Competitive Strategies Essay

Coca-Cola (Coke) and Pepsi-Cola (Pepsi) are two major cola companies competing for the number one spot in a substantial global cola market, and is known for the most notable ongoing battles between two major cola companies to date. Fortunately, for both companies, the cola beverage industry stretches to nearly every corner of the world. However, with such a vast market and immense revenue capabilities it is no wonder that the Coke versus Pepsi competition is still so intense (Coke vs. Pepsi, 2012). In the paragraphs to follow this paper will determine how Coke and Pepsi’s corporate cultures are different from each other, review three ways the Coke and Pepsi culture have benefited each other when competing, and consider how Pepsi and Coke could continue to thrive if its current corporate culture would have to change in the future. Coca-Cola has a passion for success. Leaders strive to build a better future, and have the reliability to be real, and accountable. In addition, leaders continue to seek, imagine, create, delight, and do what they do well by using principles that transform a desire into an accomplishment. There is no single formula needed to succeed, and Coke allows employees to explore his or her creative abilities, the freedom to research new ideas, and to have a setting which allows anyone to make his or her passion come to life (The Coca-Cola Company, 2009). Pepsi, on the other hand, likes to perform with a purpose, burn new trails, never settle to be second best, be bigger, better, and successful together. Pepsi is committed to giving consumers the taste he or she craves, and meet nutritional needs. By dreaming globally and acting locally Pepsi is consistently seeking to innovate and sustain the people, the planet, the communities and business they serve. Fortunately, new markets make way for new ventures, new ways to focus on health issues, cultural, and ecological encounters. Every day is a journey, and a chance to grow personally and professionally (PepsiCo, 2012). Although there are countless similarities between Pepsi and Coke the history behind these two rivals are far from being the same. For instance, in 1885, a pharmacist named John Stith Pemberton created Coke as a tonic. At the time, the key element being cocaine (thus the name â€Å"coke†) targeted the fact that it could essentially fight depression. However, because of the nature of the drug, users were becoming addicted to the drink. In 1904, Cocaine was eradicated in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which meant that this key ingredient would have to change. Still, Coke retained its name and continues to promote its beverage through aggressive advertising (Smith, 2012). Even though it came along fourteen years later (1898), pharmacist Caleb Bradham, intends for Pepsi to be Coke’s main competitor. Like Coke, Pepsi also placed heavy emphasis on advertising, and continues to challenge its rival through advertising. Pepsi likes to use celebrities, presenting itself as a drink for sports fans, in addition to promoting an image of originality. Whereas Coke represents fun times only, Pepsi represents fun times, athletics, and custom made ideas (Smith, 2012). Regardless of what many may think, both cola drinks are similar in color, use the same amount of carbon dioxide, and even the taste is quite similar. However, both companies used different natural extracts from the coca nut in the past, now each rely on artificial flavors and man-made components (notably, Pendergrast 87). Nevertheless, both Pepsi and Coke are intended to serve as recreational drinks notably identified with some sort of entertainment, parties, fun, and yes, sex, but the biggest difference between these two colas is history, and efforts, which have defined each of these brands (Smith, 2012). Marketing and advertising are a vital part of the war between Pepsi and Coke. Both companies are smart enough to know that regardless of which beverage consumers choose to purchase may not always be based on taste preference. Although there are those who really do favor the taste of either cola, one has to wonder how the consumer’s emotional attachment comes in to play when making a choice. Both Pepsi and Coke spend a fair amount of money to sponsor music events, sporting events, TV shows, in addition to other high profile happenings. Each company realizes that this can play a huge role in product selection with members of these audiences. However, it is no accident that Pepsi and Coke sponsor highly emotional events such as the Super Bowl or American Idol because it creates an emotional connection to the product (Coke vs. Pepsi, 2012). To date, Pepsi and Coke have had a long sordid history of abundant marketing which, in the end, has produced loyal customers as well as brand equity all over the world. This in and of itself makes it nearly impossible for any new cola beverage to come close to this scale in the market place. Not to mention retailers receive a margin of 15 to 20 percent on the shelf space offered for these particular soft drinks, and since this will impact the bottom line competitors have a tough time convincing retailers to carry a new line of products. For new products to enter the market now could also lead to price wars which can affect the success or failure of a new comer to the soft drink industry (Vulpala, 2007). Nevertheless, Pepsi and Coke have benefited greatly from this ongoing competition. Although Coke has been around longer, and is the original cola soft drink, Pepsi has been able to build its business by imitating its formula. Imitation can be critical when it comes to creating a constant competitive advantage. However, if alternate resources provide a similar product at no additional cost, then substituting through duplicating leads to driven equality in the long run (Barney, 1995). Even so, Pepsi and Coke face unique challenges in addition to new opportunities with globalization, and it has not put a damper on the intense rivalry between the two. Although Coke did dominate the international market share in 1999, because Pepsi made its entrance into the market much later and Coke already had distribution and bottling networks set up in developed markets (Vulpala, 2007). Still, Pepsi has aggressively sought competition in economies where Coke is not as dominant, and due to lack of consolidation, international fountain and retail sales are somewhat weaker than that of the US markets. This, by the way, gives Pepsi, and Coke better pricing power, as well as influence over other similar products. Unfortunately, carbonated beverage consumption is much lower in international markets compared to US markets. However, since there are cultural differences in international markets, alternatives are available, but Pepsi and Coke will have to spend more on advertising dollars to convince consumers in these markets to embrace carbonated beverages (Vulpala, 2007). Regardless, Pepsi and Coke are able sustain profits because of the structure within the industry has been kept intact for several decades. Fortunately, there are no new threats on the horizon from new competition, and apparently no major changes are showing up on radar. Changes in technology will not play a major role for either company, and since both have been around long enough to gather brand parity, it can sustain and diversify their businesses for a very long time. However, globalization has opened up numerous opportunities for Pepsi and Coke, and although consumption is not as big in international markets as it is in US markets, there are still endless opportunities for growth (Vulpala, 2007). References Barney, J. B. (1995). Looking inside for Competitive Advantage. Academy of Management Executive, 9(4). Coke vs. Pepsi. (2012). Coke vs. Pepsi: Who Gets Your Vote? Retrieved from http://cokevspepsi. net/ PepsiCo. (2012). Performance with a Purpose. Why Work at PepsiCo? Retrieved from http://www. pepsico. com/Careers/Why-Work-at-PepsiCo/Culture. html The Coca-Cola Company. (2009). Our People, Culture, Vision and Values. Retrieved from http://www. europeancareers. coca-cola. com/en/home/our-company/our-people-culture-vision-values/ Smith, N. (2012). Coke versus Pepsi: Differences in Cultural History Rather than Taste. Retrieved from http://www. articlemyriad. com/coke-pepsi-differences-cultural-history-taste/ Vulpala, L. G. (2007). Cola Wars: Five Forces Analysis. Goutham’s Thoughts. Retrieved from http://goutham. wordpress. com/2007/10/18/cola-wars-five-forces-analysis/

Do Auditors Need to Have in-Depth Knowledge of Information Technology Essay

Yes, auditors need to have in-depth knowledge of information technology. Networks and computers deliver the most information needed for auditing to work. For it to be effective, auditors have to use the computer as an auditing tool, audit automated systems and data, and understand the business purposes for the systems and the situation in which the systems operate. The other important uses for networks and computers by auditors are in audit administration. By pursuing new uses for computers and communications, auditors can direct their activities more effectively and improve their skill to review systems information. Automated tools give auditors the chance to increase individual productivity and audit function. The development of auditing in the fast growth of technology, which directly contributes to information technology auditing, internal control standards and guidelines explained by Yang (2004). Technology, electronic data processing, and information system have altered the way organizations handle its business, endorsing operational efficiency and assist decision-making. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), have provided standards to allow and deliver required guidance to auditors. In SAS No. 48, â€Å"the effects of computer processing on the examination of financial statements,† explained and suggested auditors to consider the methods of computer data processing and other important factors such as planning and supervision, study and assessment of internal control, evidential matter, systematic review procedures, and requirements of the audit team. It also underlined the individual characteristics of information technology systems that should be measured by the auditor when directing the assessment process. In SAS No. 94 recognized the types of systems, controls and evidence auditors faced. The author also explains the Statement Of Information System Auditing (SISA), which express the needed requirements for information system auditing and reporting Tucker (2001). Staciokas (2005) have directed to understand internal audit functions, search effect of information technology and analyze advantages of internal audit in the organizational governance. Also did research on the definition of internal audit has continually changed and revised over the past few decades, and are still faced with certain issues understanding of internal audit function and it position within the organization. At the time the function of internal audit includes the internal control effectiveness, assistance to external auditors, or fraud investigations, but also identification of organizational risks, discussions to the senior management on risk management, develop improvement or global operations. Ruud (2001) explains, â€Å"it is important to understand needs and expectations of internal and external decision makers towards internal audit function† but also explained that there is some problem faced by internal audit being as an important part of organization. Auditors assisted by information technology based application; Computer Assisted Audit Tools increased effectiveness of internal audit in the organization. The author has underlined the purpose of internal audit function is to monitor, evaluate and improve risk management, controls, and governance process, but has not provided enough analysis on how different corporate governance’s approaches can influence internal audit process in the organization. Coderee (1993) has explained how computer assisted audit tools and techniques (CAATT) based programs can automate certain audit function in the organization. The benefits of CAATT is it can be used to increase audit coverage, improve the combination of audit skills, increase independence of auditing from information system functions, and adopt greater reliability and increase cost effectiveness through the progress of reusable computerized techniques. The author demonstrates and suggests how automated tools and techniques have improved the value, efficiency, and effectiveness of audit. This has been stated in internal control over hazardous material where the critical audit’s objective was to review controls over the procurement, distribution, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. But another standpoint, the author gives an example of workforce reduction program where CAATT used to review the efficiency and effectiveness of this program, personnel information system, and payroll system, the audit was successfully provides senior management with an assessment of the effectiveness of the program. Also how auditor inspected the controls over the closure process of a production plant. In one situation, an audit team helps the organization to determine whether equipment and inventory items were sold at an appropriate price, and properly safeguarded to prevent theft or loss. The CAATT developed for this closure were successfully used and reduced timing of the planning phase generally by more than 50%. And determine the benefits and effectiveness of CAATT in automating audit functions in the organization and allowed improvement of efficiency and effectiveness of auditing process be established. But the author has not provided any research survey and reports to support and justify his statements. The analysis of how CAATT automating of audit function are only based on survey and suggestion of unverifiable sources. As audit tools are growing more powerful and sophisticated, they are also becoming easier to learn and use but they also have to adapt into a difficult and always changing environment. Types of audit software can easily clash with features of other software on the network or computer, and must be thoroughly managed. As tools become more influential, auditors may use features or services provided in the software that command large amounts of system resources such as processing cycles, communication bandwidth, and storage, and to compete with other users of those resources. One good example, an auditor can request access to a file with a program that will scan each record in the file and can lock other users out until the process is complete. The processing could also require large amounts of network storage space at a time when it is in short supply and could cause a server to crash. It is important to schedule this kind of processing at times when other system users will not be behind or stop them from performing their work. Instead, many audit organizations perform their audit analyses using files copied or archived from the live production files. It is important to understand there is no general model for technology tools appropriate to all organizations. It is also important to understand the increasing dependence on technology to accomplish or support almost all auditing activities. Technology topics make up an increasing percentage of the auditor’s professional knowledge and skills set. While technology background is important in understanding new developments and directions, it is important to continue obtaining new knowledge. Effective use of audit technology tools is important to the achievement of audit activity, but is only a step toward understanding the changes technology in business and the auditing profession. Developing technologies will continuously change the shape of and approach to business controls, and audit approaches and techniques must change appropriately. Another important role for auditors and the auditing profession, is to reassure and support the efforts of providers of systems and new technologies to boost the built-in monitoring and assurance features of systems without considering them as processing overhead or as essentials that contribute to decreased performance. An important role for auditors is just to understand and change with the technologies, but to also explain the effects of this changes to others that are being effect by this.

