references are made to Grendel as â€Å"the walker in darkness† (36), and †Å"the dark-death shadow† (29). This kind of imagery further shows how displaced Grendel has become. The text refers to him as a â€Å"creature deprived of joy† (36). The text also refers to Grendel’s dwelling as â€Å"his joyless home† (37). It is no wonder Grendel was considered so monstrous. Like other displaced peoples, he has nowhere that is a refuge to him, because he has been removed from his home, or in Grendel’s case, the love of the Lord.