SAM 344 UNIT 6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SAM 344 UNIT 6 - Essay Example Nike manufactures shoes of various shapes, styles, and sizes as per the preferences and tastes of every buyer. Therefore, customers have the opportunity to choose from a variety and thus, not limited to one product type (Pitts, & Stotlar, 125). However, the market for shoe products is segmented since customers have varied preferences and tastes that the product meets. Therefore, Nike strives to ensure that its customers derive the best from the product as per the market segmentation (Carbasho, 12. I think the shoe products from Nike continue to evolve and pass through various stages as it grows to meet the ever-evolving needs of the customers. This is to ensure that the products do not become out of date and irrelevant to customers as well as to their needs at different periods. Nike Company provides a variety of sport products; a variety of shoe, equipment products and sport attires. For instance, one of the company’s brands, Cole Haan has a range of casual footwear, a lineup of dress and as well as various accessories for women, men, and children (Carbasho, 14). Furthermore, it markets headgear and sells small plastic products to various manufactures and through Nike IHM Inc. Other products produced and marketed by Nike include skate blades, protective gear, hockey sticks, and hockey jerseys among other accessories. Nike’s pricing is designed in a manner that is competitive to that of other rival firms dealing with shoe products. Moreover, its pricing is on a basis of quality segment as target buyers. Its pricing strategy uses vertical integration in determining price as they control and engage participants at various levels or channels of operations. This aids in controlling costs and thus influences product pricing (Carbasho, 14). The shoes produced by Nike are distributed to the exclusive Nike stores as well as multi – brand stores all over the globe. It sells the shoes to over 20,000 retail accounts within

R#4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

R#4 - Essay Example According to the author, the term emergent bilingualism associates with a development process among the learners, and it is likely to motivate them to be efficient in learning English. In addition, referring to the children as second language learners creates an impression that they are, and may always be, inferior to native speakers. Garcia’s explanation of the basis of the American classification of limited English learners also explains the classification’s discriminative scope that could lead to stigmatization. Using the term emergent bilingualism is therefore better for psychological and social well being of the non-native children (Garcia, 2009, page 322, Line 18- 29, Page 323, Line 1- 16). The concept of emergent bilingualism is also significant to educators, whose objective is to promote learning outcomes. In using the concept, educators will be focusing on positive aspects of the students’ language background and appreciating the student’s native language could also help them to understand English and even improve their proficiency. Bentham & Hutchins (2012, Page 22, Line, 1-4) argues that children are the target of learning and therefore define their learning environment and things that motivate them. Creating a negative attitude among children, by calling then second language learners or limited English proficient students will therefore promote an environment of negative attitude and lack of motivation. A transition to the concept of emerging bilingualism will therefore help teachers to facilitate students’ performance. Similarly, the concept is likely to promote a positive approach to policy making by focusing on the students’ strengt hs instead of weakness (Garcia, 2009, Page 323, Line 1-4). I also agree with Garcia’s opinion that bilingualism will be an important aspect of the society (Garcia, 2009, Page 325, Line 14-17), and this is because of the increasing wave of

Managed health care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Managed health care - Essay Example The patient’s confidentiality must be protected by the provider. A provider is liable for breach of patient’s confidentiality if they disclose confidential information related to the patient without their consent as required by the law (Roberts, 2000). When a managed care organization asks for the client’s personal information to make payment decisions, it may undermine the confidentiality of the patient (Wellspring Counseling, 2005). Providers should be careful in limiting the ability of the managed care organization to modify or amend the contract on its own. If it is possible, the provider is supposed to negotiate the amendment provision, which necessitates the consent of the concerned parties before any amendment is done (Roberts, 2000). Majority of the managed care contracts possess dispute resolution clauses. These clauses deal with the manner in which disputes associated with the agreement will be resolved by the entities. The dispute resolution process includes mediation, arbitration, and litigation in court (Roberts, 2000). The contract must indicate that the provider is not mandated to offer, â€Å"any services under the contract that it does not ordinarily and customarily provide to its patients who are not members of the contracting MCO and its affiliate plans† (Ziel, 1997). The concerned entities may consider adding a clause that particularly lists all the services provided by the MCO and the plans (Ziel, 1997). One of the key issues in quality assurance and utilization management is that providers can be subjected by the managed care organizations to utilization management procedures and policies, which are administered inconsistently and unjustly. There are cases where the providers are not even offered the copies of the policies (Roberts, 2000). A provider is supposed to think about its mandates under the agreement before the contract is

Supreme Court Winery Decision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Supreme Court Winery Decision - Essay Example It is plausible to note that the ruling destroyed the distribution chain by the wine fabricating companies including chain stores, wholesalers, and retailers (Bravin A1). The system reduced benefits since it boosts unemployment in the United States. Although the decision might create a new market niche for the country’s products, the benefits are enjoyed at the expense of collapse of local infant/inefficient industries. Kantianism suggests that although some actions could bring about more happiness than the others could, there is a possibility of being prohibited. Based on this principle, the Supreme Court ruling was morally upright since it encouraged equality, transparency, and fairness in the market. In fact, if all states and countries could act and emulate the earlier ruling, then globalization together with its benefits could be a nightmare. There is the essence of collaboration and competition in the market, which benefits all market participants. The earlier law did not respect the goals of the human being but rather was used to protect the local industries and presumed consumption of alcohol by young Americans. According to Kantianism theory, the moral of an action does not depend on whether the presumed action is wrong or right on their consequences, but rather on whether such action fulfills its duty (Bravin A6). Out-of-state wineries can still conduct online businesses with their customers in a socially accepted manner. Tax is a fundamental ingredient to the government that assures benefits to the greatest majorities. In this perspective, online out-of-sale wineries would be considered dealing in a moral perspective only if they contribute a significant amount of the profits as tax to the government to support the establishment and creation of public goods.  

Module participants' are required to produce a structured reflection Essay

Module participants' are required to produce a structured reflection on their own personal group experiences. A structured ref - Essay Example And it is generalisations that allow new situations to be tackled effectively.’(Gibbs 1988) The following essay presents a reflection of my experiences in a group assignment undertook as part of a Cross Cultural Issues module. On reflection I realise that, during the project, our group went through Tuckman’s (1965) four stages of group development. namely Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing. During the formation process, several issues arose which resulted in lack of critical analysis on the research, and unsystematic decision making within the group. In this report I am going use Gibbs’ (1988) model of reflection in order to look at the issues and to find solutions to overcome the problems in future. This evaluation is the first step in ascertaining how my beliefs and assumptions as well as my background and experiences may impact on my future organisational functioning as I search for a career in management. I will use cognitive complexity (Bieri 1955) by utilising a wide variety of theories of practice to support my reflection. Figure Gibbs reflective model 1 Contents Page 1 Abstract.....................................................................................................2 2 Contents page...........................................................................................3 3 Introduction...............................................................................................4 4 Problem & context....................................................................................4 5 Self-awareness..........................................................................................5 6 Evaluation..................................................................................................6 7 Analysis......................................................................................................9 8 Conclusion............................................................................................ ....10 9 Action plan................................................................................................11 10 Appendix...................................................................................................13 11 Bibliography.............................................................................................14 12 Reference list...........................................................................................17 1 Introduction Diversity in the workplace has taken on new importance (Thomas 2004) as changing economic circumstances prompt many companies to downsize and restructure themselves into flatter, more decentralized entities. The result is that today's corporations are built around groups that must find answers to novel and complicated business issues. These teams bring together diverse groups of people who incorporate a variety of backgrounds, ideas, and personalities. A reflection on my study would provide important bearing for me in prep aration for workplace dynamics. 1 Problem & context As part of the Cross Cultural issues module, we had to prepare a group presentation based on a critical analysis of the cross cultural issues a UK based firm would encounter establishing an Indian subsidiary. My diverse group of six comprised of three females: one British (X), one Polish (Y) and one Brazilian (Z). and three males: two British (J and A) and one Zimbabwean

Isolation and identification of unknown bacteria Lab Report

Isolation and identification of unknown bacteria - Lab Report Example We used standardized procedures in the process of cultivation of bacetia. We received pure culture of unknown organism. Using Bunsen burner the loop was sterilized by heating the entire wire into the flame of the burner until it glows with bright red or orange color and afterwards the loop was left to cool. The culture of uknown bacteria was held in inoculation tube in a form of liquid culture and the inoulation tube was sealed with sterile cap.. We maintained aseptic conditions during the handling of the culture. During the whole process the caps and the tubes were held in hand were not allowed to be contaminated by contacting the table or other source of environmental bacteria. The openings of the inoculation tube was sterilized by burning with the Bunsen burner twice in order to avoid contamination with environmental bacteria. With the cooled loop, carfully not to touch the sides of the tube we collected one loop of material and after that the edges of the tube were again burned with flame from the Bunsen burner and the caps were put . The loop was then inoculated on two separate TSA plates. The lid of the plates was opened with free hand and the material was seeded with gentle strokes of the loop using T streak method in order to allow optimal contidions for growth. The lid was then put back on the plates and the loop was again sterilized by burning until glowing bright red on the Bunsen burner. ... erilized by heating the entire wire into the flame of the burner until it glows with bright red or orange color and afterwards the loop was left to cool. The culture of uknown bacteria was held in inoculation tube in a form of liquid culture and the inoulation tube was sealed with sterile cap.. We maintained aseptic conditions during the handling of the culture. During the whole process the caps and the tubes were held in hand were not allowed to be contaminated by contacting the table or other source of environmental bacteria. The openings of the inoculation tube was sterilized by burning with the Bunsen burner twice in order to avoid contamination with environmental bacteria. With the cooled loop, carfully not to touch the sides of the tube we collected one loop of material and after that the edges of the tube were again burned with flame from the Bunsen burner and the caps were put . The loop was then inoculated on two separate TSA plates. The lid of the plates was opened with fre e hand and the material was seeded with gentle strokes of the loop using T streak method in order to allow optimal contidions for growth. The lid was then put back on the plates and the loop was again sterilized by burning until glowing bright red on the Bunsen burner. Gram stain For completing the Gram stain we needed Gram stain reagents (crystal violet, Gram's iodine, 95% ethyl alcohol, and safranin), microscope slides and bacterial cultures. In preparation of the Gram stain asepttci principles were used. Inocultion loop was sterilized by burning on a Bunsen burner until bright red color appeared. Five loop of the unknown colony were placed on a microscope slide and the material was sread even on the surface of the slide. The material was left to air-dry and room temperature. After this

The Invention and history of Coca Cola( in the United States) Research Paper

The Invention and history of Coca Cola( in the United States) - Research Paper Example Coca-Cola was made-up by him in a three legged brass kettle as a result of serendipity when he was experimenting with the coca leaf and cola nut (The History of Coca-Cola). After preparing the syrup for Coca-Cola, he took the jug along the street to Jacobs Pharmacy. It was at this place that the sample was termed "Excellent!!". The drink was highly appreciated and it was sold at five cents per glass. He accomplished first coke commercial and gave it a slogan "Delicious, Refreshing, Exhilarating!!!" (Fascinating Facts about the Invention of Coca-Cola ®). Pemberton fought during the Civil War for the South. He shifted to Atlanta after the war and started selling patent medicines. He was innovative and this made him operate his own laboratory under the name "Pemberton Chemical Co." The most popular drink sold by Pemberton was "Pembertons French Wine Coca", a drink prepared with wine and coca extract, and was widely accepted to cure nervous disorders, headache etc. The innovation continued and he came up with the "brain tonic", a temperance drink; Frank Robinson, a bookkeeper of Pemberton, first scripted this drink "Coca Cola" and this became the logo of the brand (Inventor of the Week Archive). Later, Asa Griggs Candler made Coca-Cola a popular drink in 1888. With his efforts and alterations he rectified the drink and made it more palatable by eliminating alcohol and cocaine. He popularized the drink through advertisements; moreover, he spent 20% revenue on advertising. Candler was a pioneer to have advertisement pay off in such a grand manner for the company (The History of Coca-Cola). The sale turned over to 4000% between the years 1890-1900. This gargantuan and massive success is attributed to the advertising potential that the company has shown. The advertisements were initiated by Candler, but later Coca-Cola became the most preferred soft drink of small town and big city inhabitants (The History of Coca-Cola). People used to gather to have the

Research Change Models Essay Example for Free

Research Change Models Essay To make meaningful and long-term change in an organization, an organization needs to follow the guidelines of a change model, a diagnostic instrument, and change intervention. This paper will discuss two change models, two diagnostic instruments, and two change interventions. Change Models The two change models discussed in this paper are Lewin’s Change Model and the Action Research Model. Both of these models give a map on how to create change. Lewin’s model simplifies the process into three steps while the Action Research Model consists of eight steps. Both models three phases: Research phase, changing phase, and solidification phase (Luckett, 2003). Lewin’s Change Model Lewin developed one of the very first models for change management (Luckett, 2003). He stated there are two types of people in an organization; those who resist change and those who strive for change (Luckett, 2003; JPC, 1995; Spector, 2007). He stated the two groups need to be of equal measure to maintain homeostasis (Luckett, 2003; JPC, 1995; Pellettiere, 2006; Spector, 2007). When both groups of people are equal, a frozed state (freeze) is achieved. Lewin (as cited by JPC, 1995) states a driving force is needed to either â€Å"strengthen the driving forces or weaken the restraining forces† to achieve change (para 3). Spector (2007) states, â€Å"to break the social habits that support existing patterns of behaviors, effective implementation needs to start with dissatisfaction, disequilibrium, and discomfort† (p. 29). When one side is strengthened and/or one side is weakened then change (move) can be achieved. During this time, the organization goes through redesign, new roles and responsibilities, and new relationships are made (Spector, 2007). After the change, or movement, is completed, the organization then needs to go back to a state of homeostasis (refreeze). Bridges (2003) echoed Lewin’s three stages to organizational change in his naming of the stages: Ending, losing, letting go; neutral zone, and New Beginning (Bridges, 2003, p. 5 as cited by Stragalas, 2010, p. 31). Lewin’s model with its three steps may be too simplistic for many organizations to achieve change. Without a less ambiguous map, the organization may not be able to sustain change. Action Research Model The Action Research Model consists of eight steps: Problem identification, consultation with behavioral science expert, data gathering and preliminary diagnosis, feedback to key client or group, joint diagnosis of problem, joint action planning, action, and data gathering after collection (Boonstra, 2003; Luckett, 2003). The last five stages can be perpetual. After the last data gathering, the organization should return to â€Å"feedback to key client or group†. Once the feedback is given, the group may want to continue through the next steps. Whereas the diagnosis is completed through the â€Å"unfreeze† in Lewin’s model, in the Action Research model, diagnosis is completed during the â€Å"problem identification, consultation, and data gathering steps† (Luckett, 2003, p. 25). The changing phase for Lewin is the â€Å"move† step. In the Action Research model, the changing phase occurs during the â€Å"feedback, joint diagnosis, action planning, and action steps† (Luckett, 2003, p. 26). In Lewin’s model, the solidified phase takes place during the refreeze. In the Action Research model, solidification takes place during the â€Å"gathering after the action† (Luckett, 2003, p. 26). Moreover, â€Å"the continual process of feedback analysis solidifies the changes as the occur† (Luckett, 2003, p. 27). Unlike the Lewin model, Action Research allows for perpetual analysis that â€Å"facilitates adjustments in the organizations change plan† (Luckett, 2003, p. 28). Diagnostic Instruments Diagnostic instruments, or assessment instruments, are used for data collection and to analyze an organization. Without a proper diagnosis, change is very likely to fail (Pellettiere, 2006). Alderfer (1980) states â€Å"organizational diagnosis proceeds in there orderly phases: entry, data collection, and feedback† (p. 460). The entry phase consists of identifying who will participate in the assessment and if an agreement can be reached (Alderfer, 1980). The data collection phase consists of collecting the information and then analysis of the information (Alderfer, 1980). The feedback phase consists of sharing the results with the organization along with suggestions for the organization (Alderfer, 1980; Preziosi, 2012). The feedback should consist of strengths and weaknesses within the organization (Alderfer, 1980). Salem (2002) states there are three type of assessments: structural assessments, functional assessments, and process assessments. Structural assessments are a snapshot of a specific point in time, functional assessments relates antecedents with actions and outcomes, and process assessments consists of collecting data over an extended period of time (Alderfer, 1980). SWOT Analysis SWOT Anlysis is an acronym which stands for strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats (Balamuralikrishna Dugger, 1995; Boonstra, 2003; Hughes, 2007; Mind Tools, 2012; RapidBI, 2010; Renault, 2012). According to Balamuralikrishna Dugger (1995), a SWOT analysis should cover the internal environment and external environment. In regards to education, the internal environment consists of â€Å"faculty and staff, the learning environment, current students, operating budget, various committees, and research programs† (Balamuralikrishna Dugger, 1995, para. 13). External environment includes â€Å"propective employers of graduates, parents and families of students, competing schools, population demographics, and funding agencies† (Balamuralikrishna Dugger, 1995, para. 14). SWOT analysis would be very beneficial to school systems. Understanding an organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats assists the organization and their leaders to develop a plan of change that will be meaningful, measurable, and achievable. Balamuralikrishna Dugger, 1995 give many drawbacks to the SWOT analysis. They warn against misusing information to â€Å"justify a previously decided course of action rather than used as a means to open up new possibilities† (Balamuralikrishna Dugger, 1995, para. 19). They also warn against being too concerned about labels. For example, in many instances threats can also be considered opportunities depending upon the mindset of the leader and/or organization (Balamuralikrishna Dugger, 1995). Functional Assessment Functional assessments are another diagnostic tool useful to organizations. Functional assessments look at antecedents, behaviors, reasons for the behaviors, and outcomes (Salem, 2002). Antecedents describe what happened before the behavior. The behavior refers to how a person(s) or organization responded to the antecedent. The next question one must ask is â€Å"why did the person(s)/organization act this way?† There are several reasons a person or organization responds the way they do. However, there are only a few categories for any given behavior: attention, avoidance/escape, and control/tangible (McConnell, Cox, Thomas, Hilvitz, 2001). Finding the reasoning behind a behavior can be very important in overcoming a behavior/resistance to change or to repeat desirable behaviors to change. Problems associated with functional assessments often revolve around lack of direction. What does the organization do with this data? Functional assessments should be followed by goals. Goa ls are long-term change for an organization. To achieve their goals, organizations need to develop short-term wins, also called objectives. Change Interventions Change interventions are the â€Å"planned programmatic activities aimed at bringing changes in an organization† (Sadhu, 2009, para. 1). Interventions are detailed maps to help an organization achieve its long-term change. Aligning Reward Systems through Objectives Objectives are a road map to achieving an organizations long-term goal. Objectives need to be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (Morrison, 2010). As employees or other stakeholders meet objectives, a reward system should be set in place. The reward system needs to be appropriate and balanced with regard to the objective and motivate the organization to meet the objective(s) by the deadline. Problems with reward systems include over compensating, under compensating, and the reward not being meaningful to the recipient (Cole, Harris, Bernerth, 2006; Morrison, 2010; Nevis, Melnick, Nevis, 2008; Sadhu, 2009. Polarity Management Intervention Morrison (2010) states there are benefits of embracing resistance. He states embracing resistance can speed up the change process, help build strong relationships, help all stakeholders to meet some of their own personal goals, and keeping leaders from â€Å"taking untimely or foolish action† (Morrison, 2010, para. 22). Johnson (1992) developed a table with four quadrants to â€Å"depict change initiators and resisters† for both individuals and teams. Using this table helps organizations to see the whole picture, understanding where individuals and the organization as a whole is at this time and how to get it individuals and teams from polar opposites to common ground so change can be made (Morrison, 2010). Downsides to Polarity Management Intervention include loosing individual creativity and freedom as well as neglect of personal needs (Morrison, 2010). References Aderfer, C.P. (1980). The methodology of organizational diagnosis. Professional Psychology, 11(3), 459-468. doi:10.0033-0175/80/1103-0459. Balamuralikrishna, R., Dugger, J.C. (1995). SWOT analysis: A management tool for initiating new programs in vocational schools. Journal of Vocational and Technical Education, 12(1), 5 pages. Retrieved from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JVTE/v12n1/Balamuralikrishna.htm. Boonstra, J. (2003). Dynamics of organizational change and learning. Chichester: Wiley. Cole, M.S., Harris, S.G., Bernerth, J.B. (2006). Exploring the implications of vision, appropriateness, and execution of organizational change. Leadership Organization Development Journal, 27(5), 352-367. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01437730610677963. Holt, D.T. (2002). Readiness for change: The development of a scale. Ph.D. dissertation, Auburn University, Alabama. ProQuest Digital Dissertations database. (Publication No. AAT 3070767. Huges, M. (2007). The tools and techniques of cha nge management. Journal of change management, 7(1), 37-49. doi: 10.1080/14697010309435. JPC (1995). An ethical, means based, approach to organizational change. JPC Media LLC. Retrieved from www.jpcmediallc.com. Linkage (2012). Diagnostic instruments and assessments. Linkage. Retrieved from linkageasia.com/our-leadership-consulting-expertise/diagnostic-instruements-assessments/ Luckett, M.T. (2003). Organizational change and development. (Unpublished dissertation). Walden University, Minneapolis, MN. McConnell, M.E., Cox, C.J., Thomas, D.D., Hilvitz, P.B. (2001). Functional

Semantic Derogation of Woman

Semantic Derogation of Woman The Semantic Derogation of Woman In the reading of Muriel Schulz The Semantic Derogation of Woman, the author talks about words in which describe woman in a slang or profound way. The author says this is because men fear womans attitudes and this is the only way they can let it out. Schulzs talks about how words over time which were nice and gentlemanly like or had a good meaning have become rude and slanderous towards woman. I hope by the end of this paper you will better understand what Schulzs point of view was trying to make clear. The main issue the author points out is how the language we use today will carry through to new generations. She says it throughout the paper that men of degenerated all of these words in some way or form to insult woman. For example she says Shakespeare degenerated the word lewd to mean prostitute(Schulz, 45). No matter how small or discrete we are about using slang words sooner or later a new generation will start to use it and unless a generation decides to stop using a part of language it will continue to pass on. Men throughout history have designed the language throughout the generations and have always made unequals. For example, â€Å"all men are created equal† this statement coming from our founding fathers. Two things are wrong with that sentence: founding fathers, not founding mothers, and all men are created equal not all humans are created equal. Though it is true men have wrote the language and laws we currently and had previously used, the future looks brighter and brighter for woman as they infiltrate the government. Not only this, but woman are a huge part of how we are raised. They are not only teaching us in the classroom, but at home too. This I believe disproves the author who states men help women stay out of the office. There is no way woman would be in office if it wasnt for men standing up for woman and voting for them too. This is where I believe Schulz lacks evidence for her case. The next part of the article Schulz talks about is the slander used to describe old or overweight woman. She talks about how men have made words like â€Å"cow† and â€Å"warhorse† to describe these women(Schulz, 43). I believe half of this is true. Ive never heard an old or overweight woman called a warhorse(Schulz, 44). A warhorse or steed usually refers to a young, fast, athletic person. However, she does list other terms that I would have fully agreed upon like â€Å"hag†. Older ladies still today are called old hags and still today its an insult(Schulz, 43). People who are overweight these days are stilled called cows, and old people are called old hags, these are both insults. Once again she lacks evidence and makes a mistake saying that if you called a man a granny he would take it as an insult. If I were called a granny I would just look at the person funny and say do I look like a girl to you. The next issue Schulz talks about is how words like â€Å"tramp† and â€Å"mistress† have degenerated over time to become words that describe woman if they have sex too much or cheat on their man(Schulz, 46). She makes a good point in that things woman do which help pleasure men are made to look degrading, and are looked down upon. Such acts for example are stripping and prostitution. I would have to agree with the author full heartily on this issue. Even though men love skimpy little outfits on girls, I cant help and look back on how hypocritical we are on those girls. Some of these girls are well sophisticated young ladies just trying to make a buck, so they can get through college and become a helpful person to society. A good example would be Lady Gaga who is now a well known pop singer in the country. Even though her parents were well off and could pay for her college, she decided to strip to pay for her college and make herself an independent woman. The final thing the author brings up is why men fear to be inferior with women. She says men just cant stand it that girls are biologically stronger than men during the early stages of life because girls hit puberty faster. Girls also have a longer lifespan and are less likely to get diseases. For this men must say hostile things to woman to make themselves feel superior and make woman feel worthless. The author here is trying to finish off the reader here with a last onslaught against men, but she makes some mistakes. Yes, boys do feel a little weaker when girls start to grow taller than the, so they do say mean things to make themselves feel superior. However, when men in their early twenties are taller than these girls a why do they insult these girls now. Its certainly not because their worried these girls are going to outlast them in life, its because guys think its cool to show off in front of their friends, and see how bad they can insult a girl. I just feel the author really never covers this age group throughout the article. To conclude I think this paper was very well written overall. This feminist really has a passion for what shes talking about and really shows it throughout the paper. However, I do feel that she did lack evidence sometimes during the paper, and this can leave holes in her story. I hope I have helped you understand what Schulzs feminist point of view was trying to make clear. Works Cited King, James. http://thejamkingshow.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/snap-lady-gaga-use-to-be-a-striper/. 7 April 2009. warhorse. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 15 Dec. 2009. .

Gibbons V. Ogden :: essays research papers

After a four year hiatus in the Supreme Court docket, the court finally rule in 1824, the case of Gibbons v. Ogden, which eventually proclaimed the federally supremacy clause and the commerce clause, but it's impact of American commerce can still be felt today. The loose interpretation of the Constitution by Chief Justice Marshall had greatly infuriated and scared the Southerners because if the government could regulate interstate commerce, then it could one day regulate slavery; it's technically commerce. Therefore, states such as South Carolina passed the Negro Seamen Act, which was later struck down unconstitutional, greatly hit the issue of slavery. South Carolinians had great bases for their beliefs because of the recent Denmark Vesey uprising. Often this case is coined as the "Emancipation Proclamation of American Commerce," it should be gladly called that because of the reflection on the elasticity of the great paper known as the Constitution. The case solidified the Congress held all powers to regulate any modes of Commerce. Gibbons v. Ogden would prevail with the inventions of trains and airplanes as modes of commercial activities. Congress, with this case, was later to pass measure that would outlaw unfair price fixing on transportation of foods and pass epochal measures such as the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. Federal supremacy was also finally solidified by this case. New York said that the Federal Coasting license that Thomas Gibbons had was useless in New York waters. Thus this sets-up the great issue of the day state gov't v. federal gov't. But as New York and the rest of the United States finally gets into it's head that the Constitution is the law of the land and that in Article IV, it states that "federal laws supersedes state laws"

Indecision, Hesitation and Delay in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay

The Indecisiveness and Hesitation of Hamlet  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   In the Shakespearean drama Hamlet considerable literary critical comment swirls about the subject of the hero’s hesitation or indecision in the prayer scene. Is it weakness? Is it representative of a mental condition? Are there other incidences of hesitation? Let us explore the subject in this essay and interpret the key scene in light of other scenes, with input from literary critics.    David Bevington, in the Introduction to Twentieth Century Interpretations of Hamlet, eliminates some possible reasons for Hamlet’s hesitation in killing Claudius during the prayer scene:    Several limits can be placed upon the search for an explanation of Hamlet’s apparent hesitation to avenge. He is not ineffectual under ordinary circumstances. Elizabethan theories of melancholy did not suppose the sufferer to be made necessarily inactive. Hamlet has a deserved reputation in Denmark for manliness and princely demeanor. He keeps up his fencing practice and will â€Å"win at the odds† against Laertes. He threatens with death those who would restrain him from speaking with the ghost – even his friend Horatio – and stabs the concealed Polonius unflinchingly. On the sea voyage to England he boards a pirate ship single-handed in the grapple, after having arranged without remorse for the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. In light of these deeds, Hamlet’s self-accusations are signs of burning impatience in one who would surely act if he could. (5-6)    Harry Levin comments on Hamlet’s uncharacteristic hesitation in dispatching the king, in the General Introduction to The Riverside Shakespeare:    Comparably, Hamlet has been taken to task – or, perhaps more often, se... ...ilm, Television and Audio Performance. Rutherford, NJ: Fairleigh Dickinson Univ. P., 1988.    Levin, Harry. General Introduction. The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. G. Blakemore Evans. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1974.    Nevo, Ruth. â€Å"Acts III and IV: Problems of Text and Staging.† Modern Critical Interpretations: Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Rpt. from Tragic Form in Shakespeare. N.p.: Princeton University Press, 1972.    Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html    West, Rebecca. â€Å"A Court and World Infected by the Disease of Corruption.† Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from The Court and the Castle. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1957.

Schoenbergs Response Towards The Progressive Music :: essays research papers

The eighteenth centuries are reasonably described as an era of musical common practice, when composers of different nationalities and temperaments nonetheless wrote music that was stylistically and structurally similar in important respects. however, in contrast, the twentieth century has been a period of great and increasing diversity of both style and structure. More specifically, music criticism has divided twentieth century music into two opposing groups; the neoclassical and the progressive.This view has remained influential up to the present day. It depicts the neoclassicists (especially Stravinsky) as attempting to restore and revive aspects of earlier music while the progressive (Schoenberg, Berg and Webern) pushed music forward in a direction determined by the historical developments of late nineteenth century chromaticism. Neoclassical music is seen as relatively simple, static,and objective as having revived the classical ideals of balance and proportion. But Progressive music is seen as relatively complex, developmental, and emotionally expressive as having extended the tradition of romanticism. Stravinsky realises and asks himself,"Was I merely trying to refit old ships while the other side - Schoenberg - sought new forms of travel?" the answer seems to be 'YES'. Schoenberg has found new forms of thravel which was the methode of composing with twelve tones, as we call it, 'Serial music'. For Schoenberg, progress was what history requires. Music is in continuous process of evolution. It is the composer's task to comprehend the historical trend and to keep it going in the proper direction. Schoenberg mentions,"While composing for me had been a pleasure, now it became a duty. I knew I had to fulfil the task; I had to express what was necessary to be expressed and I knew I had the duty of developing my ideas for the sake of progree in music, whether I liked it or not." Webern spoke of a similar sense of compulsion and of the weight of the past pushing him: "and never in the history of music has there been such resistance as there was to. Naturally it's nonsense to advance 'social objections'. Why don't people understand that? Our push forward had to be made, it was a push forward such as never was before. In fact we have to break new ground with each work: each work is something different, something new." For both Schoenberg and Webern, the tradition was not a generous friend or kind teacher; it was an intolerant despot.

This paper will address language barriers in customer service

This paper will address language barriers in customer service. This has demanded business to acknowledge their existence by having to set up bilingual websites, employing bilingual representatives as well as hiring third party language lines. Identifying language barriers With the development of global communication, language issues have entered the area of seller/ customer relations, causing serious barriers on the way towards effective servicing customers with different language backgrounds. ‘The diversity of today's customers offers many challenges to the human resources professional in a multi-ethnic company or institution.' (Morris, 2002, p. 32) Language barriers in the workplace relate to the two different spheres of company's performance: one sphere is represented by communication between employees, while another sphere is represented by customer service employees and the need to communicate with foreign-speaking customers. Allison (1999) wrote, that oral communication with customers for whom English is not the native language, frequently becomes a serious barrier towards effective customer service provision. (p. 26) As long as language problems within the company are underestimated, it is difficult to predict stable progressive development of the company's performance. This challenge becomes even more serious when native languages and origins of the customer and the customer service employee differ dramatically (e.g. English-Chinese). In this situation creation of the bilingual websites to deliver the necessary information to the customers has become one of the best resolutions of the discussed issue. In order to perform efficiently, companies have to attract language specialists for the proper organizing the customer servicing of foreign-language customers. Similar issues can be identified within the framework of manager/ supervisor cooperation. The inability to deliver company's mission and customer service requirements to the worker, who speaks a different language, will make it difficult to incorporate this worker (her) into the company's organizational structure. As a consequence, the quality of service provided may decrease. (Weinstock, 2003, p. 99) Simultaneously, the proper utilization of foreign-language workers for communication with foreign customers will lead to higher quality of company’s customer service. Language issues in customer service are even more serious for the company's corporate image and company’s performance on the market. The quality level of customer service is frequently included into the list of factors, on the basis of which customers make their choice towards a specific product or company. Thus, inability to overcome language barriers with customers may serve against the company's striving to occupy stable market position. (Jacobs, 2004, p. 150) The causes of language barriers Many highly-skilled and valuable employees have difficulty with the pronunciation challenges that American English puts before them. Many sounds in our language do not exist in their native languages, resulting in pronunciations that are unintelligible to the average listener'. (Ferris & Frink, 2003, p. 228) Physical articulation of English sounds by foreign language speakers is not the only cause of language barriers in customer service. This list can be supplemented by the cultural problems closely connected with language, as well as the inability of the company's management to supply employees with effective solutions of language issues. (Ferris & Frink, 2003, p. 229) Recommendations Among the basic recommendations for the language problems' solution the following guidelines can be applied: – Â   Â  providing the customer service staff with opportunities to educate and broaden language skills; – Â   Â  utilizing foreign employees in the striving towards better customer service functioning, as well as including professional interpreters into the company's staff. (Varner & Beamer, 2005, p. 84) It is also essential, that company and product information is provided in several different languages to attract and retain customers with various origins and language backgrounds. Including multilingual approaches into numerous aspects of the company’s activity will only work for the benefit of the company’s customers, and as a result, for the benefit of the company’s performance. Conclusion Language barriers in the customer service may seem irrelevant in the light of other global problems, which companies have to solve daily. However, such language problems are much broader than it is traditionally assumed – improper customer servicing is a direct way towards worsening company’s image and decreasing company’s revenues. This is why in order to avoid far-reaching negative consequences language barriers should be timely and properly addressed. References Allison, M. (1999). Organizational barriers to diversity in the workplace. Journal of Leisure Research, 31, 26-32. Ferris, G. & Frink, D. (2003). Diversity in the workplace: The human resources management challenges. Human Resource Planning, 16, 214-242. Jacobs, E. (2004). Overcoming language barriers: Costs and benefits of interpreter services. Human Resource Planning, 17 (5), 149-151. Morris, C. (2002). Cultural and language barriers in the workplace. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Workforce Development. Varner, I. & Beamer, L. (2005). Intercultural communication in global workplace. Boston: Irwin/ McGraw-Hill. Weinstock, B. (2003). Bringing language and culture gaps in the workplace. Washington: Washington Business Group on Health.

Ethernet or Token Ring Checkpoint

Ethernet or Token Ring checkpoint †¢Saguaro Federal has mainframes for all of its banks and businesses. Must the company use the Ethernet or Token Ring protocol? Explain your choice. Why is this choice appropriate? In this particular situation I would have to say that the token ring protocol should be used for its banks and businesses and part of my reasoning is because it has banks and business that are not all located in the same building or so it seems.In Token Ring LAN’s each station is connected to a wiring concentrator called a multistation access unit using UTP or STP. Some topologies for this are a ring or star with the ring topology being the more logical choice. The access method used on a Token Ring is called token which is a special data packet that is generated by the first computer that comes online in a token ring network, this token is passed from one station to another around the ring.A network device only communicates over the network when it has the tok en. †¢XYZ Technology Consultants has offices on the second, third, and fourth floors of the office building it occupies. Must the company use the Ethernet or Token Ring protocol? Explain your choice. Why is this choice appropriate? In the XYZ technology consultants particular situation an Ethernet protocol. What first brought me to this conclusion was due of the company being located in one building on various floors.Ethernet is one of the most popular and widely used LAN technologies because of its speed, reliability, the cost, and lastly its ease of installation. Ethernet networks can be configured in either a star topology using UTP connected to a hub or a bus topology using a coaxial cable acting as a backbone. When a computer wants to send data over the network, it will listen to see if there is any traffic on the network, if it is clear, it will then broadcast the data through the network.

Succubus Shadows Chapter 21

Maddie claimed that even Seth's family didn't know where he was. According to her, he'd really just†¦vanished. He wasn't answering his phone. He wasn't showing up at the bookstore. When people disappeared, I immediately jumped to supernatural conclusions, but Maddie then added – through more tears – that she used her key to get her belongings from Seth's place and found a suitcase and some clothing missing. Feeling guilty about having the key anymore, she then shoved it into my hand and told me to return it. Or throw it away. I did my best to comfort her some more and then offered to take her over to Doug's. Roman shot me a warning look as we were about to leave. â€Å"Don't do anything stupid,† he said out of Maddie's hearing. â€Å"I knew your nice bedside manner wouldn't last,† I returned. Despite Doug's slacker rocker-boy lifestyle, I knew Maddie'd be in good hands with him. I dropped her off there and found Doug a mixture of personas. To Maddie, he was astonishingly kind and gentle – the caring brother as opposed to the usual teasing brother. Once she was lying down in the other room, he made sure I knew exactly what he thought of Seth in very explicit detail. There wasn't much I could say to that except that they should call me if they needed anything. I left. In spite of Maddie's words, I drove to Terry and Andrea's anyway. Seth ending things with Maddie so abruptly was crazy – almost crazier than him proposing to her in the first place. But him disappearing without telling his family? No. He wouldn't do that. He was too responsible. Most likely he'd told them not to tell Maddie where he was. Kendall opened the door when I arrived, her face lighting up like Christmas morning. â€Å"Georgina! Georgina's here!† Morgan and McKenna, who had been watching cartoons, came tearing over and each wrapped themselves around a leg. â€Å"Nice to see you guys too,† I laughed. Terry had been sitting on the couch near the twins and came over to me with a little less zeal. â€Å"Hey, Georgina,† he said, face typically friendly. He was shorter than Seth and a few years older, but overall, they bore a notable resemblance. â€Å"Sorry for the mass assault.† â€Å"No problem.† I unwound Morgan from me, but McKenna proved a little more resistant. Glancing back at Terry, I said hesitantly, â€Å"I was wondering if I could talk to you, uh, about something.† Terry wasn't stupid. None of the Mortensens were. â€Å"Sure,† he said. â€Å"Girls, let go of Georgina and go back to the cartoons. We're going to go into the kitchen.† â€Å"But we want her to watch TV with us!† â€Å"Can we come?† Terry laid down firm but friendly fatherly law, and with great reluctance, the girls returned to the couch. I was impressed. I wasn't sure I could have refused that group anything. He led me to the kitchen, but before either of us could say anything, Andrea came in from down the hall, smiling in surprise when she saw me. I smiled in surprise right back at her, but it was more from her appearance than anything else. It was the middle of the day, but she wore a robe over pajamas. Her mussed blond hair and dark eye circles suggested she'd been sleeping. Terry had been leaning against the counter but jumped up when he saw her. â€Å"Oh, honey, you should go back to bed.† She shrugged him off. â€Å"I wanted to see who's here. How's it going?† â€Å"Fine,† I said. Then, unable to resist: â€Å"Are you feeling okay?† â€Å"A little under the weather. Fortunately, Terry's manning up today. He does almost as good a job as me with the girls.† I laughed politely at the joke, but it soon faded. We stood awkwardly for a moment, everyone knowing why I was here but no one doing anything about it. Finally, I took a deep breath. â€Å"I've come to ask you where Seth is.† â€Å"Funny,† said Andrea. â€Å"We were going to ask you the same thing.† I was taken aback. â€Å"How would I know?† They both just stared. â€Å"I don't!† â€Å"When this happened a couple days ago†¦this thing with Maddie†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Terry glanced uneasily at his wife before continuing. â€Å"We just assumed, well, that it was because of you.† â€Å"Why would it be because of me? I just found out about this today.† â€Å"It's always been because of you,† said Andrea gently. â€Å"There was never anyone else. We like Maddie. He likes her. But that's the problem. Throughout it all, we could just tell that you were always the one. Now, whatever happened between you guys to make it go bad isn't any of our business. We're just not that surprised to see this new development.† â€Å"We would, however, like to know where he is,† said Terry more pragmatically. â€Å"I don't know,† I said helplessly, still a little stunned by Andrea's words. â€Å"Maddie said he'd packed up, and I figured you guys were keeping his location a secret from her.† I eyed them suspiciously. â€Å"And me?† â€Å"No,† said Terry. â€Å"We really don't know.† I didn't have an angel's talent, but I believed he was telling the truth. Andrea nodded in agreement. â€Å"He just called us a couple days ago and said he'd ended things. Didn't give any explanation – but well, you know how he is. He doesn't explain much anyway. Then, when Maddie and no one else had seen him, we started to get worried.† A couple days ago. Seth had ended things with her a couple days ago – when the whole soul retrieval gig had gone down. â€Å"We actually tried calling you,† added Terry. â€Å"But never got an answer.† â€Å"Ah, yeah. I've been sick this week too.† Eyeing Andrea – who looked exhausted – I suddenly felt bad for taking up any more of their time. â€Å"Look, I should go. Thanks for the info. Will you†¦let me know if you hear from him?† Andrea smiled again. â€Å"Something tells me you'll hear from him before we do.† I wasn't as confident. Leaving the house was a little tricky since the other girls didn't want me to go, but I managed to escape their adorable clutches at last and make a break for it. I was walking toward my car when a voice said, â€Å"She's sick, you know.† I turned, startled, and saw Brandy standing near a gate that led to their backyard. She had the same sullen look about her she'd had for so long. â€Å"Hey,† I said in greeting. â€Å"Where'd you come from?† â€Å"I was around. I heard you talking to Mom and Dad.† I replayed Brandy's initial words. â€Å"Your mom†¦you mean she's sick, right? I could tell.† â€Å"No, I mean she's really sick. She's really sick, and they won't talk about it.† Brandy gave a nod toward the front door. â€Å"No one else knows. Not even Uncle Seth knows just how sick she is.† A chilly breeze stirred dried leaves around my feet, but it was nothing compared to the cold starting to fill me. â€Å"Just how sick are we talking, Brandy?† Brandy scuffed her feet against the driveway, eyes averted. â€Å"She has ovarian cancer. It's bad†¦but they're still trying to figure out just how bad it is.† â€Å"She was going to the doctor that day I was here,† I recalled aloud. Andrea had been so bright and cheery, I'd assumed something routine was going on. I also realized I hadn't technically been here; I'd seen it in a dream. Fortunately, Brandy was too distracted to notice my slip. â€Å"She's been at the doctor a lot. Dad's missing tons of work. Uncle Seth's helped out sometimes, and I've been babysitting all the time.† I suddenly felt incredibly selfish. I'd been assuming Brandy's moodiness was all over me and Seth breaking up. But that was only a symptom of the larger problem. Her mother was dangerously ill, and every part of her world was destabilizing. Her own life was probably being put on hold to watch her sisters, and even something like her uncle's romantic life could ripple what she'd regarded as the norm. All the constants in her world were disappearing. â€Å"Brandy, I – â€Å" â€Å"I have to go,† she interrupted, heading back toward the gate, face stony. â€Å"Kayla'll be up from her nap soon. I'm supposed to keep an eye on her today.† Brandy disappeared around the corner before I could say anything. I stood there, feeling lost. I didn't know who I felt worse for: Brandy and Terry for knowing what was going on or the little girls for being oblivious. I felt bad enough for myself because there was nothing I could do. There was never anything I could do. I had powers beyond human imaginings, but they were nothing that could actually help humans. I drove downtown with a heavy heart, trying hard – and failing – not to overreact. Brandy herself had said things were bad but that they were still learning the extent of it. Surely there were more tests, tests that would give some hope. And surely there was treatment. Humans could do that much on their own. Jerome was where I'd hoped he'd be. Really, I decided, the Cellar was nearly as good as him having an office. Carter was by his side at the back table, both of them doing shots from a bottle of Jà ¤germeister. Those two didn't discriminate among their liquor. I wondered if they were drinking away the hardships of the other day or toasting their success over it. It must have been the latter because Jerome almost smiled when he saw me. â€Å"Georgie, out among the living and back to your petite self. Yet†¦so blue. Blue like always.† Yes, they'd been drinking. Angels and demons could sober up at will, and he was apparently indulging in the full effects. â€Å"I got some bad news,† I said, sitting opposite them. â€Å"What, about losing Mortensen?† asked Jerome. â€Å"How do you know about that?† â€Å"I talked to Roman. He recapped your day – the old man checking in, you comforting your romantic rival†¦it was quite moving.† I scowled. â€Å"Great. You have Roman spying on me.† â€Å"It's not spying. I just demand answers from him. If it makes you feel better, he's never very happy to give up those answers.† â€Å"How often do you do it?† I asked incredulously. â€Å"Not that often.† A waiter set down a new bottle. â€Å"Mostly I wanted to see how you were recovering post-dream.† â€Å"Fine. I'm fine.† I glanced at Carter. â€Å"No comments from you today?† â€Å"Leave me out of this,† he replied. â€Å"I'm just drinking.† So he said, but he was also watching and listening very carefully. He was not letting the alcohol affect him. I turned back to Jerome. â€Å"I've come to call in my favor.† The dark amusement in his eyes turned to suspicion. â€Å"What favor?† â€Å"The one you promised me for helping save you from Grace, remember?† Yes, no amusement at all anymore. â€Å"I just rescued you from another plane of existence from creatures who were torturing your mind.† I flinched but pushed on with my words. â€Å"You promised a favor, and I didn't call it in for that. Besides, you would have done it anyway so that you wouldn't get in trouble.† â€Å"That favor offer was brought on by the drama at the time,† he countered. â€Å"I probably said all sorts of things.† â€Å"You promised,† I repeated. â€Å"I can understand you just fine without putting italics in your voice, Georgie,† he snapped. â€Å"You did, though,† pointed out Carter. Demons could lie – and did – but certain deals they were bound to. Jerome had said he'd grant me a favor out on the beach, and it had been a true promise. â€Å"Fine,† he said irritably, gesturing for another shot. â€Å"What is it you want? And I don't have to grant it if it's something totally unreasonable.† â€Å"I want to know – â€Å" â€Å"Careful,† interrupted Carter. I paused, and Jerome glared at the angel. Carter offered no other insight, but those gray eyes were still watchful – and cautious. Which was what I needed to be. Jerome had promised me a favor, and like all demons, he would try to find as many loopholes in it as possible. I had been about to ask where Seth was, but that wouldn't necessarily do me any good. I wouldn't be able to get to Seth. â€Å"I want you to send me to Seth so I can spend a few days with him.† Jerome studied me, expression shrewd. â€Å"There's a couple problems. One is that you've kind of asked for two things. The other is that I'm not omniscient. I don't know where he is.† â€Å"You can find out,† I said. â€Å"At least, if he's flown anywhere, you can find out.† Seth packing indicated serious travel. Maddie had said his car was still at the house, meaning he hadn't driven somewhere. If he had, he'd be harder to track. But airports had records, and Hell had its hand in that kind of thing. Jerome could easily get an imp or lesser demon to access Sea-Tac's records this week and see where Seth had gone. I probably could have asked Hugh to do it, but that wouldn't have gotten me leave to actually go to Seth, hence my wording. â€Å"And we both know it'd be stupid for you to send me right there and right back. Asking for a few days makes it worthwhile or else it's a shitty favor.† â€Å"Debatable,† Jerome replied. â€Å"It could be worse,† said Carter. â€Å"She didn't ask for world peace or anything.† â€Å"Stay out of this,† returned the demon. â€Å"I know what you want.† Carter shrugged and ordered another drink. â€Å"Fine,† said Jerome at last. â€Å"I'll have Hugh check travel records. You know there might not be a paper trail.† â€Å"I know. But if you find him?† â€Å"Then you can go to him. For now, go home. You're ruining my good mood. I'll find you if there's news.† I didn't need to be told twice. â€Å"Soon,† I said. â€Å"You have to search soon.† Jerome's lips quirked. â€Å"You didn't put that into the wording.† Carter elbowed him, and I had to take it on faith that Jerome would act in a timely manner. My words had implied that I wanted to be where Seth was now. One could argue that waiting meant Seth would change locations, meaning I couldn't have what I wanted. I also had to believe that Carter had a point in saying this was a relatively easy favor. I could have demanded more. Simple or not, it was hard to wait to hear back. Roman was gone when I returned to my condo, and I had nothing to do but ruminate. I'd given myself a leave of absence at work and didn't regret it. Still, being alone with my thoughts was never a good thing, and I had far too many to trouble me: the Oneroi, Seth, Andrea†¦ â€Å"Okay, Georgie.† It was four hours later when Jerome appeared in my living room with a pop. I sagged in relief. â€Å"You found him?† â€Å"I did.† â€Å"And you'll send me to him – for a worthwhile amount of time?† â€Å"Three days,† the demon said. He sounded irritable and impatient. I'd wondered if he'd been drinking this entire time and was angry at the interruption. â€Å"I want you back here in seventy-two hours, and you're on your own as to how you do it. Do you understand?† â€Å"Yes,† I said eagerly. â€Å"Just send me to him.† I had to talk to him. I had to find out exactly what had happened. I had to make sure he was okay. â€Å"And that settles the favor. Agreed?† â€Å"Agreed,† I said. There was power in that word, just as there had been in Jerome's initial promise. I could ask for nothing else. â€Å"Then go,† he said. I vanished from my living room†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦and reappeared on a busy sidewalk. People swarmed around me, none of them seeming to notice I'd appeared out of thin air. The sun was on its way down, but the sky was bright and clear – and hot. Very hot. The masses around me were dressed in beach clothes and had the feel of tourists. I stepped out of their path and found myself standing in front of a large, resort-type hotel. The abrupt change in location – and discomfort of teleportation – had left me disoriented, and I needed to get my bearings. Taking in more of my surroundings, I could hear people speaking in both Spanish and English. I turned to the closest person near me, a short, deeply tanned man in a hotel uniform who was directing taxis around the building's driveway. I started to ask where I was and decided that would be a little too stupid sounding. I pointed at the hotel and asked him what its name was. I knew tons of languages perfectly, and Spanish rolled off my lips easily. â€Å"El Grande Mazatln, seà ±orita,† he replied. Mazatln? This time, I did ask a stupid question: â€Å" ¿Estoy in M? ¦xico?† He nodded, giving me the are-you-crazy look I'd expected. It was probably made worse by my jaw dropping. Well, I supposed if you were going to run away, you should run away somewhere warm.

Of Mice and Men Chapter 2 Analysis Essay

The purpose of my essay is to look at how Slim is presented as a threat to George and Lennie later on in the novel Of Mice and Men. The first time that we meet Slim in the novel is on page 34. Steinbeck goes into a very detailed description of him, describing him in a beautiful manner, and then the first thing that we hear from Slim is â€Å"Brighter’n a bitch outside†. All throughout the novel, George has been telling Lennie not to trust anyone, don’t talk to anybody, you can’t trust them. Yet when George first meets Slim, there very first conversation is a philosophical one. They talk about traveling, and more specifically traveling together. George says it’s nicer to travel with a friend, which could foreshadow a vulnerability on his part. George is already trusting Slim too much, he has only just met him, he shouldn’t be so trusting of Slim. Even though Slim seems to be a gentle and kind person, George has just met him and should not be so trusting. George is beginning to contradict himself and what he told Lennie, not only by being so trusting of Slim, but he told Slim that he was his friend. Yet he told the boss that Lennie was his friend. This essay has looked at how Slim can possibly present a threat to George and Lennie in the novel.

An Analysis of Hong Kong Property Trend Dissertation - 1

An Analysis of Hong Kong Property Trend - Dissertation Example The first research method is the questionnaire method which was conducted on 498 subjects. The second research method was the interview method which was conducted on 16 subjects. The subjects of the research were investors and buyers of the Hong Kong property. With the research, the problem areas of this consistent price increase has been pointed out and the researcher has made plausible recommendations to resolve these issues. Government intervention has to be strengthened. Taxes, should be levied, supply of land has to be increased to meet the demand by auctioning government owned land, construction of compact and multi-storeyed buildings along with construction of reasonably priced accommodation schemes by the government in an attempt to control prices by satisfying demand. Moreover, property ownership laws should be stricter and resale of land should be time limited to help control the prices of Hong Kong property and to avoid a price bubble burst. Table of Contents Chapter1-Intr oduction 1.1 Chapter introduction 1 1.2 Introduction 1 1.3 Background 1 1.4 Problem Definition 2 1.5 Aims of the Research 3 1.6 Motivation of Author 4 1.7 fields of investigation 4 1.8 Hypotheses 6 1.9 Methodology and sources of the data in the research 6 1.10 Layout of the research report 7 1.11 Conclusion 8 Chapter 2-Literarture Review 9 2.1 Chapter Introduction 9 2.1.1 Residential market 9 2.1.2 Commercial real estate 10 2.2 PEST analysis 11 2.2.1 Political /Legal 11 2.2.2 Economic 12 2.2.3 Social factor 14 2.2.4 Technological factor 16 2.3 Porter Five Force analysis 18 2.3.1 Bargaining power of the buyers 18 2.3.2 Barging power of suppliers 19 2.3.3 Potential development of substitute products 20 2.3.4 Industry competitors (rivalry among competing firms) 20 2.3.5 Potential entry of new competition 21 2.4 BCG Matrix 22 2.5 SWOT analysis 23 2.5 1 Strengths 23 2.5.2 Weaknesses 24 2.5.3 Opportunities 25 2.5.4 Threats 25 2.6 Market analysis 27 2.6.1 Population increase 27 2.6.2 The M ainland Chinese buyers 28 2.6.3 Measures taken by the government 29 2.6.4 Other factors for price increase in the real estate 31 Chapter 3-Methodology 32 3.1 Chapter Introduction 32 3.2 Role of the Researcher 32 3.3 Methods 34 3.3.1 Subject description 34 3.4 Questionnaire Method 35 3.5 Questionnaire 38 3.6 Interview Method 39 3.7 Data collection and compilation 42 3.8 Trustworthiness of the method 44 3.8.1 Reliability 44 3.8.2 Validity 44 3.8.3 Ethical validity 45 3.8.4 Generalized validity 45 Chapter 4- Findings and result analysis 46 4.1 Introduction 46 4.2. Hypothesis 1- 46 4.3 Hypothesis 2- 52 4.4 Hypothesis 3- 57 4.5 Hypothesis 4- 62 Chapter 5- Conclusion and Recommendations 69 5.1 Chapter Introduction 69 5.2 Conclusion 69 5.3 Recommendations 75 5.3.1 Laws of reselling 75 5.3.2 Increase land supply 76 5.3.2.1 Auction government land 76 5.3.2.2 Multi-story buildings 76 5.3.2.3 Resolve property issues 77 5.3.3 Levy taxes on unused property 77 5.3.4 Decrease demand 77 5.3.4.1 Inc rease interest rate 77 5.3.4.2 Raise property ownership regulations 78 5.3.5 Limit on the amount of land owned 78 5.3.6 Appreciate property 78 5.3.7 Price ceiling 79 5.3.8 Undergoing more construction 79 5.3.9 Lack of market information 80 5.4 Limitations 80 Appendix 81 References 84 Chapter1-Introduction 1.1 Chapter introduction In this chapter, the introduction and the background of the research have been stated. The aims, objectives, hypothesis and an outline of the research h

Trend Essay - Retro Fashion Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Trend - Retro Fashion - Essay Example The essay "Trend Essay - Retro Fashion" focuses on the retro fashion. Even famous makers of athletic footwear have begun to produce new lines of ‘retro’ shoes. Anyone who doubts the existing of a retro trend needs to simply visit the internet or pick up a fashion magazine. There are plenty of YouTube videos on how to get the look of a particular decade. The term is used in many articles on how to mix new with old garments from the past. It’s not just the styles that are desirable; but the colors as well. Hot pink has definitely made a comeback. Polka dots from the 60’s have found their way back into fashion today. Not only are they found in garments, but also in home decor, such as on pillows and bedding. Retro is a distinctive style that is sometimes classified along with the ‘vintage’ styles. However, it is unique, in that it does not necessarily imply age or an aged look. Vintage, on the other hand, does imply something that is aged. Most pe ople think of vintage as a look coming from the 1920’s through the depression era. Retro is what comes after that period. Though some people tend to mix the terms, Retro has a distinct place in time that it resembles. It represents an era in fashion that influenced garment design, furniture and an overall style. A retro look is not limited to fashion. Brown, et al talk about the term applied to the marketing of products, suggesting it is a trend that reinvents something from a past decade, with a new twist. They give the example of the Volkswagen Beetle.

A Critique of the United States National Incidenct Management System Essay

A Critique of the United States National Incidenct Management System - Essay Example The NIMS provides for a Communications Unit whose responsibility includes planning radio networks and frequency assignments to insure inter-operability of the communications system. Network management can insure compatibility without producing overlap interference between agencies and networks. The centralized logistics and supply component of NIMS provides for a unified management of all the necessary logistics that are involved in the emergency response. A single source for all supplies will make the supply channels more clear and that should result in reducing response times. They can also establish staging areas and satellite locations as needed to supply outlying victims and response personnel. This approach to material supply has an advantage over the random distribution of food, fuel, and supplies that would exist on a local or regional level. The establishment of a Joint Information Center (JIC) will aid in creating a central information repository. As the information is routed through a central location, it can be assimilated and can help get a better picture and evaluation of a large-scale disaster. Information can be rapidly checked for credibility and disseminated to the interested parties. The JIC can eliminate the breakdown in the public warning system and aid in the assessment of ongoing threats. One of the vulnerabilities of the NIMS structure is its reliance on bureaucratic systems to operate in an ever-changing environment. This organizational model has several drawbacks in its present form.

MICROECONOMICS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

MICROECONOMICS - Essay Example It must be noted here that for the private firms, the altitude of the supply curve from the horizontal axis determines the minimum price (average) at which a specific quantity must be sold so that supplier would be able to cover the variable cost. He cannot afford to sell at any less value. It is vital to understand the meaning of demand and supply as it has been used in the micro economics models. It must be perceived as the flow of inventory, inwards for supply and outwards for demand. Demand and supply do not have a direct link between them but it is the market that decides their levels. Finding the equilibrium price A unique price exists in the market that would establish perfect equilibrium between demand and supply known as equilibrium price. This price is a great leveller for both buyers and suppliers and there is least scope for manipulation of prices driven by greed in a long run. In a perfect market, there is an equilibrium quantity that exists for the equilibrium price and either way shifts in the value of this equilibrium due to misallocation of resources (whether too few scarce resources are being used or too many scarce resources are being used) would result in dead- weight loss. ... It is more or less automatic. Trouble in the public sector This is in complete contrast to what happens in the public sector. When it comes to public services which are run by governments, there is hardly any interaction of demand and supply curve as there is absence of ‘feedback’ factor. So there is no automatic adjustment of the prices as government rely on taxes for covering the cost that is incurred in rendering these services and consumers hardly have any choice. This is why misallocation of resources is a commonplace under government led enterprises and it would be better if governments restrain themselves from getting engaged into non vital activities. Whenever government tries to control the price either by deciding the floor price or the upper cap, it runs the risk of misallocation of resources. It would result in ‘dead - weight losses and could get worse. Analysing the effects of minimum wage law indicates that it fails to achieve the objectives which it was originally devised for. It increases the supply of the unskilled labour in the market and at the same time decreasing their demand. It fails to serve the poor, worsens the problem of unemployment in the long run and increases the burden over the taxpayer in an unjustified manner. Even the ‘earned income tax credit’ program has the similar consequences though it is not as bad as minimum wage law. Under both the schemes, government seems to address the symptoms and not the root causes of the problem. It is relevant to suggest here that instead of attempting to control the prices directly, it would be much better to influence the market. Policies must be such that they help

Self-Projection Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Self-Projection Project - Essay Example This has helped me explore a deeper side of myself that I never knew was possible. It has helped me see how others view myself, and that is one of the most valuable lessons that I take away from this. I tend to think that I know myself well. I have a very good sense of self. I know what I am good at and what needs improvement. I am constantly making self-improvements. To a certain extent, I really motivate others, and it has been shown through the interviews that I have garnered from friends, family, and colleagues, that I excel in almost anything I do. I guess one might say that I am a very high-strung (at times) individual, but that I make sure to keep all of my commitments. I have several hard and soft skills which I feel will serve me well in the future. One of my best assets is my leadership. I have good leadership skills which set me apart from the crowd. I also have amazing public speaking skills and can dazzle a crowd with my linguistic stylings. Really, it depends upon the p articular audience, but I know how to adapt myself to almost any setting and it shows. I am somewhat of an extroverted person; I enjoy making new friends and acquaintances, and am somewhat of a socially motivated person in that sense. I don’t pull any punches and am very honest with people about what I expect of them and how I expect to be treated in return. Another great feature I like about myself is that I have been able to use my outgoing nature to win friends, make money, and influence people. Meeting new people and seeing the world is part of what makes me who I am today. I have a real zest for life and believe you shouldn’t take life for granted. So, I eat life for breakfast, and I don’t mean the cereal! (Lol.) It is totally possible to learn something new from anyone that I meet and therefore, in business as well as in my leisure time, I always make sure to develop a solid list of contacts and social networks, since social networking is the wave of the f uture. I know that I can count on my friends and family to be there for me when things get difficult. Something else about me is that I am a very positive person. This has served me well in the past, as I definitely believe in karma and the phrase, â€Å"What goes around comes back around† (Janin, 2004, pp. 152). Like Anne Frank, I believe in the general goodness inherent in people. Everyone should be able to help everyone else out. Currently, one of the books I am reading is very inspiring. It’s called Viktor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning. It talked about how Frankl survived Auschwitz, one of the worst concentration camps, by using logotherapy—also known as talk therapy. Frankl talks about the importance of prisoners to maintain their human dignity in the face of conditions that were worse than inhumane. I am the sort of person who likes solving problems, yet at the same time, I don’t have patience for things like crossword puzzles and so forth. I enjoy challenges, but sometimes I admit I can be a bit intellectually lazy, not fully taxing my mental capacities to their hilt because I am reserving brainpower for truly important and difficult tasks. I don’t like to use my energy unnecessarily; therefore, I keep a very tight rein on my time and how I control it. I always make sure that I know who I am going to be spending time with and what I should do to manage this time. My ability to tackle challenges, combined with the fact that I am a positive person, helps me to avoid bad situations and difficult people. This is part of what breeds success in my life and in my living environment. About me, I am definitely a team player, which has always been a strength of

Sources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sources - Essay Example New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum. McAllister-Spooner, S. M. (2009). Fulfilling the dialogic promise: A ten-year reflective survey on dialogic Internet principles. Public Relations Review, 320-322. This article begins with a discussion of the framework of dialogic communication using the world-wide-web provided by Kent and Taylor. The literature suggests that various studies have been conducted in order to analyze the use of dialogic communication in various websites. It goes on to state that even non-profit firms have applied this concept to their websites. However, the author critiques this by stating that dialogic tools were indeed very poorly applied in the development of these websites. The websites mentioned in this article provide only a basic level platform for interaction with users. They are user-friendly and useful in providing information but they fail to capitalize on the Internet’s ability to develop and sustain relationships between the corporation and the community. The research findings are also suggestive of the fact that forces pertaining to the corporation and its departments are inhibiting the utilization of the Internet’s interactive potential. The article relates to dialogic communication as it critiques the use of this concept by stating that its practical application is weak when it comes to the way some websites are designed. Thus, the use of web medium for reaching out to the public has not been capitalized on by corporations in a manner that would be engaging. The article concludes by offering recommendations in this regard by suggesting that face-to-face communication will remain an ideal platform for ensuring dialogic interaction. Also, dialogic communication is hampered by internal policies and inert forces such as organizational politics. Thus, developing effective public relations via the internet requires effective dialogic communication. Mifsud, M. L., & Johnson, S. D. (2000). Dialogic, dialectic, and rhetoric: Explor ing human dialogue across the discipline. Southern Communication Journal , 91-104. Newcomb, H. M. (1984). On the dialogic aspects of mass communication. Critical Studies in Mass Communication, 34-50. Ryan, J., & Viete, R. (2009). Respectful interactions: learning with international students in the English-speaking academy. Teaching in Higher Education, 303-314. This paper describes the significance of dialogic or two-way human interactions in promoting English education to international students. It begins by stating that students who come from abroad to study in Australian educational institutions face cultural and linguistic issues which results in their getting disengaged from what is being taught in the classroom. The native-speaker phenomenon in English universities dissuades non-native speakers from effectively learning what is being taught. Owing to these cultural and linguistic differences, the method of teaching offered to such international students must be more interactiv e and engaging than that offered to native students. In this sense, the authors define the need for a more dialogic and engaging communication between the instructors and the international students. What is core to learning in Australian institutions is the diverse potential of learning that comes from a multi-cultural student body. Despite the accommodation of global aspects into the institutions’ curricula, foreign students repeatedly face deficiencies in their oral communication as well as the pressure to conform to the norms inherent in local bodies